Gokarna: A Place of Worship by the Beach
The town of Gokarna lies along the western coast of Karnataka. Gokarna is a temple town dedicated to the sacred icon of the deity Shiva, known as the Atmalinga. “Gokarna” means “cow’s ear’, after the legend that Shiva originated from the ear of the great cow Prithvi. Apart from being a place of worship, Gokarna, India has also become an important center of pilgrimage, and the town has thus seen an increase in the arrival of tourists. One of the nearest airports to Gokarna is Goa International Airport.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gokarna, India for fair weather is from October to March, when the days are sunny and warm. For those who want to avoid the heavy crowds, the rainy season from June to August is the best time to go. For catching local festivals, a good time to go is either in February or March, when the Mahashivratri, or “Great Knight of Lord Shiva”, is celebrated.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is a must for visitors to Gokarna, India. This temple houses the ancient linga of Shiva, and it is said that the deity will bless those who worship at or even simply glimpse the temple. Gokarna Beach is another one of its main sites, and apart from attracting pilgrims, also regularly draws in surfers. Gokarna accommodations include Gokarna International Beach Resort, a casual beachfront lodging with its own pool and outdoor yoga studio, and Zostel Gokarna, with art lining its walls and a view of both the beach and surrounding forests.
