Spend the day relaxing on the beach of Gokarna. Enjoy the sun, walk along the clean sand, surf on the waves, or simply lounge with a good book. Finish the day with a visit to the Mahabaleshwara Temple, a sacred shrine for Lord Shiva worshippers. It is situated on an elevated area offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The temple is designed in a Dravidian style architecture. Do plan to reach beyond the morning pooja as it may get crowded.
Head towards Yana to explore its natural caves. The place makes an excellent destination for trekking enthusiasts. Spend early morning exploring the magnificent caves. Afterwards, head to Vibhooti falls; an eye-catchy location to snap some photos. The falls offer kids and adults both equal opportunities to splash around in the water and have some healthy family fun.
Start your day by paying a visit to the pristine Murudeshwar beach. Explore the coastline, indulge in some water adventure activities, or even try fishing using the traditional methods of local fisherman. After lunch, visit the imposing Shiva statue standing 123 feet tall, visible from far away. The statue is situated right beside Murdeshwar beach. Wrap up the day by taking on a Scuba Diving course led by Netrani Island Scuba. Surrounded on all sides by the Arabian sea, Netrani Island is considered one of the top scuba diving sites in India.
Relax at Kumta Beach, a favorite-destination for families to spend a peaceful time together and let their kids indulge in beach activities. Kumta Beach is also home to various food shacks that serve up tasty local cuisine. Head to the nearby Dhareshwar waterfalls to cool off in the fresh natural water, and spend some quality time amidst a picturesque scene of nature.
If you have more time, take a road trip to nearby destinations like Karwar beach or Goa. If you have less time, plan for a 2-day trip in Gokarna as day 2, with Yana caves and Vibhooti waterfalls, can be skipped. Always avoid carrying plastic items to the beaches as it majorly harms the environment. Carry sunscreen, as the sun can be harsh on the beaches. Lastly, avoid driving at night and always hire a local driver as it helps you navigate better