Sandwiched between Honnavar and Bhatkal, Murudeshwar is a picturesque pilgrimage town located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in India and among the best places to visit in Karnataka. Also renowned for its world’s second-tallest Shiva statue (123 ft.) & tallest temple tower (249 ft.), the place is visited by millions of tourists throughout the year. The Netrani Island, located nearby is another must-visit place near Murudeshwar as it offers excellent boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities. Apart, there are also a few places to visit on the way to Murudeshwar from Mangalore that provides you the benefit of making a wholesome, reliable, and memorable holiday experience as part of Murudeshwar tour packages.
Udupi
Udupi is a popular pilgrimage and beach town located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Home to the sacred Shri Krishna Temple, it is one of the best places to visit near Mangalore and among the must-visit tourist places to visit while going to Murudeshwar from Mangalore. Apart from the famous Krishna Temple, Chandramoulishwar Temple, the Ananteshwar Temple, and Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach, St. Mary’s Island, etc. are some other prominent places to visit in Udupi. Also, Udupi is known for its world-famous cuisines like dosas, idlis, and other snacks which are served all over India in the efficiently run Udupi restaurants.
Book Here : Udupi Tour Packages
Maravanthe Beach
Maravanthe Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches near Udupi and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore – Udupi Tour Packages. Separated by Souparnika River on one side and Arabian Sea on the other, Maravanthe Beach is a wonderful sight on the NH17 towards Udupi from Mangalore. Dotted with unending deep blue seas, serene and silently flowing rivers and majestic mountains crowning the whole scenery, this is a picturesque virgin beach not unspoiled by tourists. Also, the beach is one of the perfect places to watch the mesmerizing sunset. Besides, the water at the Maravanthe beach is also safe for swimming.
Must Visit : Murudeshwar Tourist Places
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Situated on the banks of Souparnika River, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka and among the top places to visit near Bangalore. Regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama, the temple is believed to be 1200 years old and the Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to Kollur. Dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, the idol in the sanctum has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmasana posture. Built-in Dravidian style architecture, the temple complex also has the beautiful sculptures of Ganesha, Subramanya, Naga, Mahishasura Mardini, Partheeshwara, Chandramouleeshwara, Pranalingeshwara, Nanjundeshwara, Anjaneya, Venkataramana, and Thulasi Gopalakrishna. It is one of the sacred places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages.
Bhatkal
Bhatkal is another picturesque place that one must visit while on the way to Murudeshwar from Mangalore, among the best tourist places in Karnataka. Bhatkal is a historical & ancient port town located on NH17 near Murudeshwar, one of the best places to visit during your Karnataka tour. Bhatkal was the main port during the Vijayanagar kingdom in the 16th century. The town is home to several temples of Vijaynagar times and many ancient Jain monuments. Kethapayya Narayan temple in Mud Bhatkal is the best example of its rich heritage. The Jain temples of Chandranath Basadi and Parshwanath Basadi are ancient structures that have stood the ravages of time. The picturesque Bhatkal Beach is another attraction of Bhatkal.
Must Visit : Pilgrimage Sites near Mangalore