For beach bums, nature lovers and really lazy people.

475 kms from Bangalore

What’s in it for me?

• Be a beach bum: Gokarna is one place where you can sit on the beach all day and all night with no one to bother you. Pick a shack that’s on the beach and build a good rapport with the chef. You’ll need nothing more!
• Trek: There are 4 beaches in Gokarna: Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise. The trek from Kudle to Paradise and back is a tough one that’ll take you all day. It’s a good way to build an appetitie!
• Find yourself: The soothing sound of waves rising and falling, complete absence of traffic and city sounds, the clear open skies with a million stars and nothing but the ocean for company can make you reflect…think…and perhaps see the light!

What about shelter?

There are shacks lining the beach all through from Kudle to Om. Prices range from Rs.40 a night (off-season) to Rs.800 a night for a room. The Rs.40 room has no cots. Mattresses are laid upon a rough mud floor. Candles provide light at night, and the bathroom is made of 8 strong coconut tree branches. One must sing out loud to ensure no one else barges in while you’re in there. But the experience is truly one-of-a-kind! But don’t worry, the more you pay, the more comfortable your stay will get!

How’s the Grub?

Most shacks cater to the foreigners, so you can find a wide range of Italian, Continental, Chinese and Israeli food. The sea food is delicious; as fresh as it gets. In the really small shacks, you need to inform the chef what you’d like for dinner so he can go out into the sea and catch it! Almost all the shacks make excellent steaks. Indian food is prepared to suit the foreigners’ tastebuds so do not expect it to taste good.

How much do I have to shell out for the trip?

Gokarna is one of the most cheapest places to visit. You can actually get by on a budget of 1000 bucks for 3 days if you are willing to rough it up a bit. Staying is a fairly decent place and splurging on food will cost you about 3000 bucks on an average.

How do I get to Gokarna?

The best way is to take the night bus from Bangalore city bus stand. You’ll be there early next morning. There also exists a railway station, but the trains seem to perpetually be full! And don’t bother trying to fly to Goks!