Om Beach

Top choice in Gokarna

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One of Karnataka's best beaches, Gokarna has a famous stretch of sand that twists and turns over several kilometres to resemble the outline of an Om symbol. The beach comprises several gorgeous coves, with wide stretches interspersed with smaller patches of sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There's fine swimming most of the season when the sea's not choppy, though signs officially ban it (local tourists have drowned here in rough seas). It's 6km from Gokarna town; autorickshaws cost ₹130.

Om's shores are backed by simple huts and restaurants, and during the season (November to April) many travellers gather here and end up staying weeks. During the low season Om is virtually deserted.

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Nearby Gokarna attractions

1. Half Moon Bay

0.61 MILES

Small, attractive cove with a lovely sweep of powdery sand and basic hut accommodation. There's no road to this beach, only a path. It's about a 20-minute…

2. Kudle Beach

0.89 MILES

This lovely wide cove, backed by wooded headlands, offers plenty of room to stretch out on along its attractive sands. Restaurants, guesthouses and yoga…

3. Paradise Beach

1.01 MILES

Lovely, isolated Paradise Beach is a mix of sand and rocks, and a haven for the long-term ‘turn on, tune in, drop out’ crowd. It's around a 45-minute walk…

4. Koorti Teertha

1.54 MILES

A large temple tank where locals, pilgrims and immaculately dressed Brahmins perform their ablutions.

5. Mahaganapati Temple

1.7 MILES

Deeply atmospheric temple complex, encircled by lanes but peaceful inside. Here there's a (rare) stone statue of an upright, standing Ganesh, said to be…

6. Mahabaleshwara Temple

1.73 MILES

This is a profoundly spiritual temple, built of granite by Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty and said to date to the 4th century. It's dedicated to Lord…

7. Gokarna Beach

1.75 MILES

Gokarna’s main town beach isn’t clean and isn't good for casual bathing. The main section is popular with domestic tourists, but if you walk away from…