Karnataka Toursim: Gokarna Beaches

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

Kudle-beach-Gokarna

BEACHES

There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

Om beach at Gokarna

FESTIVAL

Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

Beach-ball-at-Gokarna-Beach

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

Boat-Resting

EAT AND DRINK

Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Margao

Goa might be famous for the sea and sand but away from the crowds discover the old-world charm of Margao where Portuguese churches and colonial bungalows that line the shaded streets of this vibrant city. We look at the things to do in Margao.

Architecture Walk

The old buildings still emanate a strong sensibility of architecture in the times of Portuguese occupation. There is a mix of both Hindu and Christian buildings that speak of the multi-cultural subsistence. Take a walk with a local or by yourself for some great photo-opportunities. Look out for the majestic city hall and the municipal garden.

Garden-in-Margao

Local Market

The Margao market is one of the most famous and vibrant places in the whole of Goa. Fishermen, local vegetable sellers and other shopkeepers offer a variety of wares. Again, a great place to see more local life of Goa rather than just hit the sands. One special market here is called the ‘closed market’ or ‘Pimplapedd’ in Konkani.

Fish-Market-Margao-Goa

Local places to visit

Anna Fonte or the natural springs are another spot that you can visit.

Churches

The three Christian buildings, the Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions and the chapel at Monte Hill are also charming additions to your itinerary. The popular church circuit includes Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem, the Sebastian Church and the Monte Hill Chapel.

Temples

On the other hand the Hindu temples that might be of interest you are, the ‘Damodar Temple’, the ‘Hari Mandir’, the ‘Maruti Mandir’ at Davorlim, the ‘Saibaba Temple’ at Davorlim and the ‘Shiv Temple’.

Hit the beach

Colva is the closest beach to Margao and has vast stretches of low gradient beaches. Enjoy the lovely sea food and water sports here.

Beach-Margao

WHEN TO GO

As is true for the rest of the state, the months from October to February are great to travel in.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

There are a few local festivals like the Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple which happens a couple of days after Diwali. Also the feast of the Holy Spirit Church is another local event, held before the monsoons.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of Goa’s prominent railway stations is here in Margao, so the rail connectivity to other parts of India is very good. The airport in Vasco is also close to Margao.

Swaad with Sharmaji

Things to do in Goa

Goa, having been unofficially christened the most Bohemian destination’ of India, has witnessed a plethora of tourists trying to live the liberated sixties dream in the past decade. With such a voluminous influx of eager explorers, it’s obvious that every nook and corner has been treaded upon, investigated and scrupulously concealed from other travellers. Yet, year after year, many more discoveries later, the destination is afresh with new things to do. With the locals playing a large part in bringing forth their history, culture and hospitality to outsiders, what could be better than a staying in a typical Goan house and getting upclose and personal with this fantastic place?

1. Take a dip into history

To date, the mysterious Latin Quarter in the heart of Panjim remains one of the more charming things on the itinerary. Apart from the vibrant coloured walls and quaint streets there are some delightful hidden surprises.  Over tea and some delectable freshly baked biscuits in the Gomes household a suggestion is made to visit the 31st January Bakery with it’s old fashioned recipes. Right behind the house, a narrow lanes winds right into the bakery. Make sure you have some extra space in the bag to carry some delicious treats home. Viva Panjim, another restaurant which has etched its name in local history, is tucked around the corner, but sure is a pleasure for those who like sea-food.

Goa Restaurant

2. Recipe Exchange

Few travellers in Goa really experience beyond crowded beaches, hippie markets and shack food. Staying in a homestay, gives a great insight into the local culture and great food. Get a crash course in the delicious local curries with the owners and share some of your own recipes with the ever-adventurous Goans.

3. Green Goa

Goa has some fantastic villages to explore, provided you are ready to be lost in the luscious Arpora hills. Staying at the Capella, in North Goa can plunge you right into the wilderness with your hosts Jamshed and Ayesha having a strong interest in preserving the environment. They can arrange for local experts and naturalists to give inspiring talks on snakes and the indigenous flora and fauna. Highly recommended for environment enthusiasts, this is something you must insist on adding to your itinerary.

Monkey Green Goa

4. Birds of Goa

Many of the locals of Goa have a great eye for bird-watching in the hilly terrains of North Goa. Make sure to pack your binoculars for an impromptu bird watching walk with the homestay owners.

White Peacock in Goa

5. A Fit Holiday

For a healthy holiday, staying with a fitness expert is all you could ask for. Many residents of Goa live and enjoy the clear air and a meticulous regime. Join in for some Pilates, aerobics or easy workouts with the owners themselves.

6. The Mystifying Island

Old Goa has always been rather elusive to the tourists who throng the popular beaches of North. After spending half a day in the churches and breathing in the historical air of Goa, don’t miss the mystifying island of Divar. Again, a brilliant suggestion by the veterans of Panjim, the island can be reached by regular ferries from Old Goa. An old white church, flanked by Banyan trees, stands atop a hill, visible from all points below. The sleepy island has stretches of fields and hardly any inhabitation. Great for a long drive and a quick break for some beer in local cafes!

7. Brown Town

One must definitely drive to Bicholim, the pottery town, an untouched destination. It is fascinating to see the mud covered town, still preserving the old art of clay and porcelain.

Ganapati Papa Moriya

8. Away and Beyond Goa

Not far away from Bicholim, are the languid waters of Mayem Lake. Great for a quick boat ride and enjoying the serene backdrop.

Quite Lake in Goa

9. Serene Sands

Having heard of only the popular beaches of Goa, many miss many secret pristine beaches. Drive forty minutes north of Arpora and hit the Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim beaches. Carefully tucked away from the busy clamour of hotels and guest houses, one can spend some quiet time in the few tasteful shacks at the far end of these un-commercial beaches. Better still is to pack a great picnic breakfast from the homestay that you stay in, and veer off further to more unknown beaches, with suggestions from the owners. This is sure to leave a mark in your memory.

Sun Sand and Beaches Goa

The authentic tinge of Goa is always a pleasant respite from the usual itineraries, so don’t miss to ask your homestay owners to suggest some more unique things to do in Goa.

Find out about some of the popular areas of Goa and search for a homestay:

• Margao
• North Goa
• Panjim

Have your how favorite thing to do in Goa or a secret spot you feel like sharing? Leave us a comment and let us know about it.