Sightseeing in Gokarna is interesting and diverse. You need to explore Gokarna in a slow and unhurried pace to enjoy its beauty at its best. This attractive town has all the frills to make up a great holiday spot including pristine beaches, scenic beauty and above a rich culture and history, which will make you come back for more. Gokarna has many popular tourist places and a tourist guide would be the best source to get all the tourist information on this coastal temple town.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
It is a famous Shiva Temple that is revered for its 'Atmalinga', located at the western end of the main street. This Shiva temple is believed to be next in sanctity only to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Hindus throng this temple to perform the death rites for departed ancestors. Shivaratri festival and the chariot processions brings thousands of pilgrims to the temple.
Beaches
Gokarna takes credit to some of the best beaches in India and is quite popular among budget travelers. The four popular beaches of Gokarna include the following :
- Om Beach: Shaped like the auspicious Hindu sign of ‘Om, this pristine beach is spread over two arcs of beaches separated by a rocky cliff. It can be explored on foot.
- KudleBeach : A palm fringed sandy beach that offers simple huts and some dating places, which make it a popular hangout spot among the youth. You can reach here in 20 minutes on foot from the town.
- Half Moon Beach: A small beach fringed with hill cliffs and coves and small islets.
- Paradise Beach: Located on Paradise Bay, it can be reached on foot from Om Beach.
