Gokarna - Karnataka - India

Gokarna is a beautiful town which is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This place is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage center which lures large number of travelers from all over the country. 

Situated on the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka, primarily known for two reasons - its beaches and temples. Gokarna can be different things to different people. Every year hordes of tourists visit Gokarna in search of sanctity and salvation on one hand, respite and relaxation on the other.

Gokarna is not very conventionally touristy. The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed holiday and everything on the beach goes at the same relaxed pace. Full of coconut and palm trees, the ocean and clean sands, Gokarna is a 'one of its kind place' in the country.

Gokarna Beaches are the chief tourist attractions in the holy town of Gokarna. The name itself has been derived from Go (holy cow) and Karna (ears); hence, it has considerable mythological reverence as well.

Part of a largely Hindu domain, the tourists also pay homage to the famous Mahabaleswara temple, which is a renowned Shiva temple (a major Hindu deity), Maha Ganapathy temple, the Uma Maheshwari temples, and a host of other well-know temples for which this tourist spot is also famous.

 The Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach and Om Beach are the five main seaside attractions here.

 Gokarna Beach is a dream destination with its scenic beach, jagged cliffs, outstanding view of sunset, undiscovered coves and quaint temples.

 The beautiful temples and the attractive beaches make Gokarna a prominent tourist destination.

Gokarna is remotely populated with its nearest connection being Goa to its north and the city of Bangalore is located roughly around 275 miles to its east.

How to Reach

By Air

Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport about 140 km away. The airport is well connected by flights to Indian and international cities.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Ankola, about 20 km from Gokarna. Trains from several cities including Mangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Veraval halt at the station. From the station, taxi services are available for Gokarna.

By Road

Gokarna is well connected by road. KSRTC buses do ply regularly from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubli, other cities of Karnataka. One can also board a bus from Madgaon and other cities of Goa for Gokarna. Gokarna is just 10 km off the NH 17 connecting Mumbai to Kochi. Buses, including AC luxury, ply regularly between both the cities.

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