Gokarna Karnataka

Land of palm trees, blue seas and golden sands
Situated on the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka, primarily known for two reasons – its beaches and temples. Gokarna can be different things to different people. Every year hordes of tourists visit Gokarna in search of sanctity and salvation on one hand and respite and relaxation on the other.
The out-of-town beaches are a curious contrast to the 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 its kind place’ in the country.

Tourist Attractions
Om Beach: One of Karnataka’s best beaches, Gokarna’s most famous stretch of sand twists and turns over several kilometres in a form that resembles the outline of an Om symbol. It comprises several gorgeous coves, with wide stretches interspersed with smaller patches of sand, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. There’s fine swimming most of the season when the sea is not choppy, though signs officially ban swimming (local tourists have drowned here in rough seas).
It’s about 5km from Gokarna town, an auto is about ₹130.

Gokarna Beach: Gokarna’s main town beach isn’t clean and is not good for casual bathing. The main section is popular with domestic tourists but if you walk away from here to the north you’ll find a long stretch of sand that seems to go forever. There’s some surf here in season.
Mahaganapati Temple: Deeply atmospheric temple complex, encircled by lanes, but peaceful inside. Here there’s a (rare) stone statue of an upright, standing Ganesh, said to be over 1500 years old, who is depicted with a flat head – said to mark the spot where the demon Ravana struck him. This is the second-most holy site in Gokarna and it is customary for pilgrims to visit here first before heading to the neighboring Mahabaleshwara Temple. Foreigners are not allowed inside the inner sanctum.

Mahabaleshwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is a profoundly spiritual temple, built of granite by Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty and said to date back to the 4th century. Hindus believe it brings blessings to pilgrims who even glimpse it, and rituals are performed for the deceased. A gopura (gateway tower) dominates the complex, while inside a stone Nandi faces the inner chamber, home to Shiva’s lingam. Foreigners may enter the complex but not the inner sanctum.

Paradise Beach: Paradise Beach is a mix of sand and rocks, and a haven for the long-term ‘turn-on-tune-in-drop-out’ crowd. Unfortunately, the government routinely destroys all the huts out this way, leaving it in a ramshackle state – hence it’s BYO everything here. If you’ve a hammock or tent it’s a great choice for total isolation.

Kudle Beach: This lovely wide cove, backed by wooded headlands, offers plenty of room to stretch out on along its attractive sands. Restaurants, guesthouses and yoga camps are dotted around the rear of the beach, but they’re well spaced and development remains peaceful and attractive.
Half Moon Bay: Small, attractive cove with a lovely sweep of powdery sand and basic hut accommodation. There’s no road, only a path to this beach. It’s about a 30-minute hike from Om Beach (itself 5km from Gokarna town), or boats run here on demand from Gokarna town.

Koorti Teertha: A large temple tank where locals, pilgrims and immaculately dressed Brahmins perform their ablutions.

How to Reach
By Air: the Nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, 106 kms from Gokarna. Dabolim airport is well-connected with all the major cities of India and as well as from few foreign countries. From Dabolim, you can take a taxi, bus or a train to Gokarna. Although, travelling by road is suggested.
Another alternative is Goa International Airport which is 154 kms from Gokarna
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gokarna is Gokarna Road, at a distance of 8 km from main Gokarna city. However, being a small station it is not connected with the major cities. Another station, Ankola, at a distance of 20 km, is the nearest well-connected railway station to Gokarna.
By Road: Gokarna is well-connected by road with the nearby cities. You can find direct buses from the nearest cities Goa, Bengaluru, Mangalore. Direct buses are also available from Delhi to Gokarna. You can also hire a taxi from the nearby cities for a more comfortable and convenient journey.