The traditional houses and temples, narrow streets- Gokarna has become the favorite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Gokarna is about 200km north of Mangalore (7 hr by bus) and 56km southwest of Karwar on the seashore.

It is believed that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning cows ear, this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travelers must be prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal town. The most popular time to visit is between January and February.

The four of the most beautiful beaches in India are located south of Gokarna, in the jungle. The first beach is called Kudle Beach, and it is about a twenty-minute walk from Gokarna. To get to Kudle, take the path that starts on the south side of the Ganapati Temple. The path goes uphill and then drops down to Kudle Beach, a beautiful, kilometer-long white sand beach surrounded by palm trees. At this beach there are simple huts and beach side eating places. You need to bring your own bedding. There is fresh water here.

The next beach is OM Beach, thirty-minutes further south. The beach got its name because it is shaped like the auspicious Om sign. There are some really basic huts and some chai shops to eat at. Many Indian pilgrims visit OM Beach on Sundays by bus and holidays to see the sites. Best to come here on the weekdaysOm beach, one of Gokarna's five famed beaches, is in the shape of a 'Om,'- most spiritual symbol of Hindus. The other famous beaches, compressed between massive steep rock that project like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise. One can visit Gokarna any time round the year.