Gokarna, a small temple town on India’s western coast, is a newly discovered hotspot. It is located in the Kumta taluk of the North Canara district of Karnataka and is a worthy visit for its beautiful beaches, magnificent landscapes, and historic temples. If you wish to spend your time on beaches but don’t want to be surrounded by the crowd, Gokarna is the new offbeat place in India where you can have such vibes! You must check the top 5 places to visit in Gokarna.
Gokarna is also reputed as a temple town, and the name is well-deserved. According to legend, Lords Shiva and Vishnu have blessed Gokarna, and Ravana is thought to have been duped in a way in Gokarna to prevent him from obtaining the Ramalingam and strengthening Lanka.
In this article, we have enlisted five offbeat places to visit in Gokarna and have many unique experiences if you are stepping into the town for the first time.
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Best 5 Places to Visit in Gokarna
1. Mahabaleshwara Temple
The Atmalinga, a six-foot-tall Shiva Linga, is worshipped here at the temple. It is a famous example of Dravidian architecture, constructed of white granite. The principal deity is a 1500-year-old carved stone Lord Shiva idol in the standing position. The temple is featured in Hindu mythologies such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and it is claimed to be as crucial as Kashi, earning it the name Dakshin (South) Kashi.
2. Om beach
How can you skip Om Beach on your visit to Gokarna? It is a beautiful Gokarna beach shaped like the symbol ‘Om’. If you are a thrill-seeker, Om Beach offers a variety of adventure activities. The beach’s sunset view is so mesmerizing to remember for a lifetime. On the side, shacks generally offer cheap lodging and eateries with international menus.
Om Beach gets its name from the shape of two semi-circles that have been brought together. Many visitors come here to see the distinctive black rock formations. Fishermen’s boats, modest cafes and eateries, and crows spinning in the sky may be seen. The beauty of this beach compels visitors to cross the danger zone (marked in red) and play in the crashing waves. This location is a photographer’s dream, with breathtaking scenery against a rocky backdrop.
Surfing, water skiing, and banana boat excursions are just a few of the water sports available at Om Beach. You can also spend the night in one of the neighbouring wooden cottages.
3. Yana Caves
Yana is a hill station famous for holding two gigantic natural Limestone monoliths that attract thousands of pilgrims annually. The majestic flora and freshness of the Western Ghats’ Sahyadri Hills is an eye treat. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are claimed to be represented by Bhairaveshwara Peak and Mohini Peak, respectively. It is also an excellent spot to trek and bird-watching. A climb to the twin peaks entails a three-kilometre ascent that is slippery and, at best, windy. With its mud roads, mushroom-like cottages, and laid-back lifestyle, Yana hamlet exemplifies the rustic Indian rural culture.
4. Half-moon beach
Half Moon Beach is a must-visit and is one of Gokarna’s most popular tourist attractions. The beach is set in magnificent surroundings and has its name because of its half-moon form. The Beach is notable for its immaculate, gleaming sands contrasting with the clear blue ocean. It is a terrific place to relax and have fun. Half-moon beach can only be reached by boat or a 30-45 minute hike upwards and downhill from Om-beach. The boat service is not always available and might be pretty costly. If you’re daring, you probably won’t bother with the boat; if you’re the other, there’s not much to do on the beach (it is really small).
5. Namaste Cafe
The Namaste Café at Om Beach is one of Gokarna’s most well-known attractions. This beachfront restaurant is excellent for you if you wish to take in the spectacular views of the sea while having a yummy plate of food with a cup of coffee.
You can take a quiet stroll down the beach, relax while taking in the scenery and feel the sand between your toes. The café also serves unusual cuisine to put you in the mood for a day at the beach and small plates.
Travel with zingbus
It’s time to make your trip to Gokarna come true! If you want to take a road trip, zingbus offers the best deals and offers on your bus ticket bookings to any route.
zingbus.com makes booking online bus tickets and travelling easy and convenient. Our buses are spacious and clean, with comfortable seats to make your overall experience memorable. You can install the zingbus app to book a ticket for your bus to Gokarna and get assistance with planning your next one. zingbus app also offers great deals and is accessible on Android and iOS platforms. We assure you of comfort and that your journey will be unique. Plan a trip and book a ticket now!
Taking a bus will cost you far less than renting a cab, along with total comfort and fun. zingbus offers you several discounts (25% for 2024) on your first booking.
Our clean buses offer complete luxury and comfort with free wifi, security cameras, blankets, water bottles, and entertainment / TV. You can make your booking as per your requirements. Plan a road trip with zingbus. Get your bus ticket bookings done now!
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