Beach Getaways from Bangalore: Your Weekend Escape

1. Gokarna

A quiet coastal village within the state of Karnataka in the Uttara Kannada district, Gokarna is famous for its serene beaches and spiritual ambience. A combination of spirituality and nature, it's a place in itself that provides serene peace far from the hush-hush life. The quieter relative of Goa, so to speak, Gokarna also attracts pilgrims and backpackers. Commercializing the devout Mahabaleshwar Temple for Lord Shiva, it's one of the holiest pilgrimages. Although this, peaceful beaches and picturesque coastal promenades also draw solo travellers and groups seeking peace and adventure in equal proportions.

Activities in Gokarna

• Beach Hopping & Trekking: Gokarna beaches Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Paradise Beach, and Half Moon Beach are ideal for beach hopping. The Gokarna beach trek connects all the major beaches via scenic cliff walks with the Arabian Sea in the backdrop.

• Water Sports: Banana boat rides, jet-skiing, and snorkelling are some of the water sports one can indulge in on Om Beach.

• Yoga & Wellness: Certain beach shacks and resorts arrange yoga retreats and Ayurvedic massages, which are best for relaxation.

• Temple Visits: Temple enthusiasts can take a trip to the old Mahabaleshwar Temple and other temple spots such as Maha Ganapati Temple and Bhadrakali Temple.

• Camping & Bonfires: star gazing beach camping is a thrill-seeking adventure. Kudle and Paradise beaches are popular spots for this.

Nearby Tourist Sites in Gokarna

• Mirjan Fort: 16th-century fort, only 11 km from Gokarna, peacefully nestled among greens.

• Yana Caves: 52 km away are Yana and world-renowned Yana Caves, renowned for its characteristic karst rocks and natural landscape, ideal for nature photography and trekking.

• Vibhuti Falls: Neighbour to Yana is this stunning waterfall perfect to break your splash.

• Murudeshwar: 80 km distance from the famous Murudeshwar with Shiva's statue of gigantic size and beach view.

• Honnavar: 60 km coastal town known for the estuary, boating, and mangrove boardwalk.

How to Reach Gokarna

• By Road: Gokarna is easily accessible by road from the major cities of Bangalore (485 km), Mangalore (230 km), and Goa (140 km). There are regular KSRTC and private bus services.

• By Train: The nearest train station is Gokarna Road (10 km) and can be accessed through Konkan Railway. Ankola and Kumta are a few other nearby alternatives.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa (140 km). One can take a taxi or train/bus from there.

Best Season to Visit Gokarna

October to March

• Why: It is the best time to travel to Gokarna since the weather is pleasant, dry, and cool.

• Activities: Ideal to indulge in beach trekking, sunbathing, water sports, and sightseeing.

• Experience: Pleasant blue sky, peaceful sea, and serene environment make it the ideal choice for adventure lovers as well as those looking for peace.

2. Malpe Beach

Located on the Karnataka coast, Udupi is a serene town renowned for its heritage culture, sacred temples, and clean beaches. It is best known for the Sri Krishna Temple, one of India's biggest pilgrimage centres with pilgrims from all over India. 6 km from Udupi, there awaits discovery, the golden sandy Malpe beach, before the Arabian Sea. It's a favourite beach among tourists to beaches due to its mix of nature, water sports, and location proximity to nearby islands like St. Mary's.

Malpe Beach activities

• Parasailing: Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the shoreline.​

• Jet Skiing: Travel waves at full speed for that adrenaline kick.​

• Banana Boat & Ringo Rides: Relax in a leisurely group outing perfect for friends and family.​

• Speed Boating: Feel the rush as you zoom across the sea.​

• Zorbing: Roll on the waves in a huge inflated ball a beach phenomenon.

Places Nearby Malpe Beach

• St. Mary's Island: This beautiful island of columnar basaltic lava formation and scenic landscape can be toured on a brief ferry ride from Malpe Beach. It is perfect for a picnic and photo shoot.

• Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: A 13th-century temple that spiritual seekers cannot afford to miss. Its peculiar Kanakana Kindi (window) allows devotees to catch a glimpse of the deity from outside.

• Kaup Beach & Lighthouse: Around 15 km to the south of Malpe, the beach is renowned for its unrestrained beauty and panoramic lighthouse.

• Manipal: Only 7 km away from Udupi, Manipal is a college town providing such attractions as the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum and Manipal End Point Park.

• Delta Beach: Located at the sea and river mouth at Kodi Bengre, this serene beach provides ideal views for sunsets and is less crowded.

How to Reach Malpe Beach

• By Airport: Mangalore International Airport (approximately 60 km from here) is well connected with all other major cities of India.

• By Train: The Udupi Railway Station is on the route of the Konkan Railway and operates regular trains from Mumbai, Goa, Kerala, and Bangalore.

• By Road: Udupi can also be accessed by road with not much of an issue. Taxis, buses, and personal vehicles can reach Udupi from Bangalore (approx. 400 km), Mangalore, and the other part of Karnataka.

Best Time to Visit Malpe Beach

• October to March – This is the best time to travel to Udupi and Malpe Beach. The climate is pleasant and cool, perfect for travelling to beaches, sightseeing, temple tours, and island trips.

• June to September – Heavy rains occur in Udupi during these months. Though the area looks green and beautiful, frequent showers could ruin the travel plan, ferry trips to St. Mary's Island, and beach trips.

• April to May – Summer at Udupi is usually warm and humid. Weather can get warmer during the day, while not so conducive for prolonged outdoor activities.

3. Mangalore & Panambur Beach

Mangalore or Mangaluru is a hustle-bustle seaside town of south-western Karnataka province in India. It is the ideal combination of nature's beauty, cultural abundance and urban way of life. Panambur Beach, the largest attraction of Mangalore, is 10 km from the city centre. Clean, culturally vibrant, and secure, Panambur Beach is a privately owned extremely popular and well-maintained beach on the Karnataka coast. Its golden sands, crystal-clear blue water, and sunset view make it a tourist spot as well as the favourite haunt of locals.

Activities at Panambur Beach

• Jet Skiing: The most exciting water activity to try out at Panambur Beach is jet skiing. This water-speed sport permits you to have a ride on a water machine with a motor on it running by the waves and enjoy an adrenaline ride. Experts to take control, even novices can enjoy without injury as they glide through the sea with hair in the eyes and water spray all around.

• Banana Boat Rides: One of the fun group activities, banana boat rides involves riding on an inflatable, banana-shaped boat being pulled by a speedboat. The real thrill is experienced when the boat makes a sharp turn, soaking riders in the sea all in good spirits and with safety equipment ready. Perfect for groups of friends or families looking to have a laugh and taste a splash of fun in the sea.

• Camel Rides: A unique beach activity such as camel riding is one of the possibilities on Panambur Beach's sandy terrain. Camel riding atop a wooden-decked camel and a gentle stroll on the beach gives the tourists a sense of desert-like ambience in a beach resort. It's mostly children's and selfie lovers' delight.

• Horse Riding: Horse riding is another fun but recreational activity on the beach. You may have a short guided horse ride along the beach if you are a beginner or lack experience in horse riding. The horse's rhythmic gait and sea breeze make for a peaceful and breathtaking ride across the waves.

• ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Rides: For sand lovers and ATV enthusiasts, ATV tours are completely essential. Powerful quad bikes that are specifically constructed to ride on sandy ground, provide an off-road adventure right at the heart of the beach. With security officials watching over them as the pilot, the riders can drive in the wide open sand with tiny dunes and tight corners in complete security and enjoyment.

Attractions Nearby Panambur Beach

• Kadri Manjunath Temple: A very ancient temple of Lord Shiva with great architecture and surrounding greenery.

• St. Aloysius Chapel: Famous for its stunning frescoes and paintings, which reflect Christian art and culture.

• Tannirbhavi Beach: Less populated than Panambur Beach, accessible by road or ferry, ideal for peaceful walks.

• Pilikula Nisargadhama: Composite nature park with zoo, garden botanical, science centre, and lake boating.

• Mangaladevi Temple: Temple of goddess Mangaladevi, in whose memory the city exists today and a religious as well as historical site.

How to Reach Panambur Beach

• Through Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is nearest to it, which lies some 15 km away from the beach. A person can go there through auto-rickshaws and taxis.

• Through Train: Mangalore is relatively well connected by railways with the bigger Indian cities. The two large stations are Mangalore Central (MAQ) and Mangalore Junction (MAJN).

• By Road: Mangalore has a good road network connecting Karnataka and the surrounding states. Panambur is accessible by buses, taxis, and private vehicles.

Best Time to Visit Panambur Beach

• October to March: The best time is between October and March when the weather is favourable with ideal weather to venture out for sightseeing and beach tours. It is windy cold weather and open sky that provides pleasantness to the beach location during this period.

• Monsoon Season (June to September): It is wise not to go there during monsoon seasons because of heavy rains and poor sea conditions that make for a set of circumstances favouring prohibitive actions against beach trips. The shower will also ruin plans to go out and also make sightseeing miserable.

4. Karwar

Karwar is a tranquil coastal town in India, Karnataka state, and the administrative capital of Uttara Kannada district. Located in the mouth of the Arabian Sea and Kali River, it is known for its virgin beaches, nature, and cultural heritage. A few years ago, the tranquil environment and natural scenery of the town made such an impression on Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore that he composed his dramatic poem 'Prakritir Pratishodha' here on the captivating beauty of Karwar's sea view.

Activities in Karwar

• Snorkelling in Crystal Clear Waters: Karwar's pure water and peaceful water, especially at Devbagh Beach and Kurumgad Island, is perfect for snorkelling. Shallow coral reefs are safe and teeming with life where you have an opportunity to spot multicoloured fish, shells, and other marine life near your eyes. The shallow currents and clear waters make Karwar a great place to learn. Locally resident operators and guides offer safety gear and minimal briefing to even swimmers, so they too can enjoy the thrill of exploring the ocean.

• Dolphin Spotting Excursions: One of the most exciting things to be undertaken in Karwar is dolphin spotting tours, which are often reserved early morning. Boat cruises take you around two to three kilometres from the sea where pods of friendly bottlenose dolphins can be witnessed daily splashing out of the sea.

• Scenic Boat Rides: The dolphin trips are as much about the dolphins themselves the ride itself is a peaceful experience, with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, surrounding islands, and coastline. It's a peaceful experience to be this close to nature and bask in Karwar's unspoiled charm.

Places around Karwar

• Island of Kurumgad: A tortoise-shaped island popular for the Narasimha Temple and an old historic lighthouse. The tourists who come here enjoy fishing and water activities.

• Yana Caves: The caves situated at a distance of about 60 km from Karwar are in the form of limestone rocks and are the trekkers' and rock climbers' favourite spots. There is a temple within the rocks.

• Gokarna: About 60 km south of Karwar, this seashore town is famous for its stunning beaches and holy Mahabaleshwar Temple.

How to Reach Karwar

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Dabolim (Goa International Airport), which is about 98 km from here with frequent flights from all major cities i.e. Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.

• By Train: Karwar railway station connects the town to all major Indian cities with a convenient train travelling facility.

• By Road: Bus transport from and to Karwar is aplenty, and the KSRTC Bus Stand is the main inter-state bus stand. Karwar is well connected by road from Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai through good tarred roads.

Best Time to Visit Karwar

• November to April – This is the best time to travel to Karwar. The climate is nice, dry, and warm, perfect for beach vacations, sightseeing, and water sports. The temperature of 20°C to 32°C is perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities with no discomfort.

• May to June – Karwar summer becomes hot and humid with temperatures generally rising way above 35°C. Travelling is not advisable then, particularly if you are going to incorporate outdoor activities in your itinerary. If you prefer fewer people around and off-season deals, then this might be an option.

• July to September – Karwar is subjected to deluges of rains during monsoons. Although the state turns green and lush, trekking, snorkelling, and boating are usually hit. The sea becomes turbulent, and it is not a good time for water sports.

5. Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar, a quiet coastal town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, is renowned for its spiritual heritage and nature. Across its skyline, the 123-foot-tall Lord Shiva statue, the third tallest in the world, stands grandly over the Arabian Sea. It is part of the temple complexes of Murudeshwar, a holy pilgrims' shrine attracting pilgrims and tourists in equal numbers. The Raja Gopura, an entrance tower of a temple as large as the temple itself, provides panoramic views of the seascape below. Apart from the religious attraction, Murudeshwar is also graced with lovely beaches like Murudeshwar Beach and Aligadda Beach, which beckon visitors with the prospect of engaging in water sports like jet skiing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The nearby Netrani Island is a paradise for divers with its coral reefs in all hues and species of aquatic life. To unwind, the calm beaches offer an ideal place for sunbathing and a stroll.

Murudeshwar Beach Activities

• Jet Skiing – Experience a rush of adrenaline while zooming through the waves in a lovely coastal landscape.

• Banana Boat Ride – Ideal for a group that needs a bouncy, splashing ride with a grin.

• Speed Boating – Smooth sailing along the coast and quick peeps at the iconic Shiva statue from the ocean.

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling at Netrani Island – The site of departure for sea expeditions with vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

• Beach Walks & Relaxation – Refresh with a soothing walk, cool off in the ocean, or just soak up the sun near the beach.

Places to Visit Nearby Murudeshwar

• Gokarna: Just a 2.5-hour drive from Murudeshwar, Gokarna offers a peaceful beach experience with the likes of Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach.

• Idagunji: Our very own next-door village is famous for the ancient Lord Ganesha temple, ideal for a peaceful spiritual side trip.

• Apsarakonda Falls: This 20 km away hidden gem of sight boasts a scenic waterfall and natural pool amidst forested cliffs.

How to Reach Murudeshwar

• Road: Murudeshwar is approximately 490 km from Bangalore and an 8-9 hour drive. KSRTC or private tour operators are also alternatives.

• Rail: Murudeshwar Railway Station is also conveniently accessible from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mumbai. It is just 2 km from the central beach and temple complex.

• By Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (about 150 km), then the scenic 3-4 hour drive to Murudeshwar.

Best Time to Visit Murudeshwar

• October to March – The best time to travel to Murudeshwar is October to March when the weather is comfortable and the sea breeze is a treat to your vacation. The weather at this time is between 20°C to 32°C, ideal for beach holidays, temple pilgrims, and water sports.

• June to September – Murudeshwar gets its fair share of heavy monsoon rainfalls during this period. Although the atmosphere about turns greener and luscious, ugly seas generally take diving activities and water sports into suspension. Best suited for individual travellers who relish a monsoon view against activity-seekers.

April to May – Summer is pretty hot and sticky, with up to 38°C of sunlight. You might go to the beach in the morning or the afternoon, but you would not want to do it under mid-day sunlight because it gets too hot. But that's off-season, so you are not going to get as much crowd and you'll have your hotels for less.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring Beach Getaways from Bangalore and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

•  Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure your experience to be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you to always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Each of our tour packages is thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions. Whether camping out beneath the stars or exploring a hidden beach cove, we present to you the other side of Beach Getaways from Bangalore that not many get to encounter.