Located along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Gokarna serves as a prominent pilgrimage destination in Karnataka and ranks among the most notable places to visit near Mangalore. It is said that Lord Shiva manifested from a cow’s ear at this location, hence the Gokarna which translates to “Cow’s ear,”. The primary attraction in Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which enshrines the Atmalinga. Additionally, this site is regarded as a Mukti Stala, where Hindus conduct funeral rites. Beyond its religious significance, Gokarna is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and stunning landscapes. It stands out as one of the rare coastal locations in India where visitors can enjoy a blend of natural beauty, spiritual fulfillment, and thrilling adventures all at once. For those planning a road trip from Mangalore to Gokarna, we have conducted thorough research and compiled excellent stops along the route, ensuring a wholesome, dependable, and memorable experience as part of Gokarna Tour Packages.
Udupi
Nestled between the lush mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is a renowned pilgrimage and coastal town in Karnataka. It is home to the revered Shri Krishna Temple, a significant site of worship in the region and a key destination in Mangalore-Gokarna tour packages. The temple features an exquisite idol of Lord Krishna, adorned with an array of jewels. Additionally, Udupi serves as a hub for Dvaita philosophy. In addition to the illustrious Krishna Temple, visitors can explore some other notable tourist places in Udupi such as the Chandramoulishwar Temple, Ananteshwar Temple, and Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, as well as scenic locations like Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach, and St. Mary’s Island. Beyond its spiritual significance and picturesque beaches, Udupi is also celebrated for its world-famous cuisine, which is widely available across India in the well-managed Udupi restaurants, known for their dosas, idlis, and various snacks.
Book Here : Udupi Tour Packages
Marvanthe Beach
Maravanthe Beach is renowned as one of the most picturesque beaches near Mangalore and serves as a popular destination for travelers en route to Gokarna. Situated between the Souparnika River and the Arabian Sea, this beach offers a breathtaking view along NH17, the highway connecting Mangalore to Gokarna. Its vast stretch of azure waters, serene rivers, and the imposing mountains that frame the scenery create a remarkable display of nature’s beauty. Visitors can also enjoy the captivating sunset against the backdrop of the Kodachadri Hills, which attracts a significant number of tourists as part of a Gokarna 2-day trip. Furthermore, the beach caters to a variety of activities, ranging from sunbathing for those in search of leisure to scuba diving for adventurers keen on discovering marine ecosystems. The area is also regarded as safe for swimming, given the generally gentle waves.
Book Here : Gokarna Pilgrimage Tour
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Located along the banks of the Souparnika River, the Sri Mookambika Devi Temple stands out as a significant site to visit while traveling from Mangalore to Gokarna. Dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, the temple is believed to be 1200 years old and the idol of the Goddess Mookambika is consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to Kollur. It is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas established by Parashurama and is among the most renowned places to visit near Bangalore. The idol within the sanctum features three eyes and four arms, holding a chakra and conch, and is depicted in a padmasana posture. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple complex is adorned with exquisite sculptures of deities including Ganesha, Subramanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini, Partheeshwara, Chandramouleeshwara, Pranalingeshwara, Nanjundeshwara, Anjaneya, Venkataramana, and Thulasi Gopalakrishna. It is considered one of the sacred sites to include in Karnataka tour packages.
Book Here : Gokarna Tour from Mangalore
Murudeshwara
Murudeshwar is a renowned pilgrimage and coastal destination located between Honnavar and Bhatkal in Karnataka. Formerly referred to as ‘Mrideshwara’, it is recognized as the sacred residence of Lord Shiva and one of the key pilgrimage sites near Mangalore. The site boasts the world’s second-tallest statue of Shiva, standing at 123 feet, as well as the tallest temple tower, which reaches 249 feet. Additionally, Murudeshwar Beach and the nearby Netrani Island are popular attractions in the area. Netrani Island is particularly recommended for adventure seekers, as it provides exceptional opportunities for boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving, making it a vital inclusion in Murudeshwar adventure packages.
Book Here : Murudeshwar Tour from Mangalore
Honnavar
Honnavar is a quaint coastal town situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Positioned between the Arabian Sea and the Sharavathi River, Honnavar is renowned for its rich historical significance, picturesque landscapes, and relaxed ambiance. It ranks among the top destinations to explore en route to Gokarna from Mangalore and among the notable places to visit near Hubli. The town is characterized by its lush greenery and features one of the longest railway bridges in India. Key tourist attractions in and around Honnavar include Apsara Konda Falls, Idgunji Ganapati Temple, Basavaraja Durga Fort, and Rama Teertha, all of which are essential stops for those participating in Mangalore Leisure Packages.
Book Here : Gokarna Tour from Hubli
Mirjan Fort
Known for its triumphant history and architectural elegance, Mirjan Fort is one of the stunning heritage sites near Mangalore, and among the popular places to visit near Gokarna. Built-in the 16th century by Chennabhairav Devi (Queen of Gersoppa), the fort is also believed to be a site for many past battles in the 16th and 17th centuries and was functional till 1785. Spread over an area of about 10 acres, this splendid fort is known for its architecture which lures thousands of tourists. The fort consists of four entrances along with moats, secret passageways, and canals, providing a royal reminder of our vibrant history. One can approach the fort through wide steps made of laterite stone. The fort also has several watchtowers, offering a birds-eye view of the surrounding areas. Due to its remarkable history, Mirjan Fort is one of the most popular attractions that one must visit as part of the Gokarna leisure packages.
Book Here : Gokarna Heritage Tour Packages
