Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage beach town located about 59 Kms south of Karwar in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India.

It is a contrasting town seeing a mix of tourists - Hindu devotees coming to see Lord Mahabaleshwara, beach lovers from South India and tired travelers from Goa who want to explore alternate beach locations.

Use this short guide to learn about this scenic town and explore the beaches and the temples here.    

(Photo Credit: lavannya)

About Gokarna 

Gokarna means ‘Cows Ear' in the local parlance. It is located at the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashin.

It is about 60 Kms from Karwar, the headquarters of Uttara Kannada (North Canara) district in Karnataka. Know more about Gokarna

How to reach Gokarna 

Gokarna can be reached by buses and maxi cabs from Kumta (36 km), Ankola (25km) and Karwar (59km) on National Highway NH 17.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also runs long journey buses from many cities like Bangalore, Goa, Mangalore and Hubli. Read more about reaching Gokarna

Brief History

It is mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagawat Purana as being the home of the two brothers Gokarna and Dhundhakari and the Bhagawat also gives details of the difference in their temperament and nature and their exploits.

According to another legend, Ravana, a demonic king from Lanka, did penance for the grace of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash.

Lord Shiva agrees to give Atmalingam with condition that the same should be physically carried and not placed anywhere on the ground, as it establishes itself at the very place wherever it is placed on Earth.

On his way, Ravana stops for bath at Gokarna and gives the Atmalingam to Lord Ganesha dressed like a Vatu (Brahmin boy), who promptly puts it down.

Ravana tries to extricate it but fails resulting in throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar, Murudeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. 

(Photo showing the mythical demon King Ravana. Copyright: Henryart)

Sightseeing Spots 

Gokarna most famous sightseeing attraction is its beaches. Om Beach is the most popular among them. It sees many visitors from Goa shifting here to get some peace from the crowds there.

There are other less explored beaches like the Koodlee beach, Half-moon beach and the Paradise beach.

You can also visit the Mahabaleshvar temple here which sees a lot of Hindu pilgrims during the Shivaratri festival in March every year.  

(photo credit: docmarton)

Read more about Gokarna tourist attractions

Accommodation at the Beaches

Of all the beaches, only Kudle beach and Om Beach have decent places to stay. You can get huts and shacks from Rs 100 to Rs 500. 

There is a hotel called Gokarna hotel on Kudle beach costing you about Rs 650/- a day (non air conditioned rooms).

Jungle Lodges Resort run a place on Om beach called Om beach resort offering ayurvedic massages and pick and drop facilities to places like Goa. They also offer local sightseeing services.

You can check their website at www.ombeachresort.com. The prices are in USD and it looks like they want to invite foreign tourists only. You can also contact thier Bangalore office at (+91) (80) 25597021 / 24 / 25

There are quite a few hotels in Gokarna town that you can stay in and explore around. Bear in mind that during Shivarathri (February - March) the hotels can get full. In such a case you can stay at Karwar.

1. See other sightseeing spots around Karwar
2. or explore Mangalore's beaches
3. Udipi, a temple town of Lord Krishna
4. or explore the Western Ghats of Shimoga

Use the quick links below to learn and see Gokarna: