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| Om Beach, Gokarna |
| Featured Destinations of South India : |
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Gokarna means Cows' Ear. It is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow (Prithvi, the Mother Earth). |
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It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist destination in India. Gokarna is a beach town with tourists enjoying the sun, the surf and the sea gulls. |
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It is marvelous beach to pay a visit. The beach got its name because it is shaped like the auspicious Om sign, a spiritual Hindu symbol. Om beach is the only naturally Om shaped beach. It is considered one of the most important places for fulfillment spiritually, physically and emotionally. |
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There are some really basic huts and some chai shops to eat at. Many Indian pilgrims visit Om beach on holidays to see the sites. Water sports activities on the beach provide wonderful experience to the visitors, the activities including surfing, skiing and banana boat cruises are available and can be arranged under the supervision of qualified and experienced instructors. |
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A small town on banks of Arabian sea, Gokarna, literally meaning Cow’s Ear, is a temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of the Karnataka. As per Hindu mythology, Cow has a special religious place as Mother Earth. It is believed that Lord Rudra (another name for Shiva) was sent to Patalaloka by Brahma (the creator) to undergo penance. He eventually emerged from the ear of a cow named Prithvi synonym for the Mother Earth and hence the name of Gokarna. Thus this place served Rudra as a womb and so, this place is also known as Rudra Yoni and Adi Gokarna. Gokarna is placed at the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini, a natural picturesque scene anybody can never forget. |
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Om beach, one of Gokarna's five famed beaches, takes the shape of an 'Om,' a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the famed Karnataka hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families |
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Gokarna is town of contrasts as it is a temple town and also a holiday destination. Gokarana is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a tourist attraction for those who want to explore the cultural heritage and beauty of India. Gokarna is referred to in a number of Hindu historical literature. |
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Gokarna is acclaimed as Mukti Stala, the place where Hindus come to perform their obsequies, after the death of a close relative. Gokarna is also mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagawat Purana as being the home of the two brothers Gokarna and Dhundhakari. |
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Around the town lie a number of beaches, and these serve as a major attraction for travelers. This coastline is surrounded by natural beauty of five beaches (Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach) and hills alongside, the traveler can choose his favorites for himself. This is not a place to hurry. One should just drift up the coast, enjoying the scenic beauty of this coastal area and marvelous cultural heritage of India. |
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Gokarna is full of coconut and palm trees, blue seas and clean sands. It is an attractive town with two main streets with shops and traditional tile roofed brick houses. |
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How to Reach |
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Gokarna can be reached by road or rail from Karwar, Ankola, Hubli, Mangalore, Kumta, Bangalore, Hampi and Mysore. Konkan Railway passes though Gokarna and NH 17 is just about 9 Km from the town. 135 Km away and you are at the Dabolim airport in Goa. |
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Inorder to savour the natural beauty of South India, we have designed the following tour packages for the discerning travellers |
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