12 Fun & Cool Things to Do in Gokarna

Gokarna is a beach town located in Karnataka. It has become a famous tourist attraction for the people of Bangalore. Gokarna is an ideal destination for a getaway from the city.

The beaches here are excellent places to unwind, relax and enjoy the lovely sea breeze. While most people prefer staying near the beach, there are others who are looking to explore the ins and outs of Gokarna.

If you are the latter kind of person, this article is for you. In the article, we tell you about all the amazing things to do in Gokarna so that you can have a memorable trip in the beach town.

Things to Do in Gokarna: Outdoors

1. Beach Trekking

The beaches in Gokarna are pristine and serene making them ideal spots for trekking. Walk through acres of open spaces and keep exploring all the stunning beaches in Gokarna, they are all connected to each other.

The famous beaches in Gokarna are the Kudle, Gokarna, Om and Half Moon beaches. These places are a must-visit for anyone visiting Gokarna.

2. Banana Boat Ride At The Beach

Adventure and water sports lovers will be thrilled with the water sports options available at the Om Beach in Gokarna. Among the many, the most thrilling water sports are banana boat rides. The experience is electrifying and it brings out the child in you.

Rides are conducted in the morning and evening and cost around Rs. 600 for a single ride. Safety equipment is provided, avoid going if you are scared of the water.

3. Spot Dolphins at the Paradise Beach

From the Paradise Beach, you can take a boat to the middle of the sea to spot dolphins swimming. Boats leave from the seashore during the early hours of the morning and you will have to negotiate a price with the boatman.

Make sure you carry your camera or if you have a good camera phone click pictures of dolphins swimming in the sea.

4. Enjoy a Meal at a Beach Shack

One of the most amazing experiences to enjoy in Gokarna is spending a day at a beach shack. In this beach town, there are many shacks around most of the beaches in Gokarna. Offering stunning views of the sea and good food, the shacks are a great place to unwind after you have explored the beaches or had fun enjoying water sports.

A few popular beach shacks in Gokarna are the Chillout Shack and the Namaste Café Shack on Om Beach and the Kudle Ocean Front Shack on the Kudle Beach.

5. Shop At A Flea Market

Gorkana is not only famous for its beaches and temples, it is also popular for its flea markets. At these flea markets treat yourself to imitation jewellery, souvenirs and a host of small products. Bargaining at the stalls could catch you a fair deal, so visit the market with polished bargaining skills.

6. Go Camping

In Gokarna, you can camp at the beach. Set up your tent on the sand and spend the night or day, enjoying the cool sea breeze. Some folks come prepared with their bbq equipment, while others enjoy activities like fishing, bonfires and walk around the beach.

Kids will love spending time playing outdoor games. Camping on the beach is the perfect way to take a break from the city life, you can enjoy the peace and serenity that the beach has to offer.

7. Yoga By The Beach

The Om Beach in Gokarna is a hotspot for Yoga. Each morning, health and fitness enthusiasts drop over at the beach and practise Yoga.

There is nothing more refreshing than starting your day with a bit of Yoga by the beach, besides, you can also soak in the lovely sea breeze and the stunning view of the sunrise. Yoga classes are generally held in the mornings, so for the best experience visit during this time.

8. Stay at a Treehouse

A unique experience in Gokarna is booking a tree house room at the Nirvana farm. From your room, you can soak in the fantastic view of the Nirvana Beach coastline.

Treehouse rooms at the Nirvana Farm are furnished with comfortable amenities to make your stay memorable. The staff at the hotel are friendly and you can also enjoy homemade, delicious meals.

9. Go On A Leisurely Drive

In Gokarna, the roads are flanked by picturesque farms or lush green meadows. Driving through the roads is a leisure you cannot afford to miss.

You can hire a bike or a car at the hotel you are staying at and drive through the scenic views of the roads in Murudeshwara, Dandeli and Yana.

10. Visit a Temple

Gorkana is also famous as a temple town. The place has old and historical temples all around that date back to the 14^th century. Visit these temples to check out lovely artwork, carvings and sculptures.

Alternatively, you can also spend a few hours praying to God and relaxing in the serene ambience inside the temples. The most famous temple to visit is the Mahabaleshwar Temple that is located in the heart of Gokarna.

11. Go on a Gastronomic Tour

Gorkana is a foodies heaven. All over the town, especially near the beaches, you will find restaurants and beach shacks serving delicious cuisines that cater to different tastes.

The classic South Indian dishes are a favourite, but you can also try North Indian and Continental fanfare. A must-try is the Gadbad ice-cream that is a favourite in this part of India.

12. Learn Surfing

When you think about Gokarna, you would not think about doing surfing on the beach. But, you can actually do so at the Cocopelli Surf School. The surfing school offers short courses for amateurs who want to learn how to surf.

The experience is a magical one and after a lesson or two, you do get to surf on the seas of Gokarna.

Even though Gokarna is a small town, you can still enjoy yourself a lot. One of the best ways to have a good time in Gokarna is by enjoying all the above-mentioned activities.

In our list, we have listed all the best things to do in Gokarna for different kinds of travellers. If you love the beach, you can enjoy water sports and treks, health freaks can practise yoga, while foodies can check out the many different restaurants in town.

Love doing these things? Which ones are your favourite? Do let us know in the comments below, we would love to hear from you.