Namaste Cafe: A Budget Beachside Stay In Sunny Gokarna

Located right on Gokarna’s gorgeous Om Beach, Namaste Cafe is the ideal option for when you are on a budget trip, but don’t want to miss out on being at the centre of all the action.

Gokarna has always been a less glamorous but equally gorgeous alternative to Goa, especially for backpackers and budget travellers. It’s also less crowded and easier on the pocket, so if you’re planning to explore the pristine beaches of Gokarna any time soon, Namaste Cafe is ideal for setting up base.

Located on Om Beach, the place is a short drive from Gokarna’s main town area {you can easily get an auto ride from the bus station or the town itself}. Namaste Cafe is at one end of Om Beach, and is made up of a series of mud-brown cottages built on a slope by the beach. What they offer is basic, compact rooms with the bare essentials: Beds, a dresser and a clean bathroom. If you are the kind of traveller who needs nothing more than a clean bed to sleep on at the end of a tiring road, Namaste Cafe is perfect for you.

Namaste Cafe offers pretty much the same fare as Gokarna's many shacks (a mix of European breakfast staples, Indian food, seafood and the usual) but manages to do things a bit better. We love their paper thin crepes and their filling Spanish-style breakfast. Their Grilled Pomfret (thickly coated with a spicy, ginger and garlic paste) is a must-try during dinner, and pairs perfectly with a couple of cold beers, though they do not serve any other liquor.

While Namaste Cafe is in no way a luxury retreat, it sure is popular with tourists. So, make sure you have your reservations in place at least a month before your actual travel date (especially during the cooler months).

As for what to do there, soaking in the sun, sand and sea should be your top priority at Om Beach. You can also take short boat rides (INR 300 per head for a 30-minute ride) into the big, blue expanse and spot roaming dolphins, or just get a better view of the neighbouring beaches.