Gokarna – The Mini-Goa of Karnataka

Gokarna – the small temple town of Karnataka is tucked in the picturesque locals of the Karwar coast.  Situated in the Uttara Kannada district, it is the holy abode to Lord Shiva who is known as Mahabaleshwara over here. Gokarna means ‘Cow’s ear’. The legend goes that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow in this place. At a distance of 583 km from Bangalore, and situated between Gangavali and Agnashini rivers, Gokarna is the second Goa for its tourist attractions and seafood.  

Less frequently by tourists till recently, Gokarna was a quiet town with unspoiled & clean beaches. Since the last decade there has been a steady stream of foreign and local tourists visiting this place. It is now commercially well developed with resorts and establishments sprung up to cater to the varied tourist crowd.

The main beaches in Gokarna are Gokarna Beach, Main Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half moon Beach, Paradise Beach and Nirvana beach.

Attractions of Gokarna:

1. Mahabaleswara Temple – This temple of Shiva Linga also known as Atmalinga is one of seven sacred pilgrim places in India. 

2. Om Beach is shaped like the auspicious Om sign and one could enjoy water sports such as surfing, skiing and banana cruises to name a few.

3. Gokarna Beach is closer to the town and a place to enjoy tranquillity and serene atmosphere.

4. Kudle Beach is yet another quiet and calm beach where you find huts and small cafes alongside the beach.

5. Paradise Beach or the Full Moon beach, also a calm and quiet beach accessible either through sea by boat or by trekking through the forest and one could indulge in swimming over here.

6. Half Moon Beach is where tourists could treat themselves to sun-bathing, swimming, volley ball, canoeing etc

7.  Visit to Yana – situated 20 kms from Kumta, this place amidst the greenery of Sahyadri hills and unique rock formations which look like anthills, it is a paradise for trekking.

In addition to these, for the religious lot there is the Bhadrakali Temple and Maha Ganapati Temple to visit as well. Gokarna, despite being a temple town is also an attractive tourist destination for people loving water sports, adventure sports and seafood. 

The next time you plan for a vacation, make it to Gokarna and get mesmerised by its charm.

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