The morning at our heritage homestay in Udupi began peacefully—with a cup of homemade chai and a gentle coastal breeze. There’s something special about sipping tea in a traditional home, where time feels slower and mornings feel meaningful.
Soon, we packed up and set our maps toward our next destination—Murudeshwar.
A True Udupi Breakfast
Before leaving town, we stopped at a local Udupi hotel—a real one in Udupi, not just by name elsewhere! The food counters were vibrant, every plate that passed by making my mouth water. After a light yet satisfying breakfast and a strong, authentic filter coffee, we began our coastal drive.
The Changing Face of Maravante
Our first scenic halt was at Maravanthe Beach—a once-famous stretch where the highway runs dramatically between the Souparnika River on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.
While the geography still impresses, urbanization has slowly crept in. Shops, buildings, and commercial setups have taken away some of its untouched charm. Still, we paused for a few pictures and let the wind remind us why this highway remains iconic.
Heat, Ice Apples & Coastal Flavors
The coastal heat was unforgiving. On our way toward Alvekodi Sea Walk, we stopped at a roadside vendor selling ice apples (Nungu)—nature’s perfect coolant. Sweet, tender, and hydrating, it was exactly what we needed under the scorching sun.
Lunch at the local restaurant was anything but modest. The quantity, the variety, and the taste—everything met expectations. Coastal Karnataka truly knows how to serve a fulfilling meal without burning a hole in your pocket.
The Hidden Gem – Alvekodi Pier
Alvekodi Pier felt like a secret whispered only to those who seek solitude. Tucked away near Murudeshwar, this quiet stretch is not for the faint-hearted—especially during midday. It was a Sunday, yet we barely saw anyone.
The isolation was intense—but beautiful.
From here, the view of the nearby island and the towering Murudeshwar Shiva statue from a distance offered a completely different perspective. It felt raw, untouched, and deeply peaceful.
Sunset from the Gopuram
By late afternoon, we reached our stay—Aarna Resort, a few kilometers away from the main Murudeshwar town. After refreshing ourselves, we hurried toward the iconic Murudeshwar Temple.
The temple’s towering gopuram offers lift access between 3 PM and 6 PM, leading to an observation deck with panoramic views of the coastline and the majestic Statue of Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar—one of the tallest Shiva statues in the world.
After a long wait in the queue, we finally reached the top—and what a reward it was. The sunset painted the Arabian Sea in hues of orange and gold, the Shiva statue standing tall against the glowing horizon. It was a moment of awe, silence, and gratitude.
Post sunset, we had our darshan at the temple, wandered through the lively night stalls, and enjoyed the buzz of the coastal town before heading for dinner.
Returning to the calm, softly lit resort felt like being welcomed back after a fulfilling day.
Highways, hidden shores, sacred heights, and golden sunsets—Day 3 was yet another chapter etched beautifully into memory.
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