How to Reach Murudeshwar Temple from Hyderabad – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Murudeshwar Temple from Hyderabad by train, bus, car, or flight with detailed travel tips and step-by-step guidance for a smooth journey.
Murudeshwar Temple is located on the coast of Karnataka, famous for its towering Shiva statue and scenic Arabian Sea views. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a major city in South India with excellent transport links. Many travelers visit Murudeshwar from Hyderabad to explore this spiritual and coastal destination.
This guide explains the main ways to travel from Hyderabad to Murudeshwar Temple, including trains, buses, cars, and flights. You will find practical tips, travel times, and step-by-step instructions to plan your trip confidently and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Getting from Hyderabad to Murudeshwar Temple – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is a popular and comfortable option for this route. Hyderabad is well connected by rail, and you can reach nearby stations close to Murudeshwar with ease.
Hyderabad Deccan (HYB) is the main railway station in Hyderabad with frequent trains to coastal Karnataka, including stations near Murudeshwar like Bhatkal and Kumta, about 60-80 km away.
The total train journey takes approximately 12 to 15 hours depending on the train chosen, with fares ranging from INR 300 to 1200 for sleeper and AC classes.
Trains run daily but book tickets in advance via IRCTC, especially during holiday seasons, to avoid last-minute unavailability and crowded coaches.
From Bhatkal or Kumta stations, you can hire local taxis or buses to reach Murudeshwar Temple, which is about a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, with fares around INR 300-600.
Train travel is comfortable and economical but can be affected by monsoon delays between June and September due to heavy rains in the Western Ghats region.
Bus
Buses offer a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Murudeshwar from Hyderabad. Several state-run and private operators run services connecting these points.
MSRTC and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operate buses from Hyderabad’s central bus stations like MGBS to Murudeshwar, with journey times around 14 to 16 hours.
Bus fares range between INR 600 to 1200 depending on the type of bus, such as non-AC, AC sleeper, or Volvo coaches, with Volvo being more comfortable for overnight travel.
Buses depart mostly in the evening or night, allowing you to travel while sleeping and save daytime for sightseeing.
During peak holiday seasons and festivals, buses can get fully booked, so booking tickets online through portals like RedBus or state transport websites is advisable.
Road conditions on NH44 and NH66 are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads along the coastal stretch.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Hyderabad to Murudeshwar offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The distance is about 650 km and takes roughly 12 to 14 hours by car.
The most common route is via NH44 and NH66, passing through cities like Kurnool, Anantapur, and Mangalore, with toll plazas along the way requiring cash or FASTag payments.
Self-drive or cab services like Ola Outstation or Zoomcar rentals are available in Hyderabad, with fares varying widely based on vehicle type and rental duration.
Plan stops at major towns such as Kurnool or Hubli for meals and rest; popular highway dhabas and restaurants serve South Indian and North Indian cuisine.
Driving during monsoon months requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional waterlogging near coastal areas; avoid night driving in rural stretches for safety.
Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, carry a physical map or GPS device, and keep emergency contacts handy for a smooth journey.
Flight
There is no direct flight to Murudeshwar, but flying to nearby airports and continuing by road is an option for faster travel.
The nearest airports to Murudeshwar are Mangalore International Airport (IXE) and Goa International Airport (GOI), both about 150 to 180 km away.
From Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), daily flights to Mangalore or Goa take around 1.5 hours, with fares typically between INR 2500 to 6000 depending on the airline and booking time.
After landing, you can hire a taxi or take a KSRTC bus from the airport to Murudeshwar, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by road.
Flight plus road travel is suitable for travelers who want to save time but may be costlier than direct train or bus journeys.
Book flights early to get better prices, and check for weather-related delays during the monsoon season, which can affect coastal airports.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers from Hyderabad to Murudeshwar Temple prepare and execute their trip smoothly.
Book your preferred transport tickets (train, bus, or flight) well in advance using IRCTC, RedBus, or airline websites to secure your seat and avoid last-minute hassles.
Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a power bank, as some stretches between Hyderabad and Murudeshwar have limited food stops.
Arrive at Hyderabad station or airport at least 1 hour before departure to complete check-in and security procedures comfortably.
If traveling by train, download the official Indian Railways app to track your train status and platform changes in real time.
On arrival at Murudeshwar or nearby stations, use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safe and fair local transport to the temple.
Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and food stalls, as not all places accept digital payments reliably.
Practical Travel Tips
Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and buses; use lockable bags and avoid displaying valuables openly to prevent theft.
Drink only bottled or filtered water during the journey and at Murudeshwar to avoid waterborne illnesses common in coastal areas.
Book tickets early during festivals like Maha Shivaratri or summer holidays, as Murudeshwar sees a surge in visitors and transport options fill quickly.
Use local autorickshaws or app-based cabs for short distances in Murudeshwar; negotiate fares beforehand if prepaid options are unavailable.
Pack light luggage to manage last-mile travel easily, especially if you need to switch between trains, buses, and taxis during the journey.
During monsoon, carry rain gear and check weather updates regularly, as heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads on the coastal route.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Traveling during these months ensures comfortable road and rail conditions.
Avoid the monsoon season from June to September due to heavy rains that can disrupt travel and cause roadblocks. Summers can be hot but manageable with early morning departures.
Peak travel times include weekends, school holidays, and festivals like Maha Shivaratri; expect crowded trains and buses during these periods.
Monsoon rains can cause landslides and waterlogging on NH66, leading to delays and detours; plan extra travel time if traveling in this season.
Early morning departures from Hyderabad help avoid city traffic and ensure you reach Murudeshwar with daylight for sightseeing.
Evening arrivals in Murudeshwar are common; pre-book local transport to avoid waiting long at stations or bus stops.
Arrival at Murudeshwar & What to Expect
On arrival at Murudeshwar, you will find a small town centered around the temple and the beach. The nearest railway stations are Bhatkal and Kumta, with local transport options to the temple.
Local commute includes autorickshaws, taxis, and cycle rickshaws. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola are available but limited, so agree on fares before starting your ride. Popular stay areas include near the temple and beach, with many budget hotels and guesthouses.
Conclusion
Traveling from Hyderabad to Murudeshwar Temple is best done by train or bus for budget travelers, while flights combined with road travel suit those seeking speed. Driving offers flexibility but requires careful planning and caution during monsoons.
Advance booking, packing smartly, and choosing the right travel time are key to a smooth journey. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Murudeshwar and enjoy the spiritual and scenic beauty without stress.