Gokarna : Of Beaches and Temples
Gokarna is situated in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It’s famous for its beaches and temples.
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My accommodation in Kudle beach |
Gokarna
Beach : This is the longest beach and is in the heart of town. This beach
receives maximum number of tourists. It is very popular with Indian tourists.
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Half moon beach |
Half Moon Beach : No prizes for guessing the shape of the beach. This quiet beach was a popular for psychotropic substances and rave parties. All this (illegal activity) has been stopped by the authorities. Even all the accommodation the beach has been shut down by the local authorities. There is a walking trail to this beach or alternatively get a boat from Om Beach. Bring your supplies and tent if you are planning to stay here.
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Om Beach |
Kudle (Pronounced: Could-Lee) beach: I stated on this beach for 3 three days in Nov 2014. The waterfront is completely occupied by shacks offering food and accommodation. Step beyond the shacks and one can see wild peacocks roaming among the paddy fields. Snakes are a common sight. I saw a dolphin swimming in the water beside me. Mosquitoes are a menace and come prepared with some insect repellent.
Om Beach: This beach happens to be shaped like the letter Aum . It’s not so built up like Kudle beach. I was told that Indian tourists will not be given accommodation here during peak season. This is a good spot to get a boat to Paradise beach or Half moon beach.
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Paradise beach |
Paradise beach: The accommodation here was also shut down by the authorities. Half moon beach , along with Paradise beach were famous for rave parties. After a tussle with the legal authorities both the beaches have mellowed down. There is a walking trail to this beach or alternatively get a boat from Om beach. Bring your supplies and tent if you are planning to stay here. You will definitely not be alone on the beach.
There is a beach beyond this where the fishing boats bring their catch. It’s smelly and recommended that it kept off the tourist itinerary.
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Ram Remple |
Mahabaleshwar temple: The main temple in town and the deity is Lord Shiva. The idol in the temple is said to be the only “Swayambhoo” (Self created) idol. Inside the temple the Swami’s hard-sell the Pooja’s on offer. The temple is worth a visit, but foreigners are not allowed inside the main courtyard. This temple gets crowded during holidays and special occasions. There is a stall selling organic local food and ayurvedic products within in the temple . Bought a bottle of “Sugarless Ashoka Blackberry Juice”. There is a picture of Ashoka Blackberry on the bottle, but I don’t think I’ve seen this fruit before.
Ganpathy temple (Main): Main Ganapathy temple is beside the Mahabaleshwar temple
Ganapathy temple (Minor): This is beside the beach. It’s a quiet
location on a hillock on the way to Ram temple.
There are very few visitors to this temple. Beautiful views of Gokarna
beach from the veranda of this temple .
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Holy Spring at Ram temple |
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Bharatan Temple |
Uma Nanda Temple: This is a very small temple on the hillock between Om
and Kudle beach. To get to the temple from Kudle beach climb the steps towards
Om beach. Once in the open space where the vehicles are parked, turn right. Walk
between the walls to reach the temple. I happened to go for a walk in the
morning and I got lost. That’s how I reached this temple!!! This temple has
commanding views of the sea and beyond. No visitors at this temple. Solitude
abounds.
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Entrance to Gogarbha temple |
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Road to Kudle beach |
Getting there:
Train: Get off at Gokarna Road. Take a taxi/auto from the station.
Buses: Direct buses are available from Bangalore and Mangalore
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Interesting. Never thought so, about this place!
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