A few months back, I wanted to take a quick vacation, away from college activities, work, and many people around me. With limited budget, time, and numerous restrictions weighing down on my shoulders, it was difficult to find the perfect escape route.
But, that was before I got to know about the magic of Gokarna. Not a very popular spot, but still a tourist location, the paradox it hid in its coven itself was quick to appease my mind.
Gokarna, a small town on the shores of the Arabian Sea, which is famous for the serenity it harbours is a calming destination that calls out to many travellers every year. Its beauty which reflects in its vibe is a very unique quality of the place.
The town is situated in the district of Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. One gets to explore a total of seven beautiful beaches here. They are Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Hell’s Beach, Paradise Beach, and Belekan Beach. The landscapes offer the tourists a peaceful aura and this makes it a perfect getaway location, or it did for me.
The beaches are not situated in the town itself and we had to trek to the beaches. There is a contrast between the life inside the town and the vibe the beaches showcase. I guess this is what makes Gokarna an unconventional tourist spot, but it is a haven if you are looking to relax.
Each of the seven beaches is special in their own way. Many travellers consider the sunsets from Kudle beach as the best. Gokarna beach is famous for its pristine quality in terms of cleanliness. Belekan beach sunrise point is a very popular spot in Gokarna, and worth losing sleeping for. The trek to Hell’s beach is rugged and difficult and hence, the beach was given its name.
Gokarna is also a temple town and attracts many devotees as well. Many temples that are a part of some mythological stories including the Ramayana is part of this land. Though Shri Mahabaleshwar temple is the most famous among them, other temples like Maha Ganapathi Temple Uma Maheshwara Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Tamra Gauri Temple, Venkataramana Temple are also located here.
Many foreigners visit Gokarna during their time in India as they find this small town filled with coconut trees and clean sand refreshing. It is less commercialized than Goa and for many including me, is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or a solo trip.
