4-Day Scenic Road Trip from Chennai to Gokarna: Coastal and Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Chennai to Mangalore Drive

Chennai to Mangalore, India on April 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant, Chennai

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast consisting of dosas and filter coffee at this popular Chennai eatery open from 6:30am to 10pm.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Departure from Chennai

Begin your road trip on NH48 heading northwest towards Mangalore, estimated driving time is approximately 11-12 hours covering around 840 km.
Fuel and tolls approx. INR3500, 11h0m

1:00pm

Lunch stop at Tumakuru

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant like Malnad Spice, known for authentic Karnataka cuisine preparing meals quickly to get you back on the road.
INR350, 1h0m

7:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Ocean Pearl, Mangalore

Rest after a long day on the road at this comfortable hotel near the beach with amenities including Wi-Fi and dinner options.
INR2500, Overnight

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Ocean Pearl Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies like fish curry and neer dosa at the hotel's restaurant open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Mangalore to Gokarna Journey

Mangalore to Gokarna, Karnataka, India on April 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Giri Manja's Peach Garden, Mangalore

Savor traditional Mangalorean breakfast like idli, vada, and chutneys at this well-reviewed eatery open from 7am.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Mangalore to Gokarna

Travel north along the scenic Konkan coast for about 150 km, estimated 4 hours, enjoying views of lush greenery and coastal towns.
Fuel approx. INR800, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Namaste Cafe, Gokarna Beach

Relax with fresh seafood and international dishes in this beachfront cafe open from 8am to 8pm, perfect for a mid-day break.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Om Beach

Explore the crescent-shaped Om Beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with scenic spots perfect for photos. Open access all day.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at Zostel Gokarna

Settle into this popular budget hostel offering comfortable dorms and private rooms, along with a rooftop view.
INR1200, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Prema Restaurant

Enjoy South Indian thali or freshly cooked seafood at this local favorite open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 3: Explore Gokarna Beaches and Temples

Gokarna, Karnataka, India on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Fuel up with fresh fruit juices, dosas, and coffee at a nearby cafe open from 7am for a light and refreshing start.
INR200, 0h45m

8:00am

Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple

Spend the morning at this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a religious highlight in Gokarna open from 6am to 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

9:30am

Relax at Kudle Beach

Enjoy the peaceful environment of Kudle Beach with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks, accessible all day.
Free, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Namaste Cafe

Return to this beachfront spot for fresh coastal dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Trek to Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach

Trek along the scenic coastal trail (approx. 1.5 hours one-way) to these secluded beaches popular for peace and swimming; bring water and sunblock.
Free, 4h0m

6:00pm

Return to Gokarna town

Walk or take local transport back from the beaches to town, relax and freshen up at the hotel.
INR100, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Prema Restaurant

Enjoy your final night meal with traditional Karnataka dishes and seafood specialties in a cozy setting.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 4: Return Drive to Chennai

Gokarna to Chennai, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast with light options like idli and tea to prepare for the long drive ahead.
INR200, 0h45m

7:45am

Departure from Gokarna

Begin the drive back to Chennai along the southbound NH48 route, allowing for rest and meal stops as needed. Estimated driving time is approximately 14 hours.
Fuel and tolls approx. INR4000, 14h0m

12:30pm

Lunch stop at Shimoga

Have lunch at a recommended spot like Mayura Deluxe serving local Kannada cuisine, open from 11am to 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

10:30pm

Arrival in Chennai

Arrive safely back to Chennai concluding your memorable road trip along the scenic and cultural coastal route.
Free, Trip End