Saturday, 16 November 2013

Gokarna - Pilgrim's Paradise At The Beaches Of Gokarna



A picturesque town in North Karnataka, Gokarna is a popular tourist destination as well as a pilgrim's paradise, as it is well endowed with temples and shrines dedicated to various deities. Bordered by coconut groves, palm trees, sandy shores and sapphire waters, this town is a beautiful destination to relax, unwind and indulge in local history and culture. One can visit Gokarna throughout the year. It is better to avoid the beaches during the rainy season. One can reach Gokarna via rail from Ankola, Karwar, Hubli, Kumta, Mangalore and Margao. For those looking to reach Gokarna by road, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation operates tourist buses from Hampi, Hospet, Bangalore and Mangalore. One can also drive down from Goa. Private buses also operate from Hampi and Hospet.  One can also choose to drive down from Goa. The nearest airport is in Goa, the Dabolim airport. 

Tourist places of interest in Gokarna include the following destinations.

Mahabaleshvara Temple
Attraction: Pilgrim Center
The Mahabaleshvara Temple is one of the largest in Gokarna and is a popular pilgrimage spot for those travelling through Karnataka on a religious trip. The temple is located towards the Western end of town, towards the beach offering visitors to the temple a scenic view amid calm waters and sandy shores.


  



Maha Ganapati Temple


Attraction: Temple in honour of Lord Ganesha
The Maha Ganapati Temple is a few metres away from the Shiva temple, constructed in honour of Lord Ganesha for his part in procuring the AtmaLinga from Ravana. For domestic and foreign tourists not familiar with the custom, one visits the Ganesha temple before the Shiva temple.


Koti Tirtha
Attraction: Artificial water tank
The Koti Tirtha is an artificial water tank used by pilgrims and priests for ritual bathing as it is considered holy by the locals. This sacred tank can be approached from the Venkateshwara temple, from the West.

There are five beaches in Gokarna, the Gokarna beach, The Om beach, the Kudle beach, Paradise beach and the Half-moon beach. While all the beaches are stunningly beautiful, the Gokarna beach is popular with pilgrims and the Kudle beach and Om beach is more popular with tourists. The Gokarna beach is a long narrow strip of sand, rock and sea, situated towards the edge of town. Kudle beach is a popular tourist spot offering visitors an idyllic vista of the deep blue waters of the Arabian sea, with five star hotels and resorts offering guests a fabulous view of the sea.


Om beach is further along the coast from Kudle and is christened for its unique shape , the auspicious Indian 'Aum', created by the rocky terrain of the beach. This beach can be visited throughout the year, except in the rainy season. One must be wary of strong currents while visiting these beaches. Om beach offers tourists budget yet cosy accommodation in the form of Bamboo or concrete beach huts. Half moon beach is a small but idyllic tourist destination, accessible through the Om beach. One is offered budget accommodation in the beach, with small huts and restaurants for guests visiting Half-Moon beach. Paradise beach is the farthest from the town of Gokarna. A beautiful tourist destination, ideal for honeymoon couples and those on an intimate getaway as this beach is very private and offers only basic facilities for those looking to soak up the sun and take a break from the daily hustle of civilization. There is no accommodation on the beach.

Entry Fee
No entry fee.

Plan a holiday in the picturesque town of Gokarna for a vacation you will never forget!



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