Murudeshwara

Marking its prominence in the array of Murudeshwar tourist places,Shri Murudeshwara temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the must-visit spots of the region. The temple features the second-highest statue of Lord Shiva from all over the world and is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Arabian Sea on all sides. The main entrance of the temple is called the gopura and from here you can gape at the enchanting landscapes of the statue. The most striking feature of the temple is the intricate carvings that are done on the walls. Devotees from different regions travel to this temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and offer their prayers to himLocation: Murudeshwar Temple Main Road Murdeshwar Bhatkal Taluk, Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350Timing:  3:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Soak in the tranquility of one of the most serene places to visit in Murudeshwar the Murudeshwara beach. The beach serves as an ideal picnic spot and is a refreshing getaway for the tourist as it offers a wide range of exhilarating water adventures. Right from bird watching to boating business there is everything at this beach to spend quality time with your friends and family.  Something that one must not miss is the sunset view as at this time the sun displays beautiful color and contrasts with sparkling water, which will just melt your heart away.  The beach overlooks the Lord Shiva statue and caters as a perfect relaxing spot. The surroundings of the beach are covered with lush green foliage and the sparkling golden sand is arched by the coconut grooves that add up to the beauty of the beach.Location: Murudeshwar, KarnatakaTiming: 24 hours open

Next in the list of Murudeshwar tourist places, is the Murudeshwar fort that is famed from the Vijayanagara period. The fort was built back in the 15th century by the  Vijayanagara kings and then renewed by the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan. The architecture of the fort is of ancient times and here you can spot elegant paintings, stylish artworks, and a whole lot more intriguing carvings on the walls. Another key feature of the fort is its location that is right behind the temple complex making it easily accessible from all modes of transport.Location: Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350Timing: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Renowned as one of the oldest mosques of the region Jamia Masjid is frequented by tourists. This is a 3 storey structure with a basement along, reflecting the charm of history. It is located in the Bhatkal town and people from all over the world travel here to pay their homage to the divine. The mosque exhibits the elegant question inscriptions and countless other relics of the ancient period. This mosque is one of the old Heritage pride of India and is the second Jamia Masjid after Delhi.Location: Qazi Mohalla, Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350Timing: All time open.

 The best place to spend quality time with your family and friends is the Statue Park! The park features well-manicured lawns that are adorned with vibrant colored flowers and the striking Shiva Statue that is the second tallest in the world. If you are seeking a place to re-energize your body, then this park is a great choice. Apart from this, the park even has a number of elegant stone sculptures and a majestic man-made waterfall. The aura of the park will leave you spellbound and serenity it offers will just add up to the experience. Location: Murdeshwar, Karnataka 581350Timing: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Another one in the array of Murudeshwar Tourist Places is the Jali Beach that is nestled in the fishing town named Bhatkal. The Jali beach is one of the pristine beaches of the region and is known for its serenity. The beach is arched with trails of coconut trees and the sparkling golden coastline makes the landscapes even more wonderful. If you are looking for a tranquil place to visit with your partner or a relaxing spot to witness with your family, then the Jali Beach is a choice with no regrets. Location: Jalikodi Rd, Jalikodi, Bhatkal, Karnataka 581320Timing: 24 hours open

Escape the buzzing sound of the city life and head to the Netrani island that is a picturesque island tucked surrounding the striking Arabian sea. The most prominent feature of the island is that it is heart-shaped and owns a wide collection of marine creatures making it ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. It is settled 19 km away from Murudeshwar and is an excellent sightseeing spot for visitors. With scuba ding at this island, you can witness some of the rare combinations of underwater species namely butterfly-fish, triggerfish, and several other wonderful corals. The list of adjectives falls short to define the serenity and lure of this island, and this is the reason it is a must-visit locale. Location: Netrani Island, Murudeshwar, KarnatakaTour cost: Starting from INR 1200 per person.Timing: 24 hours open

Supposed to be one of the best tourist places to see in Murudeshwar, Basavaraj Durga Fort dates back to the 16th century. The charming fort is located in Dakshina Kannada district and accessed by a trek towards the hill. Once a dazzling fort on an island, the fort offers stupendous views of the Arabian Sea. Another way to reach the fort is by taking a boat from Honnavar which is located 4 km away. Constructed during the Vijayanagar rule, the fort is a marvelous getaway for all the history buffs.The fort is named after Keladi Prince Basavaraj and boasts of impressive architecture that comprises massive bastille made from laterite blocks.  One of the eye-catching attractions of the fort are the eight mounted guns located here. If you are a fan of ruined structures, this fort will impress you with its empty inside structure. One of the most offbeat places to see in Murudeshwar, Basavaraj Durga Fort should be added to your itinerary if you are looking for a different kind of adventure. Location: Basavaraj Durga Fort, Honnavar Taluk, Uttar Kannada DistrictTiming: 9 am to 5 pm