For many locals from Mumbai and Bangalore, Goa has been a predictable weekend getaway with its cheap booze and sun-kissed, palm-fringed beaches. We do love Goa, but the crowds it attracts can drive you absolutely crazy.
So if you’re looking for a more secluded sea-side getaway, Gokarna in North Karnataka, an hour south of the Goa border, is the new destination for weekending. While Gokarna is a holy town, the beaches are made for pure hedonism.
It’s pristine beaches include Kudle, Om, Halfmoon, and Paradise beach. Om beach is famous for a shoreline shaped like the Om symbol. We highly recommend snorkelling here for its marine-life richness. Paradise beach is almost a deserted little cove.
Cliffs separate the beaches here and you will have to scramble down a rock cliff or take a boat ride to reach them. You can either relax with some beer on the beach, take a boating trip to spot dolphins, or indulge in watersports here.
Take a deep breath, say Om and attain instant nirvana in Gokarna.
Getting there: Nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, followed by a four-hour drive. If you take the train, get off at Gokarna Road station, 15 minutes from town. Of course, plenty of buses will connect you from Goa and Bangalore.