India /Karnataka /Uttara Kannada /Gokarna

Gokarna a small town on banks of Arabian sea. Gokarna, literally meaning Cow’s Ear, is a temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka. As per Hindu mythology, Cow has a special religious place as Mother Earth. It is believed that Lord Rudra (another name for Shiva) was sent to Patalaloka by Brahma (the creator) to undergo penance. He eventually emerged from the ear of a cow named Prithvi, synonym for the Mother Earth, and hence the name of Gokarna. Thus this place served Rudra as a womb and so, this place is also known as Rudra Yoni and Adi Gokarna. Gokarna is placed at the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini, a natural picturesque scene anybody can never forget.Gokarna is town of contrasts as it is a temple town and also a holiday destination. Gokarana is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist attraction for those who want to explore the cultural heritage and beauty of India. Gokarna finds its reference in a number of Hindu historical literatures. Gokarna is acclaimed as Mukti Stala, the place where Hindus come to perform their obsequies, after the death of a close relative. Gokarna is also mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagawat Purana as being the home of the two brothers Gokarna and Dhundhakari. Around the town lie a number of beaches sefving as a major attraction for travelers. This coastline is surrounded by natural beauty of five beaches (Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach) and hills alongside, the traveler can choose his favorites for himself.  It is an attractive town with two main streets with shops and traditional tile roofed brick houses.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim, Beaches

Time Zone: 5 Hours UTC

Pincode: 581326

STD Code: 8386

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Gokarna, is a small town centered around temples, pilgrims and natural beaches. Gokarna is a town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India with a permanent population exceeding 25,000 (2001). It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre as well as a popular tourist destination. Gokarna is a temple town and is referred to in a number of Hindu historical literature pieces. The main deity is Lord Mahabhaleshwara, a form of the Hindu God Shiva. Around the town lie a number of beaches which serve as a major attraction for travellers. It was immortalized in the song Chai Chillum Chapati when the singer starts the song with I don’t wanna go to Gokarna.

Places to VisitAdd

Gokarna Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport is in Dabolim airport in Goa. It is nearly 140 km away from Gokarna and taxi fare is about Rs 2,500. The airport connects the domestic cities as well as international cities in U.K. and Germany. Daily flights are available for Goa, from many cities across India. Bangalore (489 km) is the major international airport connecting to all major cities in India and abroad.

By Train : Gokarna has a rail link to Margao, but most of the trains do not stop here. Nearest major railway station is Ankola (20 km away). It takes about Rs 350 from Ankola to Gokarna by taxi.

By BUS : KSRTC buses are plenty connecting Gokarna to various cities around. Madgaon (125 km), Mangalore (299 km), Dabolim (140 km) and Bangalore (489 km) are all well connected to Gokarna by KSRTC. Tourist bus services are available from Bangalore to Gokarna, daily and costing around Rs 1400.

By Taxi : Taxis are also an option. However they are expensive and are not ideal for short distances. Taxis can be booked through the hotel, since these are safer.

By Other : As with any other town in India auto rickshaws are extensively available and they are a quick and cheap way to get around. Most of them are unmetered and they charge special night fare. Travelers should negotiate the price before they board to avoid being cheated.

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Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire :101
• Ambulance : 102

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