Bhatkal – As the countdown to the monsoon begins, Murdeshwar, a serene coastal town in Bhatkal Taluk, Uttara Kannada district, was inundated with tourists nowadays. The influx left the popular destination struggling to accommodate the sheer volume of visitors.

Murdeshwar's roads were choked with vehicular traffic, stretching up to one and a half kilometers, making pedestrian movement nearly impossible. The renowned Murdeshwar Temple saw unprecedented crowds, with worshippers thronging for a darshan of Shiva. The crush of devotees from the temple’s Gopuram entrance to its main gate created a stampede-like situation during these days, forcing temporary restrictions on entry.

On Murdeshwar Beach, the scene was equally chaotic. Thousands of tourists converged on the shore, their excited shouts mingling with the roar of the sea. Despite the rising tide, visitors frolicked in the water, undeterred by potential dangers. The beach saw a dangerous mix of vehicles navigating the sands, heightening the risk of accidents.

The surge in tourism can be attributed to the Shakti Yojana, a government initiative by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress administration, which offers free bus travel for women. This scheme has led to a tripling of visitors, particularly women from various districts. Locals from Bhatkal and neighboring areas frequently take advantage of the free travel, contributing to the growing crowd.

This unprecedented influx has strained Murdeshwar’s infrastructure. Lodges are perpetually full, and soaring room rates force some tourists to camp out. The lack of sufficient toilet and bathing facilities has led to sanitation issues, causing concerns about the area’s future appeal.

While Murdeshwar boasts a wide beach and scenic beauty, its tourism activities are concentrated in a limited area around the temple. To alleviate the pressure and enhance visitor experience, it is suggested to expand tourism from Murdeshwar to Bailur, Sanbavi, and Alvekodi. Developing these areas with new attractions, water sports, accommodation, and unique culinary experiences, modeled after Goa’s successful tourism strategy, could distribute the tourist load more evenly.

Expanding the tourist footprint and improving amenities could draw more domestic and international visitors, tripling local employment opportunities. Residents urge Mankal Vaidya, the district’s in-charge minister, to focus on this potential development.

Murdeshwar, nestled between the picturesque Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea along the Mangalore-Goa Highway, is renowned for its Shiva Temple. The temple, featuring Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in Dravidian style, houses the tallest Shiva statue in India, standing at 37 meters. The temple’s gopuram, at 237 feet, is the second tallest in the country. The complex offers breathtaking views of the sea and includes a grand Gitopadesha statue in its lush gardens.

As Murdeshwar continues to attract more visitors, enhancing infrastructure and expanding tourist activities will be crucial to sustaining its charm and ensuring a pleasant experience for all.