Bangalore to Gokarna Cab

NH48 is usually preferred by travelers traveling from Bangalore to Gokarna via road. This route covers a total distance of approximately 485 km in 9 to 10 hours. Book a private cab with an experienced chauffeur from Bangalore Ride to enjoy every bit of this journey.

Speaking of the alternate routes, the first option is via NH48 until Tumkur and then switch to NH206 towards Shimoga and Sagar. From Sagar, you can continue on NH69 towards Honnavar and Gokarna. You can also ask the driver to follow the NH75 from Bangalore towards Mangalore and then move to NH66 towards Udupi and Gokarna.

Om Beach

Named after its shape that looks like the revered symbol of “OM”, Om Beach is a picturesque beach in Gokarna that is primarily known for its golden sands and crescent-shaped shorelines. It is a great place for thrill seekers and can be frequented by anyone interested in admiring the stunning sunset.

There are plenty of things to do at Om Beach. Depending on your overall holiday style, you can choose to indulge in banana boat rides, bumper boat rides, dolphin spotting, jet skiing, or speed boating. It is also lined up with several restaurants and beachside shacks serving global menus for domestic and international travelers.

Mahabaleshwara Temple

Featuring a Dravidian architectural style, the Mahabaleshwara Temple is a holy shrine in Gokarna dedicated to the Hindu community. It has the presiding deity of Lord Shiva as its main deity and has a 6 feet tall Shiva Linga.

According to locals, one has to take a refreshing dip in the Karwar Beach first and then head to the Maha Ganapati Temple located opposite the temple before stepping into its premises. During Maha Shivaratri, the Mahabaleshwara Temple attracts a huge crowd. You can participate in various rituals and ceremonies conducted within the complex to make the most of your time.

Paradise Beach

Often touted as Full Moon Beach, Paradise Beach is a secluded beach that offers a tranquil retreat for people looking for an ideal escape. It is about 150 meters in length and can only be accessed via a motorboat ride from Om Beach or Half Moon Beach.

Swimming and sunbathing are quite popular here. Visitors can also stroll alongside its shoreline to spend some time amidst nature. During the night time, one can also notice several foreigners setting their tents there, cooking meals, playing games, and laughing out loud. It is a kind of experience that everyone must experience, no matter what.

Mirjan Fort

Lying at a distance of 21 km away from the heart of the city is the Mirjan Fort, which is a 16^th-century fort renowned for its architectural beauty. It sprawls over 10 acres of an area and has architecture showcasing the Islamic and Portuguese cultures.

Visitors can admire its architecture to step back in time. Several photography opportunities are also available for shutterbugs looking to capture the historical essence of Mirjan Fort through photography. History buffs love exploring this fort due to its great significance.

Among the popular things to do in Gokarna, beach trekking is a hit activity among tourists of all types. You can begin from Om Beach and continue until Paradise Beach or Half Moon Beach. If you like camping, you can also set up your tent at Om Beach or Paradise Beach and have a gala time with your companions under the glittery sky. 

Other beach activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Here you can also join a game of beach volleyball or frisbee to socialize with other travelers.

For leisure seekers, Gokarna offers various outdoor experiences like nature walks, bird watching, and photography. One can also indulge in yoga and meditation retreats to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul.

To have a great time in Gokarna, the concierge team at Bangalore Ride recommends visitors plan a getaway during the winter season, which starts in October and continues until March. It is the peak tourist season of the year. The climate remains cool and pleasant during this period with humidity at its lowest, making it comfortable for sightseeing exploration and outdoor activities.

While summer can be hot and humid in Gokarna, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall which can disrupt your overall travel plans. However, it is considered great for those who prefer a smaller crowd as it is the off-season for travelers of all types.

The Gokarna International Beach Resort is counted among the best resorts in Gokarna offering a luxurious staycation experience on the Kudle Beach. Kudle Beach View Resort & Spa is another property that delights people with warm and welcoming hospitality. You can relax and unwind in the utmost comfort of your room whilst overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The next property is the Om Beach Resort which receives a huge footfall of visitors due to its close proximity to the Gokarna Beach and main marketplace. For high-end travelers, the town also boasts the Hotel Om International, Sanskruti Resort, Namaste Samudra Resort, and Stone Wood Nature Resort. Depending on your overall holiday style, you can choose to enjoy a staycation in a property you like the most.

If you’re traveling to Gokarna with a certain budget in mind, the concierge team at Bangalore Ride recommends Shanti Krishan Residency, Evergreen Farm House, The Godavari Hotel, Hotel Golden Heights, Gokarna International Hotel, Namaste Sanjeevani, Namaste Yoga Farm, etc.  

Unlike prominent tourist destinations near Bangalore, Gokarna offers a limited retail therapy experience. To satiate the shopaholics inside you, the town has a local market dotted with several vendors selling a variety of items under one roof. These include Rudraksha jewelry, handmade incense, prayer beads, brass lamps, and pictures of Hindu deities.

Here you can also explore the vendors sitting near the beaches if you’re interested in purchasing beachwear items. Please do not rush for anything whenever you’re negotiating for the best prices. Also, keep some cash handy as some vendors accept only paper money.

Gokarna’s culinary scene is a treat for food lovers. Don’t miss the seafood at Prema Restaurant, known for its fresh catch and beachside views. For vegetarian options, head to Pai Restaurant for authentic South Indian thalis. Craving international flavors? The Hungry Hippie serves up delicious pizzas and smoothie bowls. Try local specialties like Neer Dosa and Kane Fried Fish for a taste of coastal Karnataka.