Calling all beach lovers, sun worshippers, and ocean enthusiasts!!!
Suhani Shah is here. I am going to take you to a hidden gem on the Karnataka coast—Gokarna ,with family. We embarked on a delightful 3-day adventure to Gokarna, and it was pure bliss.
Exploring Gokarna by Train: Route
I started my journey in December with two of my family members. We took the Matsyagandha Express train from Thane to Gokarna, which cost us Rs. 4000 per person for the round trip. Additionally, we spent approximately Rs. 4000 on car hire for road travel to and from the station.
Find Your Perfect Beachside Accommodation in Gokarna:
- We stayed at Kudle Beach View Resort. Since it was New Year’s Eve weekend, the cost for 1 night for 3 people was Rs. 10,000, whereas it usually costs around Rs. 5,000. The stay was beautiful, with a stunning view of the beach, making it a memorable experience.
- On day two, we decided to experience a different side of Gokarna and moved to Stone Wood Nature Resort. For Rs. 20,000 for the three of us, we got a beautiful vintage-style room that felt really authentic. The best part was that there were many activities included in our stay.
Places to visit in Gokarna on New Year’s Eve:
- Day 1: Beach Bliss and Cafe Vibes in Gokarna
The next morning, we headed to the resort. Then we hired a bike because you need a vehicle to get around. We went to Little Buddha Cafe, which is a very good and underrated spot. I highly recommend it. The cafe is at a high level, offering views of the hills and the beach. We had aloo paratha and mushroom toast. The cost was Rs. 250 per person. Then we went back to the resort and enjoyed some time at the pool there.
Later, we went to Om Beach for lunch at Cafe Namaste, where we had biryani, drinks, and sandwiches for about Rs. 1,000 for three people. After lunch, we did water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides, costing Rs. 500 each. We watched the beautiful sunset and then returned to the resort to relax.
In the evening, we visited Gokarna Beach and dined at Chez Christophe, a French cafe with live music, spending Rs. 1,500 for three people. We then sat on the beach, enjoying the calm night sky, before heading back to the resort.
- Day 2: Yana Caves Adventure and New Year’s Eve
The next day, we shifted to a new resort. After resting, we went to Yana Caves, 50 km away, taking 2 hours. The 30-minute trek was worth it for the stunning view of the city. The smooth highway made driving more comfortable.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps beforehand, as the network connectivity in the area can be patchy. Additionally, pack enough water and snacks for the trip.
The cave and nearby temple were beautiful. The trip took half a day. We returned to the hotel for lunch, having chapati and sabzi for Rs. 2,000 for three people, and then rested.
In the evening, we went to Kudle Beach to watch the sunset, then celebrated New Year’s at Gokarna Beach with fireworks at midnight. Also, the vibe was awesome—a great alternative to Goa. Though restaurants were closed by 1:00 AM, you could still chill on the beach. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner included in our stay for New Year’s.
Pro tip: There was an entry fee of Rs. 5 and a parking fee of Rs. 40 at Yana Caves.
- Day 3: Shopping, Food Delights, and Zip Lines
The next morning, we had our breakfast buffet, which was included in our stay. Then we went shopping at the local market. For lunch, we returned to Little Buddha Cafe and had pizza and biryani, costing Rs. 800 for three people. After that, we went back to the hotel and enjoyed complimentary activities like the pipeline, zip line, and balloon shooting. Later, the hotel helped us book a reasonably priced cab to the station, and we headed back to Mumbai.
Best time to find paradise in Gokarna is:
Visiting Gokarna in December is a fantastic idea, especially for celebrating the new year! Gokarna, with its serene beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and spiritual vibe, offers a unique and memorable experience for travellers.
During December, the weather in Gokarna is usually pleasant, with warm days and cooler nights, making it ideal for beach activities, exploration, and relaxation.
A Packing List for Your Trip:
- Light, breathable clothes, swimwear, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and comfortable trekking shoes.
- Also, carry sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottles, toiletries, and snacks.
- Moreover, do keep a beach towel, flip-flops, and a beach bag.
- Sunglasses, a hat or cap, and a scarf or shawl.
Travel Smarter: Essential Tips for Travellers
- It’s a hilly road, so roads are not all that well made. You need to be good at driving or riding.
- Also, there is difficulty getting a direct train from Gokarna due to peak season, so book well in advance for peak times.
The budget for our 3-day journey was around Rs. 18,000 per person due to peak season; it’s cheaper otherwise. Also, the beauty of Gokarna lies in its laid-back atmosphere and astonishing natural beauty. So, relax, reconnect with your family, and create memories that will last a lifetime.So, discover captivating travel tales at https://sowl.in/stories; ignite your wanderlust and embark on the adventure. Safe travels, fellow nomads!!!
