Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple

A coastal Shiva temple on the Arabian Sea in Karnataka, overlooked by one of the world's tallest Shiva statues, standing around 123 feet high. Its hilltop location on Kanduka Hill, surrounded by water on three sides, makes it one of the state's most photographed pilgrimage spots.

One of the seven Mukti Kshetras of India (sacred liberation sites), dedicated to Lord Mahabaleshwara (Great Shiva). The Atmalinga (Shiva's soul-lingam brought by Ravana) is the most sacred object here — Ganesha tricked Ravana into placing it here permanently. A major pilgrimage centre where devotees take a ritual bath in the sea before worshipping.

A famous goddess temple on a small island in the Sharavathi river backwaters — reachable only by boat. Goddess Chowdeshwari (a form of Durga) is enshrined here amidst the Western Ghats. The boat ride through the forested backwaters to the temple is a uniquely beautiful pilgrimage experience.

One of Karnataka's most celebrated Devi temples, dedicated to Goddess Marikamba — the tutelary deity of Sirsi. The biennial Marikamba Jatre (held once every two years in January) is one of the largest temple festivals in Karnataka, drawing 20+ lakh pilgrims from across coastal Karnataka and Goa.