Gokarna is the mini-Goa according to any regular beach traveler, but is lesser known. It’s in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka and around 100 kms south of Goa.
It’s much better than Goa for various reasons. It’s less crowded, has spectacular beaches, serene and most important of all, cheap. It’s a paradise for the travellers who love trekking and are here to have a wonderful time closer to the nature. And yeah there are shacks where you have to stay. Kudle and Om Beach even have motorboat rides on offer.