Gokarna is located on the Karavali coast at a distance of about 470 km NW of Bangalore, to the north of Kumta nestled between the mouth of the rivers Agnashini and Gangavali. A place said to have been the center for India's ancient Ganja culture, it is known today, for being
being a holy city, housing the famous Shiva temple where you can find the Aatma Lingam enshrined. Gokarna is one of the seven muktisalas or pilgrimage centers of Karnataka.
Om beach about 8 Kms from Gokarna gets its name from the two semi-circular coves that join to form an inverted symbol of OM. This beach is known for its spiritual hippies – with ash smeared on their foreheads, tattoos all over their body, long hair and beard and beads all over. A great beach getaway – the OM Beach offers a lot for the tourist – relaxation, yoga, beach sports and some water sports. A lot of Europeans prefer this beach to the ones in Goa for their vacation in India and one can spot them renting shacks for months, soaking in the sun, playing their guitar and living at one of nature’s best hideouts.
The Kudle beach a half hour walk from Om beach is a white sand beach, surrounded by palm trees. You can have a mini adventure here there are huts and some eating joints on the beach. But do remember to get your own stuff to spend the night here because to find accomodation here is slightly difficult. You are bound to be mesmerized
Om Beach - The Land of Hippie sadhus
mesmerized by the serenity and scenic beauty of this beach. Close by the Om Beach are the more secluded Half Moon and Paradise beaches. One has to climb over the rocky cliffs or take a boat ride to reach them.
Another popular option at Gokarna is to go on a moonlight trek from the Gokarna to the Half Moon beaches via the Kudle and OM beaches. A lot of outdoor groups organize such trekking activities.
There are many hotels in Gokarna and also a few resorts in Om Beach
* We have marked the trip to Om Beach as one of the things to do again and as a place to go back to.
Swaswara
Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka
Tel: 08386-257131
swaswara@cghearth.com
Om Lodge
Ganjigadde, Gokarna
Kumta, Uttara Kannada
Tel: 08386-256445
Tariff : Rs. 150/- to Rs. 800/-
Hotel Gokarna International
Main Road, Kumta ,
Gokarna, Uttara Kannada
Tel: 08386-257368, 256622
Fax: 08386-656848
hotelgokarna@yahoo.com
Tariff : Rs. 200/- to Rs. 700/-
Hotel Samudra
Gokarna, Kumta,
Uttara Kannada - 581 326
Tel: 08386-256236
Tariff : Rs. 100/- to Rs. 135/-
