Sun and Sand

The main beaches in Gokarna are the Gokarna Beach (the city beach), Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. While the Gokarna beach forms the coast of the town, the other four beaches lie to the south of the town. Kudle and Om are around 6km from Gokarna, along a muddy hill, and are accessible by rickshaw or on foot. Interestingly, Om Beach gets its name because it is shaped like the “Om” symbol. Dotted along the shore are tea shops, shacks and small restaurants serving fresh local seafood and drinks. The smaller Half Moon and Paradise beaches are beyond Om Beach. They’re tranquil and pristine mainly because they’re accessible only via a tough trek through a forest or by boat. Apart from spending time at the beaches, you can indulge in water sports, mountain biking and rappelling in the surrounding Sahyadri Hills.

The History

Incidentally, Gokarna means Cow’s Ear and legend has it that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here. Little wonder then that the main deity here is Lord Mahabaleshwara (another name for Shiva). This temple enshrines the “Aatma Lingam” of Lord Shiva and is one of the most visited sites in this little seaside town. It is said that this form was given by Lord Shiva to King Ravana to make his kingdom an invincible fortress. But Ravana was tricked by Ganesha and Varuna into placing the lingam here. There’s also a Ganapathi temple close by.

A popular time to visit Gokarna is during the four-day Shivaratri festival, when two giant chariots are pulled down the main street, attracting thousands of pilgrims. The two main streets of the town are dotted with shops and traditional tile-roofed brick houses. The Car Street, which runs through the town centre, has small stores housing puja paraphernalia and souvenirs. From Gokarna, you can also visit Murudeshwara (85km away), Idagunji (65km away), Yana (57km away) and Kumta (32km away).

Fact File

Gokarna is about 453km from Bengaluru, 238km north of Mangalore and about 59km from Karwar. A good option is to stay at the Om Beach Resort. Tel: 09999231117. info@kairali.com

if you’re on a shoe-string budget, the beaches near Gokarna has shacks (huts) on rent.

By road:You can take a local bus to Gokarna on National Highway 17. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also runs long-journey buses from several cities. There are also private operators, including Vijayanand Roadlines, VRL, Sugama, and Sea Bird that offer daily night buses.

By train: The Konkan Railway on the Mumbai-Mangalore route connects Gokarna. The railway station is 6km away from the main town.

By air: The nearest airports are Dabolim at Goa and Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe.

Mahashivaratri Festival or the ‘The Night of Shiva’ is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February – March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Mahabaleshwar Temple

As one of the seven Mukthi Sthalas of Karnataka, the Mahabaleshwar temple in Gokarna enshrines the Aatma Lingum of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most visited sites in this little seaside town. Legends talk of how this powerful lingam was given by Lord Shiva to King Ravana to make his kingdom an invincible fortress. But Ravana was then tricked by Ganesha and Varuna into placing the lingam here, where it remained rooted to the ground in spite of all of Ravanas attempts to free it.

Gokarna

Gokarna is adored as a Shiva pilgrimage centre than a tourist destination, and as important as Kashi and Rameshwara pilgrimage places for hindus. The meaning of Gokarna is “Cow’s Ear” (Go means Cow and Karna means Ear). Gokarna is located between the Gangavali and Agnashini river mouth and it is named for the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Devotees believe that Gokarna derives its name from the legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Gokarna is also respected as “siddi kshetra“, (The more you know of the religious practice, and the more you will honour and worship it. The more you study it, the more it will enlighten you and satisfy your heart). Gokarna acclaimed as “Mukti Stala“ (After the death of a close relative, Hindus come here to perform their obsequies) of Karnataka along with the other mukti stalas such as Udupi, Kollur, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, and Sankaranarayana. Om Beach Resort truly does compliment the spiritually historic town of Gokarna perfectly. With twelve A destination like no other; with no less than five gorgeous beaches (including the famed Om Beach), and a variety of other attractions that highlight this untouched paradise. 

Please contact our helpful Travel Consultant for more details:

Email: info@kairali.com

or Call: +91-9999231117

Om Beach Gokarna is listed among best 20 beaches of Asia.

CNN-GO says about Om Beach: There’s more to Om Beach at the coastal town of Gokarna than sand and sea. Gokarna, which is the site of one of India’s most sacred Shiva shrines, is a major stop on the Hindu pilgrimage circuit and Om Beach offers a fascinating glimpse into Hindu religious life. The craggy bay is named for resembling the Hindu symbol for oneness and peace, and is backed by coconut palms and verdant hills. Downtown Gokarna is rich with old-world charm, with bare-chested Brahmin priests wandering about, and chillum-smoking masses.

How to Go: By Air nearest Airport Dabolim, Goa (distance 170 Km)

By Train: Nearest Railway Station are Gokarna, Kumta, Ankola(All are have a distance about 20 Km form Beach)

By Road: NH-17 is 9 Km far from Karwar Town

Where to Stay: Om Beach Ayurvedic Resort, Located near the Om Beach, Provides luxury accommodation with all necessary services including beach activities.

For more information Please Click Here

Ref: CNNGO

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