Gokarna is a city located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, and is etymologically translated to ‘cow’s ear.’ According to popular mythological belief, it is the place where Lord Shiva emerged from the incarnation of Mother Earth in the form of a cow. Interspersed with ancient temples, the town is home to one of the oldest temples since time immemorial known as Mahabaleshwar, enshrined with Lord Shiva. The town is about 59 km from Karwar, 483 km from Bengaluru, and 238 km from Mangalore.
Furthermore, the rustic outlook of the town has attracted the attention of a lot of travelers and foreigners. There are several beaches, pilgrimage sights, and waterfalls that are reverberating tourist attractions. In fact, the town is situated around the River Aghanashini, which is considered to be deemed and sacred site for devotees.
However, due to the recent tourist influx, the town attracts both adrenaline seekers and those looking for spiritual solace. It is the town of golden beaches named after the way they are shaped like Om Beach and Half Moon Beach. Paradise Beach does no injustice to its name! The tall palm trees, serene waves of the ocean gushing towards the rocks, and the evenings spent watching the sun melting into the ocean add a surrealistic appeal to the place.
Apart from beaches, there is the Mahabaleshwar Temple that attracts many devotees and saints. Yana is another dainty town located in the vicinity of Gokarna, whose lavish surroundings and rocky terrain is perfect for activities like cycling and trekking. Mountaineering is another popular sport.
The serene beaches pose as perfect sites for watersport activities like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing. If you want to indulge in watersport activities, then the best time to visit the place is post-monsoon, from September to December. Winters in Gokarna are flamboyant, with a mildly cold climate and lush green surroundings. Summers in Gokarna are hot and humid, followed by the showers that cool the surroundings down with heavy rainfall.
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People Also Ask About Gokarna
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Which are the famous places to visit in Gokarna?
If you are a devotee, adrenaline seeker, or somebody looking for solace and peace, Gokarna is the perfect place for you. Here are some of the famous attractions of Gokarna.
1. Om Beach: Om Beach, located in Gokarna, has a spiritual significance as the beach matches the symbol 'Om.' You can see the unison of two diverse pieces of land here that have a semi-crescent shape that gives it a distinct identity.
The sand granules of this beach are extremely delicate, and the rocks are equally astounding. Also, fishermen boats are present throughout the shores, who organize the fishing activity for tourists in the deep sea. You can also try here other adventurous activities like dolphin spotting, banana boat ride, and jet-skiing.
Location: Gokarna, Karnataka 581326.
2. Nirvana Beach: Secluded from the scores of crowds and offering solace to those seeking to unwind by the coastline makes Nirvana Beach a must-visit place in Gokarna. This is one of the offbeat places in the town where one can dive into the cool blue waters and enjoy a refreshing getaway. Experiencing the sunset and sunrise from this beach is absolute bliss.
Location: Gokarna, Karnataka 581351.
Timing: 4 AM- 6:30 PM.
3. Half Moon Beach: This popular tourist attraction in Gokarna is reminiscent of the shape of a half-moon. It is considered to be a paradise for those looking to enjoy adventurous activities like beach trekking. The beach is recognized for its clear sparkling sands against the crystalline blue waters.
Away from the huge crowd, the beach is a pleasant spot to enjoy some of the fun activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also enjoy scrumptious food at the cafes and beach shacks located nearby.
Location: Gokarna, Karnataka 581326.
Timing: 12 hours from 6 am to 6 pm.
4. Paradise Beach: The beach is an ideal place to spend your night gazing at the stars and moon and trying activities like canoeing and jet-skiing. There is a freshwater well at the beach, which makes lodging a great choice for adventurers. The water currents at the beach are believed to be very strong, and it is not an appropriate spot for swimming.
Location: Patong's Beach Road, Gokarna.
Timing: 9AM-6PM.
5. Mirjan Fort: The Mirjan Fort is flanked by the shores of the Agnanishi River and is loaded with large roofs and bastions. There are four main approaches to the fort, each of which is laid out by steps built out of laterite stone. It is sprinkled with several wells linked to the channel. You can walk through the history of Gokarna by visiting this beach.
Location: talluk, Mirjan Fort Road, Mirjan, Karnataka 581333.
6. Koti Tirtha: Koti Tirtha is located close to Mahabaleshwar Temple and is considered to be a spiritual stopover as the tourists take a dip in the pond before visiting the religious places in the area. This popular and sacred man-made tank holds great reverence amongst the locals and tourists alike, as it is known to purify their souls by washing away their sins.
Location: Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326.
Timings: From 12 am to 12 pm.
7. Mahabaleshwara Temple: Located on the Kothi Teertha Road in Gokarna, this 4th-century temple has a 1500-year-old deity of Lord Shiva. There is a popular belief that the deity will bestow immense blessings on devotees who just get a glimpse of it. This popular tourist attraction is a beautiful masterpiece of Dravidian art and culture for tourists to appreciate.
Location:Koti Tirtha Rd, Kotiteertha, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka 581326.
Timings: 6 am to 12:30 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm.
Checkout these Gokarna Tour Packages for your next trip. -
What are the best things to do in Gokarna?
There are innumerable adventurous and serene Activities In Gokarna for all visitors who walk in here –
1. Scuba Diving:
Owing to the rich coastline of Gokarna, scuba diving here is a must and offers you a chance to witness sea animals like sea cucumbers and clownfishes! After being given the basic training by a divemaster, you are taken by a boat to witness the underwater world.
Location: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and the diving site close to Murudeshwar.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): around 5000 INR per person.
2. Dolphin Spotting in Gokarna:
The tropical weather and sparkling waters are ideal for an exciting dolphin spotting trip in Gokarna. Om Beach is one of the best sites to witness the dolphins playing around and jumping in the water.
Timing: 10 am to 3 pm.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): Rs 500 per person.
3. Jet Skiing:
Enjoy a fun session of jet skiing with your friends and family at the beautiful Om Beach that is embraced with the soothing currents of the Arabian Sea. Grab your life jacket and get ready to create some everlasting memories as you cruise through the waves while enjoying this activity.
Timing: 10-15 minutes per session.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): around 1000 INR per person.
4. Fishing in Gokarna:
One can experience the joy of fishing at the pristine Om Beach and Kundle Beach in Gokarna, where the water is ideal for enjoying this activity. If you're inexperienced, then the local fishermen will also assist you in knowing about the tidbits of this activity. The activity is around an hour-long, and the prices vary depending on the mediator.
Timing: The activity begins around 10 am.
5. Banana Boat Ride in Gokarna:
This 10 to 15-minute mini-adventure will be a fun-filled experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Hold on tight as the boats take you away from the shoreline and then bring you back towards the shore. Both experienced as well as novices can enjoy this jovial water-based activity, and a guide is always there to assist you.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): 700 INR to 1000 INR per.
6. Beach Trekking and Camping:
One can set up tents and trek up to and from the number of exotic beaches of Gokarna for an authentic experience. You can also mingle with the locals while trekking through the popular beaches like Om Paradise Beach and Nirvana Beach.
These beaches have long stretches of sand that are an absolute delight for the trekking enthusiasts. The beaches of Gokarna are so famous that it is often called the beach town of Karnataka. This is the reason that most of the tourists and trekkers also enjoy camping close to these beaches.
7. Shopping:
If you’re in Gokarna then shopping at the Flea market should be the most preferred activity to stock up souvenirs for your family. Gift items like artificial jewelry, magazines, and a range of fancy products that will coil up your memories in Gokarna can be bought from here. However, without good bargaining skills, it is generally not very much possible to crack a fair deal in the Flea Market. -
What are the best things to do in Gokarna?
There are innumerable adventurous and serene activities in Gokarna for all visitors who walk in here –
1. Scuba Diving: Owing to the rich coastline of Gokarna, scuba diving here is a must and offers you a chance to witness sea animals like sea cucumbers and clownfishes! After being given the basic training by a divemaster, you are taken by a boat to witness the underwater world.
Location: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and the diving site close to Murudeshwar.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): around 5000 INR per person.
2. Dolphin Spotting in Gokarna: The tropical weather and sparkling waters are ideal for an exciting dolphin spotting trip in Gokarna. Om Beach is one of the best sites to witness the dolphins playing around and jumping in the water.
Timing: 10 am to 3 pm.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): Rs 500 per person.
3. Jet Skiing: Enjoy a fun session of jet skiing with your friends and family at the beautiful Om Beach that is embraced with the soothing currents of the Arabian Sea. Grab your life jacket and get ready to create some everlasting memories as you cruise through the waves while enjoying this activity.
Timing: 10-15 minutes per session.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): around 1000 INR per person.
4. Fishing in Gokarna: One can experience the joy of fishing at the pristine Om Beach and Kundle Beach in Gokarna, where the water is ideal for enjoying this activity. If you're inexperienced, then the local fishermen will also assist you in knowing about the tidbits of this activity. The activity is around an hour-long, and the prices vary depending on the mediator.
Timing: The activity begins around 10 am.
5. Banana Boat Ride in Gokarna: This 10 to 15-minute mini-adventure will be a fun-filled experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. Hold on tight as the boats take you away from the shoreline and then bring you back towards the shore. Both experienced as well as novices can enjoy this jovial water-based activity, and a guide is always there to assist you.
Entry Fee/Price (Only if applicable): 700 INR to 1000 INR per.
6. Beach Trekking and Camping: One can set up tents and trek up to and from the number of exotic beaches of Gokarna for an authentic experience. You can also mingle with the locals while trekking through the popular beaches like Om Paradise Beach and Nirvana Beach.
These beaches have long stretches of sand that are an absolute delight for the trekking enthusiasts. The beaches of Gokarna are so famous that it is often called the beach town of Karnataka. This is the reason that most of the tourists and trekkers also enjoy camping close to these beaches.
7. Shopping: If you’re in Gokarna then shopping at the Flea market should be the most preferred activity to stock up souvenirs for your family. Gift items like artificial jewelry, magazines, and a range of fancy products that will coil up your memories in Gokarna can be bought from here. However, without good bargaining skills, it is generally not very much possible to crack a fair deal in the Flea Market.
Also Checkout: Nightlife In Gokarna -
What are the best adventure activities to do in Gokarna?
You can enjoy a variety of adventure sports in Gokarna and have the best moments of your life.
1. Jet Skiing: Getting on a motorbike and moving it around in the waters never gets boring at the famous Gokarna beaches. It is advised that the noobs take a guide with them for some initial help.
2. Snorkeling: There is no shortage of snorkeling sites in Gokarna, for a fun and leisure experience. The Gokarna water is claimed to be rip tide free and very suitable for this activity. An entirely different world awaits for you as you take a plunge into the deep waters of Om Beach.
3. River Rafting: The clean white waters of the Uttara Kannada region are ideal for a river rafting adventure. This is one of the most sought after adventurous activities due to good weather, high-intensity tides, and several agencies present here. While bobbing down the water rushing through the deep gorges, you're up for limitless adventure and fun.
4. Scuba Diving: All the water sports lovers should once try Scuba diving at Gokarna which is much cheaper and easier as compared to other famous beach destinations. Netrani Island is the best location for scuba diving as you can see a large variety of marine life. -
What is the best time to visit Gokarna?
March to October is considered to be the best time to visit Gokarna due to the pleasant weather and temperature that ranges around 32 degrees Celsius. This time is also ideal for enjoying most of the adventurous activities in the beaches of Gokarna as the tides are low. -
What can I buy in Gokarna?
You can buy a variety of different things in Gokarna such as:
-Incense sticks
-Brass lamps
-Picture frames
-Prayer beads
-Psychedelic T-shirts
-Hippie clothes
-Musical instruments
-Books
-Homemade soaps
-Spices. -
Is Gokarna beach safe?
Yes, Gokarna beach is extremely safe as it is always brimming with the crowd, and it has many lifeguards who'll take care of your safety. There is a constant patrolling on the beach so that you stay extremely safe while enjoying water-based activities at this beach.
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How many days are enough for Gokarna?
Two days are enough to have an enthralling tour of Gokarna. You can reserve day one to witness the beaches and enjoy water based activities. On the second day, you can shop for souvenirs at flea markets, and you can have a tour of the temples. -
Which are the best water sports to do in Gokarna?
Gokarna has one of the most loved beaches across India, where you can try some of the crazy water sports.
1. Banana Boat Ride:
This water sport is the best of all as it is full of thrill and gives you a memorable experience which you never imagined. The sharp twist and turn of the boat upside-down will give you a unique experience. Two of the most loved beaches, the Om beach, and the Gokarna beach, are ideal to try this water sports activity.
2. Scuba Diving:
Explore the underwater sea beauties as you dive into the famous beaches of Gokarna. This adventure activity can be experienced at the Om beach, Gokarna Beach, or Kudle Beach. You'll also witness a varied range of corals as well as beautiful sea flowers while trying this activity.
3. Parasailing:
The exciting sport involves two major components – a big parachute and a quick speedboat. Considered to be the most thrilling beach sports activity, it gives you the bird's eye view of the coastlines of Gokarna. A strong rope is attached to the parachute at one end and the speed boat on the other end into which you are securely harnessed. -
Which are the best trekking trails in Gokarna?
Gokarna is known for its famous beach trek that attracts most of the public visiting there. It starts from Gokarna beach and goes via the Kudle beach, Om beach and the Half Moon beach; it ends somewhere at the Paradise beach.
1. Gokarna Beach:
The Gokarna beach trek is a moderate to easy trekking trail well suited for the beginners as well as the experienced hikers. The entire trek is interspersed by forests and lush greenery and offers you amazing views.
2. The Kudle Beach:
The next stop in the trekking tour is The Kudle Beach that is home to many local cafes and small eating joints. You can relax here for a bit while sipping some great chilled beer. This beach has a great staircase that directly opens up to the main road, which helps you continue your journey further.
3. Om Beach:
After approximately a 3 km stretch from Kudle Beach, you will reach this beautiful beach, which has a lot of activities at the offer like scuba diving and banana boat riding. This beach has many cafes and resting areas for a little stoppage during your trekking tour.
4. Half Moon Beach:
Half Moon Beach trekking route is full of steep walkways and rocks, and while trekking over here, you'll witness some of the most amazing sites. After a long walk of somewhat 15-20 minutes from Half Moon Beach, you will come to the final point of your trekking adventure at Paradise beach.
Checkout the famous beaches in Gokarna -
Which are the best places for shopping in Gokarna?
Splurging in the local Gokarna markets is a sheer delight. Get ready to bargain to get a good price though.
1. Street shopping: Small local shops carry trinkets and interesting products for you to purchase.
2. Temple shopping: While the loca shops share quite a variety of products, shops around the temples sell more religious souvenirs like the statues, spices, flowers and incense sticks etc.
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What are the best sites for camping in Gokarna?
Here is the list of the top-most sites for camping in Gokarna.
1. Om Beach:
Have the best adventure of your life as you set up your tent close to Om Beach to enjoy a memorable camping experience. You can gaze at the stars at midnight, and you can enjoy the waves gushing towards the shoreline while camping here.
2. Paradise Beach:
Enjoy a hippie vibe as you set your camp at Paradise Beach that is a scenic gateway for the bohemians and free wandering souls. While camping here, you can enjoy the splendid view of the shoreline, and you can even roast your own fish in the open.
3. Half Moon Beach:
Enjoy the best view of the sunrise and sunset as you enjoy a camping experience close to Half Moon Beach. The campsite here is not very crowded and organizes campfires, offering you the best experience of your life. The tents are well-equipped with blankets, LED lights, and pillows. -
Which are the best places for scuba diving in Gokarna?
Here are the most popular scuba diving sites in Gokarna.
1. Netrani Island:
This is the ideal site for scuba diving adventure in Gokarna, where you can spot a variety of sea animals like sea cucumbers and rays. If you're a novice in this field, then you can also take the guidance of an instructor before trying this activity.
2. Om Beach:
Brace yourself for the best experience of your life as you enjoy an amazing scuba diving adventure at Om Beach. You'll not only get to explore the underwater world of this beach, but you'll also witness coral reefs and seashells while enjoying this activity. -
What is the best local food in Gokarna? Where can I get to try it out?
Due to its religious background, several places serve only vegetarian food. However, its proximity from the sea also makes it possible to access some authentic seafood dishes. You could try the authentic Karnataka dishes or even order in for a complete thali. Some of the local restaurants to try out are as below.
1. Mahalaxmi Restaurant: Backpacker haven known for its Banana pancakes and Indian curries.
2. Prema: A multi cuisine restaurant known for its Icecreams and Italian dishes.
3. Shree Shakti Restaurant: One of the oldest restaurants that has been around for over 3 decades. Its known for its sweet lassi.
4. Dolphin View Restaurant: A vegetarian only restaurant known especially for its Masala Cashew Curry paired best with rice.
5. Namaste Cafe: Seafood lovers should definitely check this out. It is known for its King fish sizzler and other delectable cuisines like mexican and Israeli. -
What are the famous pilgrimage spots in Gokarna?
The temples have a significant history surrounding them. While Shiva is the main deity, there are several temples that are a must-visit.
1. Mahabaleshwara: It is a classic example of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. It Faces Karwar city and the Arabian Sea.
2. Koti Tirtha: Man made tank is surrounded by temples and used to immerse the Idols.
3. Maha Ganpati Temple: As per legend, the temple was made to honor boy Ganesha for deceiving Ravana and keeping him from completing his penance.
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Gokarna Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Gokarna
Heaven is found simply off the bank of terrain Karnataka – and it is called Gokarna Beach. One of the concealed pearls of India, the seashore is known for the wide extended white sand and peaceful waters. This is an ideal family get-away setting, which brags beachside picnics and water sports, is likewise home to comfortable shacks and radiant rental cottages.With so much to see and do, it is going to be really hard to lie idle on Gokarna beach. Hit the beach with buckets and shovels to build that perfect sand-castle of your dreams. Or, stroll the beach in the evening to soak in the majestic view of Arabian sea. Likewise, this is an extraordinary spot to spread out the family's seashore cover and love the ideal opportunity for the afternoon. Remember to swing by the exciting water sports accessible at Gokarna beach. With remote beach escapes, family-accommodating shores, and ideal for sand-château building, Gokarna beach guarantees fun frolic to every style of the guest. Peruse through the subtleties and activities about the Gokarna beach!
Om Beach of Gokarna carries a spiritual significance concerning its geographical appearance. The shape of this beach resembles the symbol ‘Om’ and hence, it is considered to be highly auspicious amongst the locals. You can witness the joining of two semi-crescent pieces of land here and this is why and how the beach derived its present identity.Known for its early morning and late evening sightseeing delights, Om Beach is a photographer’s paradise. It is simply amazing to observe the transitory phases of the skyline from the shores of Om Beach. Do not miss on your cameras as there are surely going to be plentiful moments for you to capture here. The sand of this beach is fine and delicate, and the rock creations are simply astounding!You may witness the presence of fishermen boats throughout the shores. Some of them might be busy with their deep-sea fishing activity. If you are communicative, you may approach the local fishing community to get some insights into their daily lives.Banana boat rides, bumper boat rides, dolphin spotting, jet skiing, fishing, trekking, and speed boating are some adventurous activities to try here.
Kudle Beach in Gokarna is renowned for its unmatched beauty and mesmerizing charm. Flanked by tall coconut trees, this piece of land resembles a perfect ‘C'. Representing a vastly stretched piece of an isolated sea and land, Kudle Beach is the best option to try for those who seek solitude. With serene and quiet atmosphere, watching the sunrise and sunsets are the real delights for the observers. You can either sit on the shore or gaze at the never-ceasing tides – the choice is yours! Locals visit here for early morning or late evening walks and their yoga sessions. You can also join them. Stroll around for some time, and you are surely going to find some beautiful beach shacks and bamboo huts to plan your night camping. This is the perfect moment to shoot the beauty of glistening waters under the dim light of the moon. November to February is the best time to plan your visit to this incredible beach in Gokarna. This is when you will be able to mingle with other backpackers and travelers. With a multitude of activities to enjoy, Kudle Beach is an ideal destination for solo travelers, adventurous travelers, and newlywed couples.
Showcasing the brilliance of the classic Dravidian architecture, Mahabaleshwara Temple is one of the must visit Gokarna tourist places. The 4th century temple in Gokarna is most famous for its Shiva Linga known as Atma Linga that is worshipped here and also known as Dakshin Kashi, often being paralleled to the Shiva Temple at Varanasi. This major temple in Gokarna has a 1500-year-old deity that is carved stone of Lord Shiva. If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna will refresh your soul and offer a peaceful retreat with the Almighty. According to one popular legend, it is believed that the deity of the temple will bestow immense blessings to devotees to those who just get a glimpse of it. For fans of art and culture too, Mahabaleshwara Temple is a beautiful masterpiece for the tourists to appreciate.Location: Koti Teertha Road, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka Best Time to visit: The temple can be visited anytime throughout the year.Timings: It is open from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and then from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pmDistance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is just 600 metres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Listed as one of the most attractive sightseeing places in Gokarna, Half Moon Beach boasts of beautiful surroundings. The beach derives its name based on its shape like a half moon. Half Moon Beach is known for its clean sparkling sands against the transparent blue waters. Mostly famous for foreign travellers and backpackers, Half Moon Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.Half Moon Beach can be visited by a hike from Om Beach which is a thrilling enterprise. Away from all the crowds, this beach is a wonderful destination to indulge in some fun activities as well as indulge in enjoying some mouth-watering food available at the beach shacks nearby. This beach is an idyllic escape from the noise of the city or enjoys some classic beach activities like sunbathing or swimming. It is also one of the major attraction of beach trek in Gokarna.Location: Half Moon Beach, GokarnaBest Time to visit: The ideal time to pay a visit to the Half Moon Beach is between October and MarchTimings: Tourists can visit here any time from 6 am to 6 pm.Activities: Swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, paintball, camping, and cabinsDistance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: Half Moon Beach is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
The final beach along the Gokarna town is the beautiful Paradise beach. Also known as the Full Moon beach, it is 150 meters long and has about 70% of it covered in hard rocks. The remaining part of the beach is covered in pristine white sand. Until a few years, the sandy beach was used as a hippie location frequented by liberal souls from around the world. The beach is loved by foreigners and till date, many travellers from outside visit here. It is also touted that early foreigners did not like the idea of Indians visiting the beach and used to restrict them. The beach is a perfect place to camp and spend your night cooking and gazing at the stars and moon. There is freshwater well at the beach which makes camping a great option for travellers. The water currents at the beach are believed to be very strong and not advisable to be used for swimming. Hiking back to the Half Moon beach can be a huge risk after sunset because of the presence of rough rocks that might prove to be fatal. If you are looking to spend some time in isolation, then this beach in the state of Karnataka is a great escape from the routine. You can spend quality time with your loved ones, and find the peace you have been craving for.
Namaste Café is one of the most eminent attractions in Gokarna located on Om Beach. This beach front restaurant offers an ideal space for tourists who want to dwell on the splendid views of the sea with a spectacular plate of food on their tables. Whether you fancy a quiet stroll to feel the sands on the beach or wish to relax in picturesque vistas, Namaste Café is the place to be.This serene property offers a lot of stay options where you can just relax and unwind in Gokarna. It offers unrestricted access to the beach and is an ideal pick for backpackers and budget travellers. The café also offers exotic dishes to get you in the beach bumming mood along with offering compact rooms to make your stay pleasant in Gokarna.Location: Om Beach, Gokarna, KarnatakaBest Time to visit: Tourists can visit Namaste Café anytime throughout the year.Entry fee: A room at Namaste Café costs INR 1080/ USDTimings: The check in time is 1 pm while the check out time is 11 am.Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: The distance between the two places is 6.3 kilometres.
Mirjan Fort is a trademark of cultural glory, and is situated on National Highway 66, about 11 kilometers from Gomarna. The 16th century architecture and cultural marvels of this place has made it a popular tourist attraction. There are various mythic tales behind who constructed the fort, or how it came to be the way we see it today. The most popular and widely accepted of all those stories is that of Queen Chennabhairadevi. She is a prominent historical figure as she built the fort under her matriarchal reign of 54 years in the 16th century. The Mirjan Fort is flanked by the banks of Agnanishi River and is filled with high ceilings and bastions. There are four main entrances to the fort, each of which is laid out with steps made out of laterite stone, which is the material used for constructing the rest of the fort too. It is interspersed with several wells linked to the moat. This interlinking is said to be a part of a defense mechanism used to protect the fort from external attacks. Thus, the fort has been a site of many battalions within its periphery and yet withstood the test of time.
How to Reach
- How to reach Gokarna by air: The closest airport is Dabolim Airport that is located in Goa and it is 106 kilometres away. It takes around 3 hours and 19 minutes to reach if you drive or you can go by bus or even train.
- How to reach Gokarna by Rail: There is Gokarna Road train station that is around 8 kilometres from the main part of the city. Another station that you can travel to is Ankola, which is just 20 kilometres from the city and is the best-connected station.
- How to reach Gokarna by Car/Bike:
- From Goa:
- Distance: 144 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 3 hours 13 minutes
- Route Map: Goa – Palolem – Arga - Gokarna
- From Pune:
- Distance: 563 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 9 hours 22 minutes
- Route Map: Pune – Karad – Belgaum - Gokarna
- From Bangalore:
- Distance: 485 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 8 hours 26 minutes
- Route Map: Bangalore – Harihar – Sirsi - Gokarna
- How to reach Gokarna By Bus:
- From Goa:
- Total Distance: 173 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 3 hours 54 minutes
- Ticket Price Volvo: Not easily available
- Ticket Price Non AC: Rs.600
- Starting Bus Stand: Mapusa Carvalho Petrol Pump
- Ending Bus Stop: Gokarna Cross Highway NH66
- Route Map: Goa – Margao – Karwar - Gokarna
- From Pune:
- Total Distance: 552 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
- Ticket Price Volvo: Starts at Rs.1105
- Ticket Price Non AC: Starts at Rs.700
- Starting Bus Stand: Swargate, Pune
- Ending Bus Stop: Madangeri
- Route Map: Pune – Karad – Belgaum - Gokarna
- From Bangalore:
- Total Distance: 487 kilometres
- Travelling Time: 8 hours 16 minutes
- Ticket Price Volvo: Starts At Rs700
- Ticket Price Non AC: Starts At Rs 600
- Starting Bus Stand: Giri Nagar
- Ending Bus Stop: Gokarna
- Route Map: Bangalore – Hiriyur – Ranebennur - Gokarna
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