We must have heard the famous Bacardi soundtrack,
“Be, what you wanna be,
taking things the way, they come,
nothing is as nice as finding paradise and
sitting in the summer sun.”
However, it is hard to find a new and exciting place amidst growing urbanization. We all long for a tropical holiday, away from the concrete jungle. So to meet your exotic desires, we shed light on some of the gorgeous known shores down south. So grab your holiday bags as we take strolls and get tanned across these gates of paradise.
Gokarna is mainly a temple town that is famous for its beaches. With its laid back, unspoiled and rustic nature, it has been frequently visited by tourists. It is a mini paradise tucked amidst the gorgeous state of Karnataka.
In order to reach you can take flights to Dabolim Airport which is 140 km away from here. The nearest railway station is Ankola which is 20 km from Gokarna.
About a decade ago, the beaches around Gokarna were hardly used. When westerners started pulling strands of these undeveloped beaches, it came into limelight and gained attention of local entrepreneurs who started stores and restaurants.
The clear waters of Gokarna
Picture credits: Venkasub / Wikipedia |
Gokarna was historically known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, now it is known as a fresh tourist hub with a number of beaches to explore. You could say Gokarna is a less commercialized version of Goa.
It is an apt place for parties in a Mediterranean style under bamboo huts and delicious sea food. The place is a blend of tourists and pilgrims who come here to fulfill their respective desire. Be it a relaxed holiday or a spiritual transcendence, Gokarna serves to satiate both.
The beaches at Gokarna include the primary Gokarna Beach also known as Indian Beach, Main Beach, Kuddle Beach, Om Beach, Half-moon Beach, Paradise beach and Nirvana Beach.
The Gokarna Beach forms the coast of the town, mostly used by pilgrims followed by the Main Beach which is known for providing a good surfing experience. The Om Beach is the most famous one for the idol of Lord Shiva being here. It has been named so, for the beach having its shape like the Om symbol ॐ.
Om Beach at Gokarna
Picture credits: Axis of eran / Wikipedia |
The remaining Half-moon, Paradise and Nirvana Beach are a small patch of hippie paradise, away from any disturbance.
So haul at Gokarna to add a new chapter to your travel diary.
It is the kind of beach you see on postcards and wallpapers. A heavenly patch of golden sand and turquoise waters, the Palolem Beach is a place you’ve got to explore in Goa. If you wish to capture the old style Palolem, this is the best time to visit. Once the summer hits up, it is covered with beach huts, and gets transformed into a busy tourist destination.
Palolem Beach
Picture credits: Moshikiran / Wikipedia |
In order to reach here, you can take flights to Dabolim Aiport which 67 km away. Or you can take trains to Canacona Railway station which is 30 min from Madgaon Junction Railway station.
It is one of the safest beaches in Goa for a refreshing swim under the sun. With fringed palm trees and a relaxing sea breeze, the Palolem beach is a great spot to sip onto cocktail and enjoy in the bounty of nature.
Palolem Beach
Picture credits: Yessrao / Wikipedia |
The beach was featured as the Goan residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) in The Bourne Supremacy (2004). The movie has picked some great shots to give you a hint of Palolem’s beauty.
The Bourne Supremacy
Picture credits: www.movpins.com |
The top part of the island which connects with the Palolem Beach has a stone sculpture called ‘Money Stone’. People can take or leave money at their will here. Sounds crazy right!
We have reached a stage where finding a virgin place takes more effort. It becomes even more difficult to preserve its natural essence. Free Press Journal requests its readers to take a step is sustaining the beauty of such newly found exotics.
