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Vacation at a Spiritual Retreat - Gokarna |
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Gokarna is a spiritual
centre as well as a beach destination that appeals to the young
and the old at once. This paradox is due to the many beaches that
abound Gokarna on the one hand and the famous Shiva Shrine present
here, on the other.
The pristine beaches of Gokarna are frequented by tourists all though
the year. Being a pilgrimage centre it is also frequented by devotees
who throng the Shiva temple especially during the festival of Shivaratri.
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There is a legendary tale behind
its name. It is popularly believed that Lord Shiva emerged from
a cow's ear and thus the name Go-karna, which means 'cow's ears'
in Sanskrit. Another popular legend is that of Ravana who prayed
to Lord Shiva and received an atma linga, which he wanted to carry
to Lanka, but Lord Ganapati in an attempt to trick him, coaxed Ravana
to put it on the ground. Once placed down, the Linga got stuck here
and the efforts of Ravana to extricate it proved to be in vain.
Ravana unable to lift the Linga from the ground called it Mahabala.
A temple was built around it which is now known as the Gokarna Mahabaleshwara
Temple - considered one of the holiest places in south India. |
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The beaches are a major
attraction all through the year. The clear blue seas the swaying
palms and the endless coastline makes it an idyllic vacation destination.
Watching the sea with its waves lashing against the shores is itself
very relaxing.
Situated in coastal Karnataka, Gokarna is well-connected to Bangalore
and Mysore.
The drive is long and tedious but the spiritual effect coupled with
the thrills of the beach makes the trip worthwhile. |
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Places
to see |
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There are five popular beaches,
Gokarna, Om, Kudle, Half-Moon and Paradise. There are boats |
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available to travel from
one beach to the other. |
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Kumta is famous for its
intricate sandalwood handicrafts and the beach. It is 32
kms from Gokarna |
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The Mahabaleshwar Temple
is one of the major temples here. Nearby temples around
Gokarna are |
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Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara,
Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples |
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How to Reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest airport is in
Goa at Dabolim. |
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By Rail |
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Kumta and Ankola are the
nearest railheads.
Kumta is 35 kms from Gokarna and Ankola which is 20kms from
Gokarna |
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Fact File |
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Distance from Margao is
125 km |
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Mangalore is 225 km from
Gokarna |
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Karwar is 55 km |
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Bangalore is 475 km. |
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Gokarna is considered as
one of the pancha kshetras (five holy places) of Lord Shiva |
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Gokarna is often compared
to the holy Kashi and Rameshwaram. |
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