What Is The Bangalore To Gokarna Distance? How Do I Reach Gokarna From Bangalore?
The coastal tourism development board and the coastal tourism program of Bengaluru are finally seeing some movement after a recent meeting chaired by DK Shivkumar, the Deputy Chief Minister.
The Uttara Kannada district is one of the three districts in Karnataka to have a long coastline. Gokarna is at the epicenter of coastal tourism or beach tourism in the Uttara Kannada District. So, Gokarna beaches are likely to have more amenities in different phases of the coastal tourism development program.
Furthermore, Sanjay Joudan, the CEO of YoloBus, shares his views on Hotelier India about how Gen Z travelers are shaping the next chapter of Indian tourism. As they travel to connect rather than consume, they choose places that are not crowded. So, today, they are choosing Gokarna over Goa.
In addition, Gen Z travelers are now choosing spiritual retreats as a chance to “walk, observe, and reflect without judgment,” according to Sanjay Joudan. Gokarna, with its Mahabaleshwar Temple and Aatmalinga and unique mythological origin, also stands out as an important destination on the map of spiritual tourism in India.
So, it offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and spiritual essence.
Earlier, I shared the experience of the Hyderabad to Gokarna journey with you. This time, it’s about a beautiful Bangalore to Gokarna trip. I will talk about the distance between these two places, the modes of transportation, en route attractions, the best time to travel, and more.
What Is The Bangalore To Gokarna Distance?
The distance between Gokarna and Bangalore is around 500 kms. The journey by road in a car took us around 10 hours (excluding the Dandeli halt). However, you can travel by a train, bus, or take a flight from Bangalore to Gokarna.
Here is a breakdown of the travel time for the Bangalore to Gokarna distance based on the mode of transportation.
| Bangalore to Gokarna Transportation | Travel Duration |
|---|---|
| By Bus | 8 Hours and 45 Minutes to 12 Hours |
| By Car | 9-10 Hours |
| By Train | 12-15 Hours |
| By Flight (Dabolim Airport) | Around 1 Hour and 20 Minutes |
How To Reach Gokarna From Bangalore?
Here are the details of the Gokarna to Bangalore journey by train, bus, car, and flight.
1. How To Travel From Bangalore To Gokarna By Train?
The Gokarna Road (GOK) Railway Station is the closest to Gokarna, and the distance is around 12 km. The travel time by local taxi or auto will be close to 15-20 minutes.
Here are the train details from Bangalore to Gokarna Road. (Source: IRCTC).
| Train Name | Available | Departure | Arrival | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PANCHAGANGA EXP (16595) (From: KSR Bengaluru) | Everyday | 6:50 PM | 6:57 AM | SL: 425 3E: 1030 3A: 1115 2A: 1565 1A: 2610 |
| BNC MAO SPL (From: Bengaluru Cantonment) | Sunday | 12 PM | 3 AM | SL: 515 3A: 1385 2A: 1950 |
However, Ankola Railway Station is also close to Gokarna, and the distance is around 23 km. It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Gokarna from Ankola Railway Station by local transport.
The train options are the same as I mentioned in the table above. However, the arrival time at Ankola Railway Station is around 20 minutes later than Gokarna Road.
2. How To Reach Gokarna From Bangalore By Bus?
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates many buses from Bengaluru to Gokarna Bus Stand.
| Departure | Boarding Point | Arrival | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 PM | KEMPEGOWDA BS TERMINAL 2 | 8 AM | 1192 |
| 8:35 PM | KEMPEGOWDA BS TERMINAL 1 | 8:30 AM | 704 |
| 9 PM | KEMPEGOWDA BS TERMINAL 2 | 8 AM | 1162 |
| 10:01 PM | KEMPEGOWDA BS TERMINAL 2 | 7 AM | 1221 |
| 10:15 PM | KEMPEGOWDA BS TERMINAL 2 | 7 AM | 1202 |
To know more about the details of state buses from Bangalore to Gokarna and for booking, you can contact KSRTC at 080-26252625.
3. How To Reach Gokarna From Bangalore By Car?
Booking a private car for the Bangalore to Gokarna journey will cost you around INR 10000 for a one-way journey. If you are driving nonstop, it will take around 10 hours.
The journey can be divided into four stretches.
| Phases of Bangalore to Gokarna Journey | Distance and Travel Time | Route Details |
|---|---|---|
| The First Stretch – From Bangalore to Tumkur | 70 Km, 1.5 Hours | Journey to the northwest on NH 48 |
| The Second Stretch – Tumkur to Chitradurga | 145 Km, 2.5 Hours | Continue on NH 48 |
| The Third Stretch – Chitradurga to Hubli | 145 Km, 3 Hours | Drive on NH 50 |
| The Fourth Stretch – Hubli to Gokarna | 140 Km, 3 Hours | Via NH66 |
4. How To Reach Gokarna From Bangalore By Air?
Dabolim Airport is the closest to Gokarna, and the distance is around 134 km. A flight from Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore to Dabolim Airport takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
From Dabolim Airport, it is another 3-4 hours journey to Gokarna by road. So, the combined journey of flight and road from Bangalore to Gokarna will be around 4 to 5 hours.
The flight tickets cost around INR 3000 to 8000.
What Are The Main Attractions On The Bangalore To Gokarna Route?
Chitradurga Fort, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Karwar Beach, and Yellapur Waterfalls are the major attractions on the way from Bangalore to Gokarna.
1. Chitradurga Fort
The massive 17th-century fortification complex, Chitradurga Fort, shows the military excellence and architectural brilliance of this region.
Along with the man-made architecture, the fort excelled in using the natural features, such as the nearby hills, slopes, and boulders, as an extension of its defensive structure.
2. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Around 140 km away from Gokarna, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the most fascinating place I visited on this journey. The best place to visit in Dandeli, this sanctuary is ideal for jungle safaris. I spotted some deer, bison, leopards, and wild boars.
The safari here takes around 3-4 hours. So, if you have a plan to join the safari, you will have to make adjustments to your travel plans.
3. Karwar Beach
If you need to relax during the long journey, you can stop by Karwar Beach on the Konkan coast. You can taste local seafood here, and the beach is not very crowded.
4. Yellapur Waterfalls
Yellapur Waterfalls are picturesque and located in the Western Ghats. Thick forests surround the cascading water, and it is a great place for birdwatching and hiking.
What Are The Places To Visit In Gokarna?
Beaches and temples are the main attractions in Gokarna. Here are the places you can explore.
| Beaches in Gokarna | Gokarna Beach Paradise Beach Half Moon Beach Kudle Beach Om Beach |
| Temples in Gokarna | Maha Ganapati Temple Mahabaleswara Temple Bhadrakali Temple |
| Historic Landmark | Mirjan Fort |
What Are The Things To Do In Gokarna?
Temple visits, beach trekking, and water sports are the main activities in Gokarna. You can start your beach trek from Kudle Beach and then reach Paradise Beach via Om Beach and Half Moon Beach.
For watersports, Om Beach is the best location. You can try banana boat rides, jet skiing, and kayaking here.
Moreover, for a romantic experience, you can plan a sunset cruise in Gokarna.
What Is The Best Time For The Bangalore To Gokarna Travel?
October to March, or the stretch from autumn to spring, is the best time for the Bangalore to Gokarna trip. Weather conditions are moderate in these months, and thus you will have the best time trekking, exploring the beaches, and visiting the temples.
The temperature in these months ranges between 20 and 33 degrees Celsius according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
A Bangalore To Gokarna Itinerary For 4 Days
The Bangalore to Gokarna journey took me a little longer as I did the safari in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. So, here’s my itinerary for the Bangalore to Gokarna journey.
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Early morning Drive from Bangalore to Dandeli Safari in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Dandeli. |
| Day 2 | Dandeli to Gokarna driveA visit to the Mahabaleshwar Temple Evening at Kudle Beach Dining at a beach restaurant |
| Day 3 | Early morning beach trek Banana boat ride at Om Beach Sunset cruising at Half Moon Beach |
| Day 4 | Beach visit Exploring the local market and collecting souvenirs and local handicrafts Leaving for Bangalore in the afternoon |
Extending The Bangalore To Gokarna Trip
If you want to enhance the spiritual experience further and want to travel beyond Gokarna, you can travel to the nearby Murudeshwar Temple and Yana Caves.
Like Gokarna, the Murudeshwar Temple is one of the Pancha Kshetras or the five holiest places of Karnataka. The distance between these two places is around 80 km, and the travel time is between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours.
If you have the time for a longer detour, you can even visit the Jog Falls in Shimoga District. It is around 90 km away from Murudeshwar Temple, and it is one of the most famous waterfalls in Asia.
In addition, the Yana Caves are around 53 km away from Gokarna. Yana Caves are important as an ecotourism destination, and they have massive limestone rock formations.
In addition, the Yana Caves are home to a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam, and it is associated with the story of Lord Shiva and Bhasmasura.
Bangalore To Gokarna Distance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Bangalore to Gokarna distance.
Three to four days are enough in Gokarna. This duration is enough to explore the beaches and visit the temples.
However, if you want to visit Mirjan Fort and other nearby attractions such as the Yana caves or Jog Falls, it will take around 5 to 6 days.
Breathable cotton clothes are ideal for the Gokarna trip and you need sturdy shoes if you are going on a beach trek. Furthermore, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Mangalore to Gokarna distance by road is around 231 km. Based on the road conditions, the time of travel will be around 5 to 5 hours and 30 minutes.
The Hyderabad to Gokarna distance is around 662.5 km. The travel time by road is around 14 hours.
Taking a flight is the quickest mode of travel between Hyderabad and Gokarna. The flight to Dabolim takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and from there it is another 3-4 hours journey by road.
