Murudeshwar Beach situated between Honnavar and Bhatkal, 1 km off the National Highway is the scenic holy place of Murudeshwar.Bounded by the shimmering sea and rolling hills, this place is a favourite tourist spot. It is known for the gorgeous temple perched on a hillock by the shore. The temple which embodies a Linga is believed to have erupted when Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmalinga at Gokarna while lifting it. As one ascends the hillock, there is a shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse. There is a huge fort behind the temple, said to have been renovated by Tipu. The place can be visited all the year round. Murdeshwara is 386 kms from Bangalore/ 151 kms from Karwar. It can be approached by road and rail from Bangalore and by road from Karwar.Dotted with coconut and areca groves, the Murudeshwar beach is surrounded by the sea to the west and undulating hills to the east.

While the sacred shrine is thronged by devout worshippers, the beach is an ideal refuge for vacationers.The Murudeshwar temple situated atop a small hill called Kanduka Giri is a major tourist attraction. The temple is ornamented with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in the Dravidian style and is believed to be located on the spot where Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmatlinga at Gosrakana while lifting it. Besides this attractive temple, blue seas and dancing trees, this beach also offers the native delicacies of coastal Karnataka including the delicious coconut sweets, spicy fish curries, a number of rice preparations, juicy fruits such as mangoes, jackfruit, cashew nuts and bananas.

The centuries-old temple has two life-size concrete elephants guarding its steps. While one treks to the temple there is another smaller shrine of Jattiga seated on a horse on the way. One can also pay a visit to the massive fort behind the temple is said to be renovated by the legendary warrior-prince, Tippu Sultan of Mysore, while exploring the beach. In case, you decide to elongate your visit to the beach a bit, you may stay in the temple cottages too.