Photo: Shashank Hegade / UnsplashGokarna
Karnataka, India
A temple town with a string of cliff-backed beaches, linked by a coastal trail. Quieter and slower than Goa, a few hours down the coast.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,300–2,300
- Mid-range / day
- ₹4,700–9,000
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 2–4 days
Day by day
3-day itinerary
₹3,900–6,900per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Town and Kudle
The Mahabaleshwar Temple and the main street, then settle at Kudle Beach for sunset.
- 2
Day 2: The beach trail
Walk from Kudle over the headlands to Om, Half Moon, and Paradise beaches, and take a boat back.
- 3
Day 3: Slow day
Swim where it's safe, read, and watch the sunset from the Om Beach headland.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- Jul—
- Aug—
- Sep—
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
October to March.
Money notes
Walking the beach trail is free; boats between the beaches save the walk back but add up. Prices rise sharply around Christmas and New Year.