Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour
The Gokarna Murudeshwar tour is a relaxed coastal circuit that combines scenic beaches with important temple destinations along the Karnataka coast. The journey includes the quiet beach town of Gokarna, known for its temple heritage and coastal trails, along with Murudeshwar, a seaside pilgrimage center famous for its towering Shiva statue and temple complex. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a short and comfortable coastal trip with a balance of spiritual sites and beach experiences.
Tour Summary
| Starting From | Gokarna | Ending at | Gokarna |
| No of days | 2 | Number of nights | 1 |
| Night stays at | Gokarna (2 nights) | ||
Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour Itinerary Overview
This itinerary is designed as a short coastal circuit covering two of the most popular destinations along the Karnataka shoreline. The journey begins in Gokarna, where travelers explore the temple area and nearby beaches. It then continues along the scenic coastal highway to Murudeshwar, known for its temple complex and sea-facing viewpoints. The schedule is planned to keep travel distances comfortable while allowing enough time at each destination.
Key Highlights of the Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour
Mahabaleshwar Temple: One of the most important Shiva temples in the region.
Om Beach: A popular beach known for its distinctive shape and scenic surroundings.
Kudle Beach: A peaceful stretch of coastline ideal for relaxed walks.
Half Moon and Paradise Beaches: Secluded coves often reached by short treks or boat rides.
Coastal viewpoints: Hilltop spots offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Murudeshwar Temple complex: A prominent seaside pilgrimage site
Giant Shiva statue at Murudeshwar: One of the tallest statues of Lord Shiva in the world.
Scenic coastal drives: Pleasant journeys along the Karnataka shoreline.
Day wise Itinerary of Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour
Day 1: Gokarna Arrival
Arrive at Gokarna by 10 AM. Checkin to a hotel / homestay and freshen up. Start your tour of Gokarna by visiting Mahabaleshwar Temple. Know the amazing mythological story behind this temple. After darshan, walk about 100-150 meters to the main Gokarna Beach.
After lunch, we can drive to Om Beach. The beach is named after it resembles the religious symbol of 'Om'. This is a quiet beach with shallow waters and mild waves. This makes it popular with groups having kids as they can play in the waters.
Once at Om Beach, you can choose for one of the two options to explore the other beaches. You can hire a boat to visit Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. However, if you are a little adventurous, you can choose to trek from Om Beach to Belekhan Beach which passes through amazing cliffs by the sea, and many hidden beaches. You may need 3-4 hours to complete this stretch depending on your speed.
Return to hotel / homestay after a great first day of the tour.
Day 2: Yana Caves Excursion
Yet another activity filled day today. Start the day by visiting Kudle Beach, enjoy some time by getting and playing in the waters. Later, explore Shiva Caves nearby. Back to hotel / homestay for freshening up.
After lunch, drive to visit Vibhuti Falls and the majastic Yana Caves. The visit requires a trek of about 40 minutes, but the caves is worth the walk. Do you know the history behind these caves? Visit it to know more
After another exciting day, it is time to say good bye to an awesome tour to Gokarna, as we drop you to bus stand / train station.
Day 3: Honnavara, Murdeshwar Excursion
Have an early breakfast and checkout of hotel. Start our day with a visit to Mirjan Fort. Know how this fort used to be a trading hub during the years gone by.
Our next stop is at Honnavara. Honnavara is popular for backwater boating, and this is a perfect time to go for it. Later, visit Sharavathi Broadwalk, an amazing man made path amidst the awesome mangroves in the region.
After lunch, visit Apsarakonda Waterfalls and the adjoining Apsarakonda Sea View Park and get amazed by the sea views from a hill top.
The next stop is Idagunji Temple. By the evening, reach Murudeshwar, a small town which is popular for the temple and the second largest statue of Lord Shiva. Visit the temple. Later, go to the top floor of 21 story Gopura to get an ariel view of the beach and the statue.
You can also walk around the 123 foot tall Lord Shiva Statue and visit a small shrine near it. You can also indulge in some water sports activites at Murudeshwar beach.
After another exciting day, it is time to say good bye to an awesome tour to Gokarna, as we drop you to bus stand / train station.
Why Combine Gokarna and Murudeshwar in One Tour?
Gokarna and Murudeshwar are located along the same coastal stretch, making them easy to combine in a single itinerary. Gokarna offers a quieter beach atmosphere along with temple heritage, while Murudeshwar provides a grand temple complex and dramatic coastal views. Together, they create a balanced coastal journey with both spiritual and scenic experiences.
How Many Days Are Needed for the Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour?
A 4 to 5-day itinerary is ideal for covering both Gokarna and Murudeshwar comfortably. This allows time to explore the main beaches and temple in Gokarna, travel along the coast and visit the temple complex at Murudeshwar without rushing the schedule.
How to Reach Gokarna
Gokarna is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible from several cities in Karnataka and neighboring states. The town can be reached comfortably by private vehicle, train or a combination of flight and road travel.
Gokarna also has a nearby railway station at Gokarna Road, though many travelers prefer to get down at larger stations such as Kumta or Ankola, which have better connectivity. From the railway station, the town is a short drive away.
For road travel, Gokarna is commonly reached from cities such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Goa and Hubli, with scenic coastal or hill routes depending on the direction of travel. The journey is usually planned with comfortable breaks to keep the travel pace relaxed.
Can This Tour Be Extended to Udupi or Karwar?
Yes, this itinerary can be extended to include nearby coastal destinations such as Udupi or Karwar. Adding these places creates a longer coastal circuit with more temples, beaches and scenic stops. These extensions are suitable for travelers who have additional time and want to explore more of the Karnataka coastline.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna and Murudeshwar
The best time for this coastal tour is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for beach visits and sightseeing. Summers can be warm and humid, while the monsoon season brings heavy rains but also lush coastal scenery.
Who This Coastal Tour Is Ideal For
Couples looking for a quiet beach getaway
Travelers interested in temple visits
Nature lovers who enjoy scenic coastal walks
Families planning a relaxed coastal trip
Long-weekend travelers from nearby cities
Can Gokarna Be Covered Over a Weekend?
Yes, Gokarna is well suited for a weekend or long-weekend trip, especially for travelers coming from nearby cities. A 2 to 3-day itinerary can cover the main temple and popular beaches such as Om Beach and Kudle Beach, along with short coastal walks. A longer stay allows time to explore more secluded beaches at a relaxed pace.
Important Information for Gokarna Murudeshwar Tour
This itinerary is designed as most trains / buses reach Gokarna early in the morning. If you are taking a flight (to Dabolim, Goa or Mangalore, Karnataka), the itinerary needs to be extended by one more day. Please reach out to us to make this customisation for your Gokarna Tour.


