Gokarna is one of the lesser-known beach spots in Karnataka, India.  People who are tired of the crowded Goa beaches may visit this exquisite holiday spot to recover from the stress of normal life.  Apart from the pristine beaches, Gokarna also offers the traveler a unique Indian experience, being historically a town for temples; most famously Shiv (one of the Gods of the Trinity) temples and a centre for Sanskrit learning.  It is situated close to Goa, along the western coast of India.  It is about 450 km from Bangalore and 240 km from Mangalore, which is on the coast.  One of the easiest ways to travel is by the Konkan railway on the Mumbai to Mangalore route, which traverses a picturesque route through the Western Ghats.   The four beaches in Gokarna are the Gokarna beach, Kudle, Om, Half moon and Paradise (also known as Full moon).  Being well-connected by road makes it easy to travel to and from the town.  The place is good to visit all the year round, although the monsoons are a little wet and messy.  There are a few hotels where the wealthier may stay, while for the budget traveler, there is always the option of the shacks, or various smaller hotels, which offer cheaper accommodation. Some of the local families even offer accommodation to the traveler who wants a chance to savor a very “Indian” experience. Food mostly consists of sea-food, but the odd continental restaurant may also be spotted.  Although, we would suggest you try out the authentic cuisine.  While many would prefer to lounge on the beach, the more adventurous may even take to trekking nearby, with help from local guides.  The place is scenic and is well worth a visit, especially if one wants to unwind and connect with the cosmos, relax and just have some fun.