Underlined by turquoise waters and golden shores, a small town on the coast of Karnataka has all the makings of a tropical paradise. If your wanderlust leads you to Gokarna, slot in some time to visit its string of alluring beaches with this handy guide. By Eshita Srinivas
Goa’s quieter, more laidback cousin, Gokarna has recently gained a reputation for being an oceanophile’s dream destination. The town has everything you’d need for a seaside escapade – long coastlines, sunny all-round weather, and a throng of shacks and restaurants by the waters. Also an essential part of an itinerary here? A visit to all of its attractively-named beaches, each with their own unique character. We’re saving you the time and research for your next getaway with our guide to the best ones to hop, skip, and jump over to.
Discover Gokarna’s picturesque landscape at these beaches
Om Beach
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Shaped like the auspicious Hindu symbol ‘Om,’ this beach is a nod to Gokarna’s throng of temples, which are also frequented by travellers. At once pristine and bustling, the beach is the centre for all the town’s water-sports action – surfing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, dolphin spotting, diving – the whole shebang.
You could also go hiking while you’re here. Not to mention, the beach is also known to play host to the most stunning sunsets. Complementing these are scores of beachside shacks and restaurants that you could retire to after an activity-fuelled day.
Half Moon Beach
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About a cliff and a quick hop away from Om beach is this spot that is surrounded by verdant vegetation and turquoise waters. Often referred to as a secluded beach, the stretch is named after its shape, which from a bird’s eye view resembles that of a half-moon. A large set of rocks and a small patch of sand make up this space, which needs a bit of exploration to discover.
Accommodation is often seasonal (October to February) and comprises shacks. While here, you could go kayaking, paddle boating, or camping. However, be wary of swimming since the currents are often strong. Trekking must also be done under the guidance of a professional so you don’t get lost in the forest that stands by the beach. Sunbathing is a popular afternoon pastime here.
Paradise Beach
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Also known as ‘full moon beach,’ Paradise beach is accessible through a ferry ride from the first two beaches on this list. Clean white sands, pristine waters, and intriguing rock formations will greet you at the shore. Often frequented by foreign travellers, the beach is perfect for overnight camping, leisurely picnics, and some quintessential summer sunbathing.
Don’t forget to explore the length of the beach to get in some Instagram-worthy shots and stick around until late evening for the most stunning sunset to grace your eyes. Be sure to exercise caution when you go swimming around this region, since it’s known to have high tides. Trekking also requires guidance owing to the scores of steep turns and edges.
Gokarna Beach
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This eponymously named beach is the most popular and crowded of all others in town. Close to the Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami temple, the shores here see a flurry of pilgrims and religious activities. The beach is also an arm’s length away from several resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
Head here early in the morning to take a walk by the water, before the sea (pun intended) of humans pour in. Better yet, pop by the place to watch the sunrise. Later in the day, you might be able to sign up for surfing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, or boating. Yoga sessions are a common sight here as are groups of people readying themselves to explore all the beaches of the town through guided trekking tours.
Kudle Beach
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Another popular destination for pranayam sessions in the wee hours of the morning, Kudle beach is shaped like a perfect ‘C.’ Serene and quaint, this spot is a quick walk or boat ride away from Om beach, via Half Moon beach. The air here is unmistakably laidback and peaceful, with fewer crowds than Gokarna beach.
There are also no notable water sports activities that take off from here. Naturally, the ideal way to enjoy this region’s towering coconut trees, idyllic sands, and pristine waters is to sit back and relax. Or switch into your bathing suits for a leisurely swim. If you’re here between the months of October and February, you’ll find plenty of shacks to hop on over to for a delicious bite. Camping is common at this spot as well.
Nirvana Beach
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If you’ve yet to witness the magic of a bioluminescent beach, this spot is a must-visit. A long coastline, marked by white sands, colourful fishing boats, and plenty of coconut trees to go around – this spot is arguably quite underrated. Home to some of the dreamiest sunsets and sunrises, the beach is perfect for long walks and quick jogs.
However, its crowning glory is the fact that it transforms post-sunset, courtesy of phytoplanktons that glow a brilliant neon and light up the waters with their bioluminescence. Reportedly, the ideal time to witness this is just after monsoons, when the water is warm enough. Don’t miss out on this one if you’re in the region.
Baada Beach
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Crowned the cleaned beach in Gokarna, this is one of the most stunning spots in town. Surrounded by hillocks and lined with eclectic rock formations, the beach is as underrated as they come. As such, it’s almost always vacant, making it perfect for leisurely walks by the water and impromptu photoshoots.
Like other spots on this list, the sunsets and sunrises here are romantic and breathtaking. Picnics here also come highly recommended, although a few nearby cafes serve as a good place to kick back at. A temple close by is also worth the visit and frequented by many pilgrims.
Small Hell Beach
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Don’t let the name fool you, this beach is as picturesque as they come. Bright blue waters, rocky terrain, and large patches of verdant vegetation mark this beach. Recommended here are lazy walks by the water and sunbathing. Depending on the tides and appropriate supervision, you could even go for a quick dip in the water. Camping continues to be quite popular here. As does photography. Underexplored and largely secluded, this one, of all beaches in Goa, is a must visit, especially towards the end of your trip, to take in the quiet vibe of Gokarna.
Beleken Beach
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This is one of the most remote beaches in Gokarna and is accessible only via ferries. That aside, if you’re keen on going dolphin-watching, Belken is a must-visit. Boat rides here come highly recommended and often take you through places that are frequented by the inquisitive mammals.
Alternatively, you could pitch a tent to camp here, lay down a picnic blanket for a feast, or challenge your loved ones to a frisbee match while you’re here. These, along with the golden sands and steady hum of the ocean’s waves will feed your appetite for some vitamin sea.
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Written By
Eshita Srinivas
Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary ..Read More
