Gokarna is a town on the Arabian Sea, in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka. A popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus, it’s known for sacred sites like Mahabaleshwar Temple, which has a shrine dedicated to the deity Shiva. Nearby, Koti Teertha is a temple tank where devotees wash in the holy waters. The town is also home to beaches such as palm-lined Gokarna, in the center, plus Kudle and Om farther south.
Maha Ganapati Temple
The Shree Maha Ganapati Temple in Gokarna is said to have been built to honor Lord Ganesha’s role in securing the Atmalinga (soul of Lord Shiva) in Gokarna, after he tricked Ravana into placing it there, where it became rooted and is now worshipped at the Mahabaleshwar Temple.
The Maha Ganapati Temple is just meters away from the Shiva Temple and made in honor of Lord Ganesha having played a hand in taking the Atma Linga from Ravana. It is common protocol to first visit the Ganapati Temple & then move to the Shiva Temple.
The Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna is a 4th-century-CE Hindu temple located in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka state, India which is built in the classical Dravidian architectural style. It is a site of religious pilgrimage. The temple faces the Gokarna beach on the Arabian Sea.
The Bhadrakali Temple
When the all-powerful demon called Vetrasur conquered the three lokas, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva devised a strategy to defeat him. They created a feminine warrior called Durge. Various gods gifted her with special powers to fight Vetrasur. After she conquered the demon, Lord Shiva re-christened her as Bhadrakali and sent her to Gokarna as a protector of the town.
Hordes of devotees visit during Brahmotsavams, which are organized every year during the month of April or May. During Shravana Masa, which is the month of August-September, the temple celebrates many prominent festivals such as Vasanta Navaratri, Shakambari Utsavam, and Sharan Navaratri.
The Koti Tirtha: The Holy pond of Gokarna
The Koti Tirtha is a sacred man-made tank that serves as a spiritual halt. ‘Koti Tirtha’ signifies a thousand springs in Sanskrit. Before visiting the many sacred temples and shrines in the area, it is customary to take a dip in this pond, believing that it will wash away their sins and offer permanent peace to generations past and present.You must make a list of places to visit in Gokarna or the resort in Gokarna.
Om Beach
Om Beach is shaped as two semi crescents joined together forming the shape of Om (Hindu Symbol) hence the name Om beach. Tourists can enjoy the banana boat, surfing, jet skiing etc. on this beach. The beach has a breathtaking view of the sunset. For someone who loves the beach, Om beach is a must visit. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain is excellent and appealing to the eyes.
Om Beach is a major tourist attraction in the coastal city of Gokarna, located in North Canara district. One of the acclaimed beaches in the country, Om Beach takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a Hindu spiritual symbol. In the shape of two crescents joined together to form an Om, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain appeals to travellers from around the world.
Kudle Beach
Kudle Beach, with its golden sands and serene atmosphere, is one of the most tranquil beaches in Karnataka. Located in the temple town of Gokarna, the beach is a haven for those seeking peace and solitude. It’s known for its laid-back vibe, beach shacks, and yoga retreats.
The beach is quite clean, calm and serene, something which is rare to find in other beaches.
Kudle Beach, one of Gokarna’s five beaches, is a popular tourist attraction of Karnataka if you’re looking for serenity and a chance to get away from the bustle of city life. The beach, which is surrounded on three sides by hills, is completely isolated and abandoned for most of the year.
Mirjan Fort
The Mirjan Fort is located on the west coast of the Uttara Kannada district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fort known for its architectural elegance was the location of several battles in the past.
Yana
Yana is a village located in forests of the Kumta, Utttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India which is known for the unusual karst rock formations.
Yana is a tourist destination located in forest of Katgal Range, which is also a part of Malenadu region of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. Yana is one of the wettest villages in the world. It is the cleanest village in Karnataka and the second cleanest village in India.
Murdeshwar
Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. With the shimmering Arabian Sea on three sides and the magnificent Western Ghats imposing their presence on this town, it is a favourite picnic spot among the folks from Kerala and Karnataka. The beaches and the adventure activities around Netrani island are a major reason to attract tourists. The temple and fort are also the most visited spots, captivating one with their rustic charm and beauty. Nearby Netrani island is also a very popular spot for tourists as it offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Dandeli
The adventure hub of Karnataka, Dandeli, lies on the banks of the River Kali in north Karnataka and is also an ideal place to unwind amidst natural beauty some 1,551 ft above sea level.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. The sanctuary, which was declared a tiger reserve in 2007, is crisscrossed by the River Kaneri and the River Nagajhari, tributaries of the River Kali.
The white river rafting in the Kali River of Dandeli is the most important attraction. River rafting at Dandeli offers a great challenge of rapids that gives an adrenaline rush to the adventure enthusiasts. Half-day and full-day options are available to enjoy the river rafting experience in Dandeli
Sathodi Falls
Sathodi Falls is a waterfall in India that is formed by several unnamed streams near Kallaramane Ghat, Uttara Kannada District, near Yellapur, Karnataka, and 32 km from Yellapur. It is about 15 metres (49.2 feet) tall. The stream then flows into the backwaters of the Kodasalli Dam, into the Kali River.
Magod Falls
Magod Falls is a group of waterfalls in Karnataka, India, where the river Bedti falls from a height of nearly 200 metres in two steps. The falls are located about 16 km from the town of Yellapur and 58 km from Sirsi, in the district of Uttara Kannada, and are easily accessible from several lakes and towns
