Gokarna is a city situated in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The name Gokarna has been derived from two words, ‘gau’ meaning cow and ‘karna’ meaning ear, which means cow’s ear. The reason for such a name is due to its root in mythology. This place is usually known for its idyllic beaches and pristine waters, which attracts tourists who are looking for a peaceful vacation. It is comparatively less crowded and less commercialised version of Goa, and most suitable for those who look for the less crowded beaches. Being situated on the coast of Arabian Sea it attracts many beach lovers every year. Most of the beaches in Gokarna are untouched but day by day it is gradually getting popular to all and it is being considered as the one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. The best way to experience these untouched beaches is to hike through all of them. Gokarna serves as one of the most exciting and memorable destinations for backpackers along the sea coast.
Let us take a look at some of the guides for beginners about trekking through this coastal town.
Gokarna Beach Trek- Overview
Whenever we think about trekking what comes in our mind is that lofty mountain peaks, crevassed snowfields, flowing streams and unique landscapes. If anybody wants to experience trekking with difference then trekking here will be the first option for them. This place has numerous beaches and the trek route is popularly known as the “Golden Route”. The trail is usually done by walking on the beach sand by the side of rocky hill on one side and far stretching Arabian Sea on the other side. The route mainly of this trail generally passes through numerous beaches starting from Kudle beach then on the popular Om beach. The trail of this beach ends at Paradise beach. Gokarna is located 520 km away from the garden city Bangalore. The place serves as an ideal destination to spend weekends.
Trek level: easy to moderate
Trail type: beaches and forests
Distance: 10-12 km
How to reach Gokarna?
By Air
The nearest airport to Gokarna is the Dabolim airport in Goa, which is about 140 km away and requires 4 hours of drive. The airport is well connected with all big cities of India.
By train
The nearest railway station to this place is Gokarna situated at a distance of 10 km away from the main city. Being a small station it is not connected to the major cities. Another station, Ankola located at a distance of 20 km from this place and considered as the nearest and well-connected station.
By road
Gokarna is also well-connected by road with its nearby cities One can find direct buses from Goa, Bangalore and Mangalore. Also cabs are available for a comfortable journey.
Gokarna Trek schedule
Day 0:
- Packing up from Bangalore
Day 1:
- Reaching the Base Camp that is Gokarna beach. Then freshen up by having breakfast and dropping rest of the luggage at the Base Camp.
- Then starting the trek and having packed lunch on the way.
Trekking through the:
Kudle beach, Om beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise beach, Rock climbing, Dolphin’s point.
Then returning back to the Base Camp.
Day 2
- Waking up early, having the breakfast and freshening up
- Packing the luggage
- Visiting Vibhooti/ Jog falls on the way
- Having lunch
- Visiting Mirjan Fort on the way
- Having dinner
- Then returning back to Bangalore.
Gokarna Trek- Best time to visit
The ideal time to hike this place is from October to mid March when the temperature is moderate, April and May are relatively hot in this place.
Some places to visit near Gokarna Trek
Apart from trekking Gokarna is also well known for some famous spots some of them are as follows:-
Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple at Gokarna is the Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is located in the Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. It is being built in the classical Dravidian style of temple architecture. The temple is considered to be as sacred as the temple of Shiva in Varanasi in North India. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is therefore considered to be the Dakshin Kashi or (Kashi of South India)
Timmings: 6am to 12pm and 5pm to 7pm
Entry Fee: No
Banana Boat Ride
One of the exciting experiences one can ever have is the Banana Boat Trip on the Gokarna beaches. For a Banana Boat Trip, travellers looking for fun in the watersport activity can go. Banana ship is typically an inflatable boat shaped like a banana and linked to a speedboat that pulls it at the highest speed along the river.
Timmings: All days in a week 9am to 6pm
Visit duration: 1 to 2 hour
Price: 300
Mirjan Fort
It is situated 22 km from Gokarna, on the banks of the Aghanashini River. One of the royal examples of India’s glorious past is Mirjan Fort. There are several versions of the origin of this fort, “as it is said to be built by Chhennabhaira Devi, Queen of Gerosoppa, as per one version in the 16th century, she was also known as the “Pepper Queen. It is said that this fort was used by Pepper Queen in order to run her business.
Maha Ganapati Temple
Maha Ganapati Temple is situated near the Temple of Mahabaleshwar. The temple features Lord Ganesha’s black stone idol, and among pilgrims visiting Gokarna, it is very famous. “According to a popular legend, it is said that Lord Ganesha tricked the demon Ravana who was carrying a Shiva Linga to drop it here and thus the temple was built in this place” To seek the blessing of Lord Ganesha and marvel at the majestic Dravidian style of temple architecture, this serene place is visited by visitors. The best time to visit this temple is from August until December.
Timmings: from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm
Entry Fee: No
Things needs to be carried for Gokarna Beach Trek:
- Small backpacks to carry essentials.
- Water bottles with leak proof.
- Lunch box.
- Raincoats in case of rains.
- comfortable pair of shoes with good traction.
- Torch lights to be used at night.
- Jacket or sweater as the weather changes drastically.
- Cargos or track pant that can be dried easily in case of rain
- Full sleeve T-shirts or cotton shirts to avoid sun burns.
- Personal medication kits like crocin, ORS, betadine cream, volini spray and many other things.
- Towels should be light and easily dried after use.
- Toiletries like soaps, toothpaste, toothbrush for convenience.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen.
