Gokarna Trip from Mumbai Pune
Trip to Gokarna is something you cannot refuse to taste. Gokarna, a small pilgrimage town in Karnataka has grown into a tourist destination over the years, thanks to its stretch of beautiful, sandy beaches. With the advent of foreigners thronging it, it no longer remains a quaint temple town, but a thriving vacation spot Earlier known only for its famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna gained popularity on the travel map through its secluded and laid back beaches (Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach) as laid back as Goa, only less commercial.
The name Gokarna conjures up images of long secluded beaches, serene sunsets, never ending horizons and expansive sea with a tinge of the local flavour and backpackers. The temple town is now an emerging beach destination that offers something to different types of tourists with its natural beauty and its history steeped in mythology.The long sandy stretches of Om Beach and Kudle Beach are a delight for every beach lover. The beaches offer breathtaking vistas of the expansive Arabian Sea and a never ending horizon.
Gokarna is also well known for its beach trek, a trail that connects all the five beaches across hillocks. With vantage points and breathtaking vistas all along, the trek is a must while on a jaunt in Gokarna. A couple of beaches are so secluded that they are only accessible either by trek or by a boat/catamaran. Witnessing countless beaches at Gokarna & experiencing the hippie culture, beach hopping, cafe hopping are thing that you cannot miss it from your bucket list.
Gokarna Trip Quick Itinerary
Day 1 – Departure from Pune / Mumbai (Overnight Journey)
Day 2 – Explore Gokarna & Yana Caves - Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 3 – Explore Murudeshwar & Jog Falls - Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 4 – Arrival back in Pune / Mumbai
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our thrilling itinerary, designed to awaken your inner explorer and create memories that last a lifetime!
Gokarna Backpacking Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday | Departure from Pune & Mumbai
Mumbai Pickups (bus will connect you to Pune group departure)
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01:00 PM – Borivali (West)
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02:00 PM – Andheri (East)
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03:00 PM – Sion
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03:30 PM – Vashi Plaza
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04:00 PM – Kalamboli
Pune Group Departure
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07:00 PM – Wakad Bridge
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08:00 PM – Deccan Bus Stop (JM Road)
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08:30 PM – Navale Bridge
Travel overnight towards Gokarna with your trip buddies
Day 2 – Saturday | Explore Gokarna & Yana Caves
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Morning: Enjoy breakfast and hot tea.
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En route stop at the famous Yana Caves – short trek through the forest to reach the unique rock formations.
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Reach Gokarna, check in at the hotel, and have lunch.
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Evening: Visit Kudle Beach and watch a magical sunset at Jatayu Teerth Point.
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Later: Café hopping – relax at beachside cafés, enjoy good food, music, and conversations.
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Back to the hotel for a night’s rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Excludes: Dinner
Day 3 – Sunday | Murudeshwar & Jog Falls
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Early morning: Check out from the hotel.
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Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna.
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Have breakfast and tea on the way.
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Visit Murudeshwar – home to the world’s second tallest Shiva statue and the iconic temple by the sea.
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Stop at Honnavara Mangrove Boardwalk – peaceful walk amidst greenery and water streams.
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Lunch break.
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Continue to Jog Falls – one of the tallest waterfalls in India, best experienced in monsoon.
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Evening: Begin return journey towards Pune / Mumbai.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Excludes: Dinner
Day 4 – Monday | Back to Pune / Mumbai
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Reach Pune between 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM.
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Mumbai drops between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
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Return home with unforgettable memories and a bunch of new friends.
Sleeper bus option available on request (extra charges). Final timings will be shared one day before departure.
Gokarna Tour Package Highlight
1. Murudeshwar Temple – 123 feet Shiva by the Sea
Imagine a towering statue of Lord Shiva123 feet tall standing strong atop Kanduka Hill, with the Arabian Sea hugging three sides. You’ll feel like you’ve landed in a movie scene! You can even ride a lift up the temple’s 20-storey gopura to catch a jaw dropping view.
2. Kudle & Om Beaches – Monsoon Magic on the Sand
Kudle Beach is wide, inviting, and perfect for a peaceful sit-down on raining days. Om Beach, shaped like the sacred ॐ symbol, turns almost mystical in the monsoon—great for calm beach walks and chai with your trekking buddies.
3. Mahabaleshwar Temple – Gokarna’s Ancient Spiritual Heart
A calm, centuries-old temple tucked in Gokarna town—visit to soak in history, watch locals pray, and discover the town’s spiritual pulse.
4. Jog Falls – Thunderous Monsoon Majesty
This is where nature shows off. The Sharavathi River plunges around 830 ft in four dramatic cascades—Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket. In monsoon, the falls thunder down, and at the bottom you can walk down 1,400 steps for a wild close-up.
5. Yana Caves – Giant Black Rock Formations
Trek through green forests to discover two giant black limestone monoliths—Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (about 120 m) and Mohini Shikhara (about 90 m). A tiny Shiva temple sits at the base, where water gently drips onto the linga—a place where geology and myth meet.
6. Gokarna Café Hopping – Beach Vibe Meals with Soul
Recharge after treks by hopping between beach cafés. Grab a snack, sip juice or chai, soak in soft tunes, and chat with other travelers who get the wanderlust!
7. Honnavara Mangrove Forest Walk – Quiet Green Escape
Follow a wooden boardwalk through dense mangrove forests—surrounded by chirping birds, winding creeks, and salty air. It’s like walking through nature’s close-up video.
8. Jatayu Teertha Sunset Point – Legendary Sunset Views
Just a short hike from Kudle Beach brings you to this myth-enchanted hill. Legend says this is where Jatayu, the divine bird, fell fighting Ravana. It’s magical at sunset—the west sky lights up, fishing boats flicker on the ocean, and everything feels spiritually alive.
Notes Regarding Booking
- Booking amount is Rs. 4000/- per person. (non-refundable)
- Balance amount to be paid 7 days prior to the trip
- Tour may get cancelled if enough bookings are not received (full refund or seat in another trip/, voucher of trip amount will be provided that can be redeemed anytime within 365 days of issue)
- The Mumbai/Pune/Hyderabad/Bangalore Volvo bus ticket fare is dynamic and will be higher if booked last moment, on long weekends, or on festival dates. So tour cost might change accordingly. Please book in advance to avoid paying extra.
What is included in the tour
- Travel as per selected option
- Local sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
- 1 night accommodation on multi sharing basis ( three - four - five per room ) ( male - female seperate)
- 2 breakfast and 2 lunches
- Boating charges and entry fee
- Tour leader
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunch / Dinner - as we want you to try out local Cuisines and seafood & not restrict to a particular restaurant, we have left that option to you.
- Liquor or hard drinks or soft drinks.
- Anything other than mentioned above inclusions.
- Food during bus journey
- Any Personal expenses
- Mineral Water.
- Activity such as Watersports
- Extra Meals such as fish & non-veg .
- Entry fee for foreign nationals.
Things to Carry
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Water bottle, cap, sunglasses
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Power bank & charger
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Extra clothes, warm layer, towel/napkin
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Umbrella / raincoat (compulsory)
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Travel pillow or shawl (optional)
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Toiletries (brush, toothpaste, soap, facewash)
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Dry snacks (biscuits, chocolates, chips)
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Plastic bag for wet clothes
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Traditional wear for temple visits (Lungi/dhoti for men, Saree/Indian wear for women)
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Rucksack/backpack only – no trolley bags
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Aadhaar card / valid ID proof
Cancellation Policy
In case you need to cancel your plans for the trip due to avoidable/unavoidable reasons, please do notify us via email.
The cancellation charges will be as follows:
- The booking amount is non-refundable (Rs. 4000)
- Cancellations are done 60 days prior to the date of departure - No cancellation charge (booking amount not refundable)
- 60 to 46 days prior to date of departure: 20% of the tour cost
- 45 to 16 days prior to date of departure: 30% of the tour cost
- 15 to 8 days prior to date of departure: 50% of the tour cost
- Less than 7 days prior to date of departure: No refund
- No show No Refund
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation
Treks and Trails Event Rules
- Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
- We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
- The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
- We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, natural habitat on the trek.
- Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
- Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
- Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
- People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
- Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
- Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
- We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
- Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
- Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
- Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
- If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
- If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
- Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks.
Terms & Conditions
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Accommodation on sharing basis (3/4/5 sharing).
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Prices may vary during long weekends/special events.
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Non-AC seater bus (Tempo Traveller / 32-seater). Seats allocated first-come-first-serve.
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This is a budget adventure trip, not a luxury tour.
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Timings may change slightly depending on road & weather conditions.
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Minimum 12 travelers required. If not met, trip may be canceled with full refund.
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Watersports/sightseeing subject to weather.
Additional Information
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Who we are: Treks and Trails has been creating travel experiences since 2012. With 4000+ trips and 4000+ Google reviews (4.7⭐), we are one of the most trusted travel communities.
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Stay: Clean hotels or homestays near Gokarna beach/town. Rooms are shared (3/4/5 sharing, gender-wise) with attached washrooms.
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Solo travelers: Always welcome! Many join solo and leave with new friends.
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Fitness level: Basic fitness is enough – short treks to Yana Caves and some stairs at Jog Falls & Murudeshwar.
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Meals: Breakfast & lunch included. For dinner, we explore local cafés together.
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Safety: Monsoon travel is safe with our experienced guides. Weather is monitored daily.
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Network: Mobile coverage is available in most areas (limited near Yana Caves).
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Travel: Non-AC private buses/tempo travelers (depending on group size).
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Temple Dress Code: Modest/traditional clothing is required at Murudeshwar & Mahabaleshwar temples.
Why Your Travel Tribe Will Love This
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Thrill + Chill Together – From beach walks to temple trails, from roaring waterfalls to hidden caves—every explorer in your group finds their vibe.
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Stories That Stick – Laughter over chai in a beach café or the “wow” moment at Jog Falls—these are memories you’ll talk about long after the trip ends.
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Backpacking Magic, Soulful Moments – Green trails, ocean sunsets, and ancient temples blend adventure with peace—perfect for both your camera and your soul.
Go Gokarna Gone?
Go Goa Gone? Nah. Go Go, Gokarna. For quite a while, Goa persisted as the perfect sabbatical destination in India for tourists who yearned for the beach, some sun and fun which lead to its over-commercialization and jam-packing. Gokarna's calm, untouched beaches helped it gain popularity. Gokarna is known as Goa's hipster equal due to its beautiful tropical beaches without crowded tourists. Unruffled beaches are ideal for surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, and jet skiing. This beautiful village offers adrenaline junkies and spiritual seekers adventure and excitement.
Gokarna's bantam township in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, has transformed in recent years. The sandy shores, swaying palm trees, and wooden fishing boats have increased Gokarna's vacation business. Gokarna, which translates to "Cow's Ear" in Sanskrit, has some of India's most beautiful beaches due to its location on the Arabian Sea. Gokarna was a prominent South Indian pilgrimage town till recently. The town is popular with backpackers seeking quirky destinations and empty beaches.
Gokarna's grassy slopes along the white sand beachfront set it apart from most Indian beaches. The town is filled with ancient temples and sanctuaries. Ancient temples have unique architectural styles that match the pastoral houses in the major town.
A long end-of-week beach staycation meets an impromptu adventure in Gokarna. Its tranquilly, charm, and adrenaline-pumping liberties make it a bucket list destination. Gokarna's cultural sights are outstanding. Gokarna is the place to go for peace and an unusual beach experience. Go on treks, watch waves break on rocks as the sun sets, or relax and let time pass in Gokarna.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna?
Gokarna, a tropical beachfront town, is warm and humid. The best time to visit Gokarna is during the winter months, which are colourful, relaxing, and lush. Visit Gokarna from October to March. Most tourists visit from late November to early February. From March to June, the summers are hot and humid, and from July to September, when the monsoons are in full swing, it may rain every day.
From October to March, Gokarna is at its warmest. April and May are sticky months along the coast. The monsoon season isn't the best time to visit the beaches because they're untidy and have limited dining options. Post-rains, from September to December, is the finest season for water sports.
How to Reach Gokarna?
Gokarna via Road: If you are from Karnataka, you can opt for overnight buses linking from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi. There are also several bus services operating from Goa to Gokarna. One can catch straight buses to Gokarna from Mysore, Hyderabad, Panjim, Hubli, and Kochi. The drive to Gokarna is exceptionally scenic, and if you wish to drive, then you can also hire a personal cab or car from these cities to drive down directly to Gokarna. The town is about 59 kilometres from Karwar, 238 kilometres from Mangalore and 483 kilometres from Bengaluru.
Gokarna via Train: Gokarna has its own a railway station which is Gokarna Road, that is around 8 kilometres from the main town, but only a few trains go through it. Only the Matsyagandha express goes via Gokarna Road. Another close-by railway station to Gokarna is Kumta which is 31 kilometres and nearest railway station to Gokarna is Ankola located at a distance of about 20 kilometers which is well connected to major Indian cities and nearby areas.
Gokarna via Flight: Gokarna does not have an airport of its own. Hence, there is no airport to reach Gokarna directly. Due to Goa's proximity and accessibility, one can opt to fly down to Dabolim International Airport in Goa and hire a taxi to Gokarna. The distance from Dabolim airport in Goa to Gokarna is 157 kilometres. You can also reach Gokarna from Mangalore by air around 235 kilometres away from the Gokarna town or from Hubli airport, which is 147 kilometres from Gokarna.
Places to visit near Gokarna?
Nearby Places from Gokarna
One can explore Gokarna over 2 to 3 days, but if you have some more days in hand, some noteworthy nearby locations can be included in your Gokarna trip. Goa to Gokarna distance is 134.4 kilometers via NH 66
Vibhooti Waterfalls: Vibhooti is a little cascade close to Yana, around 50 kms from Sirsi North Kanara, Western Ghats. The falls got its name from the Limestone rock close by. The beautiful drop of water amid the lavish backwoods leaves one in amazement at the marvels of nature.
Yana Caves: Located a right way off 52 kilometres from Gokarna, Yana lies in Kumta town of North Karnataka. It is visited for its noteworthy sanctuaries arranged in obscurity limestone rock constructions of the western ghats. Yana is a petite town situated in Gokarna, whose sumptuous environmental factors and the rough landscape are ideal for exercises like cycling and travelling. Yana is famous for its unique stone developments called Karst or Asteroids.
Mirjan Fort: This fortification is found just 11 kilometres from Gokarna. A sixteenth-century fortress of Nawayath Sultanate is known for its history and greenery all over the post's dividers. The green spread gives an engaging perspective on the Western Ghats and Agahanashini River.
Murudeshwara: Famous for its enormous Shiva sculpture overseeing the ocean, Murudeshwara is situated at a distance of 78 kilometres from Gokarna. A sanctuary, the Shiva sculpture and the Murudeshwar seashore are the primary attractions here. The 123-ft. high Shiva sculpture is the second biggest Shiva sculpture on the planet and has become a milestone of Murudeshwar. Murudeshwar Temple is built on the slope of Kanduka. The sanctuary has a 20 celebrated gopura called the Raja Gopura. One can also plan a scuba diving experience to Netrani Islands.
Goa to murudeshwara distance is 191.6 kilometers via NH 66.
Karwar Beach and Sadashivgad Fort: An hour's drive from Gokarna, Karwar also has its novel seashores alongside the Naval base.
What are the best beaches in Gokarna?
Answer: Gokarna boasts beautiful and serene beaches, with popular ones like Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Paradise Beach. Each offers a unique experience, from relaxation to water sports.
When is the best time to visit Gokarna for a vacation?
Answer: The ideal time to visit Gokarna is during the winter months, from October to March. This period offers pleasant weather and is perfect for beach activities.
How can I reach Gokarna by road?
Answer: Gokarna is well-connected by road. You can take overnight buses from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Goa. Alternatively, you can hire a personal cab for a scenic drive to Gokarna.
Is there a railway station in Gokarna?
Answer: Yes, Gokarna has a railway station called Gokarna Road. However, only a few trains pass through it. The nearest major railway station is Ankola, located about 20 kilometers away.
Can I reach Gokarna by flight?
Answer: Gokarna does not have its own airport. Travelers often choose to fly to Dabolim International Airport in Goa and then hire a taxi to Gokarna, which is around 157 kilometers away.
What are some nearby places to visit from Gokarna?
Answer: You can explore nearby attractions like Vibhooti Waterfalls, Yana Caves, Mirjan Fort, Murudeshwara, and Karwar Beach. These places offer a mix of natural beauty and historical sites.
Which beach in Gokarna is best for water sports and adventure activities?
Answer: If you're into water sports and adventure, Om Beach in Gokarna is the place to be. It offers activities like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing for adrenaline junkies.
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