Gokarna — Palm trees & Sea breeze!

If you’re planning a getaway for a weekend, Gokarna is the perfect place for you. The scenic beauty of the beaches encapsulated by the luscious greenery on one side bordering the Western Ghats is a mind-blowing sight to watch for. There are amazing beaches and resorts in Gokarna. Mangalore International airport is the nearest airport to Gokarna (after Goa). Mangalore is around 238 km away from Gokarna. Tourists can hire a taxi or even take up trains to reach at this gem of a place.
Things to do: Walk around the beaches. Just going from one beach to another is an adventure! The hills are very close to the coastline so you get some gorgeous views. Eat. Drink. And generally be merry.
Kudle Beach
We stayed at Gokarna International beach resort which is on the Kudle beach. The location of the hotel is wonderful. It is sea facing & the overall vibe of this resort is very attractive. The rooms were clean, comfortable and well-maintained. The staff was friendly and very helpful as well. We were in love with the morning view from our balcony (in the below pic) AND I think you get the best food here after Om beach’s Namaste Cafe.

Kudle has many food joints with chill & quite atmosphere. We had loads of fun with it’s in-house pool also which was surrounded by the cottages.The water at the beach is more cleaner and with less crowd.
The best place to stay in Gokarna, as you will have beach in front of your room…


Om Beach is shaped as two semi crescents joined together forming the shape of Om (Hindu Symbol), hence the name, Om beach.
The beach has great sand combined with some rocks to give a rugged yet beautiful look. The sunset from this beach is a great sight.
There is a small trek trial along the hills to reach half moon and Paradise beaches.



Namaste Cafe — Well well… Gokarna does not have infinite good staying and eating options like it’s counterpart Goa. Thus, Namaste Cafe becomes the best of the worst for eating. A drinking and hangout joint for most youngsters, food is below average and is charged heavily for the same. It is the ideal place to chill with a pint and a book or gaze at the pristine waters of the sea ahead and ponder about life, which is what we did(not exactly what we did @yash @divya and Saurabh Maheshwari).

Pros:
1. Sea facing almost you will feel as if you own the beach.
2. Secured, beaches are safe to roam around.
3. Smoke + Drink, you can drink plenty of Lager beer if you love it.
4. Food is good in comparison to any other place in town.
5. You may enjoy if your are a pet lover.
Cons:
1. No mobile signal near beach.
2. Water at the beach is not clean.
Half-moon Beach!
Half moon beach is a tiny little beach en route to Paradise beach. This beach got its name because of its semi circular shape and it can only be accessed by hiking/trekking or by the motor boats from Om Beach.



It takes around 30–40 mins to finish the trek. The trek path along the beach is narrow and with thorny bushes, so be careful.
It is a serene and isolated place. You will find almost no restaurant and couple of shacks here. Perfect place to relax and feel the beach vibes.
The view of the sea coasts from the hill is just breath taking. The sand on this beach is sparkling clean.
Murdeshwar Temple
Seek blessings at the Murudeshwar Temple

Murudeshwara Temple is famous for the world’s second tallest Shiva statue. This is certainly a dream destination for all Shaivites.
Along with its mythological significance, this destination also throws in options for holidaymakers, such as water sports, snorkelling, trekking and visit to forts and pristine beaches.
