Goa vs Gokarna – The best beach for a long weekend in India
There are many beachside getaways in India that often confuse people between choosing their perfect long weekend getaway in 2024. Two of them being Goa and Gokarna, which are also the hottest and trending beaches in India. Goa is a quintessential weekend getaway destination in India that is loved by everyone. Regardless of age, the “Goa Trip” is a dream plan that every Indian wishes to hop on once in their lifetime.
On the other hand, Gokarna is rather a quaint hillside that is decked with many pristine beaches. The historic places to visit in Gokarna surpasses its beaches, however there are many people who love laying by silent beaches and chilling by themselves.
Being located in the coastlines of Arabian Sea, Goa and Gokarna offer starkly different experiences. Well, if you’re someone who’s already in the ‘Goa Trip’ group or are planning a family trip to Gokarna, this blog will guide you to decide between Goa or Gokarna as the best long weekend getaway in India.
About Goa
The party capital of Goa, this beachside getaway in India known for beaches that go beyond any description. Being ruled by the Portuguese for a brief period of time, Goa’s cuisine is renowned throughout the country. Apart from this, the beaches of Goa need no introduction, be it lively Baga Beach in North Goa or the quiet Arossim Beach in South Goa. Adventure sports is another must-do thing in Goa as its calming waters serve as a playground for recreational activities. Extremely rich in natural reserves, there are many places in Goa where one can seek solitude. That being said, we believe that three days in Goa are pretty much enough when looking to spend a long weekend in Goa.
About Gokarna
Gokarna near Goa is another long weekend destination near Bangalore that is known for its quaint and calm beaches along with historic monuments. Compared to Goa, Gokarna is a more relaxed long weekend getaway near Bangalore where one can ideally cover Gokarna in just two days. Enjoying the sunset in Kudle Beach is a popular thing to do in Gokarna. Due to its hilly terrain, there are many beach treks in Goa that can be challenging yet fun things to do in Gokarna. On another note, if you’re looking to enjoy a slice of history, make sure to visit tourist attractions of Gokarna such as Mirjan Fort, Murdeshwar Temple and the mysterious Yana Caves in Gokarna. Oh and the food? Gokarna serves a perfect platter of regional Konkani and Mangalorean cuisine. Being on the cusp of Goa and Karnataka, it is a perfect long weekend getaway near Bangalore.
Beaches of Goa vs Gokarna
Goa’s charming shorelines
The beaches in Goa are known for their nightlife and vibrance. Beaches such as the Baga Beach and Anjuna Beach are a few famous beaches of Goa that are open throughout the day. Not to mention its beachside shacks and eateries that will leave you drooling. Apart from this, the beaches of Goa offer a fun filled playground to enjoy watersports in Goa. The beaches in Goa are easily accessible by renting a scooty in Goa and are usually loud and crowded.
Here are top beaches in Goa –
Candolim Beach – The best beach in Goa for an evening stroll.
Cola Beach – A calm and quiet beach in South Goa, this beach is best known for offering various water sports activities at nominal rates.
Calangute Beach – This beach is known as one of the best beaches in Goa for families. There are many cafes and restaurants in Calangute Beach that are perfect for enjoying a meal by the beach in Goa.
Baga Beach – A quintessential and must-visit beach in Goa, Baga Beach is the best beach in Goa for nightlife. The party hub is open throughout the night with many nightclubs and bars dotted throughout the shoreline.
Sinquerim Beach – A quiet beach in Goa known for its peaceful weather, the beach in Goa is for those who want to escape the crowd. Located 13 km away from Panji, this beach is pretty close to the Aguada Fort. Although it is empty most of the time, it gets slightly crowded for tourists who visit the Aguada Fort in Goa.
Ashwem Beach – This is another beach that is also known as one of the only nude beaches in Goa. Ashwem Beach lies in the middle of Morjim beach and Mandrem beach. With plenty of cashew plantations, white sand and palm trees, this is the perfect offbeat beach in Goa.
Gokarna’s Quaint Beachside
The beaches of Gokarna are not only a treat for the eyes but also for the soul. Silent waves crashing with the pristine sand under the company of rustling palm trees, it’s a picture perfect setting! There are various activities in Gokarna beaches that are spread across this hidden gem in Karnataka. Apart from this, the beaches in Gokarna are also near the temples of Gokarna that makes it perfect for a long weekend getaway with family.
Here are the top beaches in Gokarna
Half Moon Beach – This beach in Gokarna is surrounded by unbridled greenery and its setting gives it an appearance of a crescent-like shape. Considered as one of the best beaches in Goa, there is a plethora of local food available at Half Moon Beach.
Gokarna Beach – Known for relaxing waters and beautiful places to stay in Gokarna, this beach is one of the popular beaches of Gokarna. Visit this beach in Gokarna with family and enjoy a beautiful sunset or a picnic. The best time to visit Gokarna Beach is during the months of October to March.
Kudle Beach – This is the best beach in Gokarna for adventure activities. Be it a solo traveller or a group of friends, this beach has a variety of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides. There are many cottages and villas in Gokarna near Kudle Beach that are ideal for a long weekend in Gokarna.
Om Beach – Om Beach roughly resembles the spiritual symbol of “OM” and got its name due to this. The beach is considered auspicious by the locals and is close to many other beaches of Gokarna. Consider taking a beach trek in Gokarna Om Beach for an adventurous experience in Gokarna.
Tourist Attractions of Goa and Gokarna
The tourist attractions of Goa
Visiting Goa is like visiting a postcard from the past. The tourist attractions of Goa span beyond its beaches and are lively, entertaining and fun. Goa is synonymous with flea markets and there are many flea markets in Goa where one can bargain the right price. Mapusa Friday Market, Calangute Bazar, the Mackies and Anjuna Flea market are perfect for an evening stroll and enjoying shopping in Goa
Apart from the various nightclubs and bars in Goa, there are many historic places to visit in Goa. Aguada Fort, Terekhol Fort and Reis Mogos Fort are perfect for enjoying a slice of history in Goa. All these places to visit in Goa are pretty easy to visit and travelling in Goa can be done easily by renting a scooty in Goa.
The tourist attractions in Gokarna
Gokarna is one of the best long weekend getaways for families. Unlike Goa, the places to visit in Gokarna are rather laidback and provide a vivid glimpse into the history of Konkan shorelines. The Mahabaleshwar Temple and the Maha Ganapati Temple are significant tourist attractions in Gokarna that attract pilgrims year-round.
The main places to visit in Gokarna are the Mirjan Fort, a hike from Gokarna to Kumta, and the Aghanashini River. But if you’re looking for a glimpse into wildlife, then the Anshi National Park is the right destination for you. With rare animal species and birds, this is an amazing place to visit in Gokarna with your family.
Adventure Activities in Goa and Gokarna
Goa, without a doubt, is one of the most visited beach spots in India. Part of the reason behind people visiting Goa in October is due to the plethora of adventure and water sports in Goa that are available. Indulge in the most unique water sports in Goa ranging from yachting, knee boarding, paddle boarding and scuba diving. Most beaches of Goa are well equipped with adventure activity spots and are available at a nominal fee. Some of the popular beaches in Goa for adventure activities are the Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Morjim Beach and the Baina beach. The best time for adventure activities in Goa beach is considered from November to April when the tides are low.
When it comes to Gokarna, it may not offer as many watersports that Goa does but it surely has carved a niche of its own. One of the most popular things to do in Gokarna is a beach trek. Being a small destination, the beaches of Gokarna are mostly connected together. Head over to Om Beach, where you can start trekking to the other beaches of Gokarna like Paradise beach, Half Moon Beach and the Kudle Beach. If you’re looking for specific adventure sports, then Gokarna beach offers jet skiing, surfing in low tides, and its renowned Banana boat ride.
Oh! Don’t forget to grab your cameras and enjoy dolphin spotting that the beaches of Gokarna are known for.
Comparing Places to stay in Goa and Gokarna
There are many resorts and villas in Goa with private pools. These villas and holiday homes at Goa beaches not only help in crafting a beautiful stay experience but are essential in creating memories. The villas in Goa by the beach are popular due to close access to the beaches as well as popular tourist attractions in Goa. StayVista has a refined collection of luxury villas in Goa with private pool and jacuzzi that will make your stay memorable.
This villa in Goa with private pool is perfect for family vacation in Goa. Decked by a calming river in Goa, the villa boasts a laid-back and rustic style of living. With a spectacular view of the riverside Goa and amazing Goan-style interiors with modern amenities, this is the perfect villa for a holiday in Goa.
Located close to the popular tourist attractions of the Goa, Casa Ferrazi is a chic heritage stay in Goa. Designed by the renowned architect Gerard de Cunha, the villa serves a postcard to the past. Sprawling spaces with world-class amenities, each section of this villa has a story of its own. Not to forget, the charming private pool facing the seating area that is perfect for a barbecue. The perfect villa for family in Goa.
The perfect homestay in Gokarna
The villas and homestays in Gokarna are a rather private affair. Although most people look for villa in Gokarna at Om Beach, it is rather advised to choose somewhere within Gokarna so that you can visit the beaches and popular tourist attractions of Goa at any given time. In case you’re looking for a comfortable homestay in Gokarna, Vatika Nature Nest is just the perfect place to stay in Gokarna. Providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of rural Gokarna, the red-brick exteriors spread across a cozy lawn are perfect for holiday in Goa. The gentle noise of a stream that is nearby heightens the sense of peace thus forming a soothing background.
Goa or Gokarna – Which is a better weekend getaway in India?
All this boils down to one question, which is the best beach destination in India, Goa or Gokarna? Well, the answer lies within what your specific requirements are. If you’re looking for a fun-filled stay with lots of party nights, some shopping at the flea markets, lip-smacking continental cuisine and playground for adventure, then Goa is just the right spot for you.
Whereas if you’re craving a laidback and peaceful stay, away from the crowds and monotony of urban life, Gokarna is the perfect place to visit near Bangalore. However one thing is promised, the serene beaches, plenty of activities and peaceful long weekend in India!
