Featuring virgin beaches and breathtaking landscapes, the small town of Gokarna is about 450 km from Bangalore. A celebrated Shaivaite pilgrimage centre, Gokarna ranks as high as Varanasi and Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu) as a consecrated Shaivaite destination. Legend says that the Atmalinga acquired by Ravana from Lord Shiva was transported here. 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.
Sited at the confluence of two rivers, Gokarna is more famous as a pilgrim centre, but with endless rows of coconut palms, blue seas and clean beaches, it is emerging as an idyllic location for a quiet seaside holiday. For beach aficionados this unhurried one-street town is a treat. 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 km stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees. Yet perhaps the most scenic is the Om Beach. Accessible only by foot, it is 5 km from the town centre, and derives its name from its undulating shape, similar to the auspicious Om symbol. The Paradise and Half Moon beaches are smaller but attractive, surrounded as they are by rugged cliffs and secluded coves and islets.
Getting there.
Road. Well connected by government and private roadways who operate daily luxury and ordinary buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, Panaji and surrounding cities.
Rail. Connected with Mangalore and the train ride offers some very scenic vistas of the coast and western ghats.
Air. Nearest airports are located at Mangalore, Goa (Panaji) and Belgaum.
