Basavaraja Durga Fort, Murudeshwar - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 1 km from Pavinakurva village, 12 km from Honnavar, 48 km from Gokarna and 36 km from Murudeshwar, Basavaraja Durga Fort was an island fortress situated in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Honnavar Taluk in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka.

The fort was constructed in 16th century during Vijayanagara rule. Shivappa Nayaka, the Keladi ruler captured the fort and gave it the name of Basavaraja Durga in memory of Keladi Prince Basavaraj. This fort is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by gigantic laterite blocks also this fort has eight ruined mounted guns. Basavaraja Durga Fort is built at a height of 50 m above sea level and the island covers a total area of 19 hectares. The inner section of the fort is almost empty and only the external part is survived today.

The top of the island is a plateau covered with dry grass and trees. The island has number of fresh water wells. There is a temple constructed between the 16th and 17th century. People especially fishermen and boat owners visit the temple with their families once a year on Makarashankaranthi Day to perform a pooja to protect them from nature's harm throughout the year while working on the sea.

The island can be reached by boat or ferry from Pavinakurva village or Honnavar.

October - May is the best time to visit this island.