One statue, one gopura, three sides of sea
The Murudeshwara Temple sits on Kanduka Hill, a small headland surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The 123-foot Shiva statue beside it — among the tallest Shiva statues in the world — was completed in 2004 and is visible from the highway and the Konkan Railway line long before you reach the town.
Next to the statue stands the Raja Gopura, a 20-storey temple tower, one of the tallest of its kind in India. An elevator inside takes visitors up to a viewing floor with panoramic views of the coastline, the statue and Murudeshwar Beach below.
Visitor Information
Height of the Shiva statue
Raja Gopura temple tower
Small fee for the viewing lift
Best time, fewest crowds
Best Time to Visit the Temple
Early morning (before 9 AM) has the fewest crowds and the softest light for photos of the statue against the sea.
Late afternoon into evening is popular for sunset views from the Raja Gopura viewing lift, though it does get busy on weekends and holidays.
What to Wear
As an active Hindu temple, modest dress is expected — shoulders and knees covered. Footwear is typically removed before entering the inner temple areas.
Combine your temple visit with the beach right below for water sports afterward — most visitors do the temple first, then change for the beach.
Murudeshwara Temple FAQs
Combine the temple with the beach
Book jet skiing, parasailing or a Netrani Island trip right after your temple visit — all verified on Tripskar.
View Murudeshwar Activities