GOKARNA TOURISM

Gokarna is a quaint village located on the coast of south Indian state of Karnataka. It lies at the distance of 579 Kms, from Bangalore and 60 Kms, from Karwar. Set behind the pristine white sand beach, with the forest cover foothills of the Western Ghats forming a back ground, Gokarna is among the India's most scenically situated sacred sites. Go-Karna actually means 'cows ears' in Sanskrit.

According to the legend, Lord Shiva emerged from the cow's ear. Gokarna is beautifully set at the at the meeting point of the two rivers Gangavali and Agnashini, which is shaped like an ear. The city is renowned for housing the famous Shiva temple where you may find the Aatma Lingam enshrined. Gokarna is is one of the major seven pilgrimage centers in the state of Karnataka.

Gokarna Attractions :

Temples in Gokarna :

The most famous temple in Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar temple, which is home to the revered Lingam (the phallic image of Lord Shiva). It is regarded so auspicious that the mere glimpse of it can wash away hundred of sins and bad deeds. Usually the tourists are seen taking a holy bath in the sea before going for the darshan at the temple. Tourists from all over the country make a visit to this temple.

Near to the Mahabaleshwar temple is the popular Ganpati temple, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the temple. The temple honors the role of Lord Ganesha played in rescuing the lingam. Tourists can also make a visit to the another renowned temple known as Venkataraman temple, and 100 km south of this is Koorti Teertha, the largest temple tank where pilgrims and Brahmins perform their ablutions next to dhobi walls on the ghats.

Beaches in Gokarna :

Gokarna is the town of numerous magnificent beaches. It takes you on the tour to the famous Kudle beach. Sited with the vast stretch of white sand and lined up palm tress it is also a popular picnic destination. Please don't go swimming as the water could be bit dangerous here. Also catch the mesmerizing sunset view from here. Further 20 minutes walks bring you to Om Beach, with a handful of palm leaf chai stalls and seasonal cafes. It is named as such as it shaped like th Hindus spiritual symbol OM. Moving towards the south you come across isolated Half Moon Baech and Paradise beach.

Ayurveda Tour :

There are number of Ayurveda centers at OM Beach and SwaSwara. Apart from that goos range of Ayurvedic treatments are available at Kerala Ayurveda Hospital Institute of Medical Technology.

Aparana Chauhan