Gokarn, also written as Gokarna, is a small village in the West coast of India, in the state of Karnataka, which is a neighboring state to Goa. Gokarn is located some 145km towards South from Goa, and it is a religiously significant place for Hindus, which is why it is very common to see there pilgrims dressed in black.
You can reach Gokarn easily by train, bus or car, from Goa, but of all these 3 the busride will most likely consume most of your energy, though nothing beats the warm wind blowing through the bus windows during sunset time.
Here’s 5 reasons to visit Gokarn –
1. If you are hippy minded missing the good old days of Goa, you can get some of those hippy vibes back from Kudley Beach, Om-beach and especially Paradise Beach in Gokarn. Paradise Beach you can reach by boat and sleep overnight there in some very simple huts by the sea. Sunbathing also allowed.
2. Sunsets by the sea in Gokarn have been a way more beautiful than in many other places in India. One of the best places to enjoy sunset in Gokarn is on top of the hill between Kudley Beach and Gokarn Beach. The wind is very smooth. Just remember to return to the village before it gets too dark.
3. Gokarn will show you the real beautiful India, which is not too modern. It will also show you some incredible things as well, like a man and a woman walking on the same street without a shirt and without any problem from other people. See the attached photo if you don’t believe it.
4. The small streets of Gokarn will give you an idea of the real life of dedicated Hindus.
5. Restaurants in Gokarn are often very spicy for the Western tongue, but one small cafe there used to make really fabulous uttapams. That taste could make the customer come back all the way from Finland. Don’t know if that place exists anymore, but at least in Om Beach there’s one very nice restaurant, namely Namaste Cafe.
Watching the sunset on the hill between Kudley and Gokarn beachesPeople swimming during sunset in Gokarn BeachReligious vehicle in the center of GokarnPilgrims in Gokarn dressed in blackCommercial wall paintings in GokarnSmall religious sight in GokarnSunset and sea in Gokarn, India
Old Goa is a historically significant area in-between North Goa and South Goa, little bit towards inland from the capital of Goa, Panjim. Several Christian worship places are located in there, and because of them Old Goa is a World Heritage site.
Here’s five reasons why you should visit Old Goa –
1.Basilica of Bom Jesus, located in Old Goa, is the most spectacular Christian building in Goa, India. There is a lot to see in the walls and aisles of Basilica of Bom Jesus for people interested in church art. Inside the building there is also a beautiful garden.
2. Basilica of Bom Jesus keeps the grave of St. Francis Xavier and through the glass cover you can see the remains of his body and pay respect. St. Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic missionary whose 500th birthday was celebrated in 2006, from the time of which these photographs are also from.
3. Old Goa in India is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. The nature and trees in Old Goa are beautiful. You can also see lot of Portuguese-style architecture and one Mahatma Gandhi statue there.
5. There’s also few other Christian churches for a cultured person to see, such as the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old GoaWall decoration in Basilica of Bom Jesus
Updated in 2025: The Sé Cathedral of Old Goa is another reason to spend time in this fascinating area. One of the largest churches in Asia, it stands as a grand example of Portuguese-Baroque architecture. Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the cathedral is known for its serene white façade, finely carved altars, and the famous Golden Bell whose deep sound is said to echo across the Mandovi River. The tranquil atmosphere inside the cathedral invites reflection, while the surrounding gardens and palm trees add to its peaceful charm.
Nearby, the Archaeological Museum of Old Goa offers a deeper look into the region’s colonial history. Located next to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the museum displays portraits of viceroys, antique coins, sculptures, and religious artifacts that tell the story of Goa’s unique blend of Indian and European influences. It’s a place where you can truly see how cultures met and shaped each other over the centuries.
The grave of St. Francis Xavier in Basilica of Bom JesusSt. Francis Xavier 500-year-birthday in 2006
Beyond its monuments, Old Goa’s beauty lies in its quietness. The area is green, calm, and filled with large trees that cast shade over wide roads and courtyards. Walking here feels like stepping back in time — the gentle hum of nature replaces the sound of traffic, and each path reveals another piece of history surrounded by tropical serenity.
Photographers will find endless inspiration in Old Goa. The bright facades of centuries-old churches contrast beautifully with the deep greens of the landscape. Light and shadow play across carved stone details and ancient doorways, creating scenes that are both peaceful and full of life. Old Goa rewards every frame.
Park in Old GoaChurch of St. Francis of Assisi, Old Goa
Just a short drive of about ten kilometers from Panjim, Old Goa is easy to reach by car, taxi, or even local bus. Many travelers combine their visit with nearby attractions such as Divar Island, a spice plantation, or a river cruise on the Mandovi. Spending a few hours here adds a new dimension to any Goan holiday — a reminder that beyond the beaches and nightlife, there is a quieter, more spiritual Goa waiting to be explored.
Old Goa remains one of the most meaningful places to visit in the state of Goa. It connects visitors to centuries of faith, art, and history, offering impressive architecture and an experience of stillness and grace. Walking through its ancient streets is a journey into the soul of Goa itself — a place where time slows down and the past still breathes gently in the tropical air.
