Starting your day with a visit to the temple and then chilling out in the beaches is what Karnataka offers and is a perfect holiday destination
Om Beach
Famous for being naturally shaped like the auspicious symbol Om, Om beach attracts tourists round the year.It is one of the most popular beaches in Gokarna, lined with shacks on the sides offering cheap accommodation and restaurants with exotic menus. Namaste Cafe is one of the popular restaurants here. There is a bunch of fun water sports activities available on the beach, including speed boats, surfing etc.
Kudle Beach
Located between Om Beach and Gokarna Beach, Kudle beach is also as popular among tourists as Om beach.It has more accommodation options – ranging from the cheaper shacks attached to restaurants to more expensive rooms in guesthouses. Kudle is quite similar to Om in terms of water sports and restaurant options.
Mahabaleshwara Temple
A Shiva Linga known as the Atmalinga is worshipped in this Mahabaleshwar temple.Built using white granite, it is a classic example of the beauty of Dravidian architecture. A 1500 years old carved stone Lord Shiva idol in the standing position represents the main deity.
Gokarna beach
Located close to Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna beach is most popular with pilgrims coming to visit the temples.This quiet beach has a calm atmosphere and the scenic beauty of the sun and the waves. The Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, this beach features hammocks and music to entertain the visitors.
Maha Ganapati temple
Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is located near the Mahabaleshwara temple and quite popular among pilgrims visiting Gokarna. As per the legend of Lord Shiva’s blessings, visitors are supposed to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before visiting the Mahabaleshwara temple.
Bhadrakali Temple
This temple dedicated to the Goddess Uma, is a popular religious site in Gokarna.
The legends state that the Goddess was requested by Lord Cishnuto reside in this temple after she was abandoned by Ravana.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon is a smaller, less popular and hence a less crowded beach, yet quite beautiful beach.The beach looks beautiful with its minimalistic setting, especially at night when the clear skies are shining with millions of stars. The beach has only a couple of restaurants and limited facilities and no water sports. Half Moon is ideal for swimming. Reaching here is slightly difficult and the best way to reach here is via boats from Om Beach or Gokarna beach.
Paradise Beach
The Paradise beach is accessible only by boat or after some trekking. No water sports are available here but swimming in the calm waters can be fun.
Water Sports
Beaches like Om, Kudle, Gokarna have some fun water sports activities available such as Speed boats, bumper boat ride, banana boat ride etc
Kumta
A coastal town near Gokarna, Kumta is famous for its temples and beaches.The multitudes of seabirds on these beaches make it a must see. Cashews, coconuts, banana cultivations are well maintained here.
Yaana
A delightful location for trekkers and hikers, Yaana is situated in the midst of the thick woods of the Western Ghats.It is a pilgrim center as well owing to the sacred temples here.
Koti Tirtha
A man made tank, Koti Tirtha is considered to be extremely sacred and is used for ritual bathing and immersing idols. The tank is surrounded by temples on all sides.
City Shopping
There are small shops in the town selling some religious trinkets, incense sticks, and some cheap clothes. There are no souvenirs in particular that tourists generally carry from Gokarna.
