Tucked away along the western coast of India lies the small temple town of Gokarna. With its pristine beaches, rich Hindu temples, quaint hamlets, and adventurous watersports, Gokarna has become a haven for backpackers and thrill-seekers.
From surfing along the shores of the Arabian Sea to hiking up sacred hills, there’s no shortage of heart-racing activities.
Yet there’s also a deeply spiritual side to this town. You can find respite in centuries-old temples and practice yoga while overlooking the sea.
This 5-day Gokarna itinerary covers the best of all worlds – the sacred and the adventurous. Follow along for the ultimate Gokarna experience.
Before diving into the itinerary, let me introduce you to Gokarna…
Once an important Hindu pilgrimage site, Gokarna is located in the state of Karnataka. It’s known for sacred places like Mahabaleshwara Temple and Giant Shiva Statue, which draw Hindu devotees.
But over the decades, word has spread about the area’s palm-fringed beaches surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling green hills. Now locals share space with a growing influx of surfers, hikers, backpackers and yogis seeking adventure, nature and spirituality.
The main attractions are 4 stunning stretches of golden sand: Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach and Half Moon Beach. They all have fairly chilled-out shacks serving seafood and backpacker vibes.
In town, you’ll find atmospheric temples, veggie-friendly cafes, quirky shops and foreigners mingling with religious pilgrims. Cows roam free everywhere, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Ready to dive into this coastal paradise? Let’s begin!
Day 1 in Gokarna – Explore Gokarna Town
- Arrive before midday
- Check into beach hut accommodation
- Visit Mahabaleshwara Temple
- Lunch at a beach shack like Namaste Cafe
- Shop for souvenirs near Car Street
- Join evening puja ceremony at temple
- Dinner at Ayurvedic restaurant like Prema
Day 2 – Beach Hop from Gokarna to Kudle
- Take sunrise beach walk
- Enjoy breakfast at a beach shack
- Hike along precarious cliff path to Kudle Beach
- Try banana boat ride or surfing at Kudle
- Beach barbecue lunch with seafood
- Relax on Kudle watching sunset
- Dinner on breezy Kudle Beach rooftop
Day 3: Discover Scenic Paradise Beach
- Take boat ride to remote Paradise Beach
- Pack beach picnic and snorkeling gear
- Explore beaches and coves by kayak
- Try cliff jumping at Paradise Beach
- Savor fish BBQ as the sun sets
- Return to Kudle to overnight
Day 4: Practice Yoga & Visit Om Beach
- Morning yoga class overlooking the sea
- Breakfast at German Bakery
- Walk along coastal trail to Om Beach
- Lounge beneath the iconic Om Beach cave
- Shop at Tibetan market near Om Beach
- Sunset dinner at Namaste Cafe
Day 5: See Giant Shiva & Relax at Half Moon Beach
- Check out of accommodation
- Visit Giant Shiva Statue on hilltop
- Descend to Half Moon Beach
- Last hurrah of swimming & sunbathing
- Farewell seafood lunch at beach shack
- Depart Gokarna before sunset
Over to You
I hope this detailed itinerary inspires your own adventure through Gokarna – whether surfing, hiking, worshipping, eating or just relaxing by the sea.
With its holy hills, bohemian beaches and thigh-burning trails, Gokarna offers an unforgettable Indian escape. Go discover your own serene and active corner of paradise!
