Om Beach, Gokarna Overview 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, Gokarna Overview 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.
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. During the night time, you can often spot small troops of foreign travellers staying here, camping and cooking their meals. Availability of fresh water well on the beach makes it an ideal spot for camping. The water from this well is clean and safe for drinking. Swimming is highly enjoyable here but swimming far across the shore is risky due to the presence of very strong currents. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine in the nearby localities as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the Sahyadri Hills of North Karnataka, Yana is a quaint Hill Station with a beauty that casts a spell and hills to appeal to the direst trekkers. Tucked in between one of the richest biodiversity centres of the world, Yana is a small hill station with immense beauty enough to captivate any soul that lays eyes on it. A small village located just 140 km from Hubli; Yana caves is famous as a centre of adventure, wildlife and religion hence proving to be the perfect getaway destination. Blessed with the ever-enchanting greenery and freshness of the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats, Yana is a hill station famous for housing two giant natural Limestone monoliths which attracts pilgrims in thousands every year. The Bhairaveshwara Peak and Mohini Peak are said to hold religious importance representing Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati respectively. Coupled with religious importance, it is also a great place to trek and bird watch. A trek to the twin peaks involves a very steep 3 km long trek which is at its worst slippery and it 's best breezy. The Yana village which symbolizes the rustic Indian rural life with mud roads, mushroom-like huts and a laid-back lifestyle allows you to get a glimpse of life in the Western Ghats.
Located on the banks of River Aghanashini, Mirjan Fort is a royal reminder of our glorious history. It is situated about 11 km from the town of Kumta in Karnataka and is spread over an area of 4.1 hectares. The fort is also believed to be a site for many past battles in 16th and 17th Century and was functional till 1785. Later, the British captured this fort and used it for their armoury. It is embellished with remarkable architecture of the bygone era, such as canals, moats, secret passageways and various other considerations to fortify its grounds. The splendid fort truly gives the impression of a fairytale castle all covered with grass and overgrowth. This time-tested building is constructed from locally available laterite stone. Legend says that this was one of the most important places for the Foreign trades in Spices with Dutch, Portuguese and British. It has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and has gone through some recent renovations to improves its quality. In the year 2001, several archaeological excavations were also conducted by the organisation that unearthed several laterite structures belonging to the medieval period. Other antiquarian findings such as gold coins attributed to Portuguese Viceroy Conde De Sarzedas have also been found along with cannon balls, Chinese porcelain, and clay tablets with Islamic inscriptions. It is believed that there was a hidden treasure in the fort complex that was later stolen by the Britishers. Nestled amidst the idyllic surrounding this historical monument is a lost gem in the tourism landscape of the country. Every year on independence day, Indian flag is hoisted on the fort.
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.
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.
A lesser-known, relatively secluded and extremely clean beach in Karnataka, Nirvana Beach in Gokarna is a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue water. Ideal for a relaxing and serene getaway, the beach offers excellent sunrise and sunset views and is also great for taking a dip. It is not open for water sports but the beach is perfect for volleyball or simply sunbathing while watching a few fishing boats go by. Just a ferry ride from popular beaches, Nirvana Beach is a wonderful place to spend some peaceful time with family.
Nirvana Beach Highlights.
A must-visit when in Gokarna, Small Hell Beach is a peaceful beach that features golden sand and ultramarine blue water that is exceptionally calm. Given that it is untouched by untouched hands, the surroundings are quite clean and absolutely breathtaking. Surrounded by massive rocks and tall trees, it is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, taking photographs and relaxing. A few fishing boats go by occasionally and add to the scenic beauty of the area.
Belekan Beach in Gokarna is a remote location accessible mainly via a boat ride from Gokarna Beach that is known for its calm blue water and magnificent views of the hills around. It is close to Moonlight Beach and is a tranquil location perfect for a relaxing day. While swimming is definitely a go-to activity here, it is also great for playing beach volleyball and frisbee. Being here in the evenings allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunset against the hills and just enjoy the sight of boats littered around on the water.