Things To Do Gokarna

Karnataka India

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Places To Visit In Gokarna

Beach Trekking

Coddled in nature? lap, the pristine beaches of Gokarna are already an engrossing sight, add to that the thrill and excitement of a trek and the picture is complete. The 8km trekking activity takes over 7 hours and starts from Bangalore under the guide of a qualified instructor. The joy of this fascinating journey through the lush and dense tropical forests is guaranteed to last a lifetime.

This temple dedicated to the Goddess Uma, is a popular religious site in Gokarna. The legends state that the Goddess was requested by Lord Cishnuto reside in this temple after she was abandoned by Ravana.

City Shopping

Shopping for the local specialties and taking back souvenirs is definitely among the top most things-to-do when one goes on a holiday. A trip to Gokarna is no different. Having been through the various pilgrimage sites and the mesmerizing beaches, one won't be able to stop himself/herself from splurging a bit on shopping after having a look at the local markets. Shopping in Gokarna is an absolute delight, and one can get amazing stuff at rock bottom prices if they're well-versed in the art of bargaining. Shopping in Gokarna is all about buying souvenirs like brass lamps, prayer beads, picture frames of Gods and Goddesses, incense sticks and other religious items. Other than this, you can also pick up some decorative items or jewelry made from seashells. Most of the street stalls sell these items.Kallusakkare, a kind of sugar candy with a refreshing taste is a specialty of Gokarna, and a must try. One can find several small shops lined up on the main streets of Gokarna attracting the tourists with their brightly colored merchandise. You will also find some shops selling interesting curios which make for an excellent souvenir. Read More

Gokarna Beach is several kilometres long and is situated at the edge of the temple town. It has recently gained popularity as a go-to beach destination owing to its beautiful stretches of sand and pristine locations. Gokarna beaches were rarely frequented by the locals until foreign tourists started thronging the seaside. Soon, many locals opened stores selling souvenirs, unique cafes and beach shacks. Walking along the coastline here is unique as you will come across many cafes and shacks and this is a place where the hippie culture of Gokarna is at. It is quite popular with pilgrims who come to the town to seek the blessings of Shiva, Indian groups and with foreign tourists as well. The muddy uphill roads with forest cover on both sides provide for more than a reason to go for a hike or a family picnic. The steep rocks in the shallow sea allow rock climbing for the adventure junkies. Bird and animal life is plenty around the serene beaches. While in Gokarna Beach, taking a crash course in Yoga is also a great way to spend the mornings. Read More

Half Moon Beach is a small beach situated in Gokarna. It is separated from the Om Beach by a cliff from where tourists are bound to get an amazing view of the Arabian Sea. Numerous village huts in the classical Indian style can be spotted lined up by the beach giving it a rather traditional and homely touch altogether. The beach got its name from the striking resemblance that it exhibits with a half moon. Away from the civilization and into the arms of nature, this is the best place to spend time at while looking at the caves and gazing at the sky lit with stars. Being at the beach is one of the most thrilling experiences as when you are bathing in the water of the Half Moon, all you can see ahead of you is the infinite ocean and behind is the lush and thick jungle making you feel as if you are the last living person left on the face of the earth. There are numerous exciting activities that the place offers including swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, paintball, camping, and cabins. However, there are no water sports available as such. Tourists can also unwind by going sunbathing in the afternoon and lying on hammocks in the night. To add more to the list, the food of the shack restaurants is finger-licking good. Overseeing the entire coast of the Om Beach, the Half Moon Beach is definitely a getaway spot for all the travellers out there to travel away from the hustle and bustle of the city into nature's lap. Read More

A man made tank, Koti Tirtha is considered to be extremely sacred and is used for ritual bathing and immersing idols. The tank is surrounded by temples on all sides.

Kudle Beach is one of the many beaches of Gokarna, situated only a short trek from Om Beach. A complete recluse, this beach offers the most silent and serene atmosphere to enjoy a sunset, a walk along the shore or simply sit and observe the never-ceasing tides. Many local people prefer this beach for a morning or evening walk or practising yoga, as the Kudle beach is not invaded by large groups of tourists and as a result, has a very little crowd and quite serene. The beach is usually deserted, except for the peak months from November to February, when it is flocked by foreign travellers and backpackers who choose Kudle beach for its privacy. The sea is calm and shallow enough to have a bath or simply for dipping your feet, but it is always better to be careful. If you are planning to stay here overnight, there are a few proper hotels, which tend to be full during the peak seasons. However, from around October to March, the local people also put up temporary shacks and huts for makeshift accommodation and food. They are not the best option, but an option nevertheless. If you are of the adventurous type a night spent on the beach in a small hut listening to the sound of the waves is as perfect as it can get. Read More

Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is located near the Mahabaleshwara temple and quite popular among pilgrims visiting Gokarna. As per the legend of Lord Shiva's blessings, visitors are supposed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before visiting the Mahabaleshwara temple.

A 6 feet tall Shiva Linga here at the temple is known as the Atmalinga is worshipped here. Built using white granite, it is a classic example of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. A 1500 years old carved stone Lord Shiva idol in the standing position represents the main deity. The temple has been mentioned in the Hindu Mythics of Mahabharata and Ramayana and it is said to be as significant as Kashi, hence it earning the title, Dakshin (South) Kashi. The top of the Atmalinga is the only part of the Linga that is visible to devotees. But during the Ashta Bandana Kumbhahishekam, a festival that happens once every 40 years, is when the entire Atmalinga is shown to the devotees. As per custom, devotees must first take a dip in the Karwar Beach, where the temple faces, visit the Maha Ganapathi Temple that is opposite the temple, then only visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple. Read More

Namaste Cafe is one of the most picturesque cafes in Gokarna offering finger licking delicious food, situated right on the Om Beach. If you are in Gokarna, this place is a must-visit. Situated at one end of the beach, the cafe has a picture perfect setting and tasting the delicious food here with a view is one of the best things to do in Gokarna.