Best things to do in Gokarna

Om Beach offers scenic views and a relaxing atmosphere. Accessible only by boat or on foot, the beach is mostly frequented by locals and is rarely crowded, which means that on most days you can have the long stretch of soft sand all to yourself. Although most residents know it for its unusual shape--said to resemble the Om symbol--foreign visitors favor the beach for its water sports options, which include surfing and parasailing.

Dravidian in style, Mahabaleswara Temple remains a major Hindu site, dedicated to Shiva Linga. Probably built in the 4th century, the temple includes a carved stone image of Lord Shiva--the deity is depicted in the standing position, with two arms. Although the temple itself isn't quite so ancient, the Shiva image is allegedly well over 1,000 years old.

Nestled between two hills, Kudle Beach offers a wide expanse of sand with a family-friendly atmosphere. Take a short walk from the road to get to the gently sloping beach, where you can enjoy a nice swim in the water, or simply relax on the sand. At the back of the beach you can choose from several restaurants and small shacks offering food and drinks. Try to stay for the sunset, which offers a picturesque view from along the water. Unfortunately, the beach can get quite dirty at times.

A little slice of heaven, Paradise Beach is small but calm and scenic. With both rocky and sandy sections, the spot remains largely unspoiled--you'll find few amenities here, so bring everything you may need during the day.

Nestled in a small, crescent-shaped bay, Half Moon Beach attracts mostly travelers looking to escape civilization and enjoy the serenity of unspoiled nature. To reach the beach, you have to hike from the neighboring Om beach, since this secluded strip of sparkling sand and black rocks is inaccessible from the road. The lush jungle in the background and the infinite ocean in front of you will make you feel like the last person left on earth. The cliff that separates the two beaches offers sprawling views over the Arabian Sea.

Home to one of the tallest statues of Shiva in the world, Murdeshwar Temple is sited on a hill rising over the Arabian Sea. Pass the two lifelike elephant statues that guard the entrance and climb the long flight of stairs to reach the idol. The bottom of the hill houses the holiest part of the complex--the Rameshwar lingam, which is said to be a piece of the original Atma-Linga.

Come on board a warship-turned-museum and witness the naval army history at Warship Museum. INS Chapal, codenamed K94, was a missile boat of the Indian Navy, and now serves as a museum which provides tours displaying the glory of Indian navy. Learn about the ways of life of the army sailors who manned the ship during the Indo-Pakistani war, as well as how the vessel was maneuvered, how the cooking was done, and how the sailors spent their free time. This exploration trip is not suited for the claustrophobic.

Stroll along a beach in a major Hindu pilgrimage center at Murudeshwar, a coastal town famous for the world’s largest image of Shiva. Admire an impressive 37.5 m (123 ft) tall statue of Lord Shiva seated in a lotus position, perched on a cliff with his back turned to the ocean, a gilded cobra coiled around his neck. Take an elevator to climb a huge 72.4 m (237.5 ft) high 22 story gopura, standing opposite the statue to get an impressive view of the image and the Arabian Sea. Considered to be the tallest one in the world, the gopura is guarded by two life-size statues of elephants.