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.

Places To Visit In Gokarna 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.

Paradise Beach

The fourth beach lying across the coast of Gokarna Town, Paradise Beach is also well-known by the name of ‘Full Moon Beach’. Located in the state of Karnataka, the Paradise Beach is about 150 meters in length and out of this almost seventy percent of the beach is entirely covered in rocks. The rest of the beach is adorned with clean white sand all over. Not much water sports are available here but swimming in the calm waters here is a great way to refresh your mind and body. The serene environment of the beach offers a great opportunity to spend some time in nature’s lap and find solace.

Paradise Beach is not accessible by road and can only be reached via other beaches, namely the Half Moon Beach and Om Beach. Visitors need to hire a motor boat from either of the above-stated beaches to reach the Paradise Beach. This beach can also be reached after a small hike from the Half Moon Beach. Via this route, it will not take you more than 20 minutes to reach. Paradise Beach was earlier known as the hot spot for all the hippies, due to the trade of weed going on here. As soon as this caught the eye of the Government authorities, all these antisocial activities were curbed, shacks were broken, and all kinds of commercial activities were prohibited here.

Gokarna Beach

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.