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.
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Maha Ganapati Temple
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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.
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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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