Tourism in Gokarna involves a wide variety of tourist centres, which comprise religious tourist attractions like temples, as well as adequate destinations which offer nature tourism to its visitors. Famous temples, which boast of marvellous ancient architecture and beautiful sandy beaches in and around Gokarna are worth visiting.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Gokarna
Gokarna is a reputed centre for learning Sanskrit. Toggu Math and Bhandikeri Math are believed to be significant centres which offer lessons in this ancient language of India. The wisdom and knowledge in the field of Sanskrit is passed from one generation to the next, especially in the Brahmin families. Several Hindus perform the funeral rites of their deceased relatives at Gokarna. Mahabaheshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwar or Lord Shiva is an important temple existent here. The `Atmalinga` is present at this temple. `The word `Maha` means great while `bal` implies strength. `Nagabharana` is the name of the holy idol which is placed in this temple. The idol has derived this name since Lord Nagabharana is present under the head of a serpent or `Naga`.
Bhadrakali Temple, Venkataramana Temple, Tamra Gauri Temple, Uma Maheswari Temple and Maha Ganapathi Temple are a few of the temples which are located in Gokarna. Maha Ganapathi Temple is devoted to Ganapathi, who had deceived Ravana, the demon. The sacred deity present here possesses two arms and is standing. It is about 1500 years old. There is an artificial tank which also exists in Gokarna, which is used by the regional residents of this town for the purpose of immersing idols and bathing. Several temples surround this tank which is referred to as `Kotiteertha`. The temples of this place contain two chariots named `Sanna Ratha` which means small in Kannada language and `Dodda Ratha` which means big according to the Kannada language. During the festival of `Mahashivaratri` the Sanna Ratha is placed outside in the open air during the months of winter and summer while Dodda Ratha is utilized and decorated only during the time of Mahashivaratri. The idol of Lord Mahabaleshwara is carried inside the Dodda Ratha during the final day of Mahashivaratri, in a large procession which moves through Car Street of Gokarna. Devotees assembled during this religious occasion constantly chant hymns praising Lord Shiva. The chariots, armed with ropes are pulled by above 100 people, while the priests are engaged in conducting religious rites inside the chariot. More than 20,000 pilgrims pay a visit to the temple town of Gokarna during the Mahashivaratri festival, which continues for nine days.
Nature Tourism in Gokarna
The path which leads one to Gokarna is quite spectacular, accompanied by rocky mountains and also the Western Ghats on one end and Arabian Sea on the other side. The Gokarna Beach or Indian Beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach or Full Moon Beach, Kuddle Beach, Main Beach, Nirvana Beach and Half Moon Beach are amongst the several pristine beaches which are existent in Gokarna. The Nirvana Beach is immensely popular amongst tourists since it is about 3km in length and is filled with fine white sand. The coastal parts of the Gokarna town are formed by Gokarna Beach and the Main Beach is present in the northern part of the town. The remaining other four beaches are located on the southern portion of Gokarna. The Gokarna Beach is flooded with Indian visitors. One can explore water sports like surfing in the Main Beach. Om Beach and Kuddle Beach can be approached on foot and are based at a distance of nearly 6 km from Gokarna. Paradise Beach and Half Moon Beach can be reached by foot or also by boats. One can also opt to access these beaches from Kumta town. Om Beach is so named since it is considered to be quite auspicious.
Visiting Information
One can access Gokarna by cabs or buses from the town of Kumta which is 30 km away from Gokarna, Karwar which is 59 km from Gokarna and also Ankola which is present at a distance of nearly 26 km from Gokarna. They are all based on the National Highway 17. Visitors can also avail of several buses which are operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). These modes of transport can be used from cities like Mangalore, Panaji and Bangalore. Private buses are also available from Bangalore to Gokarna. Konkan Railway, which falls on the Mumbai to Mangalore route is yet another alternative means of commuting to Gokarna. Gokarna Road is the name of the nearest station which is 6 km away from Gokarna town. Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe and Dabolim at Goa are the closest airports to Gokarna.
