Located at a distance of 16 km from Bhatkal and 180 km from Bangalore, Murudeshwar is a favorite picnic and tourist destination. Murudeshwar temple is surrounded by Kandulagiri Hills on three sides and Maravanthe beach in the west. The world’s largest idol of Shiva (123 ft. high) is present in Murudeshwar. The world’s largest Gopura (249 ft. high), called as Raja Gopura is also present in the temple complex. It is said to be the place where Pralinga of Mahabaleshwara was thrown by Ravana. This apart, Murudeshwar fort, located behind the temple forms another major attraction. The beach alongside this temple is calm and adds to the serenity of this place. Murudeshwar is accessible by roads, as it lies on the National Highway and the nearest railway station is Hubli.
