Thursday 20 July 2017

Affordable way to travel to Gokarna

What is Gokarna

  • Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka.
  • The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva's linga (Atmalinga).
    There are many other temples all over this small town. 
  • Ankola and Kumta on National Highway 17 are the main towns near Gokarna and Bhatkal and Karwar are the main cities near Gokarna where almost all trains stops.
(Source : Wikipedia)

(Source : GoogleImages)

How to reach

  • By train: "Matsyagandha Express" from Thane(Mumbai). Nearest station is "Gokarna Road".  (Approx. 13 hours journey and Rs. 950/person sleeper class ticket)
  • Prefer night journey so that you can rest in a train (provided you have done reservation) and also journey would b completed before you get bored as you would be sleeping during most of the journey time
  • After reaching "Gokarna Road" station, walk towards the engine-side and turn towards left-hand side from the platform. Walk about 5 minutes to get to the main road from where you would get "NWKRTC" buses that would drop you to 'Gokarna bus depot'. (Approx. 20 minutes journey and Rs.15/person)

Where to stay

  • There are many hotels, lodges around the 'Gokarna bus depot'. Prices may vary as per season.
  • I would prefer what is called as "Zostel :www.zostel.com". If you want to live or re-live the life of hostel and dorms, this is the best and "zara hatke (in hindi)" place of accommodation.
  • Zostel Gokarna is very near to Gokarna beach and the view is awesome and mesmerizing.
  • It has dorms, common area (relaxation/games/get-together), cafeteria, common lobby, common washrooms and the cherry on the cake are shacks for staying.
  • For dorms, approx cost is 655/person/night and for shacks, approx cost is 950/person/night. (only accommodation).
  • For food they have their internal cafeteria at Gokarna named "Anand Cafe" which serves both veg and non-veg foods at rate little higher than local hotels.

What to see

  • Basically Gokarna comprises of trekking to beaches by crossing mountains one after the another.
  • From Zostel we went to 'Gokarna beach' then we traveled back to zostel road.
  • From Zostel road take right to 'Kudle beach' and then trek to the most popular 'Om beach'.
  • Om beach is in the shape of word "Om (in devnagari script)". The image on the blog above is of Om beach.
  • There is a famous cafe called "Namaste Cafe" on Om beach. The cafe is famous for it's authentic sea-foods which also serves both veg and non-veg foods at rate little higher than local hotels.
  • From Om beach, we were not allowed to travel to 'Paradise beach' as it is prohibited beach in monsoons and high tides.
  • So we trekked to the most secluded and untouched 'Half-moon beach'. As the name suggests it is in the shape of half-moon.
  • Trek to half-moon beach is the most tedious one. It's better to ask people or be with someone who has already visited it or follow Google Maps (but be cautious).
  • But once you reach the half-moon beach, trust me you would feel like being on heaven and that you have actually achieved the entire purpose of Gokarna tour.

Conclusion

  • If you are looking for relaxation from your hectic and monotonous life visit Gokarna.
  • Good destination for weekends+2 days travel.
  • Peaceful, serene and clean.
  • Awesome, helpful and down to earth people.
  • Approx. total cost would be around Rs.2-3k/person (inclusive of travel,accommodation and food).

Additional Information

  • If you need additional information about the tour, please comment in the comment section below.
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Happy traveling !!! Cheers !!!

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