Gokarna
 With
its narrow streets, traditional houses, and temples, the nondescript
town of Gokarna has become the favourite haunt of Hindu pilgrims,
Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna derives
its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a
cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’ this village is formed by the
ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be
prepared for a bit of cliffscrambling in this coastal town. Om beach,
one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om,’ a
spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that
protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half
Moon, and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna
is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one
side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the
famed Karnataka hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local
families.
Accommodation at Gokarna:
Om Beach Resort,
Swaswara (A CGH Earth Hotel)
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Gokarna is pretty much a round-the-year destination, although you'd
be well advised to avoid it during the monsoon.
Prime
Attractions at Gokarna
Mahaballeswara Temple
This Siva temple is said to be next in sanctity only to the Vishwanath
Siva Temple in Varanasi. It is often called the Kashi of the South.
Hindus come here to perform the death rites for departed ancestors.
According to the Gokarna Purana, “By mere entrance into this Ksetra
(holy place), one becomes liberated from hundreds of sins, including
even brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmin).” Moreover, it is said
that one becomes free from rebirth by just looking at the Atmainga, by
hearing the roar of the sea, or by taking birth in Kotitirtha.
Om Beach: One of the famous beaches in Karnataka. The beach
resembles the hindu spiritual symbol 'Om'. So its named as Om Beach.
Access to Gokarna
Air:
The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport. Mangalore gets direct flights
from Bangalore & Mumbai.
Rail: Konkan Railway passes through Gokarna (10 km from the
town) which connects Trivandrum, Goa & Mumbai to Gokarna.
Road:
Gokarna is well connected by road from Mangalore, Karwar, Bangalore.
|
