Gokarna, a small village by the Arabian Sea in northern Karnataka, is a revered pilgrimage site for Shaivites and sees both domestic tourists and foreigners in search of spirituality and beach vacations. Spend 2 days in Gokarna for a taste of this small town Gokarna literally means cow’s (go) ear (karn). It is believed that Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here. The cow is a symbol of the earth and represents nourishment and sustenance. It is also possible that the name was derived from the ear-shaped confluence of the Gangavali and Aghanashini rivers.📌 When to visit Gokarna Gokarna is an all-season destination but if you are wary of the tropical heat, avoid the summer. Winter sees a lot of tourists and you might have to book in advance as accommodations are often fully booked. Monsoon sees a lot of rain but the lush hillside is mesmerizing. Plan your trip depending on your list of things to do in Gokarna; for example, if you want to do the beach hike, it is best to choose milder weather.🌊 DAY 1: BEACH TREK, SUNSET FROM KUDLE BEACH The beach hike is perhaps the most exciting thing to do in Gokarna and whether you are spending 2 days in Gokarna or more, you must absolutely hike all or part of this route! The trail threads along the hillside and promises stellar views of the Arabian Sea. The palette— the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the dusty brick-red soil, the black rocks that jut along the coast, the ochre sands, the cloud-flecked blue sky dipping into the azure waters— is mesmerizing. Camping is another top thing to do in Gokarna! If you are planning to camp, you have to book ahead with a team. If you are camping at Paradise or Half-moon beach, chances are your trek guide has organized dinner for you but if you are staying at Om beach, skip the overhyped restaurant of Namaste Café and head to Little Paradise Inn on Kudle Beach. Settle down with a bottle of chilled beer and watch the sunset. Then order dinner! We had the butter garlic calamari, a plate of falafels, and some spicy chilly chicken and each dish was delicious! Autos are available until 11 pm if you are lodging elsewhere.🌊 DAY 2: VISIT THE MAHABESHLWAR TEMPLE, EXPLORE THE TOWN Start day two of your 2 days in Gokarna trip with a swim. Gokarna is increasingly becoming popular with domestic tourists— it has been a fixture on the neo-hippie map since Om beach with its characteristic Om-shaped outline spilled the secrecy of the region— and if you want to swim in peace, arrive early before the tourists and of course, the headache-inducing sun. Sunbeds are a rarity on all the beaches but if you are on Om beach, you can lounge under the broad leaves of sea-grape trees. Our favorite thing to do in Gokarna was to try the local food! If seafood is your jam, head to Open House Fishland where a local family will treat you to Uttara Kannada-style seafood preparations. We had the Tori Rava Tava, Crab sukkha, and Kalwa (oyster) sukkha and everything was mouthwatering. Locals flock to this establishment during lunch hours; the fish thali here is very popular. Everything is reasonably priced and you can get local specialities like kane (ladyfish) and dodi (croaker).2 days in Gokarna makes for the perfect weekend getaway. If you have more time, head to Murdeshwar or Karwar. Have you visited Gokarna? What are your favourite things to do in Gokarna? Cre: Two-together