Karnataka»Cities»Gokarna
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General Information |
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Gokarna town is 50 km, south of Krawar, attracts an unlikely mixture of
Hindu pilgrims, sanskrit scholars, beach loving travellers and a hardcore hippy
element who shifted here when things got way uncool in Goa. It's a sleepy,
charming town with a single ramshackle street composed entirely of Keralan-style
wooden houses. It leads to the sacred Mahabaleshwara Temple, home to a
revered Siva lingam, and onward to the town beach. Near the temple is an
enormous chariot, which is dragged along the main street amid much brouhaha on
Siva's birthday in February. There's a picturesque bathing tank a few
hundred metres south of the temple, where locals, pilgrims, and immaculately
turned out Brahmins perform their ablutions next to dhobi- wallahs on the ghats.
Staying in Gokarna is very cheap since there are few distractions to spend money
on. It you do need to change money you'll have to head for Karwar, which can
take up a significant part of a day, so come prepared. |
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History |
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Literally meaning the cow's ear, this town is formed by
the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. belief is also that the place derives
its name due to Shiva emerging from the ears of the cow. The Om Beach and the
Kutle Beach nearby, are worth a visit. Gokarna is famous for the 'Atmalinga' in
the ancient temple here. According to legend, Lord Ganapati tricked Ravana into
putting down the Linga after a long penance. But Ravana was unable to lift the
Linga from the ground again. And ever since, the Linga came to be known as
Mahabala. The place can be visited all the year round. |
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Places to Eat |
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Phi Restaurant, halfway along the town's main street, has
cheap vegetarian right meals, good masala dosas and the coldest fridge in
Karnataka.
Hotel Vinaya, also on the main street but closer to the
temple, is a basic vegetarian eatery that's popular with travellers.
Shri Raghavendra Restaurant, where the side road leading
to Om Lodge joins the main street, has tasty veg fare.
Om Lodge and a liquor din just east of Vaibhav Niwas are
the only places in town selling alcohol since Gokarna is a sacred town.
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Travel Info |
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Bus : Although the falls are close to the coast, they are easier to reach
from inland. The best approach is via Shimoga and Sagar, which have several
buses to the falls each day.
Rail :
The nearest railway station, Talguppa, is about 20 km south-east of the
falls, at the end of the line from Birur.
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