Showing posts with label Gokarna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gokarna. Show all posts

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Mesmerising Gokarna


While everyone was rushing to Goa to escape the heat, we decided to explore Gokarna beach in Karnataka about 80 km from Goa. We reached the main junction, Hubli (160 km from Gokarna) and took a cab to Gokarna which was more comfortable than a bus. People coming from places like Bangalore can just drive down (500 km from Bangalore).

We were amazed when we reached the town through the beautiful Ghats and valleys of the Sahyadri mountain range. Gokarna is a unique combination of hills, valleys and a beach that is rare to find. The Gangavali River flows through the town. And the best part is it is still not commercial and crowded unlike Goa. A few tourists including foreigners generally visit during November to February.

There are many hotels in the town where accommodation is easily available. But a stay on the hill top and valley facing resorts is undoubtedly a better option. And they are not very expensive. Plenty of cabs and autos are available for transport.



There are three beaches in the radius of five kms – Om Beach (named so for its Om shape), Town Beach (in the heart of the town and hence a little dirty) and Kudle Beach (the most exotic beach one can find).  The drive to the beaches is amidst the hills and valleys and the serene lush green, clean and calm beaches are heavenly. You can do boating, fishing, play in the water or simply relax and hear the waves or watch the sunrise and sunset. The small walk towards the Kudle beach was unforgettable through the rocky slopes of the hills as though you are heading towards a water fall. The coconut and mango trees all around the beach added to its beauty.  There are restaurants near the beaches that have some amazing sea food. 

Although not very popular in the glorified list of beaches, yet it is one of the best beaches of the country in terms of serenity, cleanliness and natural beauty. An ideal family holiday destination and a getaway from city stress.

There are some ancient temples like – the over 500 year old Mahabaleshwar Temple (one of the Jyoti Lingas of Lord Shiva where the Linga is underground), Parvati Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, and Ganesh temple, Bharat Temple, Rama Temple, a holy Kund, and Shiva Temple etc. The temples are beautiful and believed to be very sacred.
The town is very small but really interesting with small houses belonging to the colonial and pre-colonial construction that is worth having a look. People are very humble and helpful that makes the stay very comfortable. Food is good with a lot of options and quite economical. Not much of shopping to do except for some western clothes and shell jewellery. There are some nearby tourist spots like water falls, ancient temple etc. about 90 km from Gokarna.