Muang boran how to get from bangkok. Muang Boran Park or Ancient Siam in Bangkok. Guaranteed source of inspiration. What else is important to know

Gokarna, a small village that is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus, became a mecca for Goan tourists a few years ago. After this, this is the second most popular place where travelers flock from. For the first time I came there from Goa to capture the nearest sights along the way. This was my first small independent trip to India after a relaxed and lazy life in Goa, so I remember it for a long time. Gokarna is a sacred city, according to legend, it was here that Shiva appeared from the ear of Prithivi, who took the form of a cow. Hence the name: Gokarna - "cow's ear".

There are no bars or parties in the city, everything is much more complicated with alcohol here, the city beach is not much like a paradise with white sand, and there are many temples in the village that non-Hindus are not even allowed to enter. Why do lovers of freedom come here?

Gokarna is one of the closest places to Goa where you can find the real India! It is located in the neighboring state of Karnataka, and everything is different here. When I was there for the first time 7 years ago, there were practically no pale faces on the street. Today, everything has changed, more and more travelers are leaving for Gokarna to take a break from noisy Goa, and some even live here for 6 months. Low prices, an atmosphere of spirituality and complete shanty, a lost paradise, stretching out in a series of four beaches - attract Indian vagrants here.

How to get there

Gokarna is located 165 km from the capital of Goa, Panaji, 453 km from Bangalore, 240 km north of Mangalore, 132 km from and 59 km from Karwar. These are the largest transport hubs located in the district.

There is no airport in the village itself, you can get to it by bus, train or taxi. Also, many travelers ride bikes. Any of the above methods is convenient, since the distance is small. Well, the fastest way to get here is by train.

By plane

The nearest airport is located in Goa, there are also 2 airports in Karnataka, but they are the least convenient for our tourists, planes from Russia do not fly there.

Through Goa

So far, most travelers go to Gokarna from Goa, few people go only purposefully here. About how to get from Russia to Goa airport ( Dabolim Airport) read . Prices from different carriers can be searched.

Through Karnataka

If Goa is not included in your vacation plans, Gokarna can be combined with other cities of Karnataka by flying to Bangalore airport ( Bengaluru International Airport).

Include Mysore, Badami, Murudeshwara in your itinerary.

There is no direct flight to Bangalore from Russia, you will have to fly through. Look for the nuances of air communication between Russia and Bangalore.

Goa can be reached by regular or charter flights. I described this in more detail in an article about Anjuna, read it.

How to get to Gokarna from Goa (Dabolima) I will tell below.

By train

Trains run from Goa to Gokarna from stations in Margao and Canacone. All of them are in the south.

From Margao and Canacona

From Dabolim to Margao can be reached by taxi or with numerous transfers by bus. A pre-paid taxi at the airport will cost 13.8 USD (900 INR / Indian Rupees) to Margao and 26.7 USD (1736 INR) to Canacona. Travel time will be about half an hour and an hour, respectively.

Residents of North Goa will have to get first to Mapsa, then take a bus to Panjim, then a shuttle bus to Margao. The southern Goans were more fortunate, Margao is the largest settlement in South Goa. From Dabolim to Panjim, a pre-paid taxi will cost 13.3 USD (870 INR) and take about 40 minutes.

From Margao and Canacona, 2 trains depart daily to Gokarna:

• Matsyagandha Express (at 01:35 from , at 03:06 from Canacona).
• Mao Maq Passenger (at 13:00 from Margao, at 13:52 from Canacona). Travel time is 1.5–2 hours, tickets cost a penny - from 1 USD (65 INR).

How to get from the railway station to Gokarna

In Gokarna, trains arrive at the station of the same name, from which it is about 9 km to the village itself.

There is no bus stop here, so you will have to take a rickshaw for about 4.6 USD (300 INR).

From other cities in India

You can get by train to Gokarna and from other cities, but there are not many direct trains. Passing through Gokarna Railway Station (GOK) are:

• Matsyagandha Express (12619)- the train connecting Mumbai and Mangalore follows the route: Lokmanyatilak (Mumbai) - Mangaon - Cancona - Karwar - Ankola - Gokarna Road - Kumta - Murdeshwar - Udupi - Mangalore. From Mumbai Gokarna can be reached in 12 hours and 7.3 USD (480 INR). The train runs every day.
• Poorna Express (11097)- the train connecting Pune and Cochin (Eranakulam) goes along the route: Pune Junction - Madgaon - Karwar - Gokarna Road - Kumta (KT) - Murdeshwar - Udupi - Mangalore Junction - Kozhikode - Ernakulam Town - Eranakulam Junction. From Pune the train goes to Gokarna in 12 hours and 40 minutes, the ticket costs 6.07 USD (395 INR). The train runs once a week, leaving Pune on Saturday.
• Maru Sagar Express (12978)- the train connecting Rajasthan (Ajmer) with Kerala runs along the route: Ajmer Junction - Kishangarh - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Kota Junction - Vadodara Junction - Madgaon - Karwar - Gokarna Road - Udupi - Mangalore Junction - Kozhikode - Eranakulam Junction (Cochin) . From Ajmer it takes 31 hours to go to Gokarna, the fare costs 12.15 USD (790 INR). The train runs once a week, leaving Ajmer on Friday.

By bus

The most surprising thing for me about the bus service between Goa and Gokarna is that there is simply no private direct bus, for example, my favorite sleeper bass. Gokarna is attractive to tourists from Goa and doubly attractive to Indian tourists who travel to holy places. Both of them will have to get with transfers. If the Indians are not afraid of this, why should they be afraid of us?

On sleeper bass

Sleeper bass is one of my favorite modes of transport in India. These are comfortable trains with lying places. They usually go at night, so you can sleep peacefully. Of the amenities, you can be offered air conditioning, a blanket and a bottle of water - this is the maximum that I personally met. Most often, I take the simplest option without air conditioning (since it is already cool at night). I advise everyone to take their bedspread and blanket: Indian buses are not the cleanest in the world.

Although sleeper basses do not go to Gokarna from Goa, they are from other cities:

• from Bangalore you can comfortably drive in 7-10 hours and 10 USD (650 INR). In Bangalore, there are a huge number of points where buses depart from, they make more than a dozen stops around the city and will always be able to pick you up in a convenient place. One of the largest bus stations is Bangalore Majestic bus stand (Bangalore Bus Station, Majestic), here is the Kempegowda Metro Station. From the international airport you can get to them by taxi or by bus (many transfers).

• from for 15 hours and approximately 15.3 USD (1,000 INR). The same goes for . Buses go through the whole city, collecting passengers. For tourists who stay in, it will be convenient to get from Victoria Station, many buses stop there.

Regular bus

From Goa will have to travel by regular buses.

The main plus of travel is cheapness. The fare on any bus costs 0.3–0.76 USD (20–50 INR).

The main disadvantage is time. On the way, you can spend the whole daylight hours. Although the distance between Goa and Gokarna is not so great, but the number of transfers and the slow speed of buses stretches the road for the whole day. We went to Gokarna by bus, as time allowed us to have such long journeys. Tourists who have 2 weeks for their entire vacation might want to consider a taxi.

So, inhabitants of North Goa must first get to Mapsu - the main transport hub of this part of the state. There are direct buses to the final station (bus station) from all beaches: Morzhim, Baga,. Travel time - up to 1 hour. Then you need to transfer to the shuttle bus to Panaji, the state capital and the transport gate to the south, this is another + 1 hour. Residents of Candolim and Calangute can bypass Mapsa and take a direct bus directly to Panaji. Next, you need a bus to Ankola (1.5–2 hours), and from there to Gokarna (0.5 hours). A direct bus to Ankola runs infrequently, if you don’t get on it, go to Karwar, and from there to Ankola.

Everywhere the bus goes to the final station, at the bus station you will be met by a conductor who will show you the right bus. He also has to pay for the bus fare. It is impossible to get lost on such a route, you do not have to look for anything. Just ask the conductors for the city you need.

Inhabitants of South Goa get to, there are direct buses from all southern beaches to it. From there already to Ankola and then to Gokarna.

On average, the journey takes 5-7 hours (from the south or north, respectively), and the entire journey will cost up to 3 USD (200 INR).

How to get from the bus station to Gokarna

All public buses arrive at Gokarna's only bus station, which is located in the center of the village and all tourist life.

By car

As I wrote above, if you are on a short vacation and are in a hurry to Gokarna, take a taxi. Renting a car is not the best option, because to travel between states you will need a special permit, which is issued only to the owner of the car. I have already written a lot about the fact that a rented car for traveling around India is more of a headache than a pleasure. Leave this idea for comfortable movement within one state for short distances.

Taxi

So taxi. It is best to find yourself a company, as this mode of transport is very expensive. The cost of the trip starts from 61 USD (4,000 INR). The further north your beach is, the more expensive the taxi will be.

Finding a taxi from Dabolim can be problematic. But you can book online in advance. Prices start at 77 USD (5,000 INR).

Clue:

Gokarna - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow - 2:30

Kazan - 2:30

Samara − 1:30

Yekaterinburg - 0:30

Novosibirsk 1:30

Vladivostok 4:30

When is the season. When is the best time to go

The weather in Gokarna is similar to Goan. The season here lasts about the same - from October to March. There are very few tourists at the beginning and end of the season, prices for everything drop.

In addition to the surge in the tourist season, one must also take into account the traditional Hindu holidays, which attract pilgrims from all over India. The largest of them are Diwali and Maha Shivaratri. At this time, finding housing in the city is very difficult. There are more chances to rent a room on the beaches, but I would advise you to book in advance.

Gokarna in summer

From June to August there are no foreigners in Gokarna at all. Those who stay in India all year round often move north to the mountains, at this time there is real summer - warm weather and blooming gardens. It is hot in Gokarna, it starts to rain in June.

The sea, although warm, is not suitable for swimming, because of the strong waves.

Gokarna in autumn

September and the first half of October are usually not suitable for a comfortable stay in Gokarna. But the weather can be different every year. If the rainy season ended earlier, then from September the weather can be dry and sunny. But this is rather an exception.

Starting from the end of October, the first tourists come here. At the same time, the Diwali festival, one of the main Hindu holidays, takes place, Gokarna is filled with life.

Gokarna in spring

Since March, the season has been slowly declining. Housing prices are falling. But staying in Gokarna is becoming increasingly difficult. The air temperature exceeds +30 °C, humidity increases. Even at night it is hard to do without air conditioning, and comfortable housing in Gokarna is much less than in other tourist areas of India.

Gokarna in winter

The best time to relax in Gokarna is our winter. Housing can be taken both on the beach and in the city. The sea is ideal for swimming, there are many cafes.

Of course, at this time, the price tag for housing and food is growing, but Gokarna, in any case, remains cheaper than Goa.

Gokarna - monthly weather

Clue:

Gokarna - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Gokarna has beach and "village" areas. Which one to stop is up to you.

The distances are very small, so even if you live in the village itself, you can easily get to any beach. Transport will solve the problem: by renting a bike, you will be absolutely free in your movements. You can also take a rickshaw to the beach for 1.5 USD (100 INR).

I have been to Gokarna three times and have stayed both in the village and on the beach. So I am happy to share my experience with you.

village area

My choice for a long stay is the village, it is there that you can find more or less comfortable accommodation. We rented a room in a family guesthouse near the main road. Everything we needed was within walking distance, we went to the beaches by rickshaw.

coast region

On the beach we rented a very ascetic room. Most often, bamboo beach hats are offered there, you can see options for such a home, for example,. Please note: amenities here may be outdoors, electricity is often turned off (in all areas of Gokarna).

I must say right away that there are very few options on search engines with housing. Most often, they offer luxury accommodation in new expensive hotels or yoga retreats. The price tag starts from 100 USD per room per day. For Gokarna, this is cosmic money. On the spot you can find rooms from 1.5–3 USD (100–200 INR). This will be the simplest room, not very clean and comfortable, but there are many such options. Average prices start at 6 USD (400 INR). For this money you will be offered a bed, a ceiling fan and a shower in the room.

By the way, things are not very good with hot water in the village. Rare owners put water heaters. During the day, the water in the barrels on the roofs is heated by the sun, so you can take a normal shower.

If you are still more interested in expensive hotels, then it makes sense to book accommodation on. You can compare prices for such housing from different search engines, for example,.

Station area

So Gokarna itself is very small. If you come by bus, you will most likely be dropped off at Maine Road. There is also a bus station here. You can start your search for housing here. This area has all the maximum necessary for a tourist that Gokarna can offer: a market, cafes, travel agencies where you can find tickets to other cities in India or order a car with a driver. Most of the hotels are located here.

Since Gokarna is a city of Indian pilgrims, the hotels are also designed for locals. Somehow we got there during a major holiday, and there were no places anywhere. When I tried to check into one of these hotels, I saw piles of Indians sleeping on the floor right in the lobby.

Therefore, I would advise you to immediately go to small guesthouses. Most often, these are ordinary Indian houses in which families live and rent free rooms. The conditions there are much better, everything is very clean. At the same time, you can live a little in an authentic environment. You can rent such a room for 7.7 USD (500 INR). If you like to walk (and in Gokarna the rest is for walks), you can get to any of the desired beaches right along the coastline. The closest is the city beach. If you walk along it, you can come to the rest of the tourist beaches. Let's talk about housing on the beaches of the village, and read about their infrastructure in the "Beaches" section.

gokarna beach

Here it is, the city beach of Main Beach, whose length is about 7 km. In the central part, this is a typical littered, dirty Indian beach. Locals prefer it for walks and picnics. Europeans do not swim here and generally rarely appear.

Accommodation can be found a few meters from the beach. Rooms in guesthouses and entire houses for rent. Prices are quite low, but I would advise you to walk at least a couple of kilometers in one direction or the other. There you can find decent housing at the same price tag as in the village. Since this beach is located closest to Gokarna itself, all the infrastructure will be at hand. You can walk comfortably. But for swimming it is better to take a walk to the neighboring beaches.

Kudle beach

European beaches begin from Kudle Beach. The first of these is the largest with a relatively straight coastline. There are many cafes and inexpensive accommodation. It is quite possible to reach Gokarna on foot, even along the coast, even along the village roads.

Kudle in the season can be quite crowded, however, none of the Gokarna beaches can be compared with Goan ones in terms of congestion (take Anjuna or at rush hour). The simplest rooms on the beach cost from 4.6 USD (300 INR), on average, the price tag in Gokarna is the same. There are several expensive resorts on Kudla where you can stay comfortably for 80 USD or more.

Om Beach

One of the most popular beaches is called Om, all cafes and guesthouses have this magical sound in their name. The beach got its name due to the fact that the shape resembles the sign "Om". By itself, it is not too big, the infrastructure here is less developed than on the previous two beaches, but there is housing and cafes. Most often, rooms are just attached to beach restaurants. Most of them are bamboo huts with holes in the walls, here you can feel complete unity with nature. Facilities in the form of a shared outdoor shower and toilet are shared by all. At the beginning and end of the season, such a room can be rented for a penny - 1.5 USD (100 INR) per day. In the high season - 2-3 times more expensive. I would advise you to bring your padlock on the door with you, this rule is suitable for any travel in India. The room has a bed with a mosquito net and everything…

In such a house you can spend a couple of romantic nights, falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the sea. I was looking for more comfort and came across the same simple guest house, but with stone houses. They cost a little more, but there were no holes in the wall. Although everything else was a little different. There is a mattress on a stone bench, behind a partition there is a shower and a toilet. Leaving the room, you can go directly to the cafe. After a couple of meters the beach begins. Holidays on the beaches of Gokarna can get very lazy. By the way, there are enough people on Om Beach, locals often walk here, watching half-naked Europeans. Many tourists are Israelis, and now Russians.

Half moon beach

The farther from civilization, the more wild and secluded the rest becomes. On the next half-moon beach (“half of the moon”) there are even fewer cafes and guesthouses, but they still exist. Housing is represented by beach houses made of palm leaves from 3 USD (200 INR) and amenities on the street.

You can eat in a few cafes here. To shops and other joys of life, you will have to take a walk to Gokarna itself. The beach is cozier and more secluded than Om Beach. Idle Indians hardly come here. There are several boats that carry tourists between the beaches.

Half-moon seemed to me quite cozy and very calm.

paradise beach

The last, most remote Paradise beach is truly heavenly. Here you will definitely be covered with full shanti. On the whole beach there are a couple of cafes with several tables, hidden in the shade of palm trees, and houses "on chicken legs". Housing prices here are the same: 2–3 USD (150–200 INR) for a room without amenities.

There is no infrastructure in the area. In the cafe you will find the simplest menu, some fruit for sale and free books left behind by previous Robinsons. The “mainland” can be reached on foot, on your bike or by boat.

Living in Paradise is most like island life. On average, 30 people live on the beach during the season. Some live in tents, which further saves the travel budget.

What are the prices for holidays

In general, holidays in Gokarna are much cheaper than in Goa or Kerala, and are close in price to holidays in other Indian cities. However, the interest of white tourists in this place leads to a gradual increase in prices. It is cheaper to live in Gokarna itself than on the beaches. This rule works all over the world. On the beaches, housing and food in cafes will be more expensive than in the village. At the same time, the rooms will be less comfortable, and the food will not be as tasty. This is my personal assessment, which does not pretend to be true, but I choose to live and eat in Gokarna, and go to the beaches during the day.

Housing

The cost of the most budget housing in Gokarna and on the beaches starts from 1.5–3 USD (100 INR) for a double room. It will be a very simple and not the cleanest room with a bed.

Minimum comfort starts at 4.6 USD (300 INR). For this money, you can count on a fan above the bed and amenities in the room. It can be either a room in the city or a concrete bungalow by the sea.

For 7.7–10.7 USD (500–700 INR) you can rent a good clean room on the beach or in the village in a decent guesthouse. From 30–46 USD (2,000–3,000 INR) is a room in a good hotel.

I like living in the countryside because everything you need is close at hand. However, living at least a couple of days on the beach in a hut is an invaluable experience.

Many people come to Gokarna for a long time. There is not yet such an abundance of houses for rent for tourists as in Goa, but some options can be found. A room with a kitchen in a shared house with the owners or a small separate house will cost 150 USD (10,000 INR) per month.

Food

In the village there are many cafes (dhabbas) for the locals. They have a standard vegetarian menu and very low prices. You can get a set lunch with a drink for 1.5 USD (100 INR) and even less. There are street food and shops where locals buy groceries for a penny.

On the beaches the choice is much smaller, it is limited to a few restaurants with a traditional tourist set. Here you can already find cuisine adapted for Europeans. The food here is 2-3 times more expensive than the village food. Lunch for one will cost about 4.6 USD (300 INR).

Gokarna is a holy city, alcohol is tight here. On the beaches in the cafe you will be offered beer from under the floor at a price 3 times more expensive than the real value.

Transport

Since the village is very small, there is no need to spend money on transport here. Even riding rickshaws, you will not go broke. Prices from Gokarna to the beaches - from 1.5 to 4.6 USD (100-300 INR).

Internet

With the Internet in Gokarna, everything is not very good. If you constantly need a good connection for work, choose another place to relax. Here he is barely enough to write a message to his loved ones.

There are several Internet cafes on the main street, where 1 hour of use costs 0.46 USD (30 INR). Some restaurants have Wi-Fi, but the signal is very weak.

Main attractions. What to see

Gokarna cannot boast of a large number of attractions. In fact, this is an ordinary Indian village, of which there are many. For Indian tourists, it has a special sacred meaning, and for ours it is interesting for its atmosphere of untouched real India, which is not found in the resorts.

The most interesting part of the city is one or two streets with the main temples, where there are no ancient architecture, museums and parks. And the revered ancient temples themselves will disappoint any tourist who was further than Goa. So not everyone can reveal the beauty and attractiveness of Gokarna.

There are several Hindu temples in the city, but most of them are closed to foreigners. Therefore, touching the shrine will not work. At the same time, I never had a question about what to do. About a week is enough for a full inspection of Gokarna and the beaches to slowly enjoy the atmosphere and natural beauties. A couple of days is enough for a cursory inspection. And those who come here for a long time are looking for activities so as not to get bored, for example, they study yoga or Sanskrit with local teachers.

Top 5

It is very difficult to make the top five attractions, because there are not so many of them in the village. I will only list my favorite places in Gokarna, and I will give a description of them below:

Beaches. Which is better

There are as many as 5 beaches in Gokarna, each of which has its own atmosphere. They are what attract travelers. If you are in Gokarna for a week or two, you can live for several days on each of the beaches, feel the spirit of this place. Tourists who are accustomed to the Goan lifestyle can quickly get bored.

In order not to get confused, we will move from north to south. Go!

Main Beach (Gokarna)

The main and closest beach to the city is the worst of all. This is a traditional urban Indian beach: dirty, littered, absolutely unsuitable for swimming. At the beginning of the beach, a river flows into the sea, the banks of which, according to tradition, are polluted.

I strongly do not advise white girls in swimsuits to sunbathe here, this is not welcomed by the locals. And there are a lot of them on the beach, especially at sunset. But you can and should walk along the city beach: it is very long, almost 7 km. If you move a little north, you will get to a fairly clean pleasant beach, which is part of the main one.

You can live in simple bungalows on the beach or in the village.

How to get there: You can walk from the center of Gokarna in a few minutes.

Kudle beach

Like all subsequent beaches, Kudle is a wide bay closed on both sides by rocks, due to which the waves here are very small. It is more touristy than Main Beach, the main contingent is Israelis, Spaniards, Italians. In the evenings, locals gather here near bonfires or in cafes: they sing mantras, play drums. Many come with families with children.

This beach is quite large, compared to Half Moon or Paradise Beach, which are more hidden from prying eyes, but about them below.

Kudla has a developed infrastructure, everything you need is nearby. There are more than a dozen cafes with a variety of cuisines on the beach. It is easy to rent a house here, find shops, and, if you wish, hit the road at any time. Kudle is chosen by tourists who come to Gokarna for a long time. You can swim and sunbathe here safely. But be prepared for the views of enthusiastic Indians, they also come here for a walk.

How to get there: Gokarna can be reached on foot in 20 minutes.

om beach

People come to Om Beach in large groups, besides, there are many fishermen and boaters. At the same time, there is a minimum of entertainment on Om Beach, as well as on any other beaches of Gokarna. During the day it is quite busy, especially during the season. Tourists wait out the heat in a cafe, swim, play various sports games.

There are many adult dogs and puppies on the beach who love to play with tourists. But in the evening life stops. After dark, leisure options are noticeably narrower. Someone continues to sit in a cafe, drink tea, read books, someone moves to the beach and sits by the fire with a guitar. The main entertainment is to climb one of the huge stones sticking out of the sea and wait for the sunset.

How to get there: from Kudle to Om walk along the coast for 20 minutes. You can walk from the village in 40 minutes. Also, boats with tourists run between all the beaches, the trip will cost from 3 USD (200 INR).

half moon beach

This beach is even more secluded and remote from civilization. Indians hardly come here. It is almost impossible to get to such a place in Goa, so I think this chance should be used. When else will you have a chance to live on a small beach, hidden by rocks, in a palm leaf hut? Take plenty of books or games with you if you can't imagine an evening without entertainment. In a couple of days you will meet all the inhabitants of the beach and become good friends. It is for this laid-back communication that one should come to Gokarna and Half Moon Beach.

I talked about infrastructure in the "Regions" section above.

How to get there: as well as before the previous ones, along the coast.

paradise beach

The beach farthest from Gokarna lives up to its name: time flows slowly here. All day long, tourists lie on the sand, of course, there are no sunbeds with umbrellas here, or they sit in the shade of palm trees. In a few cafes, you can take freshly squeezed juice or tea and, sitting under a fishing boat, enjoy a measured rest.

How to get there: One of the most affordable activities for beachgoers is hiking. You can walk to any of the listed beaches on your own two feet. The road will be very exciting, I promise! The main thing is to try to go out in the morning, before the big heat, take water with you and put on cream. The most picturesque path runs along the coast through the jungle and rocks. Comfortable shoes don't hurt either. From Kudle Beach to Paradise you can not only walk, but also take a boat ride for 7.7 USD (500 INR).

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In Gokarna, there are only Hindu temples (temples). As I said, they do not shine with beauty on the outside or inside, but they have a strong energy. When visiting Hindu temples, follow the dress code and respect someone else's religion: clothing must be closed, you can enter the temple only barefoot, leaving your shoes outside. Worth a visit:

tourist streets

There is only one main street in Gokarna, it can be considered a tourist street. Here are the main temples, guesthouses, travel offices and cafes.

Along the street there are shops selling ritual and household products. So all possible shopping will have to be done only here. It is very convenient to settle in the Maine Road area, you don’t have to waste time on the road, a taxi is always at hand.

What to see in 1 day

In 1 day you can see the whole of Gokarna and even get around it on foot, capturing all the beaches:

What to see in the surroundings

If you come to Gokarna for a long time, you will have time to see the surroundings. There are much more attractions in the 100 km area than in Gokarna itself. I myself always planned a trip to Gokarna so that I could see other interesting places along the way. Here is our approximate route: North - South - Gokarna - Jog Falls - Murudeshwara. Transfers between these points are quite small, several hours long. Therefore, this route is suitable for those who rest in India for a short time.

Mirjan Fort

How to get there: the nearest fort to Gokarna is located 12 km in a straight line from it, the detour will take a little longer. The trip is perfect for a day trip on a bike. You can also take a regular bus, telling the conductor where you need to go.

The fort itself is not too big, but quite well preserved. The building was erected at the beginning of the 17th century; Portuguese and Islamic styles can be traced in its architecture. Next to the fort is a Catholic church and an old cemetery.

Fort Mirzhan looks especially beautiful during the rainy season and immediately after it, then it is covered with bright green vegetation, as if with soft moss.

Works from morning until 17:00.

Murudeshwar

IN 55 km from Gokarna there is a small village of Murudeshwara, familiar to everyone thanks to the huge 37-meter statue of Shiva (Murudeshwara Temple). Goan travel agencies willingly include it in their excursions, often combining it with Gokarna.

If you wish, you can stay overnight in the nearest guesthouses. Tourists are interested in the complex itself, consisting of a gopuram (temple tower) 78 meters high, a statue of Shiva and a temple. The tower has an elevator that allows you to go up to the top floor and enjoy the view. Inside the complex, under Shiva himself, there is a museum with a gallery of sculptures that depict the brightest pictures of the Mahabharata (Indian epic). By the way, the complex itself is a remake, it was rebuilt in 2002, but the temple inside is quite old.

How to get there: by regular bus to "Murudeshwar bus stand", no more transport is needed - the attractions of Murudeshwar are located in a busy place near the transport interchange.

Jog Falls

This is the highest waterfall in India (height - 253 m)! Don't miss your chance to see this beauty. Like all waterfalls, Jog Falls is at its most beautiful during or just after the rainy season. But at this time there are few European tourists in India. I have been to the waterfall twice: in January and February, the view was very impressive.

At the top there is a good observation deck from which you can enjoy the view of the waterfall. But the most interesting is waiting below. 1,200 steps lead to the foot of the waterfall and the lake formed under it. You can swim in it, but you need to do it very carefully: you can fall between huge boulders.

How to get there: we went from Gokarna to the waterfalls by taxi, we took the car from one of the travel offices on the main street.

Mohini Shikara

This is a natural monument, consisting of high unusual rocks and another route option for travelers on bikes.

The rocks themselves are very beautiful and high, I have not seen such landscapes anywhere in India.

How to get there: Getting there by public transport will not be easy. The nearest town is Yana, from there you can get to the rocks by taxi or take trekking.

Food. What to try

Most of the local cafes in Gokarna are vegetarian. They have a standard set of Indian dishes:

This is quite enough to live comfortably and eat. Food is very cheap in local cafes. For 1.5 USD (100 INR) you can eat your fill.

I was most struck by the huge selection of freshly squeezed juices at ridiculous prices, all 2-3 times cheaper than Goan juice centers. The price of juices starts from 0.3 USD (20 INR) per glass.

On the beaches, the choice of tourist food is much larger. The Italians who vacationed here earlier brought the culture of eating pizza and pasta, the Israelis - falafel and hummus. You can also find chicken and fish dishes here. In the nearest shops and markets you can buy all the necessary products: bread, milk, eggs, snacks.

Budget

1. pai restaurant,
2. Mantra Cafe,
3. Maitreyee juice centre,
4. Namaste Cafe,
5. Prakruti Cafe.

Intermediate level

1. prema,
2. cafe 1987,
3. little paradise inn,
4. Chez Christophe,
5. flower garden restaurant.

Expensive

Gokarna is definitely not the place where you can find expensive restaurants with international cuisine. Most cafes are designed for Indian unassuming tourists.

Holidays

Maha Shivaratri

The main holiday of Gokarna, translated as "the great night of Shiva." Festival dates for the following years:

• 2017 - from 24 to 25 February,
• 2018 - from 13 to 14 February,
• 2019 - from 4 to 5 March,
• 2020 - from 21 to 22 February,
• 2021 - from 11 to 12 March,
• 2022 - from 1 to 2 March,
• 2023 - from 18 to 19 February.

This is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism, the main holiday for Shaivists, it is also celebrated by yogis, tantriks and other seekers of spirituality. It is believed that meditation on the night of Shiva has a power several times greater than usual. Hindus fast the day before, perform pujas (temple and home rituals), and pray. Pilgrims from all over India come to Gokarna, but most of them, of course, in. They bathe in Lake Kotitirhe, washing away all sins from themselves.

Finding accommodation in Gokarna on Maha Shivaratri is very difficult, guesthouses are full, so try to book rooms in advance. By the way, if on ordinary days the doors of many temples are closed to foreigners, on Maha Shivaratri you can get inside anyone (although the queues will be several times longer than usual).

At any time on the main street of Gokarna near the Mahableshwar temple, you will see a huge wooden chariot. These can be found in many cities in India. On major religious holidays, the chariot is set in motion by several dozen people. She passes through the streets of the city, a statue or image of a deity is placed inside. Thousands of believers line up along the road to see and touch the shrine.

Safety. What to watch out for

In Gokarna, rest is quite safe and calm. There are no parties until the morning with alcohol, so there is much less inadequate audience. Nevertheless, it is worth observing elementary safety rules everywhere:

1. In Gokarna itself, tourists should follow the dress code. This is a sacred city, where it is not customary to walk in open clothes. Men should walk with a closed torso, and girls should cover their legs. It is not necessary to walk in a skirt to the heels, but leave the bare stomach and micro-shorts for Goa. You can walk on the beach as you like.
2. If you are going to live in huts on the beach, bring your own padlock from home. It will come in handy for all your travels in India. It is better to hang your strong lock on the front door.
3. Do not walk on the rocks after sunset. All walks between the beaches are best done in the daytime. After sunset, such walks can be unsafe. The road is already quite difficult, do not look for unnecessary adventures.

Things to do

In Gokarna you need to walk and bask on the beach! This is the main type of local leisure. Sometimes you can find advertisements for yoga or Sanskrit classes on poles in the village. Only the teacher will tell you about the price and time of classes. In general, many yogis rest in Gokarna, who practice on their own right on the beach, so the chances of finding like-minded people are high.

Shopping and shops

Gokarna is not the best place for shopping, but you can find something here. Gradually, the range of tourist goods is expanding, and here you can easily buy things that are sold in Goa. Basically, it's all the same consumer goods: cheap cotton clothes that will die after the first wash, bags, backpacks.

The main street of Gokarna is starting to resemble Goa, with the same range of goods. And the prices are almost the same. An Alibaba skirt or pants can be bought for 3–4.6 USD (200–300 INR). In the center, not far from the bass stand, there is a food market, a little to the other side - a fish market, which is open in the morning.

There are no specialized markets or even more shops with clothes or souvenirs in Gokarna. The closest shopping can be found in Goa, Bangalore, Mysore.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

As souvenirs, you can choose religious products, there are no problems with this in Gokarna.

Bracelets, images and figurines of Indian gods and other paraphernalia are sold near any temple. Item prices start at 0.15 USD (10 INR).

How to move around the city

The easiest way to get around the city is on foot. There are so small distances that you can walk the whole Gokarna in an hour. Even the beaches can be reached on foot.

Taxi. What features exist

Auto rickshaws drive around the city. This transport is convenient to use when traveling from Gokarna to the beaches. The cost of the trip will be an average of 1.5-3 USD (100-200 INR), depending on the distance to the beach.

Buses

The central bus station is located in the city center. On buses from Gokarna you can get to any part of India, but get ready for a large number of transfers. There is simply nowhere to go around the city by bus.

If you have any questions, please contact the conductor, he will point you to the desired stop and tell you the route. To pay for the fare to him on the bus.

Transport rental

bike

You can rent a bike in Gokran. They do not give up on every corner, as in Goa, but it is possible to find. Ask at travel offices, the owner of your guesthouse or taxi drivers. To rent a bike, none of the documents are required.

Prices do not bite at all - an average of 4.6 USD (300 INR) per scooter per day.

Auto

Travel offices can also rent a car with a driver for long trips, for example, to Jog Falls or Murudeshwara. The most common option is Suzuki.

Here the price depends on the route and your ability to bargain.

Gokarna - holidays with children

Many come to Gokarna with children both for a long time and for a few days. Calm sea, fresh fruits, peace and quiet are conducive to relaxation with kids.

The most important thing is to get there in comfort and find good accommodation. Choose a sleeper bass or a taxi: the fewer transfers, the better. Housing will have to be chosen closer to the beach, so as not to walk every day to swim. In all other respects, Gokarna is conducive to children's recreation, many mothers move here after noisy Goa.

Rent a Car- also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

Have something to add?

One of the most popular travel destinations from Goa and from Kerala is Gokarna, Karnataka. And no wonder, because the state of Karnataka is located just between the two most popular beach areas in India and boasts no less beautiful beaches and a very peculiar relaxed atmosphere.

How to get to Gokarna

From Kerala

We were driving to Gokarna from Varkala, so on our favorite Cleartrip(by the way, do not forget to download mobile app, it greatly facilitates movement in India) bought.

There are two stations directly next to Gokarna and. But we couldn't find at least one train that stops there.

The easiest option to get from Kerala ( , ) to Gokarna is the train 16346 NETRAVATHI EXPRESS. But the nearest stops to Gokarna are this - here he arrives about 3:30 morning, if it goes without delay, and - here the train arrives at 4:50 morning, again, if it goes according to schedule. From any of these stations you can easily get to Goarna by bus. By the way, the travel time from Varkala to Gokarna is about 18 hours.

In Kumta, the nearest bus station is, one might say, within walking distance, but given the arrival time of the train, the bus will have to wait quite a long time. A taxi from Kumta to Gokarna will cost about 700 rupees.

In Karwar, the bus station is about 15 minutes drive from the railway, travel by tuk-tuk will cost 120 rupees. In the morning there may not be direct buses to Gokarna, so you will have to go with transfers:

• Karwar - Ankola (travel time approx. 45 minutes, fare 33 rupees for one);
• Ankola - Gokarna (travel time is also about 45 minutes, 25 rupees for one).

From Goa

Getting to Gokarna from Goa is somewhat easier and faster:

1. Local Bus (Local bass or, if in Russian, local buses)

This is perhaps the most budgetary way to get from Goa to Gokarna. direct communication Goa - Gokarna locales don’t have basses and you have to make 4-6 transfers. The route is something like this:

• We get to Mapusa if you live in North Goa;
• Mapsa (Mapusa) - Panaji (Panaji);
• Pananji (Panaji) - Margao (Margao);
• Margao - Karwar.

And from Karwar we get in the same way as described above: Karwar - Ankola - Gokarna. There is another option to find a bus Pananji - Ankola, but this is a very rare beast and you need to adapt to its schedule. So, perhaps, the option with a large number of transfers will actually be faster.

If you live in South Goa, then you are more fortunate as there is a direct bus Palolem - Karwar, which means it speeds up the movement from Goa to Gokarna.

2. Train

The most suitable option is the train 12619 MATSYAGADHA EXPRESS. And, lo and behold, it stops just at Gokarna Road, though you will have to sit on it in Margao. Ride in total 1,5 hour, so you can take the sleeper class without fear. You can read about what kind of animal this “sleeper” is in the post.

3. Car or bike

Rent a car (from 1200 rupees per day) or a bike and drive yourself. When renting a vehicle, you need to know one very important thing related to the color of the numbers. In India, license plates on vehicles can be divided into two large groups: white (black inscriptions on a white background) and yellow (yellow inscriptions on a black background). So, the white numbers show that the transport is for private use by locals and cannot be rented out. This, of course, is slaughtered by everyone, except for the brave servants of the transport police. In our first season in Goa, we also rented a bike with white numbers and met on it with.

A couple of times we also had to get acquainted with law enforcement officers. We were in helmets, with an open category "A", but on white numbers. The police officers kindly report that they understand that we are, as it were, not to blame, but we must pay, at least not an official fine, but 200-300 rupees. Moreover, they even agree to call the owner of the bike and agree on the amount of “penalties” with him, and upon return, the owner will return everything to you. Have you ever seen an Indian who voluntarily returns money? That's it!

Yellow plates are just for rent, but ... A rented vehicle with yellow plates cannot travel outside the state. This is the Indian logic. You can rent and use, but only within the state.

4. Taxi

Where to live in Gokarna

There are three main beaches in Gokarna ( main beach, Cudley Beach And om beach) and most of the guesthouses and hotels are located on them. On Booking.com, the choice of accommodation in Gokarna leaves much to be desired, so the only way to find decent accommodation is to walk with your feet, go to all the guest houses, look and ask for prices. I must say right away that the price tag for housing in Gokarna is for the most part somehow inadequate. For a falling apart hut without hot water and the Internet they ask 1500 rupees per night and they also say that it is cheap.

We ended up in Gokarna at the very beginning of the season and, having studied all the available offers, we decided to stop at Cudley Beach in an institution called. Pretty nice spacious houses. On the territory there WiFi, although the Internet is not always present in it. With the same story.

The Internet in Gokarna is generally a sore subject, but more on that later. In theory, there is hot water, but, apparently, it only becomes hot when the sun bakes with might and main, otherwise even something remotely resembling warm tap water could not be achieved.

There is a cafe on the territory where they cook slowly, this is the norm for India, with the exception of Varkala, but delicious. The truth is "delicious" applies only to Asian and Indian cuisine, European food is very mediocre, however, as in many other places in Gokarna.

We paid for a house in Kudle Ocean Front 1000 rupees per day, but initially asked 2000 rupees and we bargained long and hard.

If you want to live away from the Cudley Beach traffic, then you can stay on Main Beach. The first night we lived. Quite a simple and ascetic house. Price from 400 rupees per night.

The manager of this place is Maxim, and this is not an interpretation of the Indian name. He will expertly give experienced advice on Gokarna, orient where to go, what to see, where to eat. For which many thanks to him.

Bike rental in Gokarna

There are quite a lot of rental offices in Gokarna, but the condition of bikes for rent leaves much to be desired. Before deciding to rent a bike, we recommend that you test it, ride it, check the brakes, wheels, and more. Many rental bikes don't have one or both mirrors, finding a bike with both mirrors is a challenge ☺.

Initial price - 600 rupees per day, that's how much bikes are rented by visiting tourists from Bangalore, absolutely without haggling. The normal price is about 300 rupees per day.

We rented a bike in and, in principle, are satisfied. By the way, here you can pay for a bike with a card without any additional fees, which is also very convenient, given that there are certain problems with getting cash in Gokarna.

ATMs in Gokarna

There are ATMs in Gokarna, but for some reason we were unable to withdraw money from any of them. We ended up withdrawing money in Kumta, with absolutely no problems, but you can’t roll up to Kumta. Therefore, provide yourself in advance with the necessary amount of cash in rupees or dollars (there is a lot of currency exchange in Gokarna).

Internet in Gokarna

The Internet in Gokarna turned out to be an “Achilles heel” for us. There are catastrophically few guesthouses and cafes where there is a decent stable signal. It seems like at the height of the season their number increases, but somehow this is doubtful.

Throughout our travels in India, we have always been rescued by the mobile Internet from Gio. But in Gokarna, he also began to play tricks: I work here, I don’t work here, but here I generally go into reboot. So Gokarna is not a very suitable place for those people who need the Internet to work. And if you just surf on social networks - it’s quite ok.

Beaches of Gokarna

In Gokarna there are three, let's say, main beaches and several additional ones, for whom the first ones were not enough. Each of them has its own feature and features. I'll tell you briefly about each of them, starting from the north and moving gradually to the south.

Main Beach (main, main beach) in Gokarna

- This is the northernmost beach of Gokarna. Kilometers and kilometers of sand. At the beginning of the season main beach It is the most secluded place imaginable.

In a few hours of a leisurely walk, you can meet 10 people fishermen and a couple of tourists. I suspect that this situation is not very typical for the high season, but in the low season it was exactly like that.

Where to stay in Gokarna on Main Beach

We liked the guesthouse on Main Beach in Gokarna. But when we were there, the construction of a new building was in full swing, so we could not count on peace and quiet because of the constant screams of the builders.

But there are very spacious rooms with a good repair. True, there is no Internet, but Gio catches with varying degrees of success.

If you want something more calm, cheap and ascetic, then you can choose the houses in which we stayed on the first night. We wrote about them above.

Where to eat on Main Beach in Gokarna

I must say right away that we didn’t work out with food in Gokarna, especially in contrast to the beautiful ones. We ate at two places on Main Beach: Namaste Samudra and in Prema. I'll tell you about them:

Cafe at Namaste Samudra

An ordinary cafe where good breakfasts are prepared, quite tasty juices.

It is difficult to say that the food here is just delicious, it is normal, nothing more, but better than in many other places in Gokarna. The price tag is average.

Prema

Prema Considered the iconic restaurant of Gokarna. This is where people meet and share their experiences. Locals come here, but in much smaller numbers than visiting tourists.

The reason for this popularity is difficult to understand. The food is very much so-so. I was especially “pleased” with the Jewish salad, which is a large plate of grated vegetables. Salad price - 170 rupees, which, you see, is not enough for India. And to get a dressing for grated vegetables, you need to pay another minimum. 30 rupees.

This is really a Jewish salad, forgive me representatives of this ancient nation. The only thing I liked about Prema was juices. Freshly squeezed juices here are more like a thick fruit soup than juice. Tasty and healthy!

What to do on Main Beach in Gokarna

Besides swimming in the sea, main beach It is also attractive because in fact on it (more precisely, in the immediate vicinity of one of its sections) the main attractions of the sacred Gokarna are located.

Indeed, for every Shaivite, Gokarna is not so much a place for a beach holiday, it is a sacred place, because according to legend, it was here that one of the most revered gods, Shiva, was born from the ear of a cow. It was this legend that gave the name to the city of Gokarna, translated from Sanskrit “Go” is “cow”, “karna” is “ear”.

Mahabaleshwar Shiva Temple

The main attraction of Gokarna is the ancient Mahabaleshwar Shiva Temple, which in translation means “great power”, and the power is not simple, but the most, as they say, male.

IN Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna the most important Shivalingam is stored, and if in a simple way, then the reproductive organ of Shiva. According to local beliefs, the Mahabaleshwar lingam is more than one and a half million years old and is considered almost the most ancient Shivalingam.

But if you are not a Shaivite, or at least not an Indian, then you will not be able to touch the ancient lingam, foreigners are strictly forbidden to enter the lingam. You can go into the temple itself, but not into the inner part where the Shivalingam is kept.

Near Mahabaleshwar Temple you can see wooden chariots called Ratha Yatra- Shiva's chariots, on which he performed all his feats. They are also considered sacred; on holidays, these chariots take out the Gods, or rather idols. Chariots are usually pushed by a fairly large number of people, in addition, not a small number of people die or are maimed under their wheels - in a fit of religious ecstasy, fanatics throw themselves under the wheels of these colossus, hoping in this way to get away from this life.

Holy Lake Koti Teertha

According to one of the legends lake (pond) Koti Tirtha and there is that very “cow's ear”, from which “the land of Gokarna has gone”.

Name Koti Tirtha translated from Sanskrit as "a reservoir of a thousand holy springs." This reservoir attracts thousands of pilgrims who want to bathe in it and be cleansed of sins.

There are signs on the shore of the lake, telling that the lake is very deep, there are crocodiles in it and every year people drown here. I don’t know how deep it really is and whether there are crocodiles here, I strongly doubt it, but I don’t even want to get too close to the lake, let alone climb into the water. But this is for me, and for others it is very ok.

Unfortunately, the pond itself does not benefit from such popularity, and it looks more like a sewer than an object of religious worship. At least we did not have the desire to plunge into it from the word “absolutely”.

Rama Teertha Temple

If you go to the side Cudley Beach, then you can find a small temple and a spring.

I do not advise you to do this on Sunday, when the spring is literally “captured” by Indian pilgrim tourists, who not only take ablutions here, but perform a full washing and laundry program.

But personally, we liked the natural beauties of Gokarna more than all the temples and religious sites, which, no matter how hard we tried, but could not be imbued with spiritual awe.

Ruins of Jatayu Teertha

One of the striking natural attractions of Gokarna is a hill, yes, a simple volcanic hill, which separates main beach And Cudley Beach. Absolutely fabulous views of the sea open from this hill:

Here you can find strange signs made of stones. True, there is an opinion that these are not just stones, but the ruins of some ancient Hindu temple, whose history goes back to the ancient Indian epic Ramayana.

But somehow to confirm and clarify this information, we failed. Therefore, until otherwise, we will consider these strange symbols made of stones ☺.

It is very pleasant to just walk and enjoy such a rare solitude in Gokarna.

This is where we lived most of our stay in Gokarna. Cudley Beach is not very large, but rather picturesque bay, surrounded by hills of volcanic origin.

Cudley Beach quite popular with locals for a weekend getaway, especially for youth groups who are more interested in getting drunk and not praising Shiva ... if you know what I mean.

How to get to Kudli Beach in Gokarna

There are three roads to Cudley Beach. The first one will take you directly to the hotel, but its quality leaves much to be desired, especially after rain. Jeeps and even some brave tuk-tukers drive freely along it, but we did not dare to meddle on it on a bike or scooter. Better take a different route. Of course, you will have to walk a little, but you will be more whole. And in general, walking in the fresh air is good for the body ☺.

The second road goes from the temple in Gokarna. To get to it, you need to slip into an imperceptible, at first glance, passage and desperately honk so that you are not accidentally hit by someone you meet. The first part of the road is very narrow, it is difficult for a bike and a tuk-tuk to pass, and a car, in general, will not pass there. Then there is a normal, sometimes broken-down road just past the hill that I wrote about above.

You reach, leave your iron monster and down the stairs. A couple of minutes and you're already on Cudley Beach. If you go by tuk tuk, then the fare to Kudli beach from Gokarna Center should not cost more 80 rupees.

The third road runs between Cudley Beach and Om Beach. You need to get to this one, and from there take a walk down the stairs.

Where to stay in Gokarna on Cudley Beach

As I mentioned above, on Cudley Beach we lived in Kudle Ocean Front. Very nice houses, if you stay there for a short time. For a couple of days or a week, it's more than ok, especially if the period of your stay there does not coincide with any Indian holidays, which is unlikely ☺.

If you want to stay on Cudley Beach for a longer period, it is better to look for something quieter. Although Kudle Ocean Front has its undeniable advantages - a very tasty restaurant, spacious houses, polite staff, location and the ability to pay by card. True, when paying with a card, they take a horse commission - 12% , but given that prices in cafes here are lower than the average for Cudley Beach, then the commission is actually leveled.

Where to eat on Cudley Beach in Gokarna

This is a very, very difficult question, since we never managed to find a really tasty place. Let me tell you about two of our favorites:

Restaurant at Kudle Ocean Front

Indian and Asian cuisine is at its best here, especially in terms of price-quality ratio. With European dishes, everything is not so rosy, but quite acceptable.

If you live in Kudle Ocean Front, then the order can be brought directly to the balcony, which is also pleasing.

La Pizzeria

Let me state right away that Cudley Beach there are several establishments with the same or very similar names. This post is about La Pizzeria, which is located right at the entrance to Cudley Beach from Main Beach.

They cook very acceptable pizza, shakshuka, delicious hummus, good tandoori dishes. But never order momo here - because in their performance this is a terrible parody of the most delicious Tibetan dish.

We ended up there for the first time for one simple reason: on the entire Cudley beach La Pizzeria was the only place where lights were on and music played in the evening. In general, we noticed an interesting trick: in Gokarna, if there are no visitors, the lights are not on in the cafe and music is not playing, it seems that it simply does not work. But as soon as you get closer, you will immediately be offered a menu, turn on the lights and music. Here is such a strange Indian marketing.

By the way, if for you the words “Bom Bolenat!” - these are not just words, then you are in a cafe. All other establishments Cudley Beach practically nothing, even the menu, do not differ. And all equally none.

What to do on Cudley Beach in Gokarna

Main pastime for Cudley Beach is a beach holiday. There are different types of activities: yoga, mantras, pranayama, both on the beach itself and in the depths. From here you can watch very beautiful sunsets:

To make leisurely promenades along the edge of the sea and wonder what the cows forgot on the beach?

No, seriously??? There are green hills nearby, on which grass - I don’t want to eat, but they roam the sandy beaches.

Om Beach (Om Beach) in Gokarna

In the article, I already talked about the symbol "Om", but I think it would not be superfluous to repeat.

Om (sometimes the transcription "Aum" is found) is a universal divine symbol in Hinduism, at the same time Om is a divine name and mantra. The Om sign is three literal symbols that personify the three main gods and their spheres of influence: Brahma - the Creator, Vishnu - the Almighty (supporter) and Shiva - the Destroyer.

It bears such a name because the shape of its coastline resembles the outline of the Om sign. Many do not agree with this, but in my opinion, even fantasy does not have to be strained here - it really looks like it.

From below, from the beach itself, this is probably not so obvious, but when you look at the coast from the hills, you can clearly see a strong resemblance to this Hindu symbol.

How to get to Om Beach in Gokarna

TO om beach the path is difficult and thorny, but you wanted it - a holy place after all ☺. But in fact, everything is not so scary.

If you go with Cudley Beach, then first you need to overcome a series of steps, reach, and from there follow the signs.

The road is not very difficult, but if you are going to return in the dark, it is better to put on sneakers or at least take care of a flashlight, otherwise the volcanic hills are not even and you can easily twist your leg.

If you are coming from main beach on a bike, then everything is much simpler: just like it was said above, you drive into a narrow passage near the temple and drive to the side Cudley Beach, pass it and follow the signs until you reach , and from it you just go down the stairs.

By the way, on the very descent to om beach is perhaps the best place to watch the sunset. I don’t know why in this particular place, but here they seemed to us just bombing.

Where to stay in Gokarna on Om Beach

We were not looking for housing options on the beach itself, since by that time we had already found housing on Cudley Beach. Booking.com, in general, shows only one hotel on Om Beach, it’s better not to think about prices in it, so as not to lose healthy sleep ☺.

Where to eat at Om Beach in Gokarna

Again, this is a very ambiguous question. We went to the cafe several times. And in principle, we can say that they cook delicious food there, at least it’s definitely tastier than anywhere else on Cudley Beach.

But at the same time, if we take the price-quality ratio, then somehow questions immediately arise. The prices in the menu are without tax, and the tax is now 18% , and after you add them, you begin to understand that for this money you would like to get something more. But in general, very decent and popular on om beach institution.

And they also have a kitchen that works strictly by the hour: breakfast, lunch and dinner. In between, the kitchen is closed, you can enter the establishment, but the maximum you can get is some kind of packaged drink, and it’s not a fact that you won’t be asked to wait for the kitchen to open ☺.

Things to do at Om Beach in Gokarna

In addition to enjoying a beach holiday, Om Beach is ideal for contemplative practices. There are a bunch of comfortable benches all over the beach where you can relax, sit in the shade or watch the sunset.
is a separate issue. In my opinion, the most beautiful sunsets in Gokarna are observed from Om Beach.

Same with om beach the trekking trail to the two southern beaches of Gokarna starts. Do not try to go there in flip flops - you can be left without flip flops and without legs at the same time, it is better to choose sneakers, sneakers or other comfortable non-slip shoes. And don't forget to bring water and sunscreen, as there is a risk of acne or heatstroke.

If there is no desire to perform feats and go on foot, you can go to distant beaches by boat. An hour boat trip with a stop at one of the beaches is worth 250 rupees per person (price after auction, original offer was 500 rupees). For a boat trip, it is better to choose a day when the sea is calmer, and it is better to choose a boat with a sharp bow, rather than a flat one. I don’t know how to explain this exactly, because I’m not an expert on boat models, so I’ll try with an example:

When we went on a little sea trip, we got into the first boat offered, and it turned out to be a boat with a flat bottom. Everything was great on the way there!

But on the way back, the sea began to play pranks and waves rose, not very strong, but still. In general, I have a complicated relationship with the waves after. Due to the flat bottom, our vessel could not “cut” the waves, instead it “scooped” them. All passengers, including their equipment, money and documents (who had something with them), took an invigorating shower from salty waves all the way back.

We were chattering quite strongly from side to side and in general there was a feeling that we would get to the shore by swimming, as the waves offered quite strong resistance and we periodically could not move anywhere, just hovering in one place. At the same time, the happy passengers of boats with pointed bows, such as fishing boats, calmly continued their journey without experiencing any particular discomfort.

Halfmoon beach in Gokarna

It's a very tiny cove. You can get here either by boat or by trail from om beach.

The beach itself did not seem very unique to us, but the views from the path leading to it are striking in their beauty.

The largest statue of the god Shiva is located in India, in the city of Murudeshwar, Karnataka. The statue reaches a height of 123 feet (37.5 m), for example, this is the height of a 14-story building. Shiva occupies an important place in the Indian religion and is one of the 3 highest deities revered by the believing population. This place immediately became the center of pilgrimage in India. believers come to worship Shiva, as well as make a wish, it is believed that it must come true.

The construction of the statue lasted more than 2 years, the opening took place in 2002. The statue is located on the territory of the Shiva temple complex and amazes with a variety of sculptures. At the entrance to the temple, you will be met by two life-sized sacred stone elephants, then your path will lie through a park immersed in flowers and greenery. The sculpture of Shiva itself is located on the very shore, Shiva sits in a lotus position with his back to the Arabian Sea. Inside the statue itself, there is a museum and a temple is open. There you can see the key religious scenes of the life of Indian deities.

If you are not staying in the state of Karnataka, then it is better to take a taxi to visit the statue. The fact is that independent movement between states is allowed only with a special permit to enter (Permitions), if you do not have it, or it is issued incorrectly, you will not be able to continue the journey (the patrol stops all civilian cars throughout the entire route).

Chariots of Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva)

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in late February-early March in one of the five holiest cities in India, Gokarna. A huge number of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come to Gokarna for the holiday. On one of the days of the holiday, a chariot festival is held.

On this occasion, local residents decorate two chariots with images of the Gods and multi-colored flags. The big chariot is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the small one is dedicated to his wife Parvati. During this kind of "parade", hundreds of people pull these chariots all over the street, and Brahmin Hindu priests sit in the chariots themselves.

Before the start of the holiday, next to the chariot, you can see an elephant, which personifies the son of Shiva and Parvati - Ganesh. For a coin, this pretty elephant, decorated with rangoli patterns, blesses everyone. Before the festival, you may notice a huge number of banana vendors. During the procession, pilgrims and tourists throw bananas, intending to hit the door of the chariot. The one who manages to hit the target will have great luck.

And what sights of Gokarna did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Central street of Gokarna

The central street of Gokarna is located in the historical district of the city, in the Uttara-Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The city of Gokarna is located on the very shores of the Indian Ocean, it is an interesting city with a rich history, which is of great importance for Hindus and pilgrims. The name of the city is translated as "cow's ear", the city is located at the confluence of two rivers that outline its boundaries, which are shaped like a cow's ear. There are four excellent beaches, with white sand and clear water.

The main attraction of Gokarna is considered to be the huge Temple of Shiva, where there is a sacred relic for Hindus - the lingam - the symbol of the god Shiva. The central street of Gokarna is very colorful and has many interesting sights. There are also several temples that attract pilgrims from all over the country. On Central Street there are two chariots that are over 200 years old. The street leads from the bus station directly to the city beach. There are many shops and shops of local merchants of spices, fruits and souvenirs. This is a very bright and noisy street, popular with tourists.

The golden Hindu temple of the god Shiva is located in Murdeshvere, a fishing village, not far from Kartanak, on the seashore. The temple is included in the complex of attractions of this place. In addition to it, there is also the world's highest 184-meter Raja tower, such towers are called Gorupa, and a 37-meter statue of the god Shiva along with his wife Pravati.

The golden temple of the god Shiva is made of granite and is considered the main temple of the complex. According to evidence found in the temple, it was built in 1542, during the time of King Devarai II, the ruler of the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple is built in the Dravidian style, which is characterized by the use of rich, exquisite carvings. The temple has been repeatedly remodeled, the last reconstruction was in 2008.

The entrance to the temple is guarded by two life-sized elephants made of concrete.

The temple itself impresses with its splendor and solemnity. It is customary to take off your shoes before entering the temple. In the temple, you can go through the sacrament procedure, for this you need to hold your hands over the fire. Then, from a silver spoon, water is poured into the palm of the hand, which you need to either drink or run your palm with water through your hair. After that, the priest puts a red dot on his forehead. You can also just attend a service in the temple.

The complex of temples in Murdeshvere is one of the places of worship of the great Shiva. It is located 280 kilometers from the capital of Goa. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here every year. If you are interested in religion, history, architecture, or just looking for inner peace, be sure to visit this sacred place.

Cadle Beach

Kadl Beach is the northernmost and largest of the four beaches in the south of Gokarna, which is also the most famous and popular among them. The high attendance of the beach is due to the fact that not far from it there is a fashionable resort - Cadle Beach Resort with a direct view of the beach.

Kadle Beach is located six kilometers from Gokarna, adjacent to Paradise, Om and Half Moon beaches, in the east of the state of Karnataka, in southeast India. Like most Indian beaches, it is usually crowded and noisy, but there is always enough space for everyone to relax.

On it, everyone will find a cozy place on the hot white sand in the sun or under the broad leaves of a palm tree to enjoy the beautiful cool sea breeze. Cadle Beach is quite popular among honeymooners, lovers, businessmen, the beach is well suited for fun with friends and families.

Gopuram tower

Gopuram is the traditional name of an architectural structure, which is a gate tower in a fence surrounding Hindu temples. This is a very typical Indian architectural structure. Usually a gopuram looks very impressive and is an absolutely unusual building for the European eye.

The tower, square at the base, tapers towards the top and is skillfully decorated with carvings and sculptures (often brightly colored) - the images of numerous Hindu deities on the tower are downright crowding each other.

In Karnataka, a gopuram adorns the Murudeshwar temple. It is made of granite, one-color and is considered the highest in Asia, going up to 75 meters.

Adi Gokarna Cave

Adi Gokarna Cave is located in Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India. This is a sacred place from where, according to legend, Shiva descended to earth. The name of the city "Gokarna" is translated as "cow's ear", it was from the ear of the sacred cow that the god Shiva was born.

The name Adi-Gokarna is interpreted as "original Gokarna". Adi Gokarna Cave is a stone structure, an ancient temple, sacred to Hindus. Adi Gokarna Cave is located on the grounds of the great Mahabaleshwar Temple. Huge delegations of pilgrims go to her every year. According to the beliefs of local residents, those who are lucky enough to get into the cave of Shiva will be blessed.

It is not so easy to get into the cave, the sign at the entrance to the Mahabaleshwar temple says that foreigners are not allowed to enter the cave. However, in a crowd of Indian tourists or pilgrims, this is not so difficult to do.

Paradise beach

Paradise Beach is a small cozy sandy beach in the south of India that attracts many tourists and locals due to its lack of noise compared to other more popular and promoted holiday destinations in India. The name of the beach is translated as "paradise".

Paradise Beach is located near Half Moon Beach, in the southeast of the city of Gokarna, in one of the southern states of India - Karnataka. It occupies a small plot of land, 20 x 70 meters, which is densely overgrown around the perimeter not only with traditional palm trees, but also with many coniferous trees. The beach is best suited for those who want to spend a few hours or a whole day in the most relaxed atmosphere, enjoying swimming in the sea and relaxing under the trees or in the sun.

Before going to Paradise Beach, you need to take into account that there are no shops and traders, so it is better to take everything you need with you.

Murdeshwar village

The fishing village of Murdeshwar is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the state of Karnataka, adjacent to Goa.

It is a sculptural complex located on Mount Kanduka. This place is of interest to both pilgrims and tourists who are not fans of Hinduism, as the local temples, sculptures and statues impress with their beauty, variety and size.

The main attraction is the 37-meter statue of the Hindu god Shiva - the tallest image of him in the world. The statue is located on the very top of the Kanduk hill, and this further emphasizes its greatness. The main temple of the complex is called "Murdeshwar", and it was built back in 1542. Opposite the temple is the 18-storey Raja Tower, reconstructed in 2008, 184 meters high. It can be reached by elevator to enjoy the beauty of the complex from a bird's eye view. You can also learn the history of the creation of the world and mankind, told in the local wax museum.

Ancient temples and a striking modern pilgrimage complex will give a vivid idea of ​​the integrity of the nature of this amazing people and Indian history, inseparable into antiquity and modernity.

Chariot next to the statue of Shiva" Murdeshwar

The chariot is located in the fishing village of Murdeshwar, in the state of Karnataka. It is located in close proximity to the highest statue of the Hindu god Shiva. The luxurious chariot is drawn by horses, and Arjuna and Krishna sit on it.

In the ancient Indian epic, the images of these heroes are inseparable. According to the legends, Krishna said that Arjuna was dearer to him than his children and wives. These two characters were not only twin heroes, but real relatives. Arjuna was married to Krishna's sister Subhard.

Krishna is one of the main Gods in Hinduism, Arjuna, in turn, was a valiant warrior, the embodiment of strength and courage. During the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Krishna was the driver of Arjun's chariot, taught him wisdom and higher philosophy. The statue located in Murdeshwar reflects exactly one of these historical moments. The amazingly beautiful chariot will delight all aesthetes and lovers of the ancient Indian epos.

Gopuram - the gate tower of the temple in Murdeshwar

Gopuram - the gate tower of the temple is located in Murdeshwar, in the state of Karnataka. Gopurams are a hallmark of Indian medieval architecture. The base of the gopuram is rectangular in shape, richly decorated entrance doors are located below, and the structure itself is skillfully decorated with carvings and paintings.

This tower in Murdeshwar was refurbished in 2008 and is now equipped with two elevators that will take you to the top of the 75m gopuram with ease. Here you can enjoy a picturesque view, see from a height a colossal statue of Shiva and the surroundings of the temple complex. However, unlike the free entry to the complex, the lift will cost you a small amount (about 10 rupees).

The most popular attractions in Gokarna with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Gokarna on our website.

Before completely plunging into a new life stage, I decided to write articles about India after all. There is a place in India where I sincerely liked.

We are talking about the city of Gokarna, which is located in the north of the Indian state of Karnataka, almost on the border with Goa on the coast of the Arabian Sea. If you come to Goa on vacation, you can go on an excursion to Gokarna, it also makes sense to stay there to get away from the hustle and bustle of other Indian cities or even stay on one of the beaches for the winter.

Why do pilgrims and tourists go to Gokarna?

Gokarna is a small town, despite this, thousands of people from all over India and buses with tourists come there every day.

The fact is that according to numerous legends, it was there that Shiva was born - one of the gods in Hindu mythology, who, along with Brahma and Vishnu, is included in the supreme triad of gods and is revered as a destroyer god. The tradition of worshiping Shiva is called Shaivism.

If pilgrims go to the city to touch the shrine, tourists choose this place for more practical reasons. Gokarna has good beaches, food prices are lower than in Goa, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and inviting.

Evening gatherings by the fire, drums, mantras, parties, yoga - all this is also in Gokarna on Kudl beach. A huge minus of life in Gokarna for me is the almost complete absence of the Internet.

I can’t say that Gokarna made the strongest impression on me, but due to the fact that sightseeing buses with Indian tourists from other states are constantly brought to the city, it’s very interesting to walk around the center - you can look at clothes, chat with children, many of whom are for the first time in life see a white man and joyfully wave their hands and greet.

Festivals are held in the city several times a year and some Hindu holidays are celebrated on a special scale. Why not visit Gokarna if you live or vacation in Goa?

Good to know:

- Gokarna has literally a few streets. Along the main street there is a bazaar where you can buy clothes or eat in a family cafe.

– There is one ATM in Gokarna on the way from the bus station to the main street. It was not possible to withdraw money from the Tinkoff card. I don’t know if the ATM works with cards from other banks, but it’s better to withdraw money in advance in Goa.

- Currency can be exchanged in one of the Internet cafes or in travel agencies on the main street with private money changers. There were no official exchangers. Change money in the city, because they don't change currency on Kudle beach! You can also change money at Om Beach.

- If you need decent clothes, then it is better to buy them in Goa, because what is sold on the main street of Gokarna can hardly be called clothes.

- In the photo on the left is a popular cafe with Indian vegetarian food at the entrance to Gokarna Beach. Many recommend the place, the food there is quite tolerable, the portions are average, but I did not experience much enthusiasm. Rock cafe Namaste on Cudley Beach is much tastier.

Dirty river

Hotels in Gokarna

Housing prices in Gokarna:

250-300 rupees ( 4-5$ ) - palm bungalow by the sea without shower and toilet

500-700 rupees ( 8-11$ ) - a room in a guesthouse or a concrete bungalow on the beach with its own shower and toilet

1000-1500 rupees ( 15-25$ ) - decent bungalow

from 2000-3000 rupees ( 30-50$ ) - a room in a more or less decent hotel

Guesthouses can be searched locally or pre-booked.

Is there internet in Gokarna?

Wifi is very slow both in the Internet cafe in the city itself and in the Internet cafe on Kudle beach. My gmail boxes didn't open there. 1 hour internet costs 30 rupees.

There are several Internet cafes on the main street of Gokarna, as well as on Kudli Beach. I did not find any budget hotels or bungalows with wifi in Gokarna. Idea mobile internet was not working. Therefore, if you need constant high-speed Internet, it is better to choose another place to live and relax.

Internet can be found by signs

What are the prices in Gokarna?

200 rupees ( 3$ ) - big pizza
90-120 rupees ( 1.5-2$ ) is a dish of Indian cuisine
30 rupees ( 0.5$ ) - masala tea

In the city of Gokarna, buying food and eating is cheaper than on the beaches. However, there are not even shops on the beaches of Kudle and Om, so you still need to go to the city for fruit.

Central street and market

Beaches of Gokarna

There are several beaches in Gokarna. The main beach of Gokarna Beach is 7 km long, where Indians mainly rest; Cudley Beach is my favorite beach in India in terms of parameters; Om Beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach.

What to see in Gokarna?

Temples of Gokarna

Mahabaleshwar temple and Shiva lingam
There are several temples in Gokarna, the most significant of which is the Mahabaleshwar Shiva Temple, which houses the ancient Shiva Lingam (ShivalIngam) - the male sexual organ of the deity, a symbol of great power.

Foreigners are allowed to enter the temple, you can look at the sacred cow and bull, but only Hindus have access to the lingam. The cow and the bull are white and of some unthinkable size for India. The smell in the temple is terrible, so there is no desire to stay there for a long time.

Ganapati temple located near the Mahabaleshwar temple and built in honor of Ganesh - the god of wisdom and prosperity.

Temple of Rama- stands on a mountain at the left end of Gokarna Beach. On the way to the temple, you can see Indians washing and washing clothes, and near the temple there is a source of holy water.

There are also several other temples in Gokarna that you can freely enter. Somewhere on a mountain near Kudli Beach there is a cave in which Shiva was born. I haven't been to the cave, so I don't know the exact location.

Lake Kotitirha

This sacred lake is popularly called the "Small Ganga", as according to legend, the water in the lake was brought from the Ganges. Bathing in Kotitirha washes away all sins, so pilgrims from all over India rush to the lake at dawn to cleanse and renew themselves. Only hereditary Brahmins (members of the priestly caste) live around the lake.

Road to the lake

Maha Shivaratri Festival

The Great Night of Shiva is a holiday in Hinduism for all followers of Shaivism (especially revered by yogis and tantriks). On the eve, the Hindus fast, and at night in all the temples of the god Shiva they read mantras, perform ritual ceremonies (pujas) and burn incense.

There are only 4 ritual ceremonies (pujas), and they cover different aspects of activity. Before the rituals, it is customary to wash and put on clean clothes, preferably white. Bathing in the waters of the Ganges is considered the most favorable; in the case of Gokarna, pilgrims go to Lake Kotitirha.

If you are going to Gokarna on Mahashivaratri, then it is better to book accommodation in advance, as on the dates of the holiday, hotels and guesthouses are booked several weeks in advance. On this day, pilgrims from all over India come to Gokarna. The sick, the poor, the orphans, the wretched—everyone is there.

On ordinary days, foreigners are not allowed into most Shiva temples, but on the day of Mahashivaratri, the doors of the temples are open to everyone.

Maha Shivaratri Dates

2016 - from 7 to 8 March
2017 - from 24 to 25 February
2018 - from 13 to 14 February
2019 - from 4 to 5 March
2020 - from 21 to 22 February
2021 - from 11 to 12 March
2022 - from 1 to 2 March
2023 - from 18 to 19 February

Shiva's chariot

How to get to Gokarna?

Keep in mind that the roads in Karnataka are even worse than in Goa. The distance between Arambol (the extreme beach of northern Goa) and Gokarna is about 200 km.

1. On the bike. If you have your own or rented bike, you can ride it, but be aware that the one-way journey from the north of Goa to Gokarna will take one long day of light, or maybe two days.

2. On buses. There is no direct bus from Goa to Gokarna, you need to go with transfers. If you are driving from Arambol, then the path will look like this:

Arambol (Arambol) - Mapusa (Mapusa) - Panjim (Panaji) - Margaon (Margao) - Karwar (Karwar) - Ankola (Ankola) - Gokarna (Gokarna).

It's better to leave in the morning. Expect to spend about 200 - 250 rupees on the road ( 3-4$ ) per person per way.

3. By train from Margao to Gokarna Road station, costs about 200 rupees ($ 3), one and a half hours on the way.

Bus driver

Video story about Gokarna

Have a nice holiday in Gokarna! Sincerely,

Article from Denis Bashmakov.
Gokarna is a great place to be and get away from everything, relax a bit and move on. Therefore, today I will talk a little about the city of Gokarna in India.

Gokarna on the map

- this is a beautiful village, I don’t dare to call it a city, maybe once it was like that, it is located between everyone known, especially ours, Goa and Kerala.

Transport in Gokarna India, how to get to Gokarna

The city of Gokarna in India can be reached by buses, trains. Airplanes, unfortunately, do not go here. Or maybe it's fortunate. I got to him by train. The train station is far enough away from the beach that you will need transportation.

The choice in Gokarna is not very large - taxis and rickshaws waiting for the next client at the station exit, or a local bus. But to get on it, you will need to walk 1 km on foot to the crossroads, from where, after waiting for the bus, get to Gokarna.

Accommodation in Gokarna India

So, you have arrived at the place. What is the first thing you need to do? Right! Find accommodation. I still recommend to come to Gokarnu in India when the season is over. Why? Yes, because you can not frailly bring down the prices of accommodation, and somehow calmer on the beach. But, as they say, to each his own. So choose according to your needs. Now you can easily rent rooms or bungalows for 100-200 rupees.

Beaches of Gokarna

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that there are several beaches in Gokarna India:
1. Temple beach - the largest and longest beach in Gokarna, where I live;

2. Kudle beach - located across the hill from ours. Smaller in size. But it creates a slight sense of comfort that it is between two hills;

3. Om beach - a beach in Gokarna, which is probably more famous. There are mostly tourists there. I counted a couple of restaurants and that's it. Prices, as far as I understand, will be higher than in the previous two. And yes, you have to get there somehow. As a rule, rickshaws come to the rescue here. But what is good there is a rather calm sea, beautiful views of the rocks that are located along the edges and in the middle of the beach. Beautiful. I have nothing to add.

After it there are a couple of small beaches, but I didn’t get there. For me, Temple beach is more suitable. Now I will list why.
1. Large and long beach, where you can walk in the evenings and losses, when it becomes fresh and comfortable;
2. Nearby is the Gokarna market, where you can buy everything you need, from food, cookies, to clothes, musical instruments and souvenirs;
3. Here you can go to prosad, which can hardly be found on the beaches of Gokarna Om and Kudle;
4. The bus station is quite close and can be reached on foot;
5. Many people come here first and stay;
6. Prices in this area in Gokarna India are lower;
7. At the end of the beach there is a source with clean and even healing water. So you don't have to waste your money on water. In India, in general, you can not spend money on it, if you are more careful;
8. A food and vegetable market opens on Thursdays, and a fish market on weekends. And all this is near Temple Beach.

Perhaps enough. As a result, I can only say that it is worth visiting Gokarna at least once. Maybe this is where you will find your place. Well, if not, then continue your search, making sure that Gokarna is not for you.

I don’t know how this place looks during the tourist season, but I liked it right now, when there are not so many of them, and due to this you can bargain, save a lot.

In general, travel, relax, explore new places. You already know a little about one of these places in India. Go ahead, friends!
P.s. It is quite possible to live in Gokarna in India for 5-6 thousand rubles a month (out of season - now). Or maybe you can do it even cheaper.

This was an article from Denis Bashmakov about the city of Gokarna in India. Now you know how to get to Gokarna, what kind of accommodation is there and what beaches, and you can decide whether you should go to this village.