Riding through 4 states of India post lockdown on my Triumph Tiger – Goa to Gokarna Road Trip.

If you have not read part one of my South India Coastal Route on Triumph Tiger, you can read it here. My expedition to explore the beautiful coastal route of India is one of my most beautiful experiences as a traveller. It was just the escape I needed after lockdown.

After going from Mumbai to Goa and spending 2 days there, I was ready to move to my next destination, Gokarna. This blog is all about my Goa to Gokarna road trip on my beautiful Triumph Tiger. Gokarna has grown as a tourist destination recently. Many travellers who prefer Goa to relax have now moved on to Gokarna. It is the perfect destination for people who want to chill and enjoy a sunset.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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How to get from Goa to Gokarna

Gokarna is almost 140 KMS away from Goa. The roads are smooth, as you enter Karnataka on NH 66 through Karwar. Travellers usually drive to Gokarna from Bangalore, Belgaum, Mumbai and other cities. It is easily accessible by road. You will effortlessly find several hotels and restaurants in Gokarna. 

I left in the evening from Goa to Gokarna. 140 kms from Goa, was showing approximately 5 hours on Google Maps. Within an hour on the road and the sun was about to set. Had I left in the morning I would’ve enjoyed the route a lot more. 

After taking a break after 50-60 kms, somewhere before Karwar port I continued all the way to Gokarna. It was disheartening that I couldn’t enjoy the beauty of the journey. I promised myself to always try to leave as early in the morning as possible.

The distance is not much, but it was worth it. I was super excited to explore Gokarna. The non-commercial beaches of Gokarna are not only less crowded, but also cleaner. The temple town is now merging its beautiful stretch of beaches with green hilltops and religion.

Best time to visit Gokarna

Best time to visit Gokarna is during the winters from October to March. Summers here are quite hot and the beaches are closed during monsoon. The best time, winter, makes the city warm during the day and pleasant during the evenings. It is best time for exploring the beaches and temples, meditating or trekking, whatever suits your needs.

Things to do in Gokarna

Gokarna Beach – Even though this is the main beach of Gokarna, tourists prefer the other beaches to relax and explore. 

Yana Caves – Yana village is famous for these two massive rock hills. The caves comprise of two hills called Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara.

Om Beach – As the name suggests, Om beach resembles the shape of ‘Om’. It is the most popular amongst the 5 beaches in Gokarna. You definitely have to try Namaste Café to unwind and chill.

Half Moon Beach – The cool breeze in the evening at this beach in the shape of a crescent moon. Half moon beach also has a couple of shacks where you can enjoy the evening.

Kudle Beach – You will have to trek to access this rocky beach called Kudle beach. The waves have strong undercurrents, and it is not advisable to swim in these waters. Getting to Kudle beach is not easy, so, it’s better to come here in the morning so you can leave before the sun sets.

Paradise Beach – This beach is aptly called Paradise, because it has the least crowd and is very secluded. You can get here either by trekking your way here, or by convincing a boatman to give you a boat ride.

Murudeshwar – On the day I was leaving for Kerala, I planned to visit this gorgeous temple on the way. Murudeshwar, another name for Shiva, is the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world of 123 meters. This staggering statue is surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is visible from very far and looks very impressive. Murudeshwar is approximately 78 km away from Gokarna.

I could hear the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer/namaaz) when I was at the temple. That is the true beauty of India.

I have been to many places but Gokarna definitely took my breath away. If you have been to Gokarna, comment below your experiences or email the article to us.

Live Your Life, Live Your Dream.