Murudeshwar
Karnataka · 476 km from Bangalore
- Distance
- 476 km
- Ideal duration
- 2 days
- Best season
- Nov–Mar
- Avg cost
- ₹8,500
About Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is where the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world stands on a headland with the Arabian Sea on three sides. It is also the launch point for Netrani Island — a heart-shaped rock 19 km offshore with the clearest water on the west coast, and the only reliable mainland scuba destination in Karnataka. Boats leave early, dives are shallow and beginner-friendly, and the visibility between November and March regularly hits 15–20 metres. **Getting there.** Overnight bus or train from Bengaluru to Murudeshwar (10–12 hours); often combined with Gokarna, an hour up the coast. **Where to stay.** Sea-facing hotels in Murudeshwar town and beach resorts towards Bhatkal.
Things to do
- • Scuba diving at Netrani Island
- • Murudeshwar temple and Shiva statue
- • Snorkelling and boat rides
- • Sunset on Murudeshwar beach
- • Idagunji temple
- • Apsarakonda falls and beach
Best time to visit
November to March — the dive season. Netrani boats do not run during the monsoon.
How to reach
Overnight bus or train from Bengaluru to Murudeshwar (10–12 hours); often combined with Gokarna, an hour up the coast.
Where to stay
Sea-facing hotels in Murudeshwar town and beach resorts towards Bhatkal.