DISCOVER KARNATAKA COAST - UDUPI, MANGALORE AND GOKARNA

Coastal Karnataka is a wonderful holiday spot and an ever memorable place of visit. But it is very important to know to know what all are the places that are to be covered. Some of the most famous attraction in Coastal Karnataka includes :

Gokarna :

Gokarna is a important part of the coastal Karnataka. Located at the distance of 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, it is a important Shaiva Center. Gokarna actually means Cow's ear. According to teh legends the Lord Shiva is said to have emerged from the ear of the cow (Ma Ptithvi) here. It is named as such, as it is located at the confluence of two rivers called Gangavali and Aghanashini, which is shaped like a cow ear.

Gokarna is primarily a temple site. There are many famous temples that are located here. The foremost among them are Mahabaleshwar temple home to a revered lingam (phallic image Shiva). Another most important temple is the Ganpati temple, which honors the role played by Lord Ganesha in rescuing the lingam.

Apart from the temple tour, tourists can also make a visit to the some of the pristine beaches located here. The most important among them are- Kudle beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise beach. Tourists can take a jungle tour to the Gokarna forests , that are full of exotic wildlife.

Mangalore :

Mangalore is a important port city, situated at a point where Netravati and Gurupur rivers flow into the Arabian ocean. It is a part of the coastal Karnataka, which served a an important trade port in ancient India. The city of Mangalore derives its name from Goddess of Fortune Mangladevi.
The white sandy beaches, hilly terrain, and leisurely winding streets make Mangalore a must visit among the travelers.

Sultan's Battery is the foremost sightseeing destination in the city of Mangalore. fortress built in black stone to prevent intruders from entering the city. Than comes the popular Mangladevi temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mangla Devi. Other major attraction in the city includes St. Aloysius College Chappel, Kadri Manjunatha temple, lighthouse hill garden and many more.

Udupi :

Located at the distance of 60 kms from Mangalore, Udupi is one of the most revered pilgrimage site in the site of Karnataka. The city is known for its association with the Hindu Saint Madhva (1238 -1317) who was born here. He was the founder of the dualistic – Dvaita school of philosophy. Udupi boosts of the numerous sightseeing destination which are worth a visit.

Udupi is known for the Krishna temple located here. It houses the fascinating idol of Lord Krishna , that is richly adorned with the jewels. The major attraction of the temple is Kanakana Kindi, a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa.

On the excursion trip from Udupi, tourists can make a visit to Maravanthe, which is a popular beach destination, Kollur – a tiny hamlet, Malpe – famous for the boat rides, Manipal - a centre of modern learning with well known medical and engineering colleges.