Kumta to Gokarna Beach Trek Guide

The trek from Kumta beach to Gokarna beach is a 20 km long hike between two towns in the Uttara Kannada district of India – with the same names – Kumta and Gokarna.

This trek starts from Kumta beach and goes all the way up to Gokarna or the other way round i.e. from Gokarna to Kumta.

Why is this trek known as a beach trek?

Unlike other treks which take you over mountains and hills, this trek is mostly along the coastline, and you walk across ten beaches en-route. These beaches are geographically only a couple of kilometres away from each other and are separated by tiny hillocks across the coastline. All of them seem more beautiful and unique than the one before. Though this trek in some parts takes you over hilly terrain and a ferry ride, this is primarily a trek along the coastline and treats you to some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in India.

How many days is the Kumta to Gokarna Beach trek?

Most trekkers prefer starting the trek from Kumta beach.

Kumta Beach India photos

Day 1: Kumta Beach to Belekan Beach

From Kumta railway station, walk a couple of kilometres till the Kumta bus stand.  Hire an auto from the bus stand to the Kumta beach. The road to the beach passes through scenic paddy fields, waterways and creeks. Once you reach the beach, there is a road on the right parallel to the coastline.

View point after Kumta beach Pic Courtesy Indiahikes

Kumta Beach to Vannali Beach

Take a stroll along the coastline and then walk on the adjacent road for 10 minutes, and you will reach to the top of a rocky headland on the shore. There are benches laid all over, and you can sit here and watch the piercing waves rising over the hilly terrain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and lookout for a lighthouse in the distance.

Proceed further down the hill towards north taking the cement road which leads to fishermen’s hamlet with boats docked nearby.

Vannali Beach ( Kumta Gokarna Beach Trek)

Within 15 minutes you will reach Vannalli beach. This beach is around 3 km long, and you will enjoy walking on this stretch as the sand here is very soft. Vannali beach is one of the best beaches you will encounter, and you can click some great pictures here.

Vannali Beach to Mongodlu Beach

As the beach ends, you will see a small hill (notice the hill in the above pic). To go on this hill, you have to climb a natural slope, which will lead you to a beautiful grassland. You can halt here on the cliff for lunch and eat your packed meal enjoying the panoramic surroundings.

Mangodlu Beach ( Kumta Gokarna Beach Trek)

Move ahead and descend the cliff and within 15-20 minutes you will be at Mangodlu beach. Mangodlu is a small beach, compared to Vannalli beach and before you reach you will have to cover a short stretch of a rocky portion of the coast.

Mongodlu is a remote beach, and you will hardly find anyone here. Great place for a swim or some playful activities.

Mongodlu Beach to Kadle Beach

At the end of Mongodlu beach is a hillock which you need to traverse and you will get access to the beautiful Kadle beach.

Kadle Beach to Nirvana Beach

To the north of Kadle beach is Nirvana beach and the total length of this beach stretch is around 8 km. Enjoy walking at leisure on this entire coastline playfully walking in the waters of the ocean tide. Remove your footwear and walk barefoot on this stretch. Feel the sand slipping below your feet as the waves recede in the ocean.

If you don’t want to walk on this long stretch as after some time the walk may seem monotonous. There is an option here – midway you may connect to the road parallel to this beach and catch a bus to Aghanashini Jetty.

Else you may keep walking and reach the end of  Nirvana beach. Nirvana beach is crowded on the weekends as many people visit this beach from all the country.

Nirvana Beach to Belekan Beach via Aghanashini river

As you reach the endpoint of Nirvana beach, walk through the  Kagal Fort on the Nirvana cliff and the next beach on the trail you will see is Heaven beach. You have to walk across Heaven beach to reach the banks of the Aghanashini river and proceed towards the jetty.

Catch a ferry from the jetty to reach Belekan beach which is on the other side of the river. This river has to be crossed by a boat, and if you have a motor vehicle, it also can be ferried along. The last ferry is at 6 pm so ensure you reach well before time else you may have to take a private boat which can be costlier. Hence some people prefer catching the bus before Nirvana beach.

Find the best spot at Belekan beach and pitch your tents. The sounds of waves crashing on the rocks will be music to your ears, and as you retire for the night after dinner, you will see that thousands of stars will light the sky above.

Nothing much to see at Belekan beach after sundown as it is a small area at the edge of the village. But you will wake up to a beautiful morning with palm trees swaying gently.

Day 2: Belekan Beach to Gokarna Beach

Walk up to the Belekan hillock near the bantkal beera devi temple to watch the sunrise.

Belekan Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking )

The view from here is stunning as the morning sun rays paint the sky in hues seldom seen elsewhere in the country, Watch the sun rays reflecting on the waves as it rises above the horizon.

Belekan Beach to Paradise Beach

Today will be the second and final day of the trek. As you start the trek, you will walk along the beach till you enter a forest area. Follow the lush green space, and within 30 minutes, you will find yourself descending on Paradise beach. Paradise beach can only be reached by boat/catamaran or on foot.

Paradise Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking )

As the name suggests, it is a small piece of paradise inhabited by very adventurous tourists (mostly foreigners) who have managed to reach here on their own. You will find them chilling out and relishing this small haven.

Paradise Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking )

Paradise Beach to Half Moon Beach

A walk of 15 minutes from paradise beach will lead you to popular vantage point known as small shell beach.

A few coconut trees jutting from a hillock is a popular vantage point on this beach. The turquoise blue sea and the dark green hills make the landscape a photographer’s and nature’s delight.

 

( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking )

A long stretch of sand takes you over hills with the expansive Arabian Sea for accompaniment.

( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking photos)

The vistas are breathtaking all the way, and you will countless opportunities to click landscape photographs here.

( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking photos)

After about an hour you will come to a small shack hidden between rocks which will lead you to Half-moon beach.

There is another shack next to it, which is known as Half-Moon Restaurant, and you can get juices or drinks to rejuvenate yourself. You don’t get food here, only snacks or refreshments are available here.

Half Moon Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking photos)

This is the half-moon in the picture above, as visible from the hillock opposite the restaurant.

Half Moon Beach to OM Beach

From here is a long walk to Om beach, so make sure you are refreshed and have enough water with you. Keep walking on the trail running parallel to the coastline watching the waves hitting hillocks perpetually and eventually you will reach the entry point of Om beach.

Om Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking photos)

Om beach is very popular with local tourist and foreigners alike, and on the weekend you will have people coming here in good numbers. The sad part though about this beach because it is popular, lots of youngsters carry liquor get intoxicated and create noise and also rubbish around.

There are numerous cafes on this long stretch of sandy beach, and you can have your lunch here in one of the cafes.

OM Beach to Kudle Beach

The last leg of the trek starts from you here as you start towards Kudle beach. Climb upstairs from the exit point of Kudle beach, and you will come to the parking lot.

Kudle Beach to Gokarna Beach

From a small garden, a clean tar road leads you towards Gokarna cliff.

Gokarna Beach ( Kumta Gokarna beach trekking photos)

From the cliff, Gokarna beach is visible. Descend towards the temple from here and walk to Gokarna beach. Reaching Gokarna marks the end of a beach adventure over two days. Treat yourself with some local cuisine or snacks at the beach and enjoy your accomplishment.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

From where does the Kumta to Gokarna Beach trek start?

Most trekkers prefer starting the trek from Kumta beach.

What is the Gokarna beach trek route map?

What is the Kumta to Gokarna temple distance?

How to reach Gokarna trek from Pune?

How to go for Gokarna beach trek and camping?

How do you reach the Kumta to Gokarna Beach trek from Mumbai?

If you are travelling from Mumbai, catch the Mangalore Superfast Express for an overnight journey. You will reach Kumta at around 9 am.

When the trek ends,  you can catch the 06:38 pm Matsyagandha Express from Gokarna Road Station and reach Mumbai next day morning.