Gokarna which is a town in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka is ideal for a beach sojourn. It is about 450 km from Bangalore and 59 km from Karwar. Gokarna is also a Hindu pilgrimage destination. It is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from a cow’s ear here. So it is known as ‘Gokarna; or the cow’s ear. The rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini merge at Gokarna forming an ear shaped confluence. The town’s narrow streets are flanked by traditional homes and temples. Many resorts here offer Ayurvedic treatments and Yoga lessons.
Gokarna has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 20 ° C to 35 ° C. Avoid the peak summer months of April and May. Rainy season is considered to be a healing season according to Ayurveda so if you are coming here for a therapy, rainy months from June to September are the best. Otherwise, the best time is the winter from November to February. Maha Shivratri is celebrated with colourful processions here. To catch a glimpse of that the tourists have to be here during February/March.
Only a few good hotels in Gokarna accept international credit cards. There are only few ATMs nearby so it is best to carry cash to this place.
No permit is required to travel to Gokarna. Just a visa to India is all what is needed.
The nearest international airport is the Bangalore airport at 450 km. Several international airlines operate flights from Bangalore to the US, UK, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.
By Rail: Gokarna station on the Konkan railway route from Mumbai to Mangalore is the closest railhead.
By Road: Gokarna is well connected by roads to Bangalore, Goa, Karwar and Mangalore. Karnataka state road transport corporation buses from Goa, Karwar and Mangalore reach Gokarna.
By Air: The Dabolim airport in Goa is the closest to Gokarna at 135km. It is a domestic airport connected by various domestic carriers to Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore etc.
Om beach which is in the shape of Om (%u0950), the spiritual symbol, is one of the main beaches of Gokarna. Water sports like parasailing, banana rides and water scooters can be enjoyed here.
Kudle beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach.
Temples in the town.
Nearby excursion from Gokarna include
Karwar which is 59 km from Gokarna is another beachside town with undiscovered beaches.
Jog fall near Shimoga is the fifth highest waterfall in Asia and highest in India.
Goa which is the most popular beach destination is only 135 km from Gokarna.
Being a beach destination, Gokarna has a variety of sea food. You can try delicacies at the beach shacks. Flower Garden Restaurant on the main beach offers good sea food and Italian coffee. The health resorts and spas offer health foods.
Om Beach Resort has nice suites and also an Ayurvedic massage centre. Swaswara resort has Konkan style villas and facilities for Yoga. Sea Bird Resort, Hotel Samudra and Nimmi house are other hotels in Gokarna. The beach shacks made of thatch are an amazing experience for the adventure tourists.
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