Sea turtles are ecologically important to India’s marine ecosystems. Five of seven global sea turtle species are found in Indian waters, including Lepidochelys olivacea (olive ridley turtle), a marine flagship species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. While their nesting along India’s east coast and in Kutch is well-documented, little is known about their nesting habitat on other coastal beaches in such as in Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. This study focuses on coastal Karnataka’s nesting habitats. Rapid coastal development here threatens habitat quality, potentially impacting nesting behaviour and use. My research explores anthropogenic threats, local perceptions of habitat changes, and conservation measures. The dataset reveals the biophysical and socio-economic factors affecting turtle nesting habitat in Karnataka’s 262 km coastline. 22 sample sites were surveyed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Beach characteristics were documented through 2 km transect walks. Parameters documented included sand quality and composition, width and slope of beach, sand temperature, high tide line, and vegetation/plantation type. Disturbances like light intensity, direction, type, and number of street lights and marine debris, developmental infrastructures, households, and seawalls were also recorded. To understand local perceptions of turtle nesting behaviour and landscape changes, a semi-structured questionnaire about turtle ecology and presence, coastal development, threats to turtles and their habitats, and recommendations for conservation were utilized. In the Mann-Whitney test, p>0.05 was found for nesting present and absent sites. and GLM were run. Responses were collected using Open Data Kit. In the sampled beaches, 45% were partially and 34% fully covered with seawalls. 29% of sampled beaches turned unsuitable (prone to erosion). Marine debris (from the sea, locals, and tourists) density averaged 0.90/m², potentially threatening hatchlings. Mismanaged lighting affected 97% of sites, with only 2.2% having dark zones within 500 meters. Tourism exposure was found to be high, mild, and less. Developmental infrastructure occurred in 27.2% of the sample sites. During interviews, 79% of respondents noted decreased nesting over the years due to coastal development. To improve conservation, 23.1% of respondents suggested banning trawling and light fishing. Some (14.9%) emphasized preserving the beach’s natural state. Turtles and humans have cohabited Karnataka’s beaches for centuries, but habitat suitability has declined due to biophysical and socio-economic pressures. Artificial lights misorient hatchlings, seawalls threaten them, and Casuarina plantations, though reducing light pollution, attract predators. However, egg poaching has declined due to religious sentiments and WLPA-72, which serve as tools for conservation. Many residents expressed concern over the Sagarmala Project, which overlaps with nesting sites. Incorporating local ecological knowledge, sustainable fishing practices, sustainable development, local governance of beaches, and awareness can ensure long-term turtle habitat protection.