When we hear about treks, we imagine lofty mountains or lush green hills. Well, if you want to try something entirely different, then here’s a chance to join us for the Gokarna Beach Trek.
Gokarna is a small beach town on the coast of the Arabian sea, home to a must-visit Hindu Pilgrimage site – the Mahabaleshwar temple. This quaint little town gets equal attention for its many calm and clean beaches; tourists from across the country, as well as foreigners, are drawn to the beauty of the town. To really experience the sanctity and sightliness of Gokarna, we recommend trekking along the coastline and exploring one striking beach after another. You are bound to be a victim of love at first (beach) sight!
Day 0
Day 1
Trek To:
* You could either take a night walk via the Gokarna Town to reach back to the campsite or take an auto (self-sponsored) to reach back to the campsite
Day 2
Please Note: The Government moderates entry to Mirjan Fort/Vibhuti Falls/Jog Falls and hence entry may or may not be open depending on the ongoing Covid 19 situation. Regardless, we will try our best in arranging the alternatives. The Outdoor Leader shall reserve the right to decide to see the scenarios and the decision shall be final. In any case, there shall be no refund for whatsoever reasons, in case Day 2 plans doesn’t work out.
Following are the pick-up points & timings:
Basic SMS and safety guidelines as advised by WHO and Government of India to be strictly followed by Plan The Unplanned Team ( Homestays, Travel Vendor and Trek Leaders )
We begin our journey from Bangalore in the late evening after picking up trek participants from various pick-up locations. We will be covering a distance of 500 km to reach Gokarna overnight and the aim is to reach on time hence, all travellers are expected to have a light dinner before boarding. As we hit the road, the trek leads will give you a brief summary about the trek and then get you acquainted with your fellow travellers through the signature PlanTheUnplanned intro session. By the time dawn arrives, you’ll feel right at home with all of your fellow travellers!
If you look outside your window, you will spot salt farms in the near distance. This means that we are now just minutes away from our destination. Carry your belongings into the cottage, freshen up, have a bite to eat and get ready to start the trek to the base point.
Belekan Beach: Our first day of trekking will start from Belekan beach (Look towards the rocky edges of the beach and if you are lucky, you just might spot dolphins!) Enjoy the panoramic view and set off on an exciting day of trekking.
Paradise Beach: A pristine beach which is a combination of rocky terrain and clean white sand. Paradise beach is exactly what it sounds like – it is considered one of the cleanest beaches with the collective effort of tourists and the abstract paintings on the rocks add to the character of the place.
Half Moon beach: This beach gains its name due to its resemblance to the shape of a half moon. Here’s when you get to relax and enjoy your peaceful surroundings. Make sure you have some snacks and water because we reach this beach around lunchtime. Ahead of the Half Moon Beach, you will find a huge rock called the Rock of Peace – it is the throne to witness one of the best sunsets, you will know why it’s named Rock of Peace only after you have experienced it. The whole world looks artistic from here, music starts playing on your mind, the colour of the sky changes every minute and if it’s your lucky day you get to spot dolphins on the Arabian coastline!
Om Beach: We then trek ahead to a beach shaped in the form of the Hindu “Om symbol” and hence its called Om Beach. It is around 2.5-3 kms from Half Moon Beach and the trail is a moderate one. Shop atrangi hippie accessories, buy souvenirs, ride a jet ski, pass around the frisbee or play beach volleyball on this beach which is undoubtedly a hub for hippies!
Kudle Beach: Our last (and best) beach destination is Kudle Beach which is a popular tourist spot, well-known for authentic seafood, woodfired pizzas and good music in the evenings. Every dish in every restaurant here is served with a view. The cool breeze, slow sound of the waves and the growing tides are a perfect finish for the day.
We now head back to Gokarna beach. Sit around a campfire to warm yourself up, share your thoughts about the first day and fall asleep while you stargaze.
Be the first to catch the mesmerising sunrise. Go for a walk along the shoreline while the waves play hide and seek with your feet, take in the morning hues as you wait for breakfast to be served.
We then head straight to Vibhooti Falls, a small waterfall near Yana, about 50 kms from Sirsi North Kanara, Western Ghats. The falls gets its name from the Limestone rock nearby. The picturesque drop of water amidst the lush forest leaves one in awe of the wonders of nature.
Rejuvenated by the beautiful sights you witness at each unique beach, it will be hard to believe that you ticked off 5 beaches just one day! The rustic beauty of the Mirjan Fort and the poster-like Vibhooti Waterfall adds to the essence of a wonderful 2-day trek journey in Gokarna. A journey filled with the sound of the waves, the smell of fresh seafood and the historic spectacle of a fort as you trek your way from one wonderful spot to another is an experience you have to try at least once in your lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Sign up to have your mind-blown by PlanTheUnplanned’s outstanding two-day trek to Gokarna.
Around 23 kms from our cottage is Mirjan Fort. We start the day by taking a bus ride to the fort. (proper clothes and sunscreen are recommended.) Known for its architectural elegance, Mirjan Fort was the location of several battles in the past. The port at Mirjan was used for shipping pepper, saltpetre and betel nut to Surat. The Portuguese gave the epithet “Rani, the Pepper queen” (“Rainha de Pimenta” in Portuguese) to the Queen. This place is great for portrait pictures and wide panoramic shots.
Ptu trips
I started the year 2020 with a firm resolution of traveling places. No matter what’s the distance, time or situation. Resolved for not wasting my weekend time sitting idle at home. I was scared of going solo and pretty bad in convincing friends for planning trips. Then 1 friend told me about the concept of weekend getaways by travel organizers in Bengaluru.
Here’s where PTU (Plan the unplanned) came to my rescue. Done 4 trips to beautiful locations till date with amazing trek leaders.
Traveled Gokarna with trek leaders Rashmi, Arpita, and Lahar. Since that was my 1st Ptu trip, they explained the whole process and the way PTU works. They all were friendly and truly motivating. The beach view was awesome and I made some kewl friends. (There were 5 CAs on that outing, unexpectedly)
Traveled Kodaikanal with Trek leaders-Debasmita and Akshay. Akshay is an amazing photographer, who has also helped me reach at echo rock point without any fear. Debasmita taught me how to climb the rock and the importance of physical fitness in trekking.
Traveled wayanad with trek leaders Shashi and Sahil. The entire trek was fun especially the night trek and jeep ride.
Traveled dandeli and Chitradurga fort with trek leaders Deeksha, Medha, and Murali. while 1st time rafting gave me thrills and chills but hiking at Chitradurga fort was the best in all. All thanks to Medha and Deeksha for making it possible for me to reach the top.
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Gokarna beach trek and camping was the first time experience of its kind for me with a trekking organization where people not-so-familiar to each other met and bade adieu to the trek as pals. I had always wanted to go for trips of this sort, but never before PTU could I plan going with such a great bunch of people. Every moment had a story to tell and every story had an emotion attached to it.
Right from the fun-filled improvised intro sessions in the bus to the floor smashing moves on our way back, each tick is cherished. The beach hopping, water splashing, volleyball, the amazing sunset and dolphin sighting, one can go on and on. Stories, poems and music over the bonfire took the best out of everyone adding to the connect among ourselves. Camping and star gazing right on the Gokarna beach was just splendid an affair that I can’t put in words. I must admit it had been ages I stared at the beauty of the ether, so enchanting and clear. Nonetheless, the second day witnessed an apt photography destination, the Mirjan fort (credits to Pooja for the featured pic) and the refreshing dips in Vibhooti waterfalls, followed by a nice homely lunch.
A big thanks the three trek leads who made this experience worth the effort. Pooja has been extremely dynamic and kept the team spirit alive throughout, special mention of her being a poet and stealing the show. Sahil is the sweet jovial person who mingled with all and kept encouraging people to look forward to a satisfying end of the trek. Not to forget Krishna, an experienced leader for Gokarna (thanks for dolphin spotting) who took care not to leave anyone behind in the trek, and managing the itinerary was commendable at his part.
All in all, PTU gave an enthralling and happy experience that has made me look forward to more adventures with it. Kudos to the team !!!
Initially, we were a bunch of strangers in a bus. In an hour of journey, we were a gang of friends going on an adventure never to be forgotten. Thanks to PlanTheUnplanned for such a thrilling and fun filled experience. They ensure you get to go to those offbeat places and get to do most out of it provided , you are good with your feet and heart !
Kodaikanal:
Amazing interaction and support from Trek leads Debasmita and Akshay (who also ensured everyone got amazing clicks by his godly photography skills). The camping place oak_camps, couldn’t have been better !
Hampi:
The most fun trip ever. Thanks to Sashi and Aishwarya.You get to explore hampi in scooties with quite a lot of freedom .
Kodachadri:
Trek leads Rakshita and Prakrithi were super supportive and the homestay was really nice. Loved the elderly couple’s hospitality there.
Gokarna:
Abhilash is probably the most fun, disciplined and most responsible TL ever, and I got to know him just in this first trek of mine through PTU. Also many thanks to Rahul and Akanksha for the high level of interaction and very thoughtful procedure of badge distribution highlight everyone’s talents !
Highly recommend being a part of this wonderful team of energetic and funloving people.
Gokarna beach trek
It’s the second time I am joining with PTU and the experience has been nothing but amazing. A new group of people with loads of energy ; caring , passionate and fun filled trek leaders.
I would strongly and happily recommend PTU for beginners ( especially those willing to travel solo but hesitant for various reasons). PTU ensures best experiences through many activities and games that even a long hauling journey seems engagingly fun.
Expect a simple yet decent comforts.
Special thanks for my trek leads to Gokarna ., Krishna Agarwal, Lehar and Rujuta.
Gokarna u Beauty 🏝❤️🏖
I went to Gokarna with PTU on a solo trip. As it turned out, I had the time of my life there. The entire trip was organised in the best possible way. Thanks to our Trek Leads – Hitha, Jaydev & Prateek. They were very humble and always gave the feeling of being good friend than just being trek leads.
It was my first trekking experience and I must admit the way it was organised I always felt at ease. The trekking level is apt for beginners.
I am a beach person and of all the beaches I have visited in India, Gokarna beaches are the best by far. The water is just soooo clean and refreshing too.
We were staying in camps on the Middle beach and sound of sea waves in the night was another lovely experience that I got.
Sunset at OM Beach is one of the most beautiful ❤️
The food in Gokarna is amazing too, *Hello to the queen* is a must try desert on the Kudle Beach.
I would definitely like to go for more trips with PTU.
Thanks a lot .