18.924772.8305Murudeshwar, Karnataka

MONUMENT

Shiva Statue & Park Murudeshwar - A Coastal Marvel

Home to the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, this park offers stunning coastal views and mythological sculptures next to the Murudeshwar Temple.

Murudeshwar, Karnataka1-2 hours6:00 AM – 8:30 PMFree EntryPhotography OK

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Best Season:The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing. The temperatures are moderate, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor park. Avoid the peak summer months of April and May, which can be very hot and humid. The monsoon season, from June to September, sees heavy rainfall but also offers a dramatic, cloudy backdrop for the statue. The festival of Maha Shivaratri (usually in February or March) is celebrated with great fervor but also attracts large crowds.

Duration:1-2 hours

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Allowed

Parking:Available

Why Visit Statue Park?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Located on Kanduka Hill and surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, this park is dominated by the awe-inspiring 123-foot (37-meter) statue of Lord Shiva in a meditative posture. It is the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world and serves as the main attraction of Murudeshwar. Visitors can walk around the base of the statue, enjoying panoramic views of the sea and the adjacent temple's towering gopuram. The park also features several other life-sized statues that narrate stories from Hindu scriptures. You'll find a sculpted chariot depicting the Geethopadesha scene with Krishna and Arjuna, and a series of sculptures illustrating the story of Ravana receiving the Atma-Linga from Shiva. Beneath the main statue, there is a small cave-like museum that presents the mythological story through dioramas. The entire complex is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts a beautiful glow on the statue and the ocean.

The 123-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva

Panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from Kanduka Hill

Sculptures depicting the story of Ravana and the Atma-Linga

The Geethopadesha chariot sculpture with Krishna and Arjuna

A cave museum beneath the statue with dioramas

Proximity to the Murudeshwar Temple with its 237.5-foot Raja Gopura

Excellent photography opportunities during sunrise and sunset

Ideal For

FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersPhotographersPilgrimsHistory enthusiastsNature lovers

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and festival days like Maha Shivaratri, due to holidays and pleasant weather.

Moderate

October-November and February-March on weekdays.

Low Season

April-May due to heat, and July-August during the peak of the monsoon season.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 8:30 PM

The park area is generally accessible throughout the day. The main Murudeshwar Temple, adjacent to the park, is open from 03:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 21:00. Timings might vary slightly on festival days.

Entry to the Shiva Statue and Park is free for all visitors. However, there is a separate fee of ₹10 for the elevator ride to the top of the Raja Gopura for views, and a small fee of ₹10 for the mythological museum (Satur Katha) under the statue. Parking charges also apply.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Murudeshwar Temple Main Road, Kanduka Hill

Coordinates

18.9247, 72.8305

Nearest City

Murudeshwar

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport, located about 156 km away. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach Murudeshwar by taxi from the ...

By Train

Murudeshwar Railway Station (MRDW) is just 3 km from the temple. It is on the Konkan Railway line connecting Mangalore and Mumbai, with several express and pass...

By Road

Murudeshwar is located on NH-66. It is well-connected by road to major cities like Mangalore (156 km), Udupi (100 km), and Panaji, Goa (215 km). KSRTC and priva...

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws are the main mode of local transport and can be hired from the railway station or bus stand to get to the temple complex. Taxis are also availabl...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The construction of the giant Shiva statue and the development of the surrounding complex were undertaken by businessman and philanthropist R. N. Shetty. The statue was designed and sculpted by Kashinath from Shivamogga and several other sculptors, and it was completed in 2002. The primary purpose w...

Significance

The site's primary significance comes from hosting the world's second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva, making it a major modern pilgrimage center for Hindus. Architecturally, it's a remarkable feat of modern sculpture and engineering, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arabian Sea. For visitors, ...

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

Tips

Visit between 4 PM and 6 PM for pleasant weather and beautiful sunset views over the sea.

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and public holidays.

Wear comfortable footwear like sandals or slip-ons as you'll need to remove them for the temple and walk around the complex.

Carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun, especially from 11 AM to 3 PM.

The best photos of the statue with the sea in the background are from the northern side of the hill.

Combine your visit with a trip up the elevator in the Raja Gopura for an aerial view of the statue and coastline.

Stay hydrated

carry a water bottle, which can be refilled at water points.

During monsoon (June-September), the area is lush green but carry an umbrella as rains can be heavy.

Safety Tips

Be cautious near the edges of the hill as there are steep drops to the sea in some areas.

The stone pathways can get very hot during the afternoon

avoid walking barefoot outside the designated temple areas.

During the monsoon, the steps and walkways can become slippery. Walk carefully.

Keep your belongings safe, especially in crowded areas.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during the summer.

If you go to the beach, be aware of the tides and currents.

Rules & Restrictions

Remove shoes before entering the main temple area

Modest clothing is advised

No smoking

No alcohol

Do not climb on the statues

Drone photography is generally not permitted without prior approval

Nearby Attractions

Explore more places near this destination

Murudeshwar Temple - 0 km (on-site)

Raja Gopura - 0 km (on-site)

Murudeshwar Beach - 0.5 km

Netrani Island - 19 km (by boat)

Idagunji Maha Ganapathi Temple - 22 km

Apsarakonda Waterfalls - 20 km

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Shiva Statue & Park Murudeshwar - A Coastal Marvel

Why Visit Statue Park?

Best Time to Visit

Entry Fees & Timings

Location & Directions

How to Reach

By Air

By Train

By Road

Local Transport

History & Significance

History

Significance

Travel Tips & Guidelines

Tips

Safety Tips

Rules & Restrictions

Nearby Attractions

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