Visit Gokarna between October and March for balmy beach-ready weather. April and May tend to be hot and sticky, and monsoon season runs from June to August.
Getting there
Planes
Seasonal flights touch down at Goa’s Dabolim, the nearest airport, direct from London Gatwick and Manchester. Connecting flights are available year-round from other UK and European cities. From Goa, it’s a 100-mile drive to Gokarna.
Trains
Gokarna Road Station is a handy six miles away from the centre of town and is served by regular trains from major cities on the Konkan Railway, including Mumbai and Margao. From there, take a taxi or auto-rickshaw into town. Trains often arrive in the early hours, so be prepared to snooze.
Automobiles
Buses for the brave run regularly to Gokarna from other Indian cities, including Bangalore, Mangalore, Margao, Mumbai, Hubli and Panaji. You can also hop on a privately-operated bus from Hampi or Hospet.