This coastal town draws Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Apart from its famed beaches and the Centre for Sanskrit Learning, it is home to the ancient temple of Mahabaleshwara with its Atmalinga, the Venkatramana Temple, the Ganapati Temple and the Koti Theertha, a large temple tank where pilgrims perform their ablutions. If you are visiting the town during February and March, you will be able to catch the enormous chariots being dragged along the main streets; a must-see at Gokarna.