With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.
Palm clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists in a majority and very few Indians are seen across. 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 a kind’ place in the country.
Om Beach
Om beach is a wonderful beach located in the town of Gokarna. Shaped like the symbol ‘Om’, this beach offers plenty of adventure sports to the thrill-seekers. The view of this beach during sunset is one to be cherished forever. It is usually lined with shacks on the sides offering cheap accommodation and restaurants with global menus. There is also a bunch of fun water sports activities available on Om Beach, including speedboats, surfing etc. Visitors can even enjoy boating here.
Om beach derives its name from its shape, which is formed by two semi crescents joined together. The unique black rock formations here attract a lot of travellers. One can spot fishermen boats, small cafes and eateries and crows swirling up in the sky at this beautiful beach. The beauty of this beach compels many visitors even to cross the danger area (marked by red) and play in the splashing waves. This place is a heaven for all the shutterbugs, with some mind-blowing sceneries amidst the rocky terrain.
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.
Kudle Beach
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.
Water Sports in Gokarna
Known for its idyllic beaches and pristine waters, Gokarna is a favorite among travelers who seek a peaceful vacation. It is the more laid-back and less commercialized version of Goa. Other than the famous Om beach, it has Kudle beach and the more secluded Half Moon and Paradise beach.
Gokarna is an ideal destination for adventure seekers as well those want a break from the chaos of everyday life. Travellers have the option of simply strolling down the beautiful serene beaches or participating in the myriad water sports that it has to offer. The popular water sports are parasailing, banana boat ride and jet-skiing.