August 10, 2022

GoKarna & Murudeshwar

 


Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka,India. It has a population of around 20,000. The main temple and deity is Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Shiva's linga (Atmalinga). There are many other temples all over this small town. Gokarna is known as one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers. It is on what was once an unspoiled beach near the estuary of the river Aghanashini. Recently, due to the influx of tourists, the character of the town has changed; it is no longer just a centre of pilgrimage, though large numbers of devotees visit to offer prayers and worship to Shiva.

Gokarna is about 238 km north of Mangalore, 483 km from Bengaluru and about 59 km from Karwar. It is between the Gangavali and Agnashini rivers along the Karwar coast by the Arabian Sea.



By Road

 Gokarna can be reached by buses and maxicabs from Kumta (30 km), Ankola (26 km), Karwar (59 km) and Bhatkal(88 km) on National Highway 66 (NH-66). Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs long-journey buses from cities like Panaji, Bengaluru and Mangalore. Private buses (Vijayanand Roadlines - VRL, Sugama, Sea Bird, etc.) operate night journeys from the capital city of Bengaluru to Gokarna daily.


By Train

It can be reached by Konkan Railway on the Mumbai to Mangalore route or Goa to Mangalore route. The railway station (called Gokarna Road) is 10 km from the town. The station has a retiring room at a nominal price. Many important trains like Matsyagandha Express, KSR Bengaluru Karwar Express, Poorna Express, Marusagar Express and Mangalore Local and DEMU local are the Daily Local Trains halt here.


By Air

The nearest airports are Hubli Airport, Karnataka which has domestic flights only, Goa International Airport at Goa and Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe, Karnataka are the nearest airports to reach at Gokarna.



Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva (123 ft) in the world. With the shimmering Arabian Sea on three sides and the magnificent Western Ghats imposing their presence on this town, it is a favourite picnic spot for the folks from Kerala and Karnataka. The beaches and the adventure activities around Netrani island are significant attractions for the tourists.

Murudeshwar temple and fort are also the most visited spots, captivating one with their rustic charm and beauty. Nearby Netrani island is also a trendy spot for tourists as it offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. The Murudeshwar beach, however, has become a little overcrowded and dirty due to human intervention and could be avoided.


How to Reach Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is ably connected to the rest of the Indian territory by both railways and roadways. Regular rail and bus services ply to and fro Murudeshwar. There is, however, no direct flight connectivity to Murudeshwar. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, approximately 137 km away from Murudeshwar.



By Train

Murudeshwar is well connected to the rest of India via railways as well. Regular rail services operate on a daily basis to and fro Murudeshwar. Murudeshwar Junction is the principal railway station that serves the city of Murudeshwar.

 
By Road

Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Murudeshwar. They operate on a regular basis, through well-connected state, as well as, national highways from places like Bengaluru, Mysuru, Udupi etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.


By Air

There is no direct flight connectivity to Murudeshwar. The nearest airport is in Mangalore, some 137 km away from the same. You can take a taxi once you touch down at Mangalore Airport.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) - 134 kms from Murudeshwar

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