Imagine: golden beaches bathed in the sunshine, sweet sound of gentle waves in your ears, and no selfie sticks here at all. Does that sound like your Kind of fun Beach vacation? Then it is time to forego the long queues of the beaches at Goa, and instead, plan to visit Gokarna, as it rapidly turns out to be the best secret beaches in India. Gokarna has postcard-like views, soul uplifting sunsets, and a vibe that doesn?t scream and yell but instead boasts of whispering. A Goa with none of the madness and over the top prices; this is what to expect out of your Gokarna experience.
So, why Gokarna is the new Goa and how you can visit there without damaging your bank account (welcome, low-priced flights!).
What is the location of Gokarna? And Why Not Yet?
Hiding in the north of Karnataka by the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is a little town with both temple-town peace and the boho-beach spirit. Although Goa has always remained the poster child of the Indian beach scene, Gokarna has slowly been winning hearts with its pure beaches, relaxed vibes, and cheap prices.
It is that sort of destination where one can go hiking between one beach to the other, have a drink which is a coconut sitting under a palm tree and engage the next man in a serious discourse all in the same day.
Gokarna vs Goa-What is the Real Difference?
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- The Mass (Or The Missing Mass)
Goa North Goa in particular is teemed up with tourists. By high season it is party-time rather than idyllic retreat. But Gokarna, however, is happily unknown to tourist the majority of the travellers. There are days when there are absolutely no people and you cannot see a piece of sand even in tourist season.
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- The Prices
The reality is that Goa is expensive nowadays. Hotel rooms, food, renting a scooter, all of them have become extremely pricey over the last years. Gokarna remains wonderfully inexpensive. Local thalis are not going to break your budget (as they will not cost you more than 150 rupees), and beach huts are down to 500 rupees per night. That is a lot of savings- particularly after you have managed to book cheap flight via HappyEasyGo!
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- The Vibe
When Goa became a total bet on EDM nights and beach clubs, Gokarna is a place of a leisurely traveller. Just imagine yoga on the dawn, hiking to secret beaches, fire nights, and star-gazing evenings. It is the right place for backpackers, couples and single travellers who want something genuine.
Best Beaches in Gokarna not to be missed
Like the beaches? Well, Gokarna has them in flocks and each of them is different in a special way:
Kudle Beach -The best place to relax at and it is a good place to watch sunset and get your first surfing lesson. It is lined with cafes and bamboo huts which make it the most Goa-like yet calm beach.
Om Beach The Om-shaped shoreline is named after it, so it is a popular spot in the area to take part in sports on the water, boat trips, and that famous Insta-worthy sunset shot.
Half Moon Beach – The only way to reach this small secluded paradise is via walking or by boat that makes it a supreme place to forget the world. No Wifi, waves only.
Paradise Beach – Just as its name suggests, this is the place where time stops. Stay here over night and sleep under the stars.
Gokarna Main Beach An aggregate of both pilgrims and beachgoers, Gokarna main beach is a long sandy beach close to the town ideal in early mornings and visiting the temples.
Spiritual & Scenic: The Gokarna Mash-up
In contrast to Goa, which is purely a party place, Gokarna has strong spiritual background. It also houses an ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple, one of the grand pilgrimages to Lord Shiva. This implies that your sunny vacation may as well serve as a mind-trip.
So the scenery? Unreal. Picture hiking in tropical paths as the ocean views through, enjoying the sunrise on a cliff restaurant before finishing it with a bit of meditation with crashing waves. Gokarna is at the happy medium between beached surfer and god-seeker.
Other Things to Do in Gokarna (Other than Nothing)
Beach Trekking- You can actually go on a hike along one beach to other. Begin at Kudle and walk all up to Paradise Beach. It is picturesque, secure and beautiful.
Cafe Hopping- Hang out in cafe such as Namaste Cafe, Mantra Cafe or Sunset Cafe. They both have their tempo e.g. some are for peace, others are playlists.
Yoga & Ayurveda – Sunrise yoga is on offer in many guesthouses, massage and even a brief Ayurveda retreat.
Watching the Sunset- This will be your everyday event. The most magnificent sight to behold ever is in the Kudle and Om beaches as the sun sets in the sea.
Boat Rides- Seek out dolphin, visit secret beaches or simply enjoy riding the waves in a traditional boat.
The question is how to reach Gokarna (without going bankrupt).
Traveling to Gokarna is not a difficult task. And in case you are flying in and out of India, you can have your flight ticket with you to land at Goa Dabolim Airport or Hubli Airport-which are the nearest major airports. You then can get a train, bus or taxi to Gokarna.
Don not forget to visit HappyEasyGo to enjoy the best possible flight booking choices. We can always provide cheap airfare deals to Goa and other southern destinations so that dream beach vacation is much within reach.
Gokarna
October to March- cool and pleasant weather and ideal days at the beaches.
Avoid monsoon (June-Sept) It is green but a bit too wet to enjoy full beach fun.
How to Cut on the Budget
Hostels or Huts- This is super cheap and near to nature.
Dine in food Court By eating locally (South Indian food is inexpensive yet appetizing).
Rent a scooter or walk around – all things are near and you are going to save a lot on transports.
Early flight booking Book your flight with HappyEasyGo and find cheap air fares and seasonal prices.
Gokarna calling- Are you listening?
Once you have had enough of big groups of people in Goa, you are probably ready to move to something slower, deeper and much less pricey- Gokarna is right around the corner. It has the beaches, the beauty, the tranquility and your dream price-tag. Be it reading a book, relaxing with yoga or simply chasing sunsets, this seaside paradise is made to have your name in it.
And do not forget that all journeys of your dreams start with the flight ticket. Go ahead, book a cheap flight, with HappyEasyGo and plan your backpack, it is time you discover what Gokarna can do with less.
I will see you on the beach.
Book your next Dream with HappyEasyGo which is your travel buddy that provides the best deal regarding every flight ticket, any hotel, etc.