Gokarna - Karnataka - ಗೋಕರ್ಣ

Co-ordinates 14.583770, 74.368097 State Karnataka Nearby Stations Konkan Nearby Places Wikipedia Link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokarna Other Langauge Names Hindi: गोकर्णा - कर्नाटक Kannada: ಗೋಕರ್ಣ

More Images

Cow's Ear- for that's what `Gokarna' actually means- is a mundane way of describing a place as pretty as this. Named for the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers, Gokarna, is noted more as a pilgrimage centre than as a beach. This is not apt, because Gokarna, with its coconut palms, blue seas and clean sands, is perfect for an idyllic vacation by the sea. Situated along the Karwar coast, in northern Karnataka, Gokarna is beach-utopia. A somnolent one-street town consisting mostly of wooden houses.

Go-karna, means 'cow's ears' in Sanskrit. According to legends, Lord Shiva emerged from a cow's ear and so the name. It is located at the meeting point of the two rivers Gangavali and Agnashini, which is shaped like an ear. Gokarna is a town of paradox - a holy center contrasted by it being a popular beach destination. A place said to have been the center for India's ancient Ganja culture, it is known today, for being a holy city, housing the famous Shiva temple where you can find the Aatma Lingam enshrined. Gokarna is one of the seven muktisalas or pilgrimage centers of Karnataka, and has been venerated even by the Nayanmar saints in their Tamil hymns.

This place is famous for religious Hindu rituals, as well as it's wonderful (and not so secluded anymore) beaches. These beaches are separated by cliffs. There are four main beaches: Kudle beach, Om beach, Halfmoon beach, and Paradise beach.

Gokarna is pretty much a round-the-year destination, although you'd be well advised to avoid it during the monsoon, when heavy rain can make it muddy and messy. In February-March, festivities mark Maha Shivratri, and along with other celebrations, there's a colourful procession in Gokarna. January and February, when the weather's good, are anyway a great time to visit the town.

Located beautifully on the coastal belt of Karnataka near Gokarna is Swaswara resort. Swaswara, Gokarna is a part of the CGH Earth group and boasts of providing modern comforts amidst serene environs to its guests. The resort is easily accessible and therefore preferred equally by both holidaymakers and leisure travelers.

How to Reach

Air

Nearest airport is Mangalore.

Rail

Konkan Railway passes through Gokarna (10 km from the town)

Road

The Gokarna is well connected by road with Karwar, Mangalore, Bangalore

Accommodation

Swaswara-A CGH Earth Experience, Hotel Gokarna International, Om Beach Resort

Gokarna is in close proximity to four beaches, Kudle Beach (Kutle Beach), a kilometre-long stretch of white sand fringed by palm trees, is the nearest; just about 20 minutes' walk from Gokarna.