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.
