Karnataka's quiet coast: Gokarna, Udupi and beyond

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Karnataka's coastline is far quieter than Goa's, with temple towns, empty beaches and excellent food.

Gokarna

Gokarna is a temple town with the important Mahabaleshwar temple. South of town, a chain of coves, Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise, is linked by a coastal trail. It attracts yoga lovers and travellers who want a slower beach.

Udupi

Udupi is home to the Sri Krishna Matha and the vegetarian cuisine the world knows as "Udupi food". Nearby Malpe Beach and the basalt columns of St Mary's Island make easy excursions.

Murudeshwar

A huge Shiva statue overlooks the sea at Murudeshwar, with a temple tower and a beach. Netrani Island offshore is known for scuba diving in season.

Mangaluru

The coastal city has temples, beaches and a distinctive cuisine of fish curries, neer dosa and kori rotti.

Food

• Udupi masala dosa and goli baje.
• Mangalorean fish curry and kori rotti.
• Gadbad ice cream.

How to plan

The Konkan Railway runs along the coast, with stations at Gokarna Road, Udupi and Mangaluru. A car with driver gives more flexibility. Combine the coast with Coorg or Chikmagalur inland for a varied trip, or with South Goa.

When to go

October to March. The monsoon brings very heavy rain to this coast and boat trips stop.

Pair the coast with Hampi's ruins for a week that mixes heritage and beaches.

See our Beach holidays page for coastal itineraries.