Gokarna is a small village, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, a Mecca a few years ago for Goan tourists. After Hampi, this is the second most popular destination for travelers from Goa. Gokarna is a sacred city, according to legend, it was here that Shiva came from the ear of Prithivi, who took the form of a cow. Hence the name: Gokarna - "cow's ear."