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Murudeshwar is a beautiful coastal town, famous for the colossal Shiva statue and the sacred Murudeshwar Temple. Tied on all three sides by the Arabian Sea, it has a perfect combination of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty to offer devotees who visit the temple and adventurers who would love to have some secluded time by the beach. The spot is close to some of the most beautiful places in the world – Jog Falls and Netrani Island. This blog explores 12 must-visit destinations near Murudeshwar, wonderful places that are particularly suited for nature lovers, history buffs, and thrill-seekers.
10 Places To Visit Near Murudeshwar
Here is a comprehensive list of the most amazing places to visit near Murudeshwar from breathtaking islands to holy shrines.
1. Netrani Island
Photo: Subhas nayak / Wikimedia Commons
Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island, is located off the coast of Murudeshwar. Rich in marine life and coral reefs, it is considered one of the best spots for scuba diving in the country. The crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea give excellent visibility, attracting every underwater enthusiast. Here, marine life is extremely rich in diversity with thousands of species visible like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even barracudas. Snorkelling is popular besides scuba diving. It is uninhabited except by boat excursions from Murudeshwar so it’s perfect for a day excursion.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 19 km
Best Time To Visit: November to January
Entry Fees: Free (Activity costs vary)
Timings: Based on diving tour schedules
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Mysore For An Idyllic Getaway In Karnataka
2. Jog Falls
Jog Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India and a popular tourist attraction near Murudeshwar. Located on the Sharavathi River, the falls plunge down a height of 830 feet in four distinct cascades – Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket – creating a spectacular sight, especially during the monsoon season. The surrounding area is lush with greenery, and several viewpoints allow visitors to enjoy the falls from different perspectives. It is an excellent spot for photography, trekking, and nature walks. A visit to Jog Falls is a must for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 80 km
Best Time To Visit: July to October
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
3. Gokarna
Gokarna is a small temple town in comparison with Goa in that it boasts silent beaches and easy-going vibes. It has the Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva but in reality, it is the beaches of Gokarna: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach that visitors come for. These are pristine, un-crowded beaches that help visitors find peace and tranquillity. Apart from being famous for pilgrims, Gokarna is very popular as a yoga retreat place and home to beachside cafés, making it a rather laid-back beach experience destination for both pilgrims and tourists looking for a similar laid-back vacation.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 78 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit Near Gokarna
4. Maravanthe Beach
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Maravanthe Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Karnataka, as it is flanked by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other. This rare geographic phenomenon creates a stunning landscape, with the river running parallel to the sea for a stretch. The beach itself is quiet and less commercialized, making it an ideal spot for picnics, sunbathing, and evening strolls. The sunset at Maravanthe is a sight to behold, with the golden hues reflecting off both the sea and the river.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 50 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
5. Kollur Mookambika Temple
Photo: Yogesa / Wikimedia Commons
The Kollur Mookambika Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site and has been dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, with its location in the Western Ghats. It is considered one of the important shrines in southern India that attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple architecture reflects a Kerala and a Dravidian blend with intricate carvings and is topped by a golden crest. The temple is located amidst lush green forests, and the journey to Kollur offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 60 km
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: 5 AM – 1:30 PM and 3 PM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollur Mookambika Temple For Travellers
6. Sirsi
Photo: harsha potadar / Unsplash
Sirsi is a small hill town in the Western Ghats, known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and temples. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking spiritual solace. Sirsi is home to the famous Marikamba Temple, which hosts a grand festival every two years. The town is also a gateway to many beautiful waterfalls, including Unchalli Falls and Magod Falls, both of which are surrounded by lush forests and offer excellent trekking opportunities. Sirsi’s serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal escape from city life.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 88 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
7. Devbagh Island
Photo: rahul kharade / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near Karwar, Devbagh Island is one of the most secluded paradises on earth, characterized by golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Accessible only by boat, this island provides tourists with a peaceful retreat from the crowds of people. It is perfect for beach and nature lovers as activities such as bird watching, beach walks, and water sports are available. Fresh seafood provided by the local restaurants makes Devbagh famous, and this island is one of the best places for a relaxing holiday with a lot of peace.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 110 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Based on boat rides
Timings: Open all day
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit Near Chikmagalur In The Western Ghats
8. Someshwara Beach
Photo: Vaibhav Arate / Unsplash
Someshwara Beach is a hidden gem near Udupi, offering a quiet and pristine shoreline for visitors to enjoy. The beach is lined with coconut trees and has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Someshwara at one end. This secluded beach is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also an ideal location for sunbathing, beach picnics, and evening walks along the shore. The beach’s untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a favourite among travellers seeking solitude.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 120 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
9. Karwar
Karwar is a coastal town close to Murudeshwar, well-known for its beaches, historical sites, and culture. Seafood is a speciality in this town, and the beaches are known to be peaceful. There are several scenic beaches, and one of them is Rabindranath Tagore Beach. The city has a fort known as Sadashivgad Fort that offers a scenic view of the Arabian Sea. Water sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and banana rides are also popular in the city. Karwar gives an easy-going feel to it that’s worth experiencing for a beach enthusiast or a history freak.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 120 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Iskcon Temple Bangalore
10. Kundapura
Photo: Manas Manikoth / Unsplash
Kundapura is a charming coastal town known for its serene beaches and scenic backwaters. It offers visitors a peaceful environment with pristine beaches like Kodi Beach and nearby attractions such as the ancient Kundeshwara Temple. The town is also known for its delicious seafood, with several local eateries offering fresh fish and prawns. Kundapura is an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation, away from the tourist crowds, and is perfect for beach strolls, photography, and sunset views.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 50 km
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Entry Fees: Free
Timings: Open all day
11. Kollur Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Shreyas Kollur / Wikimedia Commons
The sanctuary is located near the world-famous Mookambika Temple and has many varieties of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and several species of birds, thus making it an ideal place for trekking and bird watching and also a site to spare some time for nature photography. It is an apt place to escape into nature, with lush greenery and a serene environment. Besides, the sanctuary offers some magnificent trekking trails that end up at panoramic viewpoints.
Distance From Murudeshwar: 60 km
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Entry Fees: ₹50
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Discover The Top Places To Visit Near Mysore Palace In The Western Ghats
Murudeshwar and its surrounding areas offer a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from spiritual pilgrimages to adventure-filled getaways. Whether it’s the serene beaches, historical temples, or lush wildlife sanctuaries, there is something for everyone. The region’s natural beauty, paired with cultural and spiritual landmarks, ensures a memorable experience for travellers of all kinds. Make your next trip exciting as TripXL is here to guide you.
Cover Photo: Suriya Narayanan / Unsplash
