Top 7 Things to Do in Gokarna

Lying on the Arabian Sea coastline, Gokarna is a small, charming town in Karnataka. Primarily known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, this place has gained immense popularity in the last few years and now enthrals a large number of tourists from not just India but other parts of the world as well. From enticing beaches to lush green valleys, and cascading waterfalls to towering cliffs; this town, nestled with the Sahyadri Hills, is a dream location for every nature lover. In addition to this, Gokarna is also famous as a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. It is home to a number of magnificent temples that contribute to its great religious significance. This coastal town is among those few places that present the ideal confluence of tranquility. No matter what kind of trip you’re planning for, Gokarna is the perfect destination that will leave your mind and body feeling rejuvenated.

Top 7 Things to Do in Gokarna

Just like any other popular tourist destination, this town leaves you spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do and see. There are a plethora of activities in Gokarna that you can indulge in for a memorable experience.

Here is a list of some of the best things to do and see in Gokarna that you can consider including in your itinerary:

• Visit the historic Mirjan Fort
• Go Temple Hopping
• Plan a Beach Trek
• Go for Scuba Diving
• Treat Your Tastebuds
• Explore Local Markets
• Indulge in Beach Yoga

Visit the Historic Mirjan Fort

There can be no better way to start your Gokarna trip than visiting the iconic Mirjan Fort. This is a historic fortress originally built in the 16th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Empire. Primarily known for its thriving history and architectural elegance, this fort now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Built in the traditional Indian fort style, this magnificent structure also has a few elements of Islamic and Portuguese architecture. Featuring high ceilings, great bastions, and multiple escape routes, this fort gives a glimpse of the glorious past of Gokarna. Currently, this place is visited by not just history enthusiasts but nature lovers as well because of the breathtaking panoramic views it offers. Especially if you’re planning a trip in the monsoon season, visiting Mirjan Fort is undoubtedly one of the best activities to do in Gokarna. During that time, you’ll get to see lush greenery all around that will leave you awestruck.

Go Temple Hopping

Planning a temple-hopping tour is also among the best things to do in Gokarna with family and friends. This coastal town is home to various highly revered Hindu temples that attract a large number of devotees on a daily basis. Here are a few of them you shouldn’t miss:

Mahabaleshwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the most prominent temple in Gokarna. Originally built in the 4th century, this temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas in the state of Karnataka. Other than its huge religious significance, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is also known for its fine Dravidian architecture. It has a large complex and has intricate carvings on both interior and exterior walls.

Mahaganpati Temple: Located in close proximity to Mahabaleshwar Temple, this is another must-visit place for Hindu devotees. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and features a unique idol of the deity, which is carved from stone and has a distinct form. It is believed that this temple was established by Sage Vyas.

Shri Bhadrakali Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Uma, Bhadrakali Temple is also a highly revered place in Gokarna that you should visit. Standing tall at the entrance of the town, this temple is visited by a large number of devotees on a daily basis.

Plan a Beach Trek

Apart from its temples, this quaint little town is also known for being home to several pristine, rocky beaches. The best way to explore them is to go for the famous Gokarna beach trek that covers almost every popular beach in the town. This is also one of the best adventure activities in Gokarna. This trek usually starts from Belekan Beach which is known to offer stunning views of the expansive sea and long stretches of sand. Other major beaches that are included in this trek are Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Small Hell Beach, and Paradise Beach.

Go for Scuba Diving

This is another addition to the list of the best adventure activities in Gokarna. Whether you’re a beginner or a trained scuba diver, this coastal town is the best spot for you. There are multiple beaches across the town where you can book a scuba diving session. Here, you’ll encounter stunning sea flora as well as many different types of corals.

Treat Your Tastebuds

Contrary to popular belief, Gokarna is not just about natural beauty and spirituality. This small town is also considered a true paradise for foodies. From small beachside shacks to cosy little cafes and high-end, multi-cuisine restaurants, there are so many options. No matter what your food preferences are, you can easily find a place that serves food you can devour.

Explore Local Markets

Your trip to Gokarna will always remain incomplete without spending a day exploring the local market. This town is dotted with several vibrant markets that offer a lot for the shopaholic in you. From handmade trinkets to jewellery items, seashell décor pieces to various musical instruments, you can find everything here. At some shops, you can also find some medicinal herbs that are native to this area. In short, navigating through the narrow lanes and indulging in therapeutic shopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do at night in Gokarna. This will help you unwind after a long, eventful day of sightseeing.

Indulge in Beach Yoga

Like any other beach destination, Gokarna is also immensely popular among yoga enthusiasts. If you also want to give a refreshing start to your day, there is no better thing than indulging in some beach yoga. You can either be a part of brief yoga activities at any of the popular beaches in the town or go to a yoga resort and book a detailed yoga session that will last for several days.

With this comprehensive list of things to do in Gokarna, planning a fun-filled vacation will definitely get a lot easier. However, if you want to skip the entire hassle that comes with planning a trip, choose Veena World as your travel partner. Here, we offer an extensive collection of all-inclusive tour packages that come with well-crafted itineraries. Simply choose a Gokarna tour package that suits your specific requirements and make memories that you can cherish forever!