Gokarna
Introduction And History :Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 Kilometers from Bangalore and about 55 Kilometers from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. It is an attractive town with two main streets with shops and traditional tile roofed brick houses. Gokarna is a hippy paradise with drums, guitars and hammocks.
What To See : The 1,500-year-old Mahabaleshwara temple, the most visited location in town, enshrines a finely carved stone image of Lord Shiva in standing position. The Holy beach in front of the Mahabaleshwara temple is thronged by pilgrims and fishermen giving it a distinctly local colour, while Kudle beach, about a 20 minute walk from the town, is a 2 Kilometres stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees. Yet perhaps the most scenic is the Om Beach. The Paradise and Half Moon beaches are smaller but attractive, surrounded as they are by rugged cliffs and secluded coves and islets. There is no such time as the best time to visit Gokarna, as it is pretty much a round-the-year destination.
Things to do: A walk through the main streets of Gokarna wouldn’t take more than 20 minutes. Custom has it that devotees must bathe in the sea and pay obeisance to a shivalingam made out of sand before worshipping at the Mahabaleshwara Temple. Indeed, clusters of pilgrims can be seen taking a dip in the sea to wash away their sins.
Accomodations : All beaches have cafes ran by localities, well versed with English and amazingly hospitable. These cafes provide shacks for tourists who come in to stay and stay on. Stay in any of these shacks which are inexpensive but comfortable, and for those who love luxury and comfort, Gokarna town has many hotels.
Mode Of Transport : Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest Airport, which is about 140 Kilometers away from Gokarna. Gokarna can be reached by bus from Karwar (60 Kilometers). The nearest railway station is at Kumta, which is 32 Kilometers away.
Related links: Tourist information: http://www.karnataka.com/
See also (Nearby places): Karvar, jog falls, Goa, Turtle Bay, Agumbe, Kudremukh, Hanging Bridge, Murdeshwar, Maple beach, St. Mary’s island, Bhatkal, Honnemaradu, Coorg, Manipal and Karkala.
