Gokarna is famous for its beaches. The scenic beauty of the beaches encapsulated by the luscious greenery on one side bordering the western Ghats is a mind-blowing sight to watch for. The peaceful beaches are tourists delight. Every year thousands of tourists visit Gokarna for pilgrim as well as to soak themselves on these beaches. Om beach is popular beach providing boating facilities to tourists.
Sunset at Om Beach. Image courtesy Saransh Gupta
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Om Beach – The Origin of the Name
Om Beach is shaped as two semi crescents joined together forming the shape of Om (Hindu Symbol) hence the name Om beach. Tourists can enjoy the banana boat, surfing, jet skiing etc. on this beach. The beach has a breathtaking view of the sunset. For someone who loves the beach, Om beach is a must visit. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain is excellent and appealing to the eyes.
The beach is not always crowded yet for those who love to spend their precious lone time can find the place intimidating. The various sports and entertainment activities keep the people engaged here on the beach. The beach is perfect to indulge in parasailing, and other adventure sports to chill the vacation time.
Other famous beaches in Gokarna are the Kudlu beach, Paradise beach, and the Half Moon beach. These beaches are reached via boat. These beaches are more of secluded yet visited by tourists all year along.
Fun Activities to do on the Om Beach
Innumerable activities can be taken up on the Om beach while on holiday. Even perfect cottages are available to enjoy a perfect night stay at the beach. Relishing a perfect vacation on the banks of the beach would be an ideal vacation.
Banana Boat Ride: Favorable wind and clear water make the beach a perfect place to resort to Banana boat ride. The picturesque location enveloped with coconut groves make it an ideal location to enjoy the sun and the sand. The banana boat ride is the most trending activity which everyone can enjoy as a group. Tourists can enjoy the enthralling waves in a venturous way. For safety lifeguards and divers are always available.
Bumper Boat Ride: Enjoy the bumpy ride on the thrashing waves of the beach. A complete beach ride for 15 minutes will sure keep you engaged and gripped. A bumper boat is attached to the speed boat to take around the beach. Special safety lessons are conducted to assure safety.
Dolphin Spotting: Bluish water is one hot spot to watch for dolphins. The guides take tourists to spot humpback dolphins. Dolphins are quite sharp in recognizing human sounds, hence one should be quick enough to spot them. Once you spot dolphins flitting in and out of the water, tourist can take plenty of photos to cherish.
Boating services seen in Om Beach. Image courtesy Axis of eran
Fishing Trips: Fishing is quite an enticing activity. Tourists can enjoy a ride to the ocean and drop a hook and wait for a catch. As you engage in fishing, you can relish the beauty of the aquamarine waters.
Jet Skiing: This beach in Gokarna is an ideal beach to engage in Jet skiing. Speeding through the glazing blue waters and curating memories would be an ideal way to beguiling vacation.
Beachside trekking: Trekking on the rocky terrain beside the beach with the enchanting waves caressing on the way up is perfect. The beach side is drenched by the roaring waves on the sides through the luscious green forests and bushes. The walk is indeed a pleasurable experience to cherish.
Speed boating: Boating is always an idyllic way to spend on the beach. To experience and succumb the precious coastline and forget oneself in the mesmerizing sea. Speed boats will take you for a round trip and let you adore the beauty.
Om Beach. Image courtesy Anandavinash
How to Reach Om Beach, Gokarna
By Road
Gokarna is around 483 km from Bangalore, 238km from Mangalore and around 59 km frOm Karwar. Road connectivity is excellent to Gokarna and can be reached by bus from Karwar, Kumta (30 km) via NH 17 where multiple buses ply from Panaji, Mangalore, and Bangalore. Om beach is around 6.5 km from the city of Gokarna. Even tourists can hire cabs from major cities to reach Gokarna
By Rail
Konkan Railways ply via Gokarna; hence anyone boarding the train from Mumbai or Goa to Mangalore can also get down at Gokarna Road (station) which is around 6km from the city. Many other trains also ply via Gokarna from major cities. To reach the beach one can hire an autorickshaw or even cabs or private buses.
By Air
Mangalore International airport is the nearest airport to Gokarna. Mangalore is around 238 km away from Gokarna. Tourists can hire a taxi or even take up trains to reach Gokarna.
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