Gokarna is a small holy town tucked away on the coast of Karnataka. Gokarna literally means an ear of a cow in Sanskrit, it gets its name from the legend that says that Lord Shiva came forth from the cow’s ear. Along with four of most reclusive and clean beaches nested around this town also have several temples. Several religious festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm and that is when the town is sprawled with visitors and pilgrims.
Location: Situated in the state of Karnataka, an hour’s drive from the Goa border in the south direction. It is at a distance of 475 kilometers from Bangalore, 125 kilometers from Margao, 140 kilometers from Vasco Da Gama, 225 kilometers from Mangalore and 55 kilometers from Karwar.
How to Reach:
The nearest airport is at Dabolim, Goa. From the Goa airport it takes about four hours to reach Gokarna.
This town has a small railway station known as Gokarna Road station at a distance of only fifteen kilometers from the main town. Other railway stations are Kumta Station and Ankola station at a distance of 35 km and 20 km respectively from the town.
You can also take a bus to reach Gokarna from chief cities like Madgaon (Goa) and Bangalore and Mangalore (Karnataka).
Climate:
Gokarna receives its monsoon from June to August. After August the weather becomes quite sunshiny and dry. However, the best months to enjoy at the beaches here are from October to March. During these months the whether is dry, sunny and pleasant. It is quite hot in April and May.
Things to see and enjoy: 
1. Gokarna is a small town that is known primarily for its beaches. Tourists come here to enjoy the less crowded and serene beaches.
2. There are several Hindu temples around here that are visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. These temples may not allow non Hindus to make offerings, however, you can still get to grab a glance inside.
3. The most famous temple here is the Mahabaleshvara Temple. This temple has an enormous lingam which is the symbol of Lord Shiva.
4. The celebrations during the Shivaratri festival in February and March: the chariots or raths near the Ganpati Temple carry an idol of the Lord Shiva through the city. The pilgrims throw bananas at the idol for good fortune. This is a must visit festival.
The beaches:
The Gokarna beach is visited frequently by Pilgrims. All the same, there are four beaches nearby one after the other that are famous amongst the tourists. These beaches are called Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Halfmoon Beach and Paradise Beach. Each one is equally charming. Most popular of these beaches is the Om beach, this beach is easily accessible from Gokarna. To reach the other beaches one has to hike thru the hills for approximately twenty minutes or a brief boat ride. The last beach is the Paradise Beach and least visited.
The traditional nightlife:
Bonfires, drums, guitars and local pilgrims singing are seen every night at Gokarna. Gokarna is strictly a holy place, the police keeps a strict check for any parties. Alcohol is banned in this town, however, you can still grab a chilled beer near the beach quite easily.
Where to stay:
A simple hut on the beach is the best way to soak in the Gokarna spirit. On Om beach you can stay at Namaste Café. Luxury resorts in and around Gokarna include Om Beach Resort and Swaswara. These resorts also offer holistic therapies.
