DO YOU WANT TO LISTEN THE SOUND OF GUSHING & SWIRLING WAVES? THEN LET'S PLAN A TRIP TO GOKARNA

chaitanya sharma 15-Jun-2016 Image Source

Are you a fan of beaches? Do you want to stay in a cottage near the sea and listen to the sound of gushing and swirling waves? Then next time plan a trip to Gokarna.

Gokarna is a place in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka that is a pilgrimage center and also a tourist spot because of its beautiful beaches. It is a laid back and less commercialized version of goa. So if you want to avoid crowded beaches like that of goa and get away for some peace and soothing views Gokarna is the place to be. It attracts a crowd for a low-key, chilled-out beach holiday and not for full-scale parties.

It is located at the confluence of two rivers Aganashini and Gangavali, is a small temple town on the western coast of India The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabhaleshwara. Gokarna is fast becoming a favored tourist destination and it has several wonderful beaches that could rival the beaches of Goa.

The Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach and Om Beach are the five main seaside attractions here.

1. Gokarna beach:

Gokarna beach is several kilometers long and is situated at the edge of the town. Gokarna Beach is the town's main beach and pilgrims gather here when they visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple. It is a popular beach that is located in proximity of Gokarna Town. Upon reaching this beach, tourists can enjoy the view of Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other. Local food stalls, water sports and sun bathing are other things that can be enjoyed at Gokarna Beach. The part of the beach closer to the Gangavalli river is actually quite stunning and not crowded at all.

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2. Kudle Beach

South of Gokarna beach,the Kudle Beach is the largest of the five beaches and it is crowded during the peak season November to February. Travellers will be swept away by the sight of a white sandy beach that is bordered by palm trees.

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3. Om beach

Om Beach has a beautiful coastline that forms the shape of the hindu symbol Om. Om Beach is the most popular beach of Gokarna region, where tourists can enjoy an emotional, spiritual and physical riveting experience. The curve of the symbol forms a pool which can be a safe bathing area for even non-swimmers. The beach is packed with restaurants offering cheap accomodations in the form of bamboo or concrete beach huts.

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4. Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach is a twenty minute walk from Om Beach and you have to take the path around a hillock to reach here. This beach resembles the shape of a half moon, hence the name. Classical Indian huts alongside the Half Moon Beach adds beauty to the site.

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5. Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a rocky beach, but it is also a secluded and beautiful place which gives it the name. This rocky beach is not ideal for swimming as waves constantly crash violently on the rocky shores.

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6. Mahabaleshwar Temple

Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of the most popular attractions of Uttara Kannada District. This religious site is deemed to be as holy as the Shiva Temples of Kashi or Varanasi and is counted among the seven sacred Muktikshetras. Devotees who plan visit to Mahabaleshwar Temple take a dip in the Arabian Sea before visiting the site. This structure represents the Dravidian architectural style and has been constructed using white granite stones.