Gokarna
Information About Gokarna :
With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.
Palm clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists in a majority and very few Indians are seen across. Gokarna is not very conventionally touristy. The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed holiday and everything on the beach goes at the same relaxed pace. Full of coconut and palm trees, the ocean, and clean sands, Gokarna is a 'one of a kind' place in the country.
Best Time To Visit Gokarna :
How To Reach Gokarna :
1 . How To Reach Gokarna By Flight :
Places To Visit In Gokarna :
1. Om Beach :
Om beach is a wonderful beach located in the town of Gokarna. Shaped like the symbol 'Om', this beach offers plenty of adventure sports to thrill-seekers. The view of this beach during sunset is one to be cherished forever. It is usually lined with shacks on the sides offering cheap accommodation and restaurants with global menus. There is also a bunch of fun water sports activities available on Om Beach, including speedboats, surfing, etc. Visitors can even enjoy boating here.
Om beach derives its name from its shape, which is formed by two semi crescents joined together. The unique black rock formations here attract a lot of travelers. One can spot fishermen boats, small cafes, and eateries, and crows swirling up in the sky at this beautiful beach. The beauty of this beach compels many visitors even to cross the dangerous area (marked by red) and play in the splashing waves. This place is a heaven for all the shutterbugs, with some mind-blowing sceneries amidst the rocky terrain.
2. Mahabaleshwara Temple :
A 6 feet tall Shiva Linga here at the temple is known as the Atmalinga is worshipped here. Built using white granite, it is a classic example of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. A 1500 years old carved stone Lord Shiva idol in the standing position represents the main deity. The temple has been mentioned in the Hindu Mythics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and it is said to be as significant as Kashi, hence it earning the title, Dakshin (South) Kashi.
The top of the Atmalinga is the only part of the Linga that is visible to devotees. But during the Ashta Bandana Kumbhahishekam, a festival that happens once every 40 years, is when the entire Atmalinga is shown to the devotees. As per custom, devotees must first take a dip in the Karwar Beach, where the temple faces, visit the Maha Ganapathi Temple that is opposite the temple, then only visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
3 . Paradise Beach :
4.Kudle Beach :
5 . Water Sports In Gokarna :
Known for its idyllic beaches and pristine waters, Gokarna is a favorite among travelers who seek a peaceful vacation. It is the more laid-back and less commercialized version of Goa. Other than the famous Om beach, it has Kudle beach and the more secluded Half Moon and Paradise beach.
Gokarna is an ideal destination for adventure seekers as well as those who want a break from the chaos of everyday life. Travelers have the option of simply strolling down the beautiful serene beaches or participating in the myriad water sports that it has to offer. The popular water sports are parasailing banana boat rides and jet-skiing.
6 . Gokarna Beach :
Gokarna Beach is several kilometers long and is situated at the edge of the temple town. It has recently gained popularity as a go-to beach destination owing to its beautiful stretches of sand and pristine locations. Gokarna beaches were rarely frequented by the locals until foreign tourists started thronging the seaside. Soon, many locals opened stores selling souvenirs, unique cafes, and beach shacks. Walking along the coastline here is unique as you will come across many cafes and shacks and this is a place where the hippie culture of Gokarna is at.
It is quite popular with pilgrims who come to the town to seek the blessings of Shiva, Indian groups, and foreign tourists as well. The muddy uphill roads with forest cover on both sides provide for more than a reason to go for a hike or a family picnic. The steep rocks in the shallow sea allow rock climbing for the adventure junkies. Bird and animal life is plenty around the serene beaches. While in Gokarna Beach, taking a crash course in Yoga is also a great way to spend the mornings.
