The
traditional houses and temples, narrow streets- Gokarna has become the
favorite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Gokarna
is about 200km north of Mangalore (7 hr by bus) and 56km southwest of Karwar
on the seashore.
It is believed that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord
Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning cows ear, this
village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous
travelers must be prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal
town. The most popular time to visit is between January and February.
The four of the most beautiful beaches in India are located south of
Gokarna, in the jungle. The first beach is called Kudle Beach, and it is
about a twenty-minute walk from Gokarna. To get to Kudle, take the path that
starts on the south side of the Ganapati Temple. The path goes uphill and
then drops down to Kudle Beach, a beautiful, kilometer-long white sand beach
surrounded by palm trees. At this beach there are simple huts and beach side
eating places. You need to bring your own bedding. There is fresh water
here.
The next beach is OM Beach, thirty-minutes further south. The beach got its
name because it is shaped like the auspicious Om sign. There are some really
basic huts and some chai shops to eat at. Many Indian pilgrims visit OM
Beach on Sundays by bus and holidays to see the sites. Best to come here on
the weekdays
There are two more beaches Half-moon and Paradise, each a thirty-minute
walk from one another. You can get bottled water and food on all the beaches
near Gokarna including the Main beach, Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise
beaches.
How to get There ?
Gokarna is connected by road and rail from Karwar, Ankola, Hubli,
Mangalore, Kumta, Bangalore, Hampi, Mysore. Konkan Railway passes through
the Gokarna and Kumta and Ankola (20 Kms) are the main railway stations.
National highway 17 is about 9 Km from the town. Bangalore- Goa highway
passes through Ankola which is 20 Kms form the resort and the nearest
airport is in Panaji, Goa (Dabolim), which is 135 Kms from Gokarna.
»
»
