Go Karna and Jog falls was a trip that I could never forget. The most unplanned, fun, exciting journey of my life. This was the day when I found that two girls can have a blast on a trip. So I decide to share the awesome experience with you so that the inspiration would be contagious enough for you to take a trip to Jog falls and Go Karna. We started the journey from Bangalore and let me tell you why you would love the trip like we did.
1. Nature at its best: - It is so green so clean so fresh everywhere, the best part was we decided in a little off season and though it was still pleasant but the place was empty with just couple of foreigners there.
2. Peacefully yours: - If you are looking for some time away just to relax, lazing around, this place is best suited for you.
3. Not thronged by tourist: - That is because the beaches in Go karna are yet not known and popular among many tourists thus it’s still clean here, there are no hawkers running after you, just serenity around.
4. Picturesque: - Obviously having such scenic view around you would want to capture it all and take it back with you.
5. Adventure lover: - There are so many hidden places here that it’s thrilling and exciting to explore them.
Trust me these are just not enough and I can rename the article as 1001 reasons. The coastal town of Go karna isn’t as famous as Goa but it’s much more serene, much more beautiful and much less crowded. For Jog fall I would say reach early in the morning to witness the sunrise and you would know yourself.
It’s created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 m which is around 830 feet!! Huge isn't it? It’s the second highest waterfall in India. The water falls down the rocky bed in four distinct falls and the volume of water is most in the monsoons and the beauty of the falls is also best experienced during the rains. On your way to Jog falls you would feel like stopping now and then at every turn. The view is so nice but make sure you don’t miss the sun rise because of this. Try and reach before that. It’s less crowded and you could see the transition of a starry night into bright day light. 1500 steps take you to the base of the water fall and if walking isn't an issue walk down and experience the nature all around you.
Very less people know that gokarna means cow’s ear and thus its a small village which has beautiful temples and amazing beaches, one or two near the market are dirty though. But those which are hidden and difficult to find are just amazing, clean and uninhabited.
The history of the temple states that Ravana received the atmalinga, from Shiva, and was not to be placed on the ground as it would establish itself where placed on earth. On his way back to Lanka, Ravana stops for his evening prayers at Gokarna. Ganesha, came disguised as a Brahmin boy and told Ravana that he will hold the atmalinga until Ravana finishes his prayers. As soon as he receives the atmalinga, Ganesh promptly puts it down. This small structure, atma linga, is the essence of the temple.
Shacks here are predominantly thronged by Europeans, and cafes here provide excellent European cuisine.
The way to the beach is through dense forests and Preete and I decided to explore this beach. Even though we were warned by the locals not to go alone. After a long walk you might realize that you aren't going anywhere and somewhat lost. My advice is to stay calm and follow the voice of the sea. That will guide you to the beach which is actually a paradise. I could take this write up off from here if you tell me that you did not like it (if only you are peace lover)
Half Moon beach is smaller and less developed than Om Beach, and is reached by walking over the headland from Om. Try and connect with the nature and do not expect luxuries. Facilities are limited; there are a couple of small restaurants and a limited number of huts.
This is the main beach of Gokarna town and hoards of people frequent here... The locals and tourists from surrounding towns ensure that the beach is always dirty... It is quite popular with pilgrims and Indian groups but less with foreign tourists. Just the wind and the waves are cleaning this place. This beautiful site has suffered from the local building ambitions: coconut trees have been cut and the beautiful rice paddies have totally disappeared.
