15 Best Places to See Near Gokarna

While the sleepy beach/temple town of Gokarna is ideal for a relaxing trip, there are gems around the region that are not to be missed. If you’re spending a couple of days in Gokarna, you wouldn’t want to miss out on these natural, historical and architectural wonders around. Check out our list of best places to visit near Gokarna within 300 kilometres and take your pick.

Best places to see near Gokarna: within 100 kilometres

1. Mirjan Fort

Located on a river bank, the fort is an ancient high-walled fort. Check out all four entrances which are interlinked and paved with wide steps.

You can take amazing photos of the fort bastion and the clock tower. The prayer hall ruins inside the fort are interesting to look at. History buffs must visit the fort.

• Distance from Gokarna: 26 kilometres

2. Kumta

A small town of many charms, Kumta is a must visit for its beaches. Check out the gorgeous sunset at Hodbandur Beach and the ancient Kumta Teru Temple.

Located in Kagal village in Kumta near Gokarna, Nirvana Beach is a quiet beach without much fanfare. On the bright side, it is clean and secluded, quite literally your private nirvana.

• Distance from Gokarna: 32 kilometres

3. Yana

A small village in the Kumta forests, Yana is famous for its famous rock formations, formed of solid, black limestone.

Yana Rocks & Caves are an unusual trek where you will find yourself surrounded by otherworldly alien rock formations, the caves are hauntingly beautiful. Also, visit the nearby Vibhooti Falls.

• Distance from Gokarna: 50 kilometres

4. Karwar

A port city close to Gokarna, Karwar must be visited for its long and pristine Karwar Beach where you can enjoy speed boating and photography. Visit Rabindranath Tagore Beach for banana boat rides.

Another spectacle in Karwar is its Warship Museum, which is a missile boat converted into a museum. Check out torpedos and missile launchers inside. History and nature lovers can visit the Sadashivgad Fort, which is the highest point in Karwar, with million-dollar views.

• Distance from Gokarna: 60 kilometres

5. Yellapur

A small town with a variety of pretty waterfalls, Yellapur is not to be missed. Visit Sathodi Falls for its forest landscape, and the scenic Shirley Falls for its pristine waters, and the trek that leads to it is spectacular. Do the Jenukallu Gudda trek for its stunning views of the sunset.

• Distance from Gokarna: 77 kilometres

6. Sirsi

Sirsi is a small town further ahead of Yana. Albeit a typical small town, it is known for the ancient Banavasi Temple famous for its heritage architecture.

Also visit Sahasralinga in Sirsi where numerous Shivlingas have been formed out of rocks, through which a picturesque stream flows. Another point of interest is the majestic Unchalli Falls, a tall waterfall formed inside evergreen forests.

• Distance from Gokarna: 85 kilometres

7. Murudeshwar

Visit Murudeshwar to marvel at the world’s second tallest Shiva statue. It is set in a breathtaking landscape atop a hill surrounded by the Arabian Sea.

There is a spectacular 20-storeyed gopuram with two large elephants in the temple, all insta-worthy monuments. Enjoy jet skiing at Murudeshwar Beach and trek to the ancient ramparts of Murudeshwar Fort. Visit Netrani Island for scuba diving.

• Distance from Gokarna: 78 kilometres

Best places to see near Gokarna: 100 to 200 kilometres away

1. Jog Falls

The second highest plunge falls in India, Jog Falls is an adventure traveller’s delight. The segmented waterfall is located in Shivamogga district. They are at their best in monsoons.

The water that gushes from the top forms huge pools at the bottom that are sparkling and shimmering at all times. You can take a walkway to reach the bottom of the falls. A lot of intrepid tourists take the trek to bathe in its clean waters.

• Distance from Gokarna: 112 kilometres

2. Dandeli

Go to Dandeli for an authentic jungle adventure. It is famous for its biodiversity and dense forestation. Visit the lush Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary to spot a variety of wildlife and visit the monolithic Syntheri Rock in the middle of the sanctuary.

Take jeep safaris, go trekking and water rafting and don’t forget to visit the volcanic limestone caves of Kavala.

• Distance from Gokarna: 132 kilometres

Also read: A Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Gokarna

3. Goa

While Gokarna will please you, a trip to Goa will be larger than life beach trip. From Arambol to Ashwem, Calangute to Anjuna, Goa has numerous pristine beaches you can relax at or indulge in water sports.

Visit the ancestral Goa which is full of Portuguese architecture, visit the Baroque Catholic Basilica of Bom Jesus and Fort Aguada fortress and lighthouse. Also, enjoy its insane nightlife and check out the stunning Dudhsagar Falls near Goa.

• Distance from Gokarna: 160 kilometres
• You can book : Hotels in Goa
  

Visit the epic town from which the famous Udupi cuisine emerged. It is famous for its temples and beaches, along with its delicious food.

Visit the huge Sri Krishna Temple (within a large complex with authentic Dharamshala), and Anegudde Vinayaka Temple. Prominent Udupi beaches are the spotless and romantic St Mary’s Island famous for coconut trees and blue waters, and Kapu Beach, famous for its stunning views from the lighthouse.

• Distance from Gokarna: 178 kilometres

Also read: Beaches in Gokarna: from Beach Trekking to Camping Under the Moon

Best places to see near Gokarna: Over 300 kilometres away

1. Karkala

An essential culture trip. Karkala has enchanting historical landmarks that are a must-see. Karkala Gomateshwara Statue, a 15th-century monolithic statue is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites. 

Other points of interest are Moodabidri, a group of ancient Jain temples and St Lawrence Church, a minor basilica.

• Distance from Gokarna: 210 kilometres

Also read: 12 Must-Visit Temples in Gokarna

2. Mangalore

Mangalore is a quintessential small but solid commercial/cultural town of Karnataka, famous for its delicious cuisine, educational institutions and ancient temples.

Visit the famous Gokarnath and Mangala Devi Temples, go dolphin-spotting and jet skiing in Panambur Beach, the ancient Sultan Battery Watch Tower built by Tipu Sultan, and the Pilikula Arboretum, which has a pretty botanical garden.

• Distance from Gokarna: 232 kilometres
• Book best Hotels In Mangalore

3. Kudremukh

Kudremukh Range is located in Chikmagalur and there is a small hill station/mining town by the same name in the region.

Kudremukh is a must-visit destination for its national park which is home to a tropical evergreen forest. Trek in the forest to enjoy the best of nature, also visit the nearby Hanumana Gundi Waterfalls and the scenic Lakya Dam.

• Distance from Gokarna: 270 kilometres

4. Horanadu

A sacred Hindu place, Horanadu is a joy to visit. It is famous for the Annapurna Temple, where no matter which religion you belong to, you are served a delicious full vegetarian meal including dessert.

Other places of interest are Sringeri, famous for Adi Shankara Math and Kalasa Temple near Bhadra river.

• Distance from Gokarna: 296 kilometres

Explore some of the places listed here if you’re in Gokarna for a few days, you will not be disappointed. Leave comments below to tell us about your holiday.