Murudeshwar is a fantasy town in Karnataka, known for its ancient temples and mythological chronicles. Whether you want to go on a pilgrimage, indulge in some adventure sports or go sightseeing, this town has everything for a relaxing and fun getaway. Let’s not forget the beautiful beaches here that will surely make your trip worth it.
This picturesque town is full of religious histories, architectural grandeur, historical places and sandy beaches that have attracted a lot of tourists here. You have tons of things to explore in this seaside town along the Arabian Sea. Let us take you through 9 things to do in Murudeshwar.
9 Things To Do In Murudeshwa
Witness The Majestic Statue Of Lord Shiva
Every tourist who visits Murudeshwar goes to witness the majestic statue of Lord Shiva which is almost 123 feet high. This awe-inspiring statue of Lord Shiva is considered to be the second-largest in the world. As you take the Mangalore-Gokarna Highway, you can get a wonderful view of this magnanimous statue.
You’ll also get a panoramic view of this statue if you go towards the top of the Rajagopuram beside it. Another interesting thing near the statue that has attracted a lot of tourists and pilgrims is the cave underneath the statue. You’ll find various figurines portraying the story of Ravana’s efforts in getting the Atma-Linga.
Go Scuba Diving At Netrani Island
All you adventure lovers should definitely go for a scuba diving experience at Netrani Island. This is a beautiful heart shaped island near the Arabian Sea and is popularly known as ‘Netragudo’ or ‘Pigeon Island’ among tourists. Just so you know, it’s considered the best site in Murudeshwar for a scuba diving experience.
You’re sure to see several corals, butterflyfish, triggerfish, eels, shrimps and many other aquatic species as you dive underwater. If you love capturing memories, then you should definitely carry your camera with you. You’ll encounter many pigeons flocking around the island too!
Visit The Mirjan Fort
Mirjan Fort is an ancient fort in Murudeshwar and will take you back to the glorious days of Queen Chennaibhairdevi who is also known as the ‘Pepper Queen’. Just head 22 km from the Mirjan village and you’ll reach this architectural wonder. One can’t help but admire the four interconnected wells that surround the fort.
As you enter the fort, you’ll witness that the entire fort is built with double walls having the capacity to withstand any kind of invasion. The history buffs will surely love the entrances and hidden passages of this fort that are constructed using laterite stones. Exploring this fort can be a sheer pleasure for every tourist who’s keen on admiring the architectural grace of such a historical monument.
Explore The Statue Park
Apart from the majestic statue of Lord Shiva, there are many other statues of Hindu deities at the Statue Park. One such statue that draws the attention of all tourists who visit here is the statue of Ravana handing over Atma-Linga to Lord Ganesha. You’ll even find several portrayals of Mahabharata here especially when you glance at the statues of Lord Krishna and Lord Arjuna in a chariot.
One more piece of art that you can’t overlook is towards the left side of this park. There are several statues of meditative poses amidst tall grasses that will surely leave you astounded. You can just take a walk in the park and witness the most beautiful sunset as you go walking towards the back road of Statue Park.
Enjoy Water Sports At Murudeshwar Beach
How would you like indulging in some exciting water sports at a famous Konkan beach? Well, one such beautiful and clean beach is Murudeshwar Beach. It stretches to almost 2-3 km and you get to witness the majestic statue of Lord Shiva from here.
Right from speed boats, water scooters, parasailing, boating to snorkeling, there are tons of water sports for you to explore. The sunset here is truly mesmerizing, so don’t forget to carry your camera and get some amazing shots to show your friends. You’ll find various items like lamps and mirrors that are made of shells at various local vendors here.
Go Trekking At Yana
Just head 60 km from Murudeshwar and you’ll reach Yana which is a perfect spot for all those who enjoy trekking. It’ll take you around 45 minutes to 1 hour by car from Murudeshwar to reach this hidden gem. An interesting thing is that there are several trails you can choose from to reach this wonderland.
You’ll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna as you go trekking here. The sights of lush green forests, beautiful water streams, and rock formations on your way will surely leave you spellbound. You can even go rock climbing here and the best time for you to visit here would be during the months from October to February.
Soak In The Tranquil Waters Of Apsarakonda Falls
There’s nothing better than basking in the glory of nature and witnessing enthralling waterfalls that seem to rejuvenate you from within. You can actually experience this at Apsarakonda Falls, which is just 20 km away from Murudeshwar. The sight of this waterfall cascading down from a height of around 10 meters will surely take your breath away.
You’ll even get to witness the breathtakingly beautiful Apsara Konda Hill from here. You can enjoy swimming in the cool waters here. Otherwise, you can just sit back, relax and admire the lush green surroundings here. The sight of the lagoon-like pond at this waterfall is yet another sight to behold.
Shop Till Your Heart’s Content At Murudeshwar Market
Whether it’s to buy miniature statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha or handicrafts as souvenirs for your friends, Murudeshwar market has it all. The streets here are filled with local hawkers and shopkeepers that sell different items like jewelry, wall hangings, baskets and other handicrafts.
If you’re looking for some home decor, there are tons of shops here that sell paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. You’ll find many colorful traditional bangles here at all the local shops. The showpieces here seem to reflect the culture of the place and are the perfect souvenirs for your friends and family.
Seek Blessings From Various Temples In Gokarna
Yes, this is technically not in Murudeshwar, but both the towns are connected by mythology! Whether you want to go on a pilgrimage or take a temple tour to admire the architecture of Murudeshwar, you must definitely explore Gokarna. One such spot is Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna which is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. It is considered as the main site where the Atma-Linga got installed.
The best time to visit Gokarna would be during Maha Shiv Ratri and Kartika Purnima when all the temples here are a sight to behold. You can also visit other temples in Gokarna like Maha Ganapathi Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Varadaraja Temple, etc. Many devotees also come here to perform last rites because of Gokarna’s spiritual significance.
Summing Up
Murudeshwar is much more than just a pilgrimage town. Apart from the beautiful temples here, you can explore the sandy beaches, shopping centers and trekking sites that’ll give you a perfect holiday experience. If you’re keen on exploring the rich culture of this colorful town, go ahead, pack your bags and plan your next trip to Murudeshwar.
FAQs
What Is Murudeshwar Famous For?
Murudeshwar is particularly famous for being the home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva.
What Is There To See In Murudeshwar?
There are several temples of religious significance like the Murudeshwar Temple that you can visit here. Other than that, you can see Netrani Island, Murudeshwar Beach, and Mirjan Fort which are some of the popular tourist attractions of Murudeshwar.
What Is The Best Season To Visit Murudeshwar?
The best season to visit Murudeshwar would be during winters in the months from October to February.
How Many Days Are Required To Visit Muruudeshwar?
If you’re planning to visit only the popular tourist attractions, then 2-3 days are enough to explore Murudeshwar. But if you want to explore other places in and around Murudeshwar, you can plan a trip for a longer duration.
