Cover Image Credit: Wikimedia
According to mythological belief, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a cow in the city of Gokarna which when translated to Hindi means ‘cow’s ear’. This city in Northern Karnataka is around 483 km from the state capital of Bengaluru and there are plethora of places near Gokarna where you can spend your weekend at!With a number of beaches, waterfalls along with being the land of many pilgrimage sites, Gokarna is one of the most frequented tourist sites in the state. The river Aghanashini which flows around this ancient city is considered sacred among devotees. The city has become a favorite tourist spot not only for pilgrims but also for those who desire to be surrounded by nature. So, read ahead to know about the top places near Gokarna that give you a wonderful time.
10 Best Places Near Gokarna
So, if you are looking for places to visit near Gokarna which has nature’s beauty to the maximum, ancient history, has a religious significance, then look no further and plan up for a vacation soon. Here is the list of the best places near Gokarna and the reasons for visiting them!
- Yana: For Adventurous Outdoor Sports
- Karwar: For Serene Beaches And Ancient Forts
- Jog Falls: For Scenic View
- Murudeshwara: To Seek Blessings
- Dandeli: For Wonderful Sceneries
- Belgaum: For Religious Sites
- Shimoga: For Picturesque Landscapes
- Mangalore: For Delicious Sea Food
- Chikmagalur: For Aromatic Coffee
- Madikeri: For Lush Green Forests
1. Yana: For Adventurous Outdoor Sports
Yana is a gorgeous town located near the city of Gokarna. Surrounded by beaches and opportunities for water-sports, the town of Yana is must-visit for those who love the outdoors and outdoor sports. Idyllic in nature, the best time to visit this town is after the monsoon season is over i.e. between September to December. This place is famous for its rock formations which resemble human faces. It is well connected to Gokarna via road.
Distance From Gokarna: 51 km
Must Read: 14 Mystical Places To Visit In Badami, Karnataka That Need Your Attention
2. Karwar: For Serene Beaches And Ancient Forts
Karwar is a lovely town in the Northern Karnataka or Uttara Kannada district as it commonly referred to. Tourists flock to this town all through the year to visit its temples, beaches, forts. For those in search of scenic beauty, this place will not disappoint. A notable sight in this town is Sadashivgad which has historical importance. As the town of Karwar is on the border of Karnataka with Maharashtra, one can notice the influences of Maharahtrarian culture to a certain extent too.
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 61 km
Suggested Read: 21 Historical Places In Karnataka
3. Jog Falls: For Scenic View
Jog Falls is well-known and is located in the district of Shivamogga. There is a walkway to the rump of the falls. This falls, in India has the second-highest dive. The place is filled with tourists throughout the year. One can witness the absolute beauty of these falls during the monsoon season. These falls are also known as Gerusoppa Falls and Gersoppa Falls. While in this place, you can also towns nearby like Siddapura and Sirsi. The former provides enchanting views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges while the latter is a hill-station surrounded by waterfalls and lush green forests. Sagara is another nearby town and has many ancient temples.
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Location: Jog Falls, Karnataka 577435
Distance From Gokarna: 112 km
Suggested Read: 7 Major Airports In Karnataka For A Safe & Joyful Trip In The Air
4. Murudeshwara: To Seek Blessings
The pious and holy city of Murudeshwara which is km from Gokarna is home to the second-largest statue of Lord Shiva which has a height of 123 feet. One can take part in scuba-diving in Murudeshwar beach along with many other water-sports. With mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset, this city is best visited from the months of October to May.
Places To Stay: Hotel Om International, The Gateway Hotel, Hotel Chalukya International, Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, The Westend
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 78 km
Suggested Read: 10 Awesome Places To Visit Near Coorg On Your Next Holiday To Karnataka
5. Dandeli: For Wonderful Sceneries
Sports enthusiasts read this out! Dandeli is referred by those who know it well as the adventure capital of Southern India. With wonderful sceneries to surround oneself with along with numerous and varied wildlife and wildflowers, Dandeli would be any traveller’s dream destination. Moreover, this place also has historical importance and is a major sight-seeing destination too. Few major attractions are the Ulavi temple and Kavala caves. It is a complete family destination with an eclectic mix of activities to choose from. The best time to visit this scenic place is between October to January.
Places To Stay: Dandeli Daze, Dandeli – Jungle Nest, Dandeli Jungle Villa, Greenland Jungle Stay, Shobha Villa
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
Distance From Gokarna: 130 km
Suggested Read: 5 Amusement Parks In Mangalore And Near The City For A Fun Vacay In Karnataka
6. Belgaum: For Religious Sites
Belgaum is a good choice in the itinerary of a traveller. Similar to other places in Uttara Kannada District, the city of Belgaum has various ancient historical sites to visit inclusive and forts and religious sites. It is also home to the Jamboti forest, Gokak Falls and few other waterfalls. The best time to visit this city is in the months of October to December.
Places To Stay: Cozy Nest Belgaum, Mom & Pop Home Stay, Madhuban Home Stay, Deluxe Home Stay, Kallina Mane Home Stay
Distance From Gokarna: 203 km
Suggested Read: Get Ready To Swoosh Across The Jog Falls While Ziplining In Karnataka!
7. Shimoga: For Picturesque Landscapes
Shimoga is the next place we would suggest to visit if you are visiting Gokarna. Situated in central Karnataka, the city is located along the banks of the River Tunga. Nature is at its best here with stunning landscapes. If you looking for some tranquillity, you can visit Shimano for a couple of days and become rejuvenated. One can easily reach here from Bangalore via road.
Places To Stay: The Thash Resort, Kalgreen Valley Resort, Amruthavana Nature Resort, Kodachadri Pathalagere Resort, Vihangama Holiday Resort
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 211 km
Suggested Read: 7 Things To Do In Tumkur That Are Worth Taking A Trip To Karnataka
8. Mangalore: For Delicious Sea Food
Mangalore is a city known for its religious sites as well as its tourist attractions. It has picturesque beaches where one can watch the mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises. Also, if you are a sea-food lover, you need to try out the varied cuisines here. A day spent here is well-spent. The climate is tropical throughout the year. Few of the famous beaches of Mangalore is Panambur beach, Kapu beach, Someshwar beach. There are many resorts in this city as well.
Places To Stay: Bekal Paradise Lagoon, Omega Tourist Home, Yem Pees, Century Park, Kallivalappil Holiday Inn
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 230 km
Suggested Read: Shopping In Karnataka: Pamper Yourself And Shop At These 10 Spots In The State!
9. Chikmagalur: For Aromatic Coffee
This beautiful hill station, in the state of Karnataka, is referred to the Coffee Land of the state. The scenic beauty speaks for itself and makes it one of the best places to visit near Gokarna. It is also a must-visit for travellers who like to indulge in adventure sports as there are ample opportunities to do so. The city, like other cities and towns of this district, has numerous religious sites too. Don’t miss out to visit the coffee and tea plantations in this area is you visit this location. It will be memories created. There are many waterfalls to witness too in this region.
Places To Stay: Villa Heblekhan135, Primrose Villas, DM Villa Resorts, Whitestone Villa, BR Villa
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 308 km
Suggested Read: 10 Best Adventure Activities In Karnataka That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet
10. Madikeri: For Lush Green Forests
The tenth place that we would like to mention is Madikeri. Another of nature’s paradise, the place is surrounded by lush green forests and waterfalls. It is one of the most popular places near Gokarana and is famous among tourists from all over the world and not just Indians. Abbey falls is a very popular waterfall in this region. The Madikeri Fort is a must-visit while in Madikeri. There is a museum present within the premises of the fort. This fort has been renovated many times by different rulers over a period of time. The Britishers also built a church inside the fort.
Places To Stay: Grand Mercure Mysore, The Raviz Calicut, Fairfield By Marriott Coimbatore, Royal Orchid Central, Hotel Sai Palace
Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
Distance From Gokarna: 365 km
Further Read: Karnataka Cuisine: 22 Popular Karnataka Dishes For A Flavorful Culinary Journey
Plan out for these places near Gokarna during your visit to this wonderful town and experience nature’s beauty to the maximum. This region is known for its idyllic landscapes and is well connected by train, road and air. There are direct routes from the capital city Bengaluru and other major cities of the state.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places Near Gokarna
In which district is Gokarna?
Gokarna is in Uttara Kannada district.
What is the speciality of Gokarna?
The speciality of Gokarna is the beautiful and scenic landscapes that tourists find themselves in. If one is looking for a great holiday experience, a visit to this place is a must.
When is the best time to visit Gokarna?
The best time to visit Gokarna is from the month of October to March. During this time, the temperature is warm, with temperatures averaging 32 degrees Celsius.
How far is Gokarna from Goa?
Gokarna is 147km from Goa. tourists can reach Goa from Gokarna via road or rail.
How to reach Gokarna by train?
Ankola railway station is the nearest railway station to Gokarna, the distance being 20km. From the railway station, tourists can use the services of the local buses and taxis to reach Gokarna.
How many days of stays should be booked for a visit to Gokarna?
Gokarna can be experienced in a day or two. But if you want to visit the adjoining places, then plan a trip of 3 to 5 days.
How far is Murudeshwar from Gokarna?
The distance between Gokarna to Murudeshwar is about 76 km.
What all activities can be done in Gokarna?
There are a lot of activities that can be done in Gokarna. They include visits to the beach, camping, staying in tree houses etc.
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