Murudeshwar, located at Bhatkal Taluk in Karnataka, was initially popular for its large beach and a restaurant on the sea.

Recently the Shiva Statue (tallest in the world) and the Murudeshwar temple are popular attractions in this town.

The temple and the statue are just across the sea shore and are picturesque sites for photographers.

Check out popular tourist attractions and not-so-popular sightseeing spots in Murudeshwar below: 

This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea.

It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple.

Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple.

A fort present behind the temple is said to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan.

Statue of Lord Shiva

A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from a great distance is built inside the temple complex. It is the tallest statue of Shiva in the world.

The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height, and took about 2 years to build. 

 
(Murudeshwar Shiva Statue: Photo Credit: deepsan)

It was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and his son Sridhar and several other sculptors. The sun light directly shines on the idol and thus it appears sparkling.  

Murudeshwar Beach and restaurant

Murudeshwar beach is just across in front of the main attractions of the temple and the Shiva statue.

You can take a quiet walk on the beach, however the town is usually crowded during the tourist season between August and May.  

(Murudeshwar Beach Photo Credit: world is beautiful)

There is a restaurant on on a sea a few meters from the beach called the 'Naveen Beach Restaurant'. You could go here and have a cup of coffee while looking into the expansive Arabian sea.

See how to reach Murudeshwar or Go back to Murudeshwar tour guide