On the religious exploration, visit the Mahabaleshvara Temple, nestled in the Western Ghats and housing the 1500-year-old deity. The temple's west end has the Mahabaleshwar enshrined, from where you could have a look at the shivalingam which is 6 feet tall, viewable only once in 40 years during the performance of a ceremony. Otherwise you are allowed only a glimpse of the top of the lingam. The temple also has enshrined an ancient idol of Lord Ganesha and Gokarnanayaki, also called Taamragowri. The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Maha Shivratri, which runs for four days, and has as many as 20,000 pilgrims visiting it. You can also visit the temples of Sejjeshwara, Gunavanteshwara, Murudeshwara and Dhareshwara.

The other attractions are the four beaches, located on the south of Gokarna - Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise (Full Moon). They are said to be among the most beautiful beaches in India. Surrounded by hills and forest, it is quite an extraordinary route, one of trekking (also called the Golden Route), between hills and cliffs to get to these beaches. A 15 to 20 mins walk from Gokarna brings you to the crescent shaped beach Kudle surrounded by rocky hills. Half an hour away is the Om beach named after the symbol Om as it has a similar shape. This is the most popular beach of Gokarna. Further ahead, are the beaches of Half Moon and Paradise.

Other activities:

Being a pilgrimage town, you could always shop for prayer beads and other religious items sold around the temple. Otherwise relax on the beaches and enjoy your surroundings.

Tourism Info:

Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
# 49, 2nd Floor, Khanija Bhavan, West Entrance,

Race Course Road
Bangalore - 560 001

Telephone: 91-080-2352901 / 2352902 / 2352903

Go-karna, means 'cow's ears' in Sanskrit. According to legends, Lord Shiva emerged from a cow's ear and so the name. It is located at the meeting point of the two rivers Gangavali and Agnashini, which is shaped like an ear. Gokarna is a town of paradox - a holy center contrasted by it being a popular beach destination.