Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't walk around the paths after dark, and not alone at any time - it's easy to slip or
get lost, and muggings have occurred.
OM BEACH
Gokarna's most famous beach twists and turns over several kilometres in a way that's said
to resemble the outline of an Om symbol. It's a great mix of lovely long beach and smaller
shady patches of sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There's plenty of guest-
houses and beach shack restaurants. It's a 20-minute walk to Kudle Beach, while an
autorickhaw to Gokarana town is about ?150.
KUDLE BEACH
Also lined with rows of restaurants and guesthouses, Kudle Beach has emerged as a popu-
lar alternative to Om Beach. It's Gokarna's longest and widest beach, with plenty of room
to stretch out on its attractive sands. Unfortunately the odd jet-ski marrs what's an other-
wise perfect beach.
It's a 20-minute hike from both Gokarna town or Om Beach along a path that heads
atop along the barren headland with expansive sea views. Otherwise it's a ?60 rickshaw
ride to town.
HALF MOON & PARADISE BEACH
Well hidden away south of Om Beach lie the small sandy coves of Half Moon Beach and
Paradise Beach. Half Moon is the more attractive of the two, with a lovely sweep of
powdery sand, and basic hut accommodation. Paradise Beach is a mix of sand and rocks,
and a haven with the long-term 'turn-on-tune-in-drop-out' crowd. However, unfortunate
developments at time of research had seen the government destroying all the huts out this
way, leaving it in a ramshackle state.
From Om Beach, these beaches are a 30-minute and one-hour walk, respectively. Watch
out for snakes along the path and don't walk it after dark. A fishing boat (which can fit 10
people) from Om Beach will cost around ?700.
Sleeping & Eating
With a few exceptions, the choice here is basic, but perfectly comfortable, beach shacks.
Most close May to August.
