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I’m From Mangalore And Here’s Why I Feel It’s One Of The Most Underrated Beach Destinations In India

Skyscrapers, gorgeous malls, swanky restaurants attracted me to a travel destination as a child. I really looked forward to visiting my maternal city of Bangalore, as opposed to my paternal one, Mangalore. You might think they sound the same, so potato, poh-tato. But that’s not the case. While Bangalore is studded with umpteen beautiful malls, and a plethora of restaurants, Mangalore on the other side has a humble charm to it. With vast secluded beaches that extend as far as one’s sight to simpler restaurants that serve fresh seafood, there’s an old-world, serene allure to it. But the city mouse in me never seemed to appreciate the countryside of Mangalore. Fast forward 20 years later, when I just wanted a break from the fast-paced city life of Bangalore, I hopped on a bus and went to Mangalore. Suddenly the beaches that seemed so empty, felt just perfect. The dearth of skyscrapers and swanky malls felt like a blessing. And the simple seafood dishes tasted authentic and extraordinary. That’s when I realised that my trips to Goa, Chennai, Mumbai and other beach destinations stood no ground against Mangalore. I’m Sanjana Shenoy, a Senior Content Writer at Curly Tales, and let me give you 5 reasons why Mangalore is one of the most underrated beach destinations in India.

1. Plenty Of Gorgeous, Clean & Secluded Beaches

One of my earliest memories of my childhood was spending time with my family at the Surathkal beach near my grandmother’s house. Building sandcastles, collecting shells, splashing in the waves and just looking out for treasures in the vast clear beach were some of my favourite memories. It’s undoubtedly is, one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. And I went to Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Sri Lanka and even the Middle East! So yes, I am drawing comparisons. It has always been untouched by tourism, secluded, pure and offered one of the most gorgeous sunsets you’d ever see. I loved collecting shells and keeping it in a little box of mine, storing my treasures for posterity.

Also Read:  10 Breathtaking Destinations In South India That You Need To Visit

2. Budget-Friendly Place Untouched By Tourism

One of the ultimate highlights of Mangalore that I’ve personally experienced is that this beach destination is untouched by tourism. It’s a pocket-friendly place, where you can have a lovely fish thali for under  ₹ 80. And you can stay at a cosy hotel for prices only starting from under   ₹ 900.  You won’t find yourself surrounded by hoards of tourists swarming like bees on the beaches.  And you certainly won’t burn a hole in your pocket purchasing overpriced souvenirs and trinkets. Well, I’m from Bangalore, and trust me, I know a pocket-friendly destination, when I see one. So one of the reasons that make Mangalore an underrated destination for me, is definitely the fact that it’s a budget-friendly beach destination tucked away from tourism.

3. Delicious Seafood Dishes & Ice Creams To Fulfill Desires Of Every Foodie 

I’m a hardcore foodie. So, when it comes to beach destinations, the first thing that comes to my mind is mouth-watering seafood. Mangalore has plenty of amazing restaurants that serve you delicious seafood dishes at pocket-friendly prices. During my visits to Mangalore, I’d happily plan my entire itinerary around my lunch and dinner plans. Chicken Ghee Roast with Neer Dosa, Kane Rava Fry, Pomfret Gassi with steamed rice are some of my all-time favourites at Maharaja Hotel. Mangalore’s Machli restaurant is a like a bustling charming little restaurant where I devoured a wholesome fish thali for just   ₹80. Then of course if you haven’t had Shetty Lunch Home’s iconic invention of Chicken Ghee Roast, your trip to Mangalore would be incomplete. I can still taste the lingering flavour of the gheelicious dish even now. Yum!

The cherry on the cake to your food adventures in Mangalore has got to be a quick visit to Ideal Pabbas. This is an iconic ice cream parlour that serves lip-smacking sundaes. Some of my best memories in Mangalore are all made here sitting with my family and savouring Tiramisu, and Gadbad in Pabbas. From Royal Falooda, Chocolate Choconut to Dry Fruit Cocktail, I never really ran out of ice cream flavours and sundaes to try out here. And neither will you. So if you have a sweet tooth, no tusk like mine, then Pabbas is your abode.

Also Read:  Sweeten Your Taste Buds With Ice Cream Dosas At Bangalore’s Amarnath Chats

4. Plethora Of  Breathtaking Temples & Churches For A Spiritual Getaway 

During my visits to Mangalore as a child, I remember my mother tugging me to ancient temples here. And I’d make a sullen face and just follow through. Those temple visits didn’t make much sense. I probably wanted to chill at the beach or enjoy a refreshing sundae at Pabbas. But years later, when I visited those temples again, I was enamoured by its intricate architecture, elaborate pujas, divine deity and the serenity here.

Mangalore has breathtaking temples like Mahathobhara Shree Mangaladevi Temple, Sri Venkataramana Devasthana and Shree Gokarnanatha Kshetra to name a few.  It even boasts of beautiful churches like the 16th century Milagres Church and St. Aloysius Chapel, perfect for a spiritual getaway. And these spiritual sites are truly a blessing in disguise when you wish to just take a pause in your life. I wanted to take things slow, just take a pause from the fast-paced life in Bangalore. And I found my pause, my breath of fresh air in Mangalore, And I’m sure you will too.

Also Read:  Karnataka Has A Magnificent 700-Year-Old Temple That Was Once Submerged Underwater

5. Fun Sightseeing Spots Including India’s First 3D Planetarium For A Great Day Spend

The Bangalorean in me is used to gorgeous malls, expansive gardens and beautiful bars. So the last time I went to Mangalore I thought I covered it all. What more is there to see in a small beach town right? Well, I was so wrong. I might have covered all the beaches and iconic seafood joints in Mangalore during my childhood. But there were still amazing sightseeing spots that I had no clue about. This includes India’s first 3D planetarium here in Mangalore! My cousin, Ramya planned a day trip around Mangalore with me. We went to the Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, The Tannirubavi  Tree Park and finally to the Pilikula Biological Park. When it comes to the Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, let me tell you it’s truly a global experience.

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Mangalore Tourism and Travel Guide

Best places to visit in mangalore.

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Places To Visit Near Mangalore

Mangalore Tourism And Travel Guide

Mangalore aka Mangaluru, the biggest port city of the state of Karnataka , is renowned for its beaches and its cuisine.  The city is historically vibrant, with its roots rolling back to the princely kingdoms of the Vijayanagara Empire and later to the Portuguese, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and finally to the British, after which Mangalore was integrated with the erstwhile state of Mysore , now Karnataka.

The remnants of the city’s history can be seen in the Portuguese and Spanish styled churches and forts, so strategically placed on the beachfront. Mangalore combines the ancient with its temples and the modern with a pulsating nightlife, so much so that, you can experience and explore the two, and fill in your leisure with long walks at the parks, along the freshwater streams or a paddleboat ride at the sea, if you don’t forget that spicy, delicious seafood. If you would love to visit Mangalore, do check out our travel and tourism guide.

How to Reach

It’s so easy getting into the port city, since it has trouble-free access by sea, air, rail and road. The fastest way to reach Mangalore would be by air.

Mangalore is a calling station for cruise ships from many countries around the world. Sailing a cruise ship is fun and docking at a beautiful port city for visiting the attractions is equally good. Most local tour operators arrange for a ground tour of significant attractions around town, before departure.

Mangalore International Airport serves domestic flights to most major cities in the country and International flights. You can hire a cab from the airport to the city.

You have access by rail to Mangalore through the Southern Railway that connects the city to the states of Kerala , Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh . Otherwise, travel the Konkan Railways running between Maharashtra , Goa and Mangalore in Karnataka , which is one of the most beautiful picturesque breathtaking railways setting in the country.

There are KSRTC and private buses from most neighbouring states to Mangalore. It’ll be a pleasure driving up the coconut tree-lined roads, with a pleasant sea breeze blowing in, along the way to Mangalore.

Getting Around:

Mangalore has a number of specially marked buses specific to destinations, either local or to the suburbs. Otherwise you can hail an auto rickshaw or a cab for transport.

• How To Reach Mangalore

Weather and the Best time to Visit

Plan a trip to Mangalore anytime from October to March. There are festivals galore and the weather is too fine to be missed.

Summer (March-May):

Apart from cooling off behind the huge boulders at the beaches or swimming in the rivers, there’s nothing much you can do in summer. It’s quite hot and you can cool off by binging on plenty of coconut water. Check out Mangalore's fruit orchards with exotic summer fruits and the chirps of birds gorging on them.

Monsoon (May-October):

Monsoon rains bring in thundershowers. It’s nice to choose a clear day to spend time at the beach, for the waters look lovely during monsoon. But monsoon is not a touristy season in Mangalore.

Winter (December-March):

After post monsoon rains of November peter out, the weather turns cool and clear and is predominantly the best time of the year in Mangalore.

• Mangalore Weather And Best Time To Visit Mangalore

Things to Do

Museum Visits:

Visit The Aloysius Museum for their display of fossils, shells, skeletons and the first car, at St Aloysius College. The museum is open between 9.00am-5.00pm all days.

Hulivesha Dances:

If you plan your trip to Mangalore during festivals, don’t miss out on the Hulivesha (tiger), Karadi Vesha(bear) dances and the Yakshagana form of dance-drama. They are the integral cultural icons of Mangalore, usually a part of temple festivities.

Tour a 3D Planetarium:

Check out the country’s first 3D Planetarium with an 8K digital and optomechanical projector at Swami Vivekananda Planetarium at Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Go Trekking:

Mangalore has some beautiful trekking points, unsullied by civilization. Try the Green Route Trek at Yedakumeri, out of a picture book with waterfalls, mountain brooks and bridges.

Karavali Utsav: Mangalore celebrates its rivers with the River Festival in winter. A fun filled festivity galore with folk and Western dances, river sports and a flea market, as well.

Beaches and Birds:

Visit the quiet and peaceful Sasihithlu Beach where the river meets the sea. It’s an idyllic spot for watching the birds.

Kadri Hill Park:

Go on a relaxing jog, do yoga or meditate in the Kadri Hill Park, Mangalore’s biggest park. Treat yourself to the Musical Fountain, Toy Train or Laser Show in the Deer Park, close by.

Fishing Festival:

Temple fairs in Tulunadu culminate with the Fishing Festival on the banks of the River Nandhini at Dharmarasu Ullaya Temple in Suratkal. Prayers are offered to the deity, holy Prasad is dropped into the water, and as if on cue, hundreds of eager folk jump into the river with their nets. The fish caught is taken home to be cooked for the day.

• Things To Do In Mangalore
• Tourist Places To Visit In Mangalore

Temples in Mangalore would never let the devotees and tourists return home hungry. Annaprasad or food for all is ritualistically served everyday apart from the Maha Anna Samtharpaney or mass feeding during festivals. Or else, Mangalore’s cuisine is deliciously varied with Manglorean Fish Curry, Akki Roti, Neer Dosa, Patrode, Mangalore Buns, Chicken Ghee Roast, the Mangalore Poli and scrumptious varieties of seafood. A piping hot Goli Baje or Mangalore Bajje with a filter coffee goes great on a lazy winter evening.

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My tryst with writing – a long story, mangalore travel guide.

An eclectic mix of cultures, a melange of interesting food and sights that include beaches, historical monuments and more, Mangalore or Mangaluru as it is known now is a port city like no other. One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Mangaluru has seen a trajectory of development like no other. With a burgeoning IT industry, well known educational institutions, there are malls, restaurants, hotels and more now calling this city home. The city is steeped in rich history, culture and folklore with several old temples and churches and architecture reminiscent of the Portuguese and British era.

Destination on Top

An Arabian sea port and largest city and administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district, the New Mangalore Port is the only major port of Karnataka and is operated by the New Mangalore Port Trust. The old port is called the Mangalore Bunder or the Hale Bunder and is now used for fishing and ferrying small goods. Bharathi Shetty, Founder and Managing Director, Frontier Holidays says, “it has and international airport that connects it to all major cities across the globe. Presence of a seaport and access to all modes of transportation positions Mangalore uniquely has a hub for exports – particularly agricultural produce – the city accounts for more than 75% of India’s coffee, cashew and timber exports among others. Its unique accessibility has also given rise to robust petrochemicals, processing and shipping and logistics sectors. Its strong foundational educational system has given rise to some of the country’s finest medical, hospitals and engineering institutions like Manipal, Yenepoya, KREC Suratkal, NITTE, NITK to name a few.”

Beach Diaries

Mangalore is home to some stunning beaches and Tannirbavi Beach is among the better known ones and can also be reached via a ferry. The Panambur Beach 10 km to the north of the city near the New Mangalore Port is a calmer beach and best visited in the morning for fabulous sunrise views. It also hosts a kite festival. Kapu Beach is about 45 km to the north and has a lighthouse while the Malpe Beach about 60 km to the north has a beach resort. Do make time for the Someshwar Beach in Ullal, 11 km to the south of the city that has a temple and some amazing bird life. The Suratkal Beach about 15 km to the north of the city also has a beautiful lighthouse and is known for its powdery and smooth sand. Panambur in fact has been rated by department of tourism as the most popular beach in coastal Karnataka. Yathish Baikampady, CEO Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project says, “we started the first beach management company and have initiated a public private partnership and this has now a self-sustaining project. We have saved 296 lives from drowning and prevented many more that we cannot count. Maintaining the beach is also something we are doing by involving the local community. In fact we have many tourists from all over the country visiting the city as it is accessible. Also many of these are repeat tourists as the location of the city is such that you will not be able to see all its sights in one trip. And this is happening without creating any specific branding or promotion.”

Spirituality Calling

Often referred to as the Gateway of Karnataka as it lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangaluru is a fine example of religious solidarity and is home to temples, mosques and churches. Named after the presiding deity Mangaladevi, legend has it that a princess from Malabar named Parimala or Premaladevi became a disciple of Matsyendranath, the founder of the Nath tradition after giving up her kingdom. After converting her to the Nath sect, Matsyendranath renamed her Mangaladevi and she headed to settle near Bolar. However she fell ill on the way and died and the Mangaladevi temple was consecrated in her honour. Among the famous temples is the Sri Gokarnatheswara temple, known for its 10 day Dasara festivities, Mangaladevi Temple and the Kadri Manjunatha temple that was built in the 11 th century. The Kudroli Sri Gokarnatheswara Kshetra is dedicated to Gokarnath or Lord Shiva and is a much revered place here. The well-known churches here include the 130 year old St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral and Milagres Church a beautiful Roman Catholic Church in Hampankatta.  The Dargah of Hazrat Shareef ul Madni at Ullal and the Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid in Bunder are also well known.

Sights Galore

If you are a nature lover a visit to Pilikula Nisarga Dhama about 12 km from city is a must. Spread across acres 370 acres this is a tropical forest and home to the Pilikula Lake. Apart from a biological park, arboretum, science centre, a lake park with boating facilities and a golf course, this also has a water amusement park. Close by is the Kadri Hill Park is the largest park within the city where children can enjoy a number of rides and a toy train. There are eight tanks inside the park and local believe that the water in these tanks have medicinal properties to cure a number of skin ailments. For a lesson in history a visit to the Bejai Museum or the Srimanthi Bai Memorial Museum, the only one in the city is a must. The building was the former residence of Col VR Miraskar and displays exhibits from his own which he collected over 40 years. The three storied building displays ancient coins, second century stone idols, 18 th century brass images, lamps, life-size wooden figures, pottery, porcelain and glass from China and Japan. Also visit Sulthan Battery 4 km from the city of Mangalore that has a watchtower built by the Tipu Sultan in 1784 to prevent English warships from entering the River Gurupura. Today you can also see several boats here and this is where you can enjoy a spot of kayaking. And if all the sightseeing has got to you, well indulge in some retail therapy. Shopping in Mangaluru is a delight with myriad options from malls, high street brands to local stores. When you are here you can shop for silk saris, gold jewellery, ivory and sandalwood artefacts. Local shopping is best done in the areas of Hampankatta, Kankannady, Falnir and Balmatta. A must pick up of course is cashews as well as the Mangalorean Halwa available in many flavours.

Gastronomical Delights

Situated on the estuaries of Netravathi and Gurupur Rivers, Mangaluru’s cuisine is a mix of many cultures and is known for its extensive use of coconuts. Mangalorean cuisine is influenced heavily by a mix of cultures including Malabar, Portuguese, Kokani, Catholic and Beary and the variety of options is deliciously mind boggling. While part of the vegetarian influence is from nearby Udupi communities like Tuluvas, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Mangalorean Catholics and the Bearys have brought in their own distinct elements too. Some well-known dishes here include the Mangalorean Fish Curry, Neer Dosa, Chicken Ghee Roast, Chicken Sukka, Kori Rotti (made of dry rice flakes dipped in gravy), Bangude Pulimunchi (spicy sour silver-grey mackerels), Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Boothai Gasi, Kadubu, and Patrode. Mangalorean Catholic cuisine has a distinctive Portuguese influence and pork dishes like Pork Bafat, Sanna-Dukra Maas, Dukra Maas and Unde-Dukra Maas are popular. Rosachi kadi, a fish curry made with ros or coconut milk, Beary biryani a staple of the Muslim community, Anjal (king fish) Masala Fry and Mangalore Buns are some other must have’s. The city has some interesting concepts as far as eating out is concerned like the floating restaurants run at Havana Islands. Sujit Shetty, Manager says, “we have two floating restaurants – Havana Manji and Sea Breeze and serve a lot of fresh local food. We get our seafood directly from the fishing vessels and also use homemade ingredients, herbs and spices that are ground on the traditional stone.” In fact you can sample the catch of the day and a variety of preparations of fish. Anvita Pereira who belongs to Mangaluru says, “one of the recent additions to Mangalore’s nightlife is Onyx Air Lounge and Kitchen. Located on the heart of Mangalore, it is touted as the biggest and best lounge in town. The roof-top offers a breath-taking view of the city and is a great place to plan a romantic date. I belong to Mangalore and have been to this place several times with my friends. We love the food and the wide array of cocktails that they offer. The ambience is wonderful and the staff and the service is top-notch. This place has taken the partying scene in Mangalore a level up by hosting match-screenings for the fans, as well as theme nights, presenting an entirely new look and feel, with music to enhance the vibe.” And yes a must try is the famed ‘Gadbad’ ice cream as well. The city’s proximity to temple towns of Udupi and Dharamasthala and other pristine untouched locations like the Maravanathe beach and Western Ghats also make it a popular choice for travellers.

Did you know?

• Aati Festival is one of the most important celebrations in Mangalore that involves folk dancing.
• Mangaluru is known for its unique art forms like the Yakshagana, Boothakolas and Namas.
• Pilivesha, a folk dance or tiger dance is native to Mangalore is performed during Dasara.
• Karnataka’s Surfing Festival, The Indian Open of Surfing happens in Mangaluru.

Where to stay

• The Taj Gateway Hotel Old Port Road
• The Ocean Pearl
• Goldfinch Hotel

Best Malls in Mangaluru

• Forum Fiza Mall
• Bharath Mall
• City Centre Mall
• Lotus Shopping Centres Pvt. Ltd.
• Empire Mall
• Excel Mischief Mall
• Transit One Mall

This story appeared in the May 2018 issue of Spice Route magazine here:  Manglore

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Mangalore travel guide

Mangalore tourism | mangalore guide, you're going to love mangalore.

A popular jumping off point for cruises along India's gorgeous Konkan Coast, Mangalore is a thriving business center that is packed with temples and fine dining options.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Mangalore

1. the glorious coast of karnataka.

For most visitors, Mangalore is a gateway to the beaches of Karnataka. Stay in a Mangalore hotel, rent a car and you can head to blissful spots like Malpe or Kapu Beach.

2. Beautiful Temples

Named after the goddess Mangaladevi, Mangalore was a major religious center under the Mysore Sultans and the British Raj. Today, you can tour lavish temples like Urwa Marigudi and the Kudroli Gokarnanatha.

3. Visit the Jungles of the Western Ghats

A beautiful string of forested mountains with UNESCO protected status, the nearby Western Ghats are a sublime place to hike.

4. Fun Family Attractions Near the City

Mangalore offers plenty for families, including the rides and games at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama and Kadri Hill Park, a well-managed urban zoo.

5. Superb Udupi Cuisine

Southern Indian food revolves around seafood, dosa pancakes and coconut, and you can explore it in style at Mangalore restaurants like Taj Mahal.

What to do in Mangalore

1. this saint your everyday chapel.

Situated on Lighthouse Hill in the center of Mangalore, St. Aloyius Chapel is much more than just a church attached to the city's premier school. Built in 1880 by Jesuit priests, the chapel was intended to be a vivid expression of Catholic art and creativity. It may not have won everyone over to Christ, but the result was a stunning interior shot through with gold and exquisite paintings, most of which depict the life of St Aloysius himself. The work of two years to create, these paintings are some of the most impressive Jesuit creations of the 19th century.

2. A Brilliant Billava Creation

Located in the Kudroli neighborhood next to the Gurupura River, the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple was constructed as recently as 1912, but outdoes almost all of Mangalore's other Hindu sites in terms of sheer magnificence and scale. The temple isn't just a Hindu institution. It's a center for the Billava ethnic group - once downtrodden, but now on the up. And you can sense that confidence in the splendid design. Although it's an incredible sight at any time, the temple is best seen at night, when the whole complex is illuminated in spectacular fashion.

3. Cool Off In The Karnataka Sunshine

The coast of Karnataka has plenty of beaches to choose from, and fortunately for visitors to Mangalore, Ullal is one of the very best. Located around 5 miles south of the city center, it features golden sand, swimmable waters, and a shoreline that's green and beautiful, yet still somehow packed with bars and restaurants. There are also some bonus historical attractions near the beach, such as the fort of Rani Abbakka Chowta, who fought the Portuguese in the 16th century. But above all, this is a place to relax and unwind.

4. Another Jesuit Gem

Mangalore is well-favored in terms of Christian architecture, more so than almost any other Indian city, and the Cathedral of Rosario is another masterpiece. It's also remarkably ancient, having been erected by the Portuguese colonial state in 1568. After that, it became the favorite place of worship for high caste locals, before being remodeled in 1910. Thankfully, the rebuilding was carried out skillfully by Jesuit experts, who sought to recreate St Peters in an Indian setting, with surprising success.

5. A Towering Monument To Tipu's Determination

Constructed in 1784 by Tipu Sultan ("the Tiger of Mysore") as he battled against the British East India Company, you'll find this impressive remnant in Boloor, around 3 miles from the center of Mangalore. Tipu chose to demonstrate his power by using stones from the region's churches, and tried to use the bastion to beat back British warships as they assaulted his kingdom. These days, the tower remains, providing exceptional views across the Arabian Sea, and a poignant reminder of one man's resistance.

Where to Eat in Mangalore

For top-quality southern Indian cuisine, head to Udipi restaurants like Taj Mahal or the Hotel Ayodhya, while Gajalee is a great seafood restaurant and Sagar Ratna is a wonderful vegetarian option. Meals shouldn't cost more than RS400 per head.

When to visit Mangalore

The best weather conditions for sightseeing in Mangalore probably stretch from late September to February, following the monsoon and before the onset of the extremely hot summer season.

How to Get to Mangalore

Mangalore International Airport has plenty of links to other Indian airports. KSRTC runs buses from the airport to the city center. Expect a taxi to cost around RS400.

Trains from Mumbai and other major cities stop at Mangalore Junction, around 3 miles outside the center.

Highway 75 runs from Bangalore, while travelers coming from Mumbai can take coastal Highway 66.

Pragathi Tourist Corporation, Adinatheshwara Roadlines and Sri Durga Motors run buses into Mangalore. Expect to pay around RS450 to travel from Bangalore.

Airports near Mangalore

Airlines serving mangalore, where to stay in mangalore.

Kankanadi - The southern part of Mangalore lies on the Netravathi River and features a lively flower market which is well worth visiting.

Popular Neighborhoods in Mangalore

Attavar - Attavar is where you'll find the central train station, along with many of the best hotels.

Hampankatta - The place to head for dining options, Hampankatta is home to restaurants like Malabar, Kairali and Sagar Ratna.

Where to stay in popular areas of Mangalore

Most booked hotels in mangalore, how to get around mangalore, public transportation.

A range of bus companies serve the various neighborhoods in Mangalore, which can get a little confusing. Ask around to make sure you have the right bus. When you find the correct route, expect to pay RS5 per journey.

Autorickshaws ply the central streets of Mangalore and prices start at RS25. If you need a proper taxi, expect to pay around RS25 for the meter drop, followed by RS35 per mile.

If you want to see the coast or the Ghats, you can rent a car from local companies like Car4Hires, Zoomcar or Adithya for around RS400 per day.

The Cost of Living in Mangalore

Shopping streets.

Mangalore has a huge selection of modern malls, including city center complexes in Hampankatta and Balmatta and the Bharath Mall, which hosts major international chains like Levi's and Subway.

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include SPAR, More and Reliance Fresh. Expect to pay around RS130 for a gallon of milk.

• 1 Understand
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 4.3 By autorickshaws
• 7.1 Supermarkets
• 8.1 Udupi-style restaurants
• 8.2 North Indian cuisine
• 8.3 Seafood
• 8.4 Kerala cuisine
• 8.5 Premium restaurants
• 8.6 Ice cream and snacks
• 8.7 International flavours
• 9.1 Fruit juice and cold drinks
• 9.2 Coffee shops
• 9.3 Alcohol
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe

Mangalore ( Mangaluru ), in the Coastal Karnataka region, is a blend of new and old. With the increasing influx of students from various states of India and different parts of the world, Mangalore has virtually become a 'melting pot' of cultures, given the various communities that make up the social framework of Mangalore: the Tuluvas (Bunts, Billawas, Mogaveeras, Kulals, Shivalli Madhva Brahmins, Jains, Devadigas, Chitpavans), the Brahmins, the Konkani Catholics, the Bearys, the Goud-Saraswath Brahmins (Konkanas), Devangs (M'lore Kannada, Tulu, M'lore Malayalam), etc.

Mangalore is a port city of about half a million people (2011), and the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka State in India .

Understand [ edit ]

Traditionally, Mangalore was an important trading port with ties with the Persian Gulf states dating back to the 14th century. With its strategic location, it was occupied by a number of dynasties and colonial rulers, namely the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. In the 18th century, its control was contested by Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan on one hand and the British on the other. Under the Mysore sultans (1763), it became a strategic shipbuilding base, which was ceded to the British in 1799 after numerous sieges.

Mangalore is one of the fastest developing cities in India . Many multinational corporations and domestic corporations are opening their branches in Mangalore. Many reputed builders are bringing huge development projects. There is very good growth in the retail sector and many new shopping malls are being built. Infosys Technologies has 2 development centers in Mangalore with over 3000 employees. Cognizant have its development center on MG Road. MphasiS has their India Training Center based near Mangalore Club. Corporation Bank and Karnataka Bank have their headquarters inside the city and Syndicate Bank HQ is in Manipal. Polaris, Thomson Reuters Omnesys, MRPL, MCF, BASF, KIOCL, Ultratech Cement Plant are some of the other industries in the city.

Mangalore is also known as the 'Cradle of Education' in Karnataka with 16 engineering (Nitk, surathkal being the rank 1 engineering college and MIT ( Manipal ) being second), 6 medical, 3 dental, 12 MBA, 11 physiotherapy, 8 hotel management and 58 graduation colleges in and around the city.

Talk [ edit ]

The number of languages spoken around here reflects the cultural diversity of Mangalore: Tulu (the most popular and most widely spoken language here, with a slight variation spoken by the Brahmin community), Kannada (the official state language), Konkani (three different versions exist: spoken by the Rajapur Saraswath Brahmins, spoken by the Konkani Catholics and another spoken by the Goud-Saraswaths). Beary is spoken by Muslims. Haveeka is spoken by Havyaka Brahmins. Malayalam is spoken by many as it is across the border in Kerala . English and Hindi are also widely spoken, so communication shouldn't be much of a problem.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

Mangalore has two big railway stations.

• Mangalore Central (IR station code: MAQ ) at Hampankatta in the heart of the city, is a terminus and is used only by the trains which terminate at Mangalore.
• Mangalore Junction' (IR station code: MAJN ) is in Kankanady , about 5 km from the city centre. Most long-distance trains and all trains not terminating at Mangalore stop at this station.
• Surathkal (IR station code: SL ) is in Surathkal , about 18 km from the city centre. Most long-distance trains moving on the either to north or south India stop here.
• Udupi (IR station code: UD ) is in Udupi District , about 87 km from the Manglore City . Most long-distance trains moving on the either to north or south India stop here.

Here is a list of trains to reach Mangalore:

Also see Rail travel in India

By bus [ edit ]

There are two bus-stands in Mangalore for long-distance bus services.

• One is the state-run KSRTC bus-stand in Bejai , located towards the North of the city, but not far off from the city centre. The bus-services are run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation . They operate scheduled bus services to Mumbai , Bangalore , Mysore , Goa , Hubli - Dharwad and many other areas within and outside Karnataka . Services run by the Kerala State Transport and Tamil Nadu State Transport and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation also call in Mangalore at this very bus-stand.
• The other one is behind the Town Hall . It is known as the 'State Bank' stand by the locals, because of its proximity to a branch of the State Bank of India. It is the last stop for most of the private bus services to Mangalore (mostly Inter-District viz. Mangalore-Udupi and Inter-taluk buses).
• There is a third bus-stand (not exactly a bus-stand but an alighting point for passengers) in front of Milagres Church where most private tour and bus operators: Ideal Travels, Canara, Canara-Pinto, Vishal Travels, Anand Travels, VRL etc. have their offices. They operate buses of semi-deluxe, sleeper and Volvo types to various destinations viz. Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Thrissur, Hubli-Dharwad.
• There are various other pick-up points and drop points in Mangalore city

There are many bus services from Mangalore to all the nearby towns in Karnataka and Kerala. The long-distance bus services to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hubli-Dharwad and Goa run along the National Highways radiating to the North (towards Goa and Mumbai) NH-17, South (towards Kerala) and the East (towards Bangalore) NH-48.

By car [ edit ]

Mangalore is well connected to Goa , Mumbai , and Kerala via NH-17, to the state capital Bangalore via NH-48, and to Hyderabad via NH-13. Highways are only two-laned and very narrow, but make for extremely scenic drives as they all pass either through the Western Ghats or along the coastline. There is a lot of heavy traffic load on the highways owing to the increasing number of buses plying on these routes, as well as a lot of goods-transport trucks owing to the location of many plants and factories as well as New Mangalore Port on NH-17. So exercise caution while driving during periods of heavy traffic.

NH-48 from Sakleshpur to Mangalore, which had been completely unmotorable thanks to government apathy, is now repaired and somewhat motorable. Work is going on to convert NH-48 into a four-lane highway. Until they do this, one needs to go to Mangalore from Bangalore either through the potentially dangerous Charmadi Ghat road, or via the equally pathetic Mysore - Madikeri -Suliya route.

There are many car rental companies available.

Get around [ edit ]

There are numerous private bus companies which run bus services within the city of Mangalore and its suburbs. They have names like Padmambika Bus Co. Ltd. emblazoned in large letters in English on the front windscreen of the bus and on its sides. These buses also connect to all the minor urban centres surrounding Mangalore. Most of them originate from the Central Bus Stand at Mangalore behind the Town Hall: It is known as the 'State Bank' bus-stand.

Even though the buses are operated by different private companies, the bus numbering scheme is unified and quite useful. The destinations and routes are, however, all written in Kannada. The best way to use these buses is to ask around and the people are most helpful. If you are armed with a city map, one can get the hang of things within a day or so. The minimum bus fare is ₹5. If you are a student, you have to pay just half the bus fare.

In addition city bus service, there is limited stop (usually called express) bus service (the majority of these are run by various private bus companies) for inter-town/city travelling to neighbouring places. You may find these useful to visit places like Udupi, Manipal, Kaup, Karkala etc. Bus fare ranges between ₹14 and ₹35 for a distance up to 65 km. KSRTC operates AC Volvo buses to few destinations like Manipal .

By cab [ edit ]

Ola and Uber services are available in Mangalore.

White Ambassador Cabs/Indicas are available: usually used by passengers on long-haul routes. Shared cabs are also available for travel between the city and other talukas viz. Bantwal (BC Road).

Prepaid cabs are available from the airport to the city: this is generally at a flat rate of ₹350-400.

Car-rental facilities are also available in Mangalore.

By autorickshaws [ edit ]

They are available all throughout Mangalore City, the starting fare is ₹30. Pre-paid autos were available from the City Railway Station and the KSRTC bus stand at Bejai, but not any more. Autos also ply to far-off destinations, the outskirts, for one-and-a-half times the actual fare; this is roughly around ₹150, depending on the amount of money you have to spare, although one would prefer using buses to reach these areas as a cheaper mode of transport.

Inside the city, common and popular spots they go by meter. But if it is little outskirts, like Panambur beach or Bejai or Someshwar beach, they ask for one and half times, so you need to keep your nerve and bargain with them; otherwise, you may get looted. (The auto drivers will charge exorbitant rates if you do not haggle. If there is a problem with them, just search for a cop nearby. If the cop talks to them, the auto drivers treat you fairly.)

See [ edit ]

Most of the places to see are monuments of religious importance. A few of the important ones are listed below.

• 12.94894 74.88605 1 Adyapady Adinatheshwara , Bajpe .  
• Bhagavathi Kshetra , Kudroli .  
• 12.87 74.83874 2 Carstreet Venkataramana Temple .  
• Kalangan Konkani Heritage Centre , Shakthi Nagar ( 7 km from Mangalore ).  

• Kudroli Gokarnanatha .  
• 12.84875 74.84102 6 Mariyamma Temple .  
• Milagres Church , Hampankatta . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 12.8558 74.8365 7 Rosario Cathedral , Bolar . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 12.87382 74.84549 8 St. Aloysius Chapel , Lighthouse Hill . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 12.78694 74.85354 9 Someshwar Somanath Temple , Someshwar ( 14 km South of Mangalore City ).  
• 12.87032 74.84095 10 Sharavu Ganapathi Temple .  
• Shree Shanaishchara Temple , Bajpe .  
• 12.88981 74.8212 11 Sulthan Battery .  
• 12.81992 74.84722 12 Ullal Darga ( Ullal Juma Masjid ).  
• 12.84784 74.84145 13 Urwa Marigudi .  

Do [ edit ]

• Adventure : For the adventurous, the Western Ghats near Mangalore provide an ideal location to get lost in the dense jungles.
• Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is about 12 km from city and is a tourist spot with "Manasa" water theme park, animal park, boating, science centre, arboretum, golf course, all in one place.

• Surf : India's first surf club "Mantra Surf Club" is located just 24 km from Mangalore at Mulki. Just board an EXPRESS Bus heading towards Udupi and get down in Mulki. Ask for "Hare Krishna Ashram". The auto rickshaws charge around ₹20-30 from Mulki bus stand.
• Kapu Beach is about 45 km to the north. It can be reached by local express buses in 45 minutes. The beach has a lighthouse which is open to visitors.
• Malpe Beach is about 60 km to the north. It can be reached by local express buses.This beach has a resort. Also there is a small island of the beach about 15 minutes boat ride.Local ferry runs every 30 minutes or so. The last ferry back from the island is at 5PM.
• Panambur Beach is in Panambur , 10 km to the north of the city, near the New Mangalore Port and along the confluence of the Gurupur river and the Arabian Sea. This is comparatively more deserted and is a great spot for safe and secluded swimming. Panambur is well connected by bus and can also be reached by autorickshaw from the city centre. If you are coming Mangalore in January, definitely visit this beach for the kite festival happens for some period during this month. It is a fantastic scene to watch.
• Someshwar Beach is in Ullal , 11 km to the south of the city, near the confluence of the Netravati River and the Arabian Sea. The beachface is extremely rocky and considered dangerous for swimming. However, it is a great place to relax and watch the spectacular sunsets. Ullal is accessible by bus, train and autorickshaw from the city centre.
• Suratkal Beach is about 15 km to the north of the city. It has a beautiful lighthouse and few rocks. The biggest thing on this beach is its "sand". It's totally different from all other beaches that it is powder like as compared to sand type feeling at all other beaches. You can confirm it by walking barefoot on beach. This beach has a resort named "Red Rock Residency" where people come every weekend to enjoy.
• Tannirbavi Beach is one of the best beaches of Mangalore. One can enjoy the sunset view here. It is located at a distance of 12 km from Mangalore. You can also take a ferry from several spots in the city to the beach. One of the most popular ways is to take the ferry from Sulthan Battery.

Buy [ edit ]

• Empire Mall . The "Empire Mall" has the Nilgiris supermarket, Coffee Day, Amazon multi cuisine restaurant and a few other retail chains. It also houses Combinations, a good store for artificial jewellery and cosmetic requirements, not as big as, but similar to Claire's. ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Bharath Mall . The "Bharath Mall" has an Big Cinemas Multiplex, Big Bazaar,Food Bazaar, PlanetM, Pizza Hut, Coffee Day, Subway, Adidas, Reebok, Planet Sports, Swawroski, Levi's. ( updated Sep 2015 )
• City Centre Mall . The City Centre Mall. It is on K.S. Rao Road. It has a retail space of almost 800,000 square feet. Lifestyle, Westside, Spencers, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Landmark are open at the mall. Mexican-based Cinepolis has a 5-screen multiplex at the mall. Also there is Spar Hypermarket. ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Forum Fiza Mall . Opened in 2014, The largest mall of the city, located in Pandeshwar houses a variety of retail stores and showrooms. It also houses PVR Cinemas with 5 screens and various gaming arcades and cafes. ( updated Sep 2015 )

Supermarkets [ edit ]

There are various supermarkets across the city where you can get groceries & other daily items. A few of them are:

• Aditya Birla's More for you (Attavar, Deralakatte, Kadri, Valencia, Kankanady, Chilimbi, Bendoor, Kodailbail, Barke, Kudroli)
• SPAR super market , city centre, K S Rao Road, Mangaluru.
• Baliga's Supermarket (near K.S.R.T.C., Bejai)
• Big Bazaar & Food Bazaar (Bharath Mall Bejai, Mangaladevi Road)
• Big Bazar (opposite KSRTC Bus Stand)
• Ganesh Bazaar (New Chitra Road)
• Janatha Bazaar (GHS Road)
• Jimmy's Supermarket , the official groceries supplier of C.P. and visitors (Nathoor Tollgate and Falnir)
• Joofry's (Saibeen Complex, Lalbagh)
• Nilgiri's (Empire Mall, Kankanady, Deralakatte)
• Neelgiris, More, Reliance shopping marts are found commonly in Mangalore.
• V Hypermart (Mischief mall K.S. Rao Road)

Apart from these, a few more supermarkets such as Spencers, Mark & Spencers, Reliance Fresh are expected to open their outlets in Mangalore.

Eat [ edit ]

Udupi-style restaurants [ edit ].

There are numerous small restaurants where one can gorge on cheap food as long as one likes South Indian food. The most typical ones are the Udupi-style restaurants which serve the staple fare of idli, wada and a variety of dosas. You can wash them down with some home-grown filter coffee or tea.

• Hotel Ayodhya is famous for authentic Mangalore-style food. Try appam, ghee dose, vastad roti, parota/tingalavare song.
• Janata Deluxe also serves authentic Udupi style food items.
• Taj Mahal , two locations in Mangalore (Hampankatta & Kodialbail). The coffee served in Taj Mahal is regarded by many to be the best coffee available anywhere — the exact contents of the coffee powder used are kept a secret, Taj Mahal has a lot of patrons who visit the restaurant almost ritualistically thrice a day. Apart from the coffee there are a wide variety of dishes available including the dosas.
• Woodlands Restaurant ( between Jyothi and Bunts hostel road ), ☏ +91 824 2443751 . Rs.100 for vegetarian lunch. . ( updated Mar 2022 )

North Indian cuisine [ edit ]

• If you are looking for North Indian food, you are not spoilt for choice. Some of the larger hotels have a larger menu but the food is not particularly appetizing. One important joint in this category would be the restaurant at Hotel Srinivas on G.H.S Road: awesome food at great prices (vegetarian-only).
• Otherwise for the Mughlai-tandoori variety, don't forget to check out The Royal Darbar (Bendorewell-Kankanady Road) and the Mogul Treat (at Highlands, opposite Highland Hospital).
• Biryani Paradise (Kankanady-Pumpwell road).
• Chicken Tikka Halal (Saibeen complex)
• Shetty's Kori roti (near Canara College) it supplies Mangalore style chicken curry with Kori roti (rice papads).

Seafood [ edit ]

Try such dishes as Kane Rava fry, Anjal Masala fry and Manji Masala fry.

• Amantran (Attavar, near the city railway station) is a must try for sea food.
• Anupama (Bunts Hostel)
• Bombay Lucky (next door to Bunder Police station) is the best place to eat after late night parting. It's a typical greasy food joint serves tasty ghee rice, rice pathari, biriyani, fried chicken, mutton dishes (a bit greasy but good really good to settle your post party starving). Must try their black tea with lime after food.
• Coconut Grove ( opposite Colaco hospital, Bendore main road ).  
• Sanadige - Goldfinch Hotel , Bunts Hostel Road near Jyoti Circle , ☏ +91 824-4245678 , [email protected] .  
• Kings Court (highway near Kottara Chowki)
• Maharaja (near Jyoti)
• Narayana Hotel at Bunder is famous for delicious Mangalore-style fish fry with fish curry rice.
• Palkhi (Jyothi circle)
• Manja's ( Giri manja ) ( near the Mukhya Prana Temple, lower car street ). Local fish delicacies. ( updated Aug 2015 )
• Verna Hotel ( opposite City Centre Mall ), ☏ +91 9901832540 . Afternoon . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Kerala cuisine [ edit ]

Another category of small eateries is the Malayali joints. As Mangalore is adjacent to Kerala, it has a fair share of Malayalis who patronize these places. You will see that these eateries have their names written in large letters in the Malayalam script. They provide a selection of non-vegetarian food prepared in typical Kerala-style. A famous place to cite in this category would be Kairali Restaurant, near the Railway Station behind Milagres Church.

Premium restaurants [ edit ]

If you're ready to spend a little more money, visit the various restaurants around which offer varied cuisines of your choice and taste, at a price! The 'Chicken Ghee Roast', which is a delicacy specifically of Dakshina Kannada is available at many of the premium restaurants.

Some of the famous restaurants:

• Amazon , Mg Road, Empire Mega Mall.
• Coconut Grove . Opp Colaco Hospital, Bendore main road, Kankanady  
• Diesel Café , Mischief--SCS Hospital Road, Balmatta.
• Gajalee , Circuit House Compound, Kadri Hills , ☏ +91 22 3375 6175 .  
• Kabab Studio - Goldfinch Hotel ( Balmata ), Bunts Hostel Rd , ☏ +91 824 4245678 . Fresh barbeque and kababs with a licensed bar.  
• Hotel Abhiman Residency . Kadri Road near Bunts Hostel.  
• Kadal , Light House Hill Road (Nalapad Residency) Enjoy fine-dine with overlooking the Mangalore skyline.
• Kudla , Balmatta Road.
• Village , Airport Rd, Yeyyadi , ☏ +91 824 221 4158 .  
• Maharaja , Bunts Hostel Road.
• Mainland China , [Mahaveer Circle(Pumpwell)]
• Memories Of Joanna , (Summer Sands beach resort, Ullal)
• Mughul Treat , Falnir, Highlands.
• The Ocean Pearl , Kodial Bail.
• Paalkhi , (Balmatta Road) A four-star restaurant. Great food but will be heavy on your wallet.
• Pegasus , Jeppina Moger.
• Pegz , K.S.Rao Road, Veg Bar n restaurant.
• Royal Durbar , Kankanady.
• The Saffron . The Saffron boutique Hotel,GHS Road Hampankatta  
• Trishna , (Padavinangadi)--three floors of themed restaurants. Punjaabi Dhaaba remains the city's favorite.

Ice cream and snacks [ edit ]

Mangalore is often labelled ' ice cream town' for the boom in the number of parlours in and around the city. Some of the most famous ones include:

• Bon Bon's Bakery , Yeyyadi, near Madhuvan Village. Tiny place run by an old lady (gives a very homely feel to it) with absolutely awesome French Cakes and pastries, a must-taste. Hot favorite here is the "Day and Night" pastry.
• Cherry Square , Next to SCS Hospital.
• Cochin Bakery Three outlets throughout Mangalore, at Ceebees tower on Old Pumpwell Road (Kankanady), at A.B. Shetty Circle (near State Bank) and at Padua Circle (opposite Padua High School)
• Complex's , "Joofris" in the ground floor.
• Cream Caramel , Saibeen Shopping Complex. Mouth watering pastries, cakes, pizzas & other products.
• Crumbz ,(besides Deepa Comfort Hotel, Opposite A.B.Shetty Dental College - Deralakatte, Opposite Canara High School - Dongerkery and in Kankanady)
• Danish Bakes , Bendorewell Road. (A.R.D'Souza Complex)
• Dino's , Awesome snacks and pastries. Located at Falnir, behind Misbah Supermarket.
• Ideals Ice Cream , Hampankatta , ☏ +91 824 245 6874 . There are three parlours (2 ideals, 200 metres of one another. One is located near the Milgres junction and the other one is near the next junction heading towards the market) 3rd one 'Pabba's', at Lalbagh diagonally facing Saibeen Complex. Ideals is marked as one of the best ice cream in DK, when you are in mangalore this is a must try place. You have to try out "Gadbad" ice cream which is only available in Ideals and the best of all ice creams. Gadbad icecream is an old favorite which has dry fruits and fresh ones chopped up with nuts, layered with icecream (strawberry and vanilla) and topped off with Jello. Hot favorites are "Chocolate Dad" and "Tiramisu".  
• Komal's , Hampankatta, adjacent to Ideals (Milagres junction). Sells good Indian sweets.
• Mahalaxmi Sweets and Chaats , Kankanady.
• Minimelts ice cream , available in Saibeen, Bharath Mall and Emipire Mall
• Pabba's , at Lalbagh diagonally facing Saibeen Complex. Is also one of the outlets of Ideals.
• Pop Tates , in Balmatta area, opposite Cafe Coffee Day and adjacent to Froth On Top.
• Snack-Shack , (beside Move'n'Pick Supermarket at Valencia)
• Srinidhi Juice & Snacks , Opp to Joy Alukas Jewellery, Next to Petrol bunk, Falnir, 18 Year old shop, Serves Fresh Fruit Juices, Fruit Chat, Lassi, Maggie, Pav Bhaji & other Snacks.
• Srinidhi Juice & Snacks , Opp to Srinivasa Theater (Balaji), B.E.M High School Road, Carstreet, 50 Year old shop, Serves Fresh Fruit Juices, Fruit Chat, Lassi, Maggie, Pav Bhaji & other Snacks.

International flavours [ edit ]

If you're in for the other famous & international eating places, try:

• Bon Bons Bakery (Yeyyadi, near Madhuvan Village) Excellent Cakes and pastries, one should tryout.
• Cafe Coffee Day (Bharath Mall, Empire Mall & Oberle Towers, Balmatta and 6 other outlets)
• ChicKing (Empire Mall, City center Mall)
• Hao Ming Chinese Restaurant (Balmatta)

Drink [ edit ]

Fruit juice and cold drinks [ edit ].

An array of mini fruit juice stalls dot every nook and cranny of Mangalore City; at bus stops, near shopping areas, etc. that serve the usual fare of juices and milkshakes. Name it and it's all there for you. But this is not recommended if your gut is not immune to such juices! Normal restaurants would definitely be a hygienic alternative!

A must visit place : Srinidhi Juice & Snacks , Opp to Srinivasa Theater (Balaji), B.E.M High School Road, Carstreet, 50 Year old shop, Serves Fresh Fruit Juices, Fruit Chat, Lassi, Maggie, Pav Bhaji & other Snacks.

Tendercoconut (Local language called Bonda or Shiyala) is available in plenty. Most vendors charge about ₹20 each.

Aerated cold drinks like Coke & Pepsi are also available, just as in any other part of the world. Try out the local varieties, such as 'Zaffa' or 'Joy' for taste. If you want to have hygienically flavoured sugarcane juice, then you will find a joint in Bharath Mall. You will wonder how much technology has changed these days!

Another must visit place is the Temple Square (Car street). The juice shop to check out is the one located between School book company & an Ayurvedic medicine shop.This juice shop specialises in dishing out concoctions made up of locally grown berries.Famous flavours include "Nannari", "Jaljeera", "Hingastak", "Birinda", and the rest is up to you to explore.The juice shop perfectly complements the fried delicacies served at "Balli's podi" located right across the street. Its the best place to eat "podis" in Mangalore. The mouth watering hot hot podis are irresistible.

Coffee shops [ edit ]

Well there's the usual Cafe Coffee Day with its main outlet at Balmatta and four others at Deralakatte bang opposite the A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences campus, at the ONGC-MRPL Complex at Katipalla, Surathkal (near Infant Mary Church) and two outlets at the Empire Mega Mall (MG Road) and at Bharath Mall (Opposite KSRTC Bus Stand, Bejai). The outlets offer the youth a good hangout and a place to chill.

If you're game for just plain filter coffee, without the extra hype, try out any of the Udupi cafes. Like the Taj Mahal hotels at Car Street, Hampankatta and Town Hall areas.

Alcohol [ edit ]

And yes... if you're looking beers or vodka, you can either buy your liquor from the many wineshops around: for example, Hi-spirits (Bendoorwell-Kankanady), Rajaram Wines (Bolar) or you can check out the various resto-bars/lounge bars in the city. Some of the famous ones include:

• Amazon , Empire Mega mall, M.G.Road Lalbagh .  
• Dolphin , Mallikatta .  
• Froth on Top , Balmatta . Though they serve only beer and wine, they're reputed for their ambience, hookah and if you're lucky, the occasional get the guitar and start singing crowd.  
• Kainos ( at Abhiman Residency in the Bunts Hostel Area ).  
• Lawnsway Bar and Restaurant , Sturrock Rd, Falnir . You should definitely try chicken ghee-roast, mouth watering food.  
• The Liquid Lounge , Balmatta Road . The general youth hangout! - A legendary name in Mangalore.  
• Maharaja ( Opposite Gold Finch, near Jyothi Circle ). Well priced and yummy Tharu Boothai Fry  
• Mangala Bar n' Restaurant ( Opp. Retreat House, Valencia ).  
• Pegasus , Jeppinamogaru ( near Fisheries College ). It's very expensive but is a great place to hang out.  
• Rajaram Wines , Bolara Kepe Building, Near Ahwini Restaurant, Main Road, Bolar .  
• Village , Yeyyadi road . Known for its excellent ambiance.  
• Wine Gate , Balmatta . A liquor supermarket with another floor to dine and drink.  
• Wines and Spiritz , Times Square Kadri. .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

There is no shortage of budget hotels in Mangalore. K S Rao road has many affordable hotels.

• Ayodhya ( Sri Ram Bhavan ) ( near P V S Circle ). Conveniently located and has a very good vegetarian restaurant; 'Ram Bhavan'.  
• Ganesh Prasad , Ganesh Prasad Building, K S Rao Rd , ☏ +91 824-244 041 . ₹275+ .  
• Hotel Akbar , Market Road , ☏ +91 824 2440098 , +91 824 2429275 . ₹400 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel Blue Star , Falnir Rd ( Bus: Old bus stand ), ☏ +91 824 2426680 . ₹239 for single .  
• Hotel Das Prakash , Opp. KSRTC , ☏ +91 824 4261982 , +91 8050734757 . ₹600 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel Navratna . ₹400 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel Rajadhani , Milagres Cross Road, Hampankatta. , ☏ +91 824 2423631 , +91 824 2426767 2422168 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel Roopa , Balmatta Road, Hampankatta./ , ☏ +91 824 2421271 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Hotel Vasanth Mahal , K S Rao Rd ( Bus: K S Rao Road ), ☏ +91 824 2441179 . seems to be a good hotel.  
• Railway Retirement Room ( inside the railway station ). ₹125 . ( updated May 2015 )
• Srinivas Hotel , Ganapathy Highschool Road, near Hampankatta Railway Station , ☏ +91 824 2440061 . ₹600 . ( updated Apr 2015 )
• Yash Arcade ( opposite the Mangalore Bus Stand near the Adlabs theatre ). Excellent quality doubles. ₹500 .  
• Youth Hostel , Nehru Avenue, Ballalbagh ( Near Mangalore City Corporation, Behind Hindi Prachar Bhavan ), ☏ +91 824 2457181 . Cheap and clean place for tourists and travellers. No arrangement for food. 1 Family Room @ ₹150/- per rooms per day 1 Dorm of 8 beds @ ₹50/- per bed 1 Dorm of 4Beds @₹50/- per bed .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

There are many midrange hotels in Mangalore.

• Hotel Hindusthan , near old bus stand, k.s. rao Rd , ☏ +91 824 2411333 . Check-in: 24 hr , check-out: 24 hr . ₹700-1500 per day .  
• Hotel Surya , Greens compound, Balmatta Rd , ☏ +91 824-2425736-46 . Spacious rooms, good ventilation.  
• Prestige , Collectors Gate, Balmatta , ☏ +91 824 2410601 . ₹1500 per day .  
• Woodlands Hotel ( Bunts Hostel Road ), ☏ +91 824 2443751 . ₹3000 for Delulxe AC room, ₹2000 for double AC room, and ₹1000 for single room in the old block. Fine vegetarian restaurant attached. Parking for 40 cars. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Hotel Srinivas , GHS Road, Mangalore 1 , ☏ +91 824 2440061 . Lift, restaurant and good lobby. 1800 ₹ . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• The Gateway Hotel (A part of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces) , Old Port Rd ( Near State Bank of India, Pandeshwar ), ☏ +91 824-6660420 , fax : +91 824-6660585 , [email protected] . while the hotel is not bad, the surroundings are definitely smelly and sub-par. ₹2016-6720 .  
• Hotel Goldfinch . Four star hotel.  
• Hotel Poonja International , K.S. Rao Rd , ☏ +91 824-2440171 , fax : +91 824-2441081 , [email protected] . ₹672-3360 .  
• Hotel Woodside (Not to be confused with Hotel Woodside Business Hotel) , K.S. Rao Rd ( Opposite The Goldfinch Hotel ), ☏ +91 824-4278550 . Very clean and big, newly renovated rooms. Very surprised to find this quality at the price. But food is a no no. ₹1300 for double with private bathroom, Air Con, Television .  
• Kumar's International , Bendorewell Main Rd ( opp. colaco hospital ), ☏ +91 824-2225871 . Check-in: 24 hr , check-out: 24 hr . ₹750-1,680 .  
• Moti Mahal , Falnir Rd , ☏ +91 824-2441411 . ₹518-2415 .  
• Nalapad Residency , Light House Hill Rd ( ahead Alukkas Jewellery store, on the way to St. Aloysius College ), ☏ +91 824 2424757 . ₹650-1750 .  
• The Ocean Pearl , Navbharath Circle, Kodial Bail ( Opposite Ram Bhavan Complex ), ☏ +91 824 2413800-2491011 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . ₹2000-4500 .  
• Pandit Health Resort & Spa ( Moodabidri ), Alangar MoodabidriAlangar karnal main Rd , ☏ +91 9901728861 . Pandits Health Resort & Spa, a deluxe five-star resort is situated approx. 27 km from Airport, 30 km from Mangalore city, 3 km from Moodabidri on Mangalore-Karkal road on NH-13. The 10 acres resort is fully developed with beautiful landscaping & internal roads. Eco friendly natural lush green environment, zero pollution, scenic view, lotus ponds, fish pond, water fountains, children park, indoor & outdoor games such as cricket, badminton, basketball, football, special trees with flowers, fruits, spices, cashew etc. One km Jogging track to pump in fresh oxygen for healthy mind & soul. Ready to use large ozonised swimming pool, special kids pool with showers, separate male & female changing/wash rooms. Exclusive Jacuzzi & an Ayurvedic Spa is an added attraction of the resort. Deluxe Suite & Deluxe A/c. cottages with Five Star amenities such as LCDs, shower panels, separate living room with best of the interiors, furniture, electronics & fittings amidst gardens & fountains. The cottages surrounded by the mango groves add to the charm.  
• The Saffron , G. H. S. Rd , ☏ +91 824-4255542 , fax : +91 824-4255542 , [email protected] . ₹1799-5000 .  
• Srinivas , Near Ganapathi High School Road, Hampankatta , ☏ +91 824 2440061 . ₹550-1017 .  
• Summer Sands Beach Resort , Chotamangalore Ullal 575020 , ☏ +91 9480048888 , +91 8861373737 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: 11AM . ₹3000-14000 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Malaria is endemic in Mangalore. So, don't forget to carry your mosquito repellent creams, mosquito mats, coils, liquidators, etc. along with you (let that be your first priority on your list of things to pack!). Consult your doctor for advice on malaria prophylaxis before you arrive in Mangalore. If you have the slightest idea of a fever with chills, rush yourself to a nearby hospital to get yourself checked.

Also, it is advisable to get yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis A (food-borne Hepatitis) in case you haven't been vaccinated already.

Three things will do more to prevent an upset stomach or other traveling ailments than anything else:

• Always choose water from filters (Aquaguard water) or bottled mineral water, just to be on the safe side.
• Carrying water free hand sanitizer is a must (Germ-X, Purell, etc.) Go ahead and eat with your hands like everyone else! Once you use your hand sanitizer your hands are cleaner than the silverware that was washed with water you don't want to drink.
• Always choose foods that are steaming hot. Food is often prepared ahead of time so you want to see it cooked or see the steam coming of the food.

Hospitals in case of emergencies

• K.M.C hospital - B.R.Ambedkar Circle (Opposite Jyothi Talkies), Yenepoya Hospital (V.T.Road), Indiana Hospital and Omega Hospital (NH17, Mahaveer circle)

Go next [ edit ]

• Bakel — site of famous Bakel fort, 65 km.
• Bangalore — city, 378 km
• Chikmagalur — Hill station, 151 km
• Kannur — beach, 143 km
• Karkala — Pilgrim centre. 61 km
• Kasaragod — beach town with scenic rivers, 53 km
• Kozhikode — major beach city with ancient mosques, 244 km.
• Madikeri — Hill Station, 138 km
• Moodbidre — Bamboo town, 34 km
• Mysore — city of palaces and gardens, 255 km
• Udupi — Temple Town, 54 km
• Dharmasthala - famous temple
• Ullal — beach village, 10 km

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18 Best Places To Visit In Mangalore That You Must Not Miss

Whether you're planning a family vacation or traveling solo, here are the 11 places to visit in Mangalore

Sitting at the estuary of the picturesque Netravathi and Gurupur Rivers on the Arabian Sea, Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is the second-largest city and major port in Karnataka for international trade since the 6th century. Located at a distance of 352 km west of Bangalore, there are many places to visit in Mangalore. Named after the goddess Mangaladevi, Mangalore is Karnataka’s only city to have all four modes of transport—road, rail, air, and sea.  

The administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district, Mangalore is also a commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare and start-up hub. It has virtually become a ‘melting pot’ of cultures with an increasing influx of students from various states of India and different parts of the world. The city’s landscape is characterised by coconut palms, rivers, hard laterite soil, and rolling hills. It has a tropical monsoon climate and is best visited from the months of September to April as summers can get very hot and humid and the monsoon season gets heavy rainfall. 

It is best known for its laidback lifestyle, sun-kissed beaches, lush green gardens, age-old temples, and vast public parks. There are also many places to visit near Mangalore such as Udupi, Manipal, Dharmastala etc. Mangalore makes a perfect choice for those who wish to spend a relaxing and peaceful vacation.

18 Places To Visit In Mangalore, Handpicked Just For You

1. mangaladevi temple: devoted to goddess durga.

Established in the 19th century by the king of the Ahepa dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi who is considered to be a form of the goddess Durga, also known by the name Shakti. The grand temple is visited by devotees in large numbers and is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. It is believed that the fierce goddess fulfils all your wishes and helps you overcome obstacles if you wish with an honest heart. The spacious temple complex allows devotees to offer prayers or sit and meditate to feel rejuvenated and at peace. The best time to visit the temple is during Dussehra when the festivities at the temple are at their peak. It is open from 6-10 AM, 12-1 PM, and 4-8 PM, and has no entry fee.

Also read:  Experience these 10 incredible ancient temples in India

2. Panambur Beach: Famous For The International Kite Festival

Situated at a distance of 13 km from Mangalore, to the south of Mangalore port, Panambur Beach has been awarded the cleanest and best-maintained beaches in India owing to its excellent maintenance. Best known for the stunning sunset view, photography and thrilling water sports, Panambur Beach is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. You can enjoy sunbathing and going for beach strolls, while those who are fond of adventure sports can indulge in water scooter rides, jet-skiing, horse and buggy rides, camel rides, and banana boat rides. Every year in January, Panambur Beach hosts the International Kite Festival. Along with kite flying ceremonies, sand sculpture and boat races, competitions are also a part of this festival. The beach is open from 10 AM to 5.30 PM and has no entry fee.

Also read:  Top 12 eco-friendly beaches from around the world

3. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple: Dedicated To Lord Shiva

The Kudroli Gokarnath Temple or Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by Sri Narayana Guru, a spiritual guru and social reformer from Kerala. The temple is dedicated to ‘Gokarnanatha’, another name for the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple’s architecture, however, is more akin to a Dravidian style and features a 60 ft high golden Gopuram. This temple is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore during the major Hindu festivals and features some exquisite works of sculpting and rock carving.

Visiting this temple during Dussehra and Navratri celebrations is particularly fascinating. Celebration of these festivals in the Gokarnath temple is popularly called ‘Mangalore Dasara’. Lifesize idols of ‘Nava Durga’ —the nine forms of goddess Durga—are on display at this time along with other life-size idols of Sharada Matha and Maha Ganapathi. If you’re into architecture, this temple can be one of the best tourist places in Mangalore for you to visit. The temple timings are from 6 AM to 9 PM and has no entry fee.

4. Surathkal Beach: Enjoy Golden Sunsets

The Surathkal Beach is another pristine beach in Mangalore and is located further down the Konkan coast, south of the tourist trap of Goa, about 13 km from the port city of Mangalore. The beach is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore, known for its unique powdery sand which is comforting to walk barefoot on. A charming lighthouse is present here which completes the scene of coastal beauty and provides a picturesque view of the countryside. The sunsets here are definitely worth the drive from Mangalore. This beach has few options for those wanting to engage in water sports. If you are a beach baby, then Surathkal Beach should definitely be one of the places to visit on your itinerary. The beach is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and has no entry fee.

Also read:  10 beach destinations to visit in India, other than Goa

5. Pilikula Nisargadhama: A Famous Infotainment Park

Located in the picturesque hamlet of Vamanjoor, Pilikula is one of the best tourist places in Mangalore with a famous Infotainment Park created amidst nature to provide a rejuvenating experience for nature and wildlife lovers. The name Pilikula means ‘a pool of Tigers’ in Tulu. One can find several wildlife species inside the park including tigers, bears, leopards, and a variety of reptiles. They also have a botanical garden, a zoo, a golf course, a science centre, a water park, and an artisan village within their premises. You can even spot a few migratory birds if you visit between October and February. It is open from 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM with an entry fee of INR 20 and INR 50 for Indian children and adults respectively whereas for foreigners it is INR 100. It is one of the popular places to visit in Mangalore for nature lovers.

6. St Aloysius Chapel: A Beautiful White Wonder

Known for astounding architecture and interior, St Aloysius Chapel or the Chapel of St Aloysius College was built in 1800 and offers unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea. It is located within the premises of one of the most well-known educational institutions, St Aloysius College in Mangalore. The St Aloysius chapel houses many beautiful sculptures, frescos, and paintings. These paintings were painted in 1899 by Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Jesuit when he visited Mangalore on a mission in 1878. Being Mangalore’s very own Sistine Chapel, the St Aloysius Chapel a visual treat for art lovers and is a must-visit tourist place in Mangalore not only for its art but for the peaceful atmosphere it offers to calm a troubled mind. It is open from 7 AM to 7 PM and has no entry fee.

7. Sultan Battery: The Historical Watchtower Of Mangalore

Constructed in 1784, Sultan Battery is the last remnant of the fierce and majestic Tipu Sultan. It is among the most famous tourist places to visit in Mangalore for history buffs. The tower was made of black stone to keep a close watch on the invading ships around the Arabian Sea. The place has underground chambers where the sultan stored gunpowder and canyons. Subsequently, this place was taken over and used as the Naval Office by the British.

Presently, this is a historic structure but if you climb up the stairs to the top of Sultan Battery you can enjoy the jaw-dropping vistas of the Arabian Sea, a real treat for nature lovers. From Sultan Battery, you can also take a boat ride (local ferry service) across the Gurupura River to Tannirbavi Beach. It is open from 9 AM to 9.15 PM, has no entry fee and is less than 5 km from the city centre. Visiting Sultan Battery and taking a ferry to the beach is among the best things to do in Mangalore

Also read:  8 of the most stunning forts in India

8. Milagres Church: An Ancient Roman Catholic Church

Situated in the Hampankatta area and constructed in 1680 by Bishop Thomas de Castro, Milagres Church is one of the oldest churches of Mangalore and Dakshina Kannada. The former structure of this Roman Catholic Church was revamped in some years and the present-day church was built in 1784. Regarded as one of the tourist places in Mangalore, the major aspects that draw tourists are the century-old architecture, its historical importance and religious significance. This beautiful white marble structure hosts regular prayer services and mass, including a special Sunday mass. Many choose to sit in silence for hours to calm their minds and observe the beautiful interiors. It is open from 6 AM to 7 PM and has no entry fee.

Also read:  Visit these 11 beautiful churches from across the globe

9. Tannirbhavi Beach: Offering A Sight To Behold

One of the most famous tourist places in Mangalore, the Tannirbhavi beach (about 12 km from the city centre) attracts visitors and tourists in huge numbers. Located on the outskirts of Mangalore it offers picturesque sunset views. The coastline with fresh air and golden sands is rejuvenating and draws people to the natural beauty of the location. The beach gained a lot of popularity lately with the installation of modern facilities like proper washrooms, parking spaces, lifeguards and several eatery stalls. It has become quite famous for water sports such as boating, surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking. You can enjoy walking bare feet along the golden coastline, chasing the waves or gazing at the ocean in introspection. It is open from Monday to Sunday between 6 AM to 10 PM and has no entry fee.

10. Ullal Beach: Pristine Beach On The Outskirts

Located in Ullal, a small fishing village, is a perfect place to visit in Mangalore (just 12 km from the city), to sit, unwind, relax and watch the sunset. The coast is dotted with lush casuarina and palm plantations making it look like a scene from a beautiful painting. The waters of the beach invite you to take a dip and are clean. For adrenaline junkies, there are arrangements for some water sporting activities like jet skiing, sailing, and speed boating that will pump up your blood with energy and are sure to excite you. You can treat yourself to some delicious eats that are a local favourite here. A trip to Ullal Beach is an ideal getaway from the daily hassles and monotony of life. It is open 24 hours and has no entry fee.

Also Read: 8 of the most beautiful beaches to visit in Mangalore

11. Kadri Manjunatha Temple: One Of The Oldest Temples In South India

Situated at the base of the Kadri hills with the chief deity being Manjunatha, the Kadri Manjunatha temple has a Vijayanagara architectural style dating back to the 12th century. In the early 10th century, Kadri was the centre of Buddhism. When Buddhism declined Natha Prantha, a new religion, came into being. The devotees, referred to as  jogis , were believers of Manjunatha (a form of Shiva). Built in 1608, the temple has many caves around it that go back to prehistoric times. At an elevated point, behind the temple, there is a spring called Kashi Bhageerathi Theerth. It is believed that the river Bhageerathi in Kashi is the source of the water here. As a tradition, devotees visit here to cleanse themselves before entering the temple.

The overall location of the temple is extremely calm and spiritual. Renovated many times, the current structure of the temple was done in the 14th century. It belongs to the category of Tulunadu temples in the Dakshina Kannada region and is among the best religious places to visit in Mangalore. If you are an architecture lover, you shouldn’t miss out on this place; it’s open from 6.30 AM to 8.30 PM and has no entry fee.

12. Sakleshpur: A Popular Hillstation In Karnataka

Sakleshpur is a popular hill station town which is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats in the region of Malnad, it offers spellbinding views. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Mangalore. It has a temperate climate and is surrounded by lofty green hills full of coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations. It offers something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. Whether you are looking for agricultural products or the discovery of a jyotirlinga by the Hoysalas, the quaint town of Sakleshpur earned its name rightly as it is no less verdant than Ooty. Sakleshpur is 130 km from the city of Mangalore and easily accessible by road.

13. Kadri Hill Park: The Highest And The Largest Park In Mangalore

Kadri Hill Park also known as simply Kadri Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Mangalore. This large park encompasses a garden, a musical fountain and a nature park. It is visited by locals during weekends and vacations for leisure and is also a rather popular area for walks, jogs and other forms of exercise amidst the beautifully maintained foliage. You can experience the beauty of nature at this park along with your family and friends.

Plan a picnic in the lap of nature or go on a toy train ride with your children around the park (operating at specific times in the evening). The park also hosts horticultural shows or other fun events like dog shows, flower shows, exhibits and more during specific times of the year. If you are planning a family vacation, do visit Kadri Hill Park, besides the toy train rides children can also enjoy other fun activities in the children’s play zone.

14. Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple: One Of The Most Sacred Sites In Mangalore

Situated on an islet in the middle of the holy river Nandini, Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple is one of the most religious places in the region. The temple is located around 25 km from the city of Mangalore and attracts a lot of devotees every day, every year. This stunning Kerala-style temple’s presiding deity is goddess Durga Parameshwari, also known as Bhramari. Within the premises of the temple, you’ll find many other smaller temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. As you enter the main temple, you will see a huge rock at the entrance, known as Raktheshwari, a form of goddess Durga who appeared as a bee and killed Arunasura (a demon). The temple is a must-visit during Durga Ashtami and Navratri. It is one of the best temples to visit near Mangalore.

15. Our Lady Of Rosary Cathedral: First Roman Catholic Church In The Canara Region

This 16th-century Roman Catholic church was originally the church of the old Portuguese factory. Built by the Portuguese in 1568, the church is a magnificent structure with a beautiful interior and one of the few places in Mangalore where you can find peace and tranquillity away from the chaotic city life. It is located at a distance of 1.5 km from Mangalore Railway Station, near Mangaladevi Temple and is open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Its architecture is designed in the pattern of St Peter’s Basilica of Rome. The magnificent cross and the dome of Rosary Cathedral are said to be the most prominent features which are easily visible to the ships approaching the Mangalore Harbour.

16. Bejai Museum: A Well-Known Treasury Of Many Ancient Artifacts

Often referred to as Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, Bejai Museum is located at a distance of 3 km from Mangalore Railway Station. It is a two-storied building that resembles a ship and was built in 1955 by Col. V.R. MIrajkar. It houses impressive collections of ancient coins, artefacts, weapons, items of daily use, paintings and sculptures, which provides a detailed insight into Indian history, heritage and culture. This will be a visual treat for kids, history buffs and archaeologists.

17. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple: One Of The Most Popular Temples Of Southern India

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. It is within 1.5 km from the railway station. The temple was built by 12th-century Tuvalu king Veerabahu and is well-acclaimed as one of the most popular temples in the southern part of India. This well-known pilgrim centre has huge reverence among Hindu devotees. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is a must-visit on special occasions like Sri Ganesh Chaturthi, the annual Car Festival or “Rathothsava”, Deepothsava or Festival of Lights and on Shankasti Chaturthi days.

18. Pilikula Regional Science Center: One Of A Kind Science Centre In Mangalore

Set up in an area of 10 acres, Pilikula Regional Science Center (about 12 km from the city centre) houses 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium and also a 3D theatre facility, among other things. It was inaugurated in 2014 and was set up jointly by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of Karnataka (GoK) and National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) Kolkata, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India (GoI). It is among the worthwhile places to visit in Mangalore, the main appeal being that it’s a multi-purpose tourist attraction. Pilikula Regional Science Center hosts school children on a regular basis and also has a Science Park in the lush green garden area outside the Science Centre building, which includes a Dinosaur Park.

How To Make The Most Of Your Trip To Mangalore

There are many popular places to visit in Mangalore when it comes to sightseeing. Each and every beach here is stupendous and worth visiting. Mangalore has a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere and the locals are proud of their city. You’ll find Mangalore to be one of the cleaner cities in India and the locals take a lot of initiative to keep it so. You will find graffiti and beautiful murals on street walls and many of them depict the local culture and encourage cleanliness. As travellers, we must ensure we do our part as well. 

Mangalore is considered to be a multicultural city. Despite the many differences in caste, religion, and ethnicity, the people here are progressive and peacefully coexist with each other. The people here are very friendly and laid back. With Konkani and Tuluva cultures playing a big role, the primary language is not Kannada, the official language of the state, but instead, Tulu and Konkani are more widely spoken. One may never face any language barrier in the South Karnataka region as most people here speak many languages such as Kannada, Hindi and English fluently; and with the advent of many IT companies languages like Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Marwari, etc., are also spoken. In recent years, Mangalore has also been working towards being a smart and green city to lessen its environmental impact on nature by encouraging the development of sustainable local businesses and better waste management schemes. 

As Mangalore is known for its beaches, there has been an influx in the number of tourists here. To play your part as a responsible traveller you should avoid damaging the infrastructure. When at the beach, be mindful of plastic waste, as it’s quite harmful to underwater species. We should always remember that whenever we travel to a place we should leave the place the same way or even better than how we found it.

Mangalore has a lot of modern amenities but still retains its small-town charm and greenery. Being a quaint destination, Mangalore is a perfect getaway for those who want some me-time or quality time with their loved ones. Make sure to keep ample days aside for a wonderful time in the coastal city.

FAQs About Mangalore

Yes, Mangalore is one of the best destinations to visit in South India. It is a lesser-known tourist spot but is great for religious tourism (temple visits) and for beach lovers as Mangalore has a vast coastline with several beaches on offer. It’s a laidback place but at the same time has all the conveniences of a city with several huge malls, shopping centres, pubs and more.

Mangalore City is famous for its laidback lifestyle, sun-kissed beaches, lush green gardens, age-old temples, and vast public parks.

You can spend your day in Mangalore by visiting the above-mentioned places.

Chiroti (locally called phenori ) is a popular sweet in Mangalore. You can also try dudh pak (a milk-based variety of payasam ) and churmundo (konkani style ladoo made of flour).

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Most dismiss Mangalore (officially Mangaluru) as a stopover between Goa and Kerala , or a hub to access Coorg and Hassan. However, this bustling multicultural town is packed with history and many visit for its famed coastal cuisine. Named after the ancient temple of Mangaladevi at Bolar, 3km from the centre, Mangalore was one of south India 's most famous ports frequented by Arab traders. It was already well known overseas in the sixth century as a major source of pepper; the fourteenth-century Muslim writer Ibn Battuta noted its trade in pepper and ginger and the presence of Persian and Yemenese merchants.

The best travel tips for visiting Mangalore

Best things to do in mangalore, best areas to stay in mangalore, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, what is the best time to visit mangalore, how many days do you need in mangalore, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

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In the mid-1400s, the Persian ambassador Abdu’r-Razzaq saw Mangalore as a lucrative “frontier town” of the Vijayanagar Empire, which was why it was captured by the Portuguese in 1529, and later Tipu Sultan and the British.

Nowadays, the modern port, 10 km north of the city proper, is principally known for the processing and export of coffee and cocoa (mostly from Kodagu), and cashew nuts (from Kerala). It is also a centre for the production of beedis (local cigarettes).

Mangaluru’s strong Christian influence can be traced back to the arrival of St Thomas further south. Some 1400 years later, in 1526, the Portuguese founded one of the earliest churches on the coast, although today’s Rosario Cathedral, with a dome based on St Peter’s in Rome, dates only from 1910.

Closer to the centre, on Lighthouse Hill Road, fine restored fresco, tempera and oil murals by the Italian Antonio Moscheni adorn the Romanesque-style St Aloysius College Chapel, built in 1882.

RoughGuides tip: Planning a trip to India? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Ullal beach © Shutterstock

From sandy beaches to temples and churches, here are the best things to do in Mangalore.

#1 Seek out Manjunatha temple in Mangalore

Atop the Kadri Hill, 3 km north of the centre, Mangaluru’s tenth-century Manjunatha temple is believed to be the oldest Shiva temple in the city and an important centre of the tantric Nathapanthi cult, a divergent form of Hinduism and similar to cults in Nepal.

Enshrined in the sanctuary are a number of superb bronzes, including a 1.5m-high seated Matsyendranatha, made in 958 AD. To see it up close, visit at darshan times (6am–1pm & 4–8pm), although the bronzes can be glimpsed through the wooden slats on the side of the sanctuary.

If possible, time your visit to coincide with mahapuja (8am, noon & 8pm) when the priests give a fire blessing to the accompaniment of raucous music.

Opposite the east entrance, steps lead via a reddish-coloured path to a curious group of minor shrines. Beyond this complex stands the Shri Yogishwar Math, a hermitage set round two courtyards.

#2 Head to the beaches at Ullal

To escape the city for a few hours, head to the suburb of Ullal , where a long sandy beach stretches for kilometres, backed by wispy casuarina trees.

It’s a popular place for a stroll, particularly in the evening when Mangaloreans come out to watch the sunset, but a strong undertow makes swimming difficult, and at times unsafe.

You might be better off using the pool at the Summer Sands Beach Resort immediately behind the beach.

#3 Visit the tomb of a saint said to have floated across the sea on a handkerchief

Towards the centre of Ullal, and around 700m from the main bus stand, is the dargah of Seyyid Mohammad Shareeful Madani, a sixteenth-century saint who is said to have come from Medina in Arabia, floating across the sea on a handkerchief.

The extraordinary nineteenth-century building with garish onion domes houses the saint’s tomb, which is one of the most important Sufi shrines in southern India. Visitors are advised to follow custom and cover their heads and limbs and wash their feet before entering.

#4 Visit one of south India’s holiest Vaishnavite centres at Udupi

Udupi (also spelt Udipi), on the west coast, 60km north of Mangaluru, is one of south India’s holiest Vaishnavite centres.

The Hindu saint Madhva (1238–1317) was born here, and the Krishna temple and mathas (monasteries) he founded are visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.

The largest numbers congregate during the late winter, when the town hosts a series of spectacular car festivals and gigantic, bulbous-domed chariots are hauled through the streets around the temple.

Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with a festival, Udupi is a good place to break the journey along the Karavali coast. Thronging with pujaris and pilgrims, its small sacred enclave is wonderfully atmospheric.

#5 Watch some Kambla (buffalo) racing

If you’re anywhere between Mangaluru and Bhatkal from October to April and come across a crowd gathering around a waterlogged paddy field, chances are they’re there to watch the spectacular rural sport of Kambla, or buffalo racing.

It’s a centuries-old tradition unique to Dakshina Kannada, the southernmost district of coastal Karnataka .

Two contestants, usually local rice farmers, take part in the race, riding on a wooden ploughboard tethered to a pair of buffaloes.

The object is to reach the opposite end of the field first, but points are also awarded for style, and riders gain extra marks – and roars of approval from the crowd – if the muddy spray kicked up from the plough-board splashes the special white banners, or thorana, strung across the course at a height of 6–8m.

Kambala (or KamblaKambula) is an annual buffalo race held in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, Mangalore © Shutterstock

From the bustling and vibrant area of Hampankatta, with its proximity to major attractions and markets, to the serene and scenic surroundings of Kadri and Panambur, Mangalore caters to all kinds of visitors .

Hampankatta

This bustling commercial area has a range of hotels, guesthouses, and budget accommodations.

Another central area, Balmatta has budget hotels and serviced apartments.

Located slightly away from the city centre, Kankanady is a peaceful residential area. It offers a mix of budget and mid-range hotels.

For a quieter and greener setting, head to Kadri, home to the beautiful Kadri Park. The area has a handful of guesthouses that provide a tranquil stay.

Browse the best hotels in Mangalore.

As well as serving delicious coastal cuisine and traditional local dishes, Mangalore restaurants offer a range of memorable dining experiences. Here’s where to head.

At the heart of Mangalore, Hampankatta has the widest choice of places to eat and drink in the city. Kadri Well known for its seafood restaurants, serving delicious coastal delicacies like prawn rava fry.

Balmatta is a commercial hub with a variety of restaurants and cafes, expect Indian, Chinese and Western food options. This is a good place to go drinking too.

Kottara Chowki neighbourhood has gained popularity for its casual dining scene with plenty of options..

Udupi temple, India © Shutterstock

Travelling around Mangalore is relatively easy, thanks to its well-connected transportation infrastructure. From the efficient public bus system, auto-rickshaws, and taxis readily available, here’s how to do it.

The city has a well-developed public bus system operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Local buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel within Mangalore, with routes covering major areas and landmarks.

By auto-rickshaw

These three-wheelers are readily available throughout the city and most commonly used for short-distance travel in Mangalore. Fares are typically metered.

Generally more expensive than auto-rickshaws, the city has both app-based ride-hailing cabs and traditional taxi services.

The best time to visit Mangalore is during the winter months, from October to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant with milder temperatures and lower humidity. It is a great time to explore the city's attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, and relax on the beaches.

Mangalore experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall from June to September. While the monsoon season brings lush greenery to the region, it can also result in frequent rain showers and high humidity, which may limit outdoor activities.

The summer months, from March to May, can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). If you don't mind the heat, you can still visit during this time and enjoy indoor attractions or spend time at the beaches.

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Our Lady of Dolours chapel surrounded by greenery of coconut palms at Bishop's House, Mangalore, Karnataka, India © Shutterstock

A stay of 2 to 3 days is generally sufficient to explore the main attractions of Mangalore and get a taste of the city's culture and cuisine.

This gives you time to visit popular landmarks such as Kadri Manjunath Temple, Mangaladevi Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, and the Sultan Battery. Stay for 3 days and you’ll also have some time for the beaches at Panambur or Tannirbhavi.

If you wish to explore nearby destinations like Udupi or the famous pilgrimage site of Dharmasthala, you may consider extending your stay by a day or two.

Most arrive in Mangalore by train from all across India, though there are domestic and international flights landing at its airport daily too.

Bajpe airport, 22 km north of the city has regular flights to Bengaluru and Mumbai besides services to Goa , Hyderabad and Kochi . There are also daily connections with the Gulf States.

The railway station, to the south of the city centre on Station Rd, sees daily services from cities all over India. Though rail services to Goa and Mumbai operate from Mangaluru, note that Konkan Railway through trains do not stop at the city terminus.

A better choice of train connections north and south is at Kankanadi, around 10 km north, or Kasaragod, an easy bus ride across the Kerala border.

Mangaluru’s busy KSRTC Bus Stand (known locally as the “Lal Bagh” Bus Stand) is nearly 3 km north of the town centre, in Hampankatta, from where you can catch city buses to most local destinations.

By private bus

Private buses use the much more central stand near the Town Hall. There are plenty of state buses heading north to Udupi and south along the coast into northern Kerala, though it is easier to pick up the more numerous private services to those places.

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Top Things to Do in Mangalore, Karnataka

Places to visit in mangalore, explore popular experiences, tours in and around mangalore.

Mangaluru Shore Excursion - Full Day Private Mangaluru Guided City Tour

• Excursion To Karkala And Moodabidri From Mangalore with Lunch

Panaromic Tour Of Mangalore

Mangalore Guided Tour - Private tour with Guide

Life at the Harbor Hamlet - Nileshwar Harbor Experience by Tyndis

Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided Mangalore Tour with Transport

Mangalore & Cochin Combo shore excursion

• Houseboat Cruise in Bekal from Mangalore

Mangalore Shore Excursion - Seabourn & Oceania

Good morning Mangalore

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Top Attractions in Mangalore

Other Top Attractions around Mangalore

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Ports of call tours, cultural tours, what travellers are saying.

• Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
• Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
• Kadri manjunatha temple
• Tannirbhavi Beach
• Panambur Beach
• Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park
• Surathkal Beach
• Pilikula Nisargadhama
• Belur and Halebeedu Heritage Trail from Mangalore
• St. Aloysius Chapel

1-Day Mangalore Itinerary

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• Mangalore in 1 day
• 2-Day Mangalore Itinerary
• 3-Day Mangalore Itinerary
• 4-Day Mangalore Itinerary
• 5-Day Mangalore Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, fiza by nexus.

Mahatobhaara Shri Mangaladevi Temple

Sultan Bathery

Bharath mall, kadri shree manjunatha temple, shri ananthapadmanabha kudupu temple, panamburu beach, where to eat, new juice romantic, sri ramabhavana.

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Popular road trips from Mangalore

What's the weather like in mangalore.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Mangalore for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Mangalore in January
• Weather in Mangalore in February
• Weather in Mangalore in March
• Weather in Mangalore in April
• Weather in Mangalore in May
• Weather in Mangalore in June
• Weather in Mangalore in July
• Weather in Mangalore in August
• Weather in Mangalore in September
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• Weather in Mangalore in November
• Weather in Mangalore in December

All road trips from Mangalore

• Mangalore to Bengaluru drive
• Mangalore to Mysuru (Mysore) drive
• Mangalore to Mumbai drive
• Mangalore to Kochi (Cochin) drive
• Mangalore to Hyderabad drive
• Mangalore to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) drive
• Mangalore to Munnar drive
• Mangalore to Chennai (Madras) drive
• Mangalore to Panjim drive
• Mangalore to Madikeri drive
• Mangalore to Kalpetta drive
• Mangalore to Pune drive
• Mangalore to Chikmagalur drive
• Mangalore to Pondicherry drive
• Mangalore to Kodaikanal drive
• Mangalore to Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) drive
• Mangalore to Hampi drive
• Mangalore to Thekkady drive
• Mangalore to Canacona drive
• Mangalore to Amer drive
• Mangalore to Kannur drive
• Mangalore to Mahabalipuram drive
• Mangalore to Gokarna drive
• Mangalore to Coimbatore drive
• Mangalore to Mahabaleshwar drive
• Mangalore to Shimoga drive
• Mangalore to Madurai drive
• Mangalore to Kanyakumari drive
• Mangalore to Kozhikode drive

Explore nearby places

• Belthangady
• Kuduremukha
• Dharamsthala
• Dharmasthala
• Subrahmanya

All related maps of Mangalore

• Map of Mangalore
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• Map of Ullal
• Map of Someshwar
• Map of Mulki
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• Map of Moodabidri
• Map of Inna
• Map of Karkala
• Map of Puttur
• Map of Kasaragod
• Map of Belthangady
• Map of Udupi
• Map of Manipal
• Map of Malpe
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• Map of Kuduremukha
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• Map of Mandekolu
• Map of Mandarthi
• Map of Kalasa
• Map of Horanadu
• Map of Kanhangad
• Map of Sullia
• Map of Agumbe
• Map of Sringeri
• Map of Nileshwar
• Map of Kundapur
• Map of Subrahmanya

Mangalore throughout the year

• Mangalore in January
• Mangalore in February
• Mangalore in March
• Mangalore in April
• Mangalore in May
• Mangalore in June
• Mangalore in July
• Mangalore in August
• Mangalore in September
• Mangalore in October
• Mangalore in November
• Mangalore in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Mangalore?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Udupi Itinerary
• 1-Day Bekal Itinerary

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Places To Visit In Mangalore

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1. Panambur Beach

6 km from city center 1 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Close to the New Mangalore port is the Panambur beach, one of the most loved, pristine, clean beach in the city. The blue skies, sea and sands, get a dash of color during April, as the beach hosts a kite festival.

2. St Aloysius Chapel

5 km from city center 2 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

St Aloysius Chapel is a Catholic Church and a famous attraction set atop the Lighthouse Hill and has a regal look which is breathtaking right from the entrance. The unique wall paintings of St. Aloysius Chapel are stunning and attract visitors in quite a large number.

3. Kadri Manjunath Temple

3 km from city center 3 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Built in 1068, this temple has a Buddhist architectural influence on the basic Vijaynagri style. It is situated at the base of the Kadri hills, the chief deity being Manjunatha.

4. Sultan Battery

5 km from city center 4 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Tipu Sultan constructed this watchtower to keep a lookout for the entry of warships into the Gurpur River. The battery, made from black stones had been given the look of a miniature fortress. Not having withstood the test of time and extreme weather, this tower stands in ruins today.

Top Hotels In Mangalore

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5. Kadri Park

3 km from city center 5 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Housing a wide variety of wild animals, this is the largest garden in Mangalore. Rare species of birds, anteaters and various other animals are seen in the animal conservatory. Also, eight tanks of water here can cure skin diseases as per local beliefs.

6. Pilikula Park and Golf Course

4 km from city center 6 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Literally translating into the 'pond of tigers', this one park, can keep everyone busy with a lake with boating facilities, a zoo, an amusement park, a sprawling golf course, a biological park, a science centre, a heritage village and more.

7. Tannirbhavi Beach

5 km from city center 7 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Tannirbhavi Beach is an exotic beach that gets a lot of locals coming out for morning and evening walks. Proper seats and other facilities make the beach a frequently visited attraction. It is crowded often on weekends and public holidays.

8. New Mangalore Port

4 km from city center 8 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

The ninth biggest port in India, this was established in 1974 and is located at the north of the confluence of the Gurupura river with the Arabian Sea. Various imports and exports take place continuously.

9. Rosario Cathedral

7 km from city center 9 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Rosario Cathedral is a 16th-century Roman Catholic church, also called Church of Our Lady of Rosary of Mangalore. It is a magnificent structure with a beautiful interior and one of the few places in Mangalore where one can find peace and tranquillity away from the chaotic city life. The magnificent cross and the dome on the Cathedral are said to be prominent features which are easily visible to the ships approaching the Mangalore Harbour. The Cross is lit every evening and serves as guiding light for fishermen and seamen.

10. Ullal Beach

12 km from city center 10 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Just a little away from the main city of Mangalore, this is a clean, untouched beach, with along with a calm and relaxing time can also provide some adventure and enjoyment, given the water sports facilities here.

11. Milagres Church

5 km from city center 11 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Milagres Church is a late 1600 Roman catholic church and one of the oldest in Dakshina Karnataka dedicated to Church of Our Lady of Miracles. The original church doesn't exist anymore as it was demolished by Tipu Sultan, but a cemetery and a Chapel which was built years later are still present. Followers visit to offer prayers and absorb the tranquil vibe maintained at the Church.

12. Mangaladevi Temple

7 km from city center 12 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Mangaladevi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mangaladevi, a form of Goddess Shakti or Goddess Durga. The temple is visited by devotees of Durga and it also draws tourists visiting the city in large numbers for its ancient architecture. The Goddess is believed to be highly powerful and fulfils all the wishes asked with a clean soul. The spacious temple complex allows devotees to sit and meditate or chant after offering their prayers to feel rejuvenated and at peace. Those searching for a religious escape must visit the temple and experience its divine vibe.

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Mangalore

Beaches & Islands

Amazing Beaches in Mangalore

Mystical Temples in Mangalore for a Spiritual Getaway

Things to Do in Mangalore

Food & Drink

Best Malls In Mangalore For Shopping, Movies & Entertainment!

Food of Mangalore - Top 13 Mangalorean Dishes and the Best Places to Eat

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Places to Visit near Mangalore

13. Surathkal Beach

12 km from city center 13 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

The Surathkal beach lies on the Konkan Coast, south of the tourist trap of Goa, about 13 km from the port city of Mangalore. The Surathkal beach is a prime example of the pristine nature of the coastal delights of India with its endless sheets of shimmering sands on its vast coastline playfully meeting the majestic Arabian Sea.

14. Someshwar Beach

14 km from city center 14 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Located in Ullal in the city of Mangalore, Someshwara Beach is a hidden gem of the city. Encircled by lush green hills and majestic mountains in the backdrop, the beach is synonymous with tranquility, serenity and ataraxy; and, is still unexplored. Boasting of shimmering golden sands, a long and beautiful coastline, the beach is also peppered with rock boulders called Rudra Shile.

15. Sakleshpur

101 km from city center 15 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

There are plethora of hill stations in the state of Karnataka which are perfect for a getaway. Among this is a place named Sakleshpur which is Karnataka’s best kept secret. This quaint hill station is not to be missed out while planning a weekend getaway. This foggy and misty hill station elevated at 950 meters, peacefully lies nestled in the Western Ghats.

16. City Shopping

5 km from city center 16 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

In Mangalore, one can shop for Silk Saris, gold and silver jewellery as well as a number of ivory and sandalwood artifacts.

17. Bejai Museum

3 km from city center 17 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

The Seemanthi Bai Government Museum is located in the heart of the city and is the city's only museum. It has a collection of ancient coins, paintings, statues and inscriptions which display the rich heritage of India.

18. Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple

15 km from city center 18 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is one of the holiest temples in the region. The major feature of the temple that attracts people in large numbers is that it is situated on an islet in the middle of River Nandini amidst serene natural landscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parmeshwari and is located at a distance of 27 kilometres from Mangalore. Kateel Shri Durgaparmeshwari Temple is one of the holiest temples in the region. The major feature of the temple that attracts people in large numbers is that it is situated on an islet in the middle of River Nandini amidst serene natural landscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parmeshwari and is located at a distance of 27 kilometres from Mangalore. The temple offers meal prasadams which is simple yet wholesome and delicious food prepared in hygienic conditions. The devotees have a strong belief in the deity who is considered to be a generous and powerful deity. Fridays, in particular, are considered to be religiously auspicious to offer prayers at Kateel Shri Durgaparmeshwari Temple.

19. Sasihithlu Beach

19 km from city center 19 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

At a distance of 25 kms from Mangalore, in the village of Sasihithlu, Sasihithlu Beach is a gorgeous beach in the state of Karnataka. The beach is the convergence point of the confluence of rivers Nandini and Shambhavi with the Arabian Sea.

20. Pilikula Nisargadhama

5 km from city center 20 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Other than the serene natural landscape, Pilikula Nisargadhama is famous for a number of recreational and infotainment activities like sports and cultural activities. They have a Zoo, Botanical Garden, Science Centre and an Artisan Village.

21. Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

5 km from city center 21 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is a famous ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. The premise is well maintained and clean which provides for a welcoming and serene atmosphere for the devotees to visit the temple and offer their prayers.

22. Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple

11 km from city center 22 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple is an 8th-century temple dedicated to Shri Rajarajeshwari. The most important feature that draws visitors is the idol of Sri Rajarajeshwari which is made of a type of clay that has medicinal properties. The temple architecture is worth a mention with exquisite wooden carvings of the Hindu Gods and copper plates on the roofs. The entire structure has undergone several renovations through all these years. However, the charm of the deity, her power and the soothing vibe of the temple attracts devotees in large numbers.

23. Forum Fiza Mall

7 km from city center 23 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Forum Fiza Mall is situated in Pandeshwar in Mangalore and is the fourth largest mall in Karnataka. Also known as Forum Mall, it was inaugurated in 2014 and continues to be the favourite hangout place of the localites as well as the tourists.

24. City Centre Mangalore

5 km from city center 24 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Situated on the KS Rao Road in Mangalore, City Centre boasts of being the second-largest mall in the city. The fantastic location of the mall makes it the most popular mall in the city. Replete with a lot of shopping options ranging from clothes to footwear, home decor, appliances and cosmetics, the mall has everything. It has hundreds of big brand outlets, both domestic and international, selling everything of necessity and requirement, all under one roof. In addition to that, the humongous food court caters to all your hunger pangs. They also have fun activities like Horror House, a bowling alley and more.

25. Thousand Pillar Temple

23 km from city center 25 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Also known as the Saavira Kambada Basadi, this is a Jain temple, 1430, located in Moodabidri in Karnataka. It depicts the mighty past of the Jain rulers of Moodabidri. The Temple is dedicated to the 8th Tirthankar Chandraprabha, whose massive 8-foot idol is worshipped in the temple. Obviously, the temple’s talking point is its beautifully carved pillars, standing on mandapas, each narrating a different story of the past. The temple in itself is a 3-storeyed granite structure. It is a must-visit when in Karnataka.

26. Pilikula Science Centre

5 km from city center 26 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Inaugurated in 2014, The Pilikula Regional Science Center in Mangaluru is spread over 10 acres and houses 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium and also a 3D theatre facility, among other things. Inaugurated in 2014, The Pilikula Regional Science Center in Mangaluru is spread over 10 acres and houses 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium and also a 3D theatre facility, among other things.

20 km from city center 27 out of 27 Places To Visit in Mangalore

Mulki is nestled between the Arabian sea and the Shambhavi River in this paradise of water sports lovers. An esoteric town for surfers, Kayakers, Rafters and wakeboarders, Mulki is based 30 kms from Mangalore. Snorkeling trips to nearby islands are also possible from Mulki beach.

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• 9 Top Places To Visit In The City Of Mangalore

9 Top Places to Visit in the City of Mangalore

A definitive inclusion in Karnataka tour package s, the port city of Mangalore is famous for its diverse culture, cuisine and architecture. It is also the hub of economic activity in the state of Karnataka. The city has some of the biggest malls in the country selling trendy clothes, shoes and accessories from popular as well as exclusive international brands. Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Mangalore include the Kudroli Temple, Mangaladevi temple, Someshwara beach, Panambur Beach, Tannirbavi Beach and Pilikula Nisargadhama. Furthermore, there is no dearth of things to see in Mangalore. Here is a list of places to visit in Mangalore: -

1. Panambur Beach

Panambur Beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Mangalore. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the beach to participate in activities like boat racing, kite flying and making sand sculptures. Even though it is one of the most crowded beaches in Mangalore, it is still one of the cleanest beaches on the western coastline. The world-famous international kite festival takes place twice a year at this beach.

2. Gokarnath Temple

A visit to Gokarnath Temple is a must for an unforgettable Karnataka sightseeing experience. The temple is dedicated to Lord Gokarnanathashwara, Lord Shiva. It exhibits the Tamil style of architecture with murals depicting several mythological events. The temple compound is made up of marble flooring which further adds to its charm and beauty. Apart from that, the temple has several air-conditioned halls for various religious and cultural events. Delightfully, the road leading to the temple has plenty of stalls selling local delicacies and sweets.

3. St Aloysius Chapel

A popular place to visit when in Mangalore, St Aloysius Chapel is a catholic church situated on top of the lighthouse hill. It is decorated with paintings of St. Aloysius which further adds to its charm and beauty. The chapel was painted by a Jesuit priest who visited the church in 1878. The Sistine chapel has a calming ambience which allows the visitors to feel relaxed.

4. Kadri Manjunatha Temple

If you are looking for places to see in Mangalore, then make sure to check out Kadri Manjunatha Temple. The temple showcases the Vijaynagri style of architecture and was built in 1608 AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha and is situated at the base of the Kadri Hills. The temple is surrounded by prehistoric caves that are decorated with intricate carvings that date back many centuries. Interestingly, it was once the center of Buddhism in Mangalore. Later on, the number of followers of the Buddhist religion started to decline after which the temple was realigned and dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. Over the years, the temple has undergone renovation multiple times.

5. Rosary Cathedral

Rosary Cathedral, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Rosary of Mangalore, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The church is decorated with paintings depicting certain events in Jesus’s life. The church has a massive dome in the center and the cross on top of the dome is lit for the seafarers. The church has a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it one of the best sightseeing places in Mangalore.

6. Ullal Beach

Ullal Beach is one of the first mentions when it comes to famous places in Mangalore. Tourists can look forward to enjoying a relaxing afternoon at the beach - there is nothing better than enjoying some refreshing drinks under the shade of palm trees. The beach is also a hub for water sports activities like jet skiing, sailing, speed boating and banana boat rides.

7. Kadri Park

There are plenty of beautiful places in Mangalore such as Kadri Park. It is home to a wide variety of rare animals in Mangalore and is also an ideal place for morning walks and picnics. Apart from the animals, the park also has a musical fountain show that attracts tourists to the park. They can also look forward to witnessing a variety of flowers that are grown in the park. All of this makes it a nice place to relax and spend some time with your family and friends. The port is, in fact, one of the most famous things in Mangalore.

8. Milagres Church

Talking about the top tourist spots in Mangalore, the Milagres Church is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in Karnataka. It is of immense religious and historical significance for the Christians in Karnataka. The church is a marvel of architectural genius and attracts thousands of visitors from different parts of the world.

9. Mangaladevi Temple

Mangaladevi Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city and one of the must-visit places in Mangalore. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The city was, in fact, named after the temples and built around this temple. Its decoration is characterized by intricate carvings and ornamental motifs which make the overall décor a sight to behold. The spacious temple complex is used by the devotees for meditation and chanting.

Once you are done visiting these Mangalore tourist spots, you can include nearby hill stations in Karnataka such as Agumbe, Kundadri and Chikamagalur within your itinerary. Trust us, when it comes to travel and sightseeing, Mangalore ticks all the boxes!

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Make Your Weekend Fun at The 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Mangalore

Nestled among the green hilltops of the Western Ghats and blue waters of the Arabian Sea, is the charming city of Mangalore . Renowned as ‘Gateway to Karnataka’, the city is a melting pot of several cultures. Not only this, but living in Mangalore also blesses you with the best weekend getaways. Be it a long holiday or a short one, travelling is the favourite pastime of the people living here. If you are from Mangalore or are thinking of travelling to Mangalore, these are a few places that you should explore over the weekend. Trust us, every place you visit will bring before you a new face of South India.

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1. Maravanthe

A serene beach town situated in Karnataka’s South Canara district which shouldn’t be missed. With Souparnika River on its left and the Arabian Sea to its right, the town is perfect for weekend breaks. The endless freshness of beach, soothing riverside and cluster of palms promise you an amazing experience during your weekend trip. Best suited for a family holiday, one can unwind and laze around in the comfort of the place. Located 108 km from Mangalore it takes only 2 hours to reach Maravanthe.

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A picturesque monsoon getaway, Agumbe is the Cherrapunji to Southern India. This little hamlet in Shimoga is home to dense rainforests, mesmerizing waterfalls and unending nature’s beauty. If you are looking for an adventureful weekend over luxury travel, no place other than Agumbe should hit your mind. Famed for housing King Cobra and being India’s only Rainforest Research Station, this place is located just 100 km away from Mangalore, therefore travelling to this place is super easy. Adding to this, Agumbe is also one of the best offbeat destinations in India, so expect less crowd and more fun.

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3. Chikmagalur

From hilltops to low flatlands, Chikmagalur offers you a taste of both. Literally meaning, ‘The Land of the Younger Daughter, it is believed to have been gifted as dowry to the legendary chieftain’s younger daughter. Situated at a distance of 151 km from Mangalore, the place is an abode for relaxing weekends. Lying on the foothills of Mullayanagiri peak, Chikmagalur is one of the best tourist destinations in the South. A short trip here acquaints you with beauty, adventure and peace in the best possible way.

An enchanting beach town, a significant fishing area of Karnataka’s coastline, and a beautiful picnic spot sums up why Malpe should be your weekend getaway. Sitting on the Udyavara River, the town is known for its volcanic rocks islands, especially St. Mary’s Islands which boasts of rocks made by basaltic lava. Owing to this, Malpe interests several geologists from around the country. With temples and forts around, it surely is a perfect getaway for escaping the bustling city life.

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Known for magical sunsets and pretty beaches, Byndoor is situated in Udupi’s Kundapura. Being home to the ancient Lord Shiva’s Sri Someshwara temple, the place attracts several devotees from around the country. Owing to its spiritual background, Byndoor offers you a time full of peace and serenity. A weekend’s paradise, other attractions that you can visit are the Byndoor Beach, Sri Ramachandra Mandir, Kshitija Nesara Dhama, Belaka Theertha falls, and Mahakali Temple. Located at a driving distance of 124 km from Mangalore city, Byndoor is apt for people seeking a relaxing weekend.

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White sands and historic temples are what Gokarna is famous for. A pilgrimage centre and beach lover’s heaven, the town finds itself located at the confluence of rivers Gangavali and Aganashini. The point where the rivers meet forms the shape of a cow’s ear, hence it is named as Gokarna, which means cow’s ear in the local language. Where on one hand Gokarna beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach and Half-Moon Beach act as magnets for people looking forward to great weekend vibes, the Mahabaleshwara Shiva Temple, on the other, is a sacred spot for Hindus, hence visited by them, especially Shaivites, all round the year. The rocky shores being hit by roaring waves manage to calm your minds with a breath of purity and freshness in the air.

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Coorg, or as locals call it, Kodagu , is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southern India. The lush green valleys, evergreen forests, sprawling tea estates, fresh coffee beans, free-flowing streams and lofty mountain peaks have led people to call Coorg as the Kashmir of Karnataka and Scotland of India. The old-world charm of this place is reflected in the town’s slow-paced life. With western and eastern ghats encircling the district, Coorg becomes a picturesque weekend destination for people residing in Mangalore and nearby areas. Abbey Falls, Mallalli Falls, Madikeri Palace, Nalknad Palace, Tala Kaveri, Tibetan Golden Temple, Kaveri Nisargadhama, Nagarhole National Park , and last but not the least, Nishani Motte, are a few attractions frequently visited by tourists in Coorg. Playing golf, getting a backwaters ride and trekking are also some activities that visitors love to indulge in.

8. Kodachadri

Home to one of the most famous temples in India, the Kollur Mookambika temple, Kodachadri is a natural heritage site as declared by the government of Karnataka. Thriving amidst the Mookambika National Forest, it offers great trekking trails that’ll tickle your eyes and make you fall in love with nature all over again. The best time to visit Kodachadri is from October to March, and it’s the best option to travel via Jeep to keep your adventurous spirit high and physical spirit safe. The rough terrains can be dangerous, and is hence best avoided in monsoons.

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Is the elephant your favourite animal? Then this place is perfect for turning your weekend into a series of eventful days. Situated on the banks of Cauvery, Dubare is a reserve for India’s biggest animal. Though people come here to ride atop the elephants, it’s best if you observe their activities in their natural habitats from a distance and not go for a ride on them. After all, these gentle creatures are wonderful and mustn’t be used as a part of your recreation. The place is ideal for family road trips and guarantees you a fun time.

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10. Sakleshpur

Tucked away in the vicinity of the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a pleasant hill station serving as a great weekend getaway from Mangalore. The town can be easily accessed by the Bangalore-Mysore highway. The place has been under the reign of several powerful kingdoms such as Hoysalas, Chalukyas and Mysore. It was during the rule of Hoysalas that Sakleshpur received its name. The place is popular for treks and is rich in biodiversity. Kumara Parvatha trek and the Bisle Reserve Forest trek are two of the most famous treks offering glimpses of Sakleshpur’s varied ecology. Located 156km away from Mangalore, it is an exciting site for adventure and photography lovers.

11. Madikeri

A busy market town, Madikeri is surrounded by green hills serving it with a pleasant climate needed for unwinding oneself. This little town is perfect for family picnics and also for putting your trekking plans to action. Raja Seat, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Iruppu Falls, and Chiklihole Dam are a few places to visit if you are not looking forward to an adventurous weekend but a relaxing one. On the other side, if your adventurous spirits are flowing out of your hand, Madikeri has a few trekking trails leading to some spellbinding views. Chomakund, Kote Betta, and Thadiyandamol are three of them.

11 Popular Nature Weekend Tour in and around Karnataka

Widely known for its cashew trade and traditional weaving industry, Kannur is a scenic city with a lot of colonial history behind it. The famous traveller and explorer Marco Polo described Kannur as the ‘great emporium of the spice trade.’ The Kannur that stands today has undergone development at the hands of Dutch, British and Portuguese. The town is a haven for people interested in offbeat experiences. Old shrines, pretty beaches, historical forts, and several unexplored spots, Kannur has a lot to offer. Choosing Kannur as a weekend getaway will surely get you a sack full of unimaginable and memorable experiences.

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Located 171 km away from Mangalore, Hassan is often visited by people having a love for monuments and ancient structures. The city gets its name from the deity in charge, Goddess Hasanamba, which means ‘Smiling Mother’ in Kannada. Also, it underwent major development during the Hoysala rule. Owing to the number of ancient structures present in the city, it is known as temple architecture capital of the state. It is quite popular for housing Hasanamba temple and numerous Jain Temples.

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14. Kudremukh

Promising a blissful view of a horse face-shaped mountain, Kudremukh is famous for its beautiful landscapes and biodiversity. In fact, it is a common weekend getaway among the Bangalore as well as Mangalore crowd. With its dense forests, high grasslands, and rolling meadows, it is a biodiversity hotspot. Standing at a height of 1,894 m above sea level, Kudremukh peak is the most preferred destination for naturists and trekkers. Someone who wishes to spend their weekend in the laps of nature, these mountainous paths and peak’s rich flora and fauna are perfect for them.

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15. Dandeli

Call it the adventure capital of Karnataka, Dandeli is home to one of the state’s largest wildlife sanctuary. It has several options for nature walks. Interested ones can also go for tribal village tours so to get acquainted with how old Karnataka worked and lived. It is also known for being a major destination for river rafting. Once here, you are sure to get a great adrenaline rush. Sip a masala soda as you sit beside the river waiting for your raft to arrive! With so much going on, it is a photographer’s paradise.

With so many options to choose from, your weekends for the year are sorted! Plan a visit to each of it and you’ll complete the list in a few months. Happy travelling!

About Nidhi Khurana

Nidhi's life sums up in writing, exploring and craving for offbeat experiences. Being a happy go lucky person she has an irrevocable love for positivity. Started as a pastime, writing became her passion and now she dabbles between lifestyle and travel writing. A simple girl chasing her dreams is the correct way to describe her.

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Travels in mangalore, discover the hidden beauty of mangalore city.

Make Mangalore your next travel destination! Unearth its hidden beauty, marvel at its vivid colours and explore the many activities this beautiful city has to offer. Mangalore is an amazing travel destination for those who seek unrivalled beauty, culture, and activities. From fishing villages to coastal rainforests, colourful bazaars to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone in Mangalore. Discover the hidden allure of this vibrant city and immerse yourself in its unique attractions.

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Road-trip to Chikmagalur: Experiences from the Coffee Land & Mullayanagiri- Highest Peak of Karnataka!

About this blog : We traveled to Chikmagalur after Bengaluru unlocked. It was a weekend trip from Bangalore. We stayed in Chikmagalur for 4 days, relaxing in the lap of the Western Ghats dazzling in the warmth of monsoon rains. An apt weekend destination, Chikmagalur is a rewarding road trip from Bengaluru, with plethora of cultural experiences, ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu, sumptuous Benne Dosa doused with butter, aromatic filter coffee and rolling hills covered with a blanket of evergreen forestland! If you are planning a trip to Chikmagalur, read this blog with essential travel tip sand secret finds!

Nights roll into days slowly as we count yet another spin around the Earth’s vertebrate. Homo Sapiens around the world patiently await normalcy. Nature reclaims the sprawling fields. Monsoon clouds roar. White night illuminates the poles and yet there is no “chaser” posing and rejoicing.

Visiting Chikmagalur was our frantic and desperate attempt to break the mundane and get closer to nature. As close as we could. 

The second wave in India was nerve-wracking. After a prolonged slumber of a few months, we were slowly coming out of the shell. Bangalore unlocked. First for the weekdays, then for the weekends. The night curfews are still in place? Are the pubs and bars open yet? Are they serving alcohol? Is Coorg allowing tourists? Eager questions floated around. The state buses painted in red eventually hit the Karnataka highways connecting state’s hinterlands to the city that boasts of India’s info-tech prowess, Bangalore.

We were hesitant to move out of Karnataka. What if we get stuck in Goa ? What if Delhi undergoes the same eerie silence once again? What if we end up in a hospital without an oxygen cylinder? The what ifs are a scary zone, forever ruining the travel space. In current circumstances, they are all the more pressing. 

Let us go to Chikmagalur!

We chose Chikmagalur. Not because we were keen on Chikmagalur. But the rest of the options were weighing heavier. Coorg, Goa and Pondicherry, the hot favourites of weekend destinations from Bangalore were cut off the list due to accessibility issues. 

We had little to zero expectations from Chikmagalur. We knew the small hill town tucked away in the western ghats is famous for lush green coffee trails. But that is more or less the usual story of all of Western Ghats. What more? We searched the world of web and found a few trails and monsoon treks which were again off the list due to the small kid accompanying us. What more? There was no answer but we had no other options. “At least Chikmagalur lets us get away from the bustle of morose Bengaluru.” We said to ourselves. “At least this will be a holiday!” We thought. 

Boy oh boy, could we have been more wrong?

S had been to Chikmagalur before. He said it is a place located right at the heart of nature. You do not have much to do there. You do not need much to do here. He stressed the last sentence but I did not quite trust him. 

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Preparing for a road trip to Chikmagalur from Bangalore

At the wee hours of a monsoon morning, we started from Bengaluru. Driving to Chikmagalur requires you to drive the car for about 5 hours covering 243 km. In between, you come across a few toll gates and pit stops serving Mangalore special fish dishes or Bengaluru famous Empire chains. 

The sky was overcast. The roads were long stretched and empty. The birds chirped sitting on the swaying palms dotting country roads. I felt elated as soon as we crossed the city boundary. 

We had rented a car from Sawari rentals. The driver, Sai hailed from Hassan, a tier two city located midway between Bengaluru and Chikmagalur. He was blind at the heart of Bengaluru but manoeuvred the car like a trained stallion on NH 75.

We rented an Innova. The middle sit was perfect for a toddler who usually stays protected on a car seat. For 4 days it charged us 14 thousand INR. That included driver’s stay and food and a total commute distance of 900 km. Sai was a nice man who hardly spoke a word and surprisingly did not play music while driving. At the top of Mullayanagiri, he was more eager to click a selfie than the rest of the group! I recommend Sai highly if you are traveling with a family. 

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The Western Ghats had packed a Surprise for our trip to Chikmagalur!

We say Chikmagalur but we were heading for a holiday at the foothills of Western Ghats. The iconic and ancient bio reserve, a UNESCO heritage sight that stands tall along the west of the Indian peninsula and an important factor for deciding climate factors for the rest of the country, Western Ghats is a minefield of experiences for a keen observer! The snow-capped Himalayas (think Tawang , Sikkim , Ladakh, Kargil and likes) steal the limelight on the gram but monsoon in the Western Ghats elevates the region to an ethereal aura. We had rented a hotel at Chikmagalur. The idea was to explore tourist attractions, a few peaks, plantations and beautiful lakes but head back to the usual comforts of a town by the end of the day. 

Chikmagalur is a small town that came to prosperity with the boom of coffee trade. Baba Budan Giri’s Coffee plantation produces export quality coffee. It also happens to be the oldest plantation area in India. It has an interesting story of travel and pilgrimage associated with it. We will come to that later.

A little of it remains for local filter coffee consumption and the rest seamlessly gets shipped internationally. In early days, a few plantations opened their doors for experimental travelers. A family looking to spend the summer in the hills. A writer looking for a peaceful nook. A heartbroken lover seeking to deal with grief in the silence of towering trees. Chikmagalur was the secret gateway for all of them. The city grew. More footsteps followed suit. A few luxury properties bloomed in the dense forests of Chikmagalur. The Serai. Java rain resort. Trivik. 

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Choosing a hotel in Chikmagalur is easy!

The hotels were beautiful but not prettier than the small town. It had a lot of characters. Two parallel roads run simultaneously with a thriving marketplace. I could walk there all day! A few small cafes. Coffee selling shops. Bakeries. Several silk saree shops. Old buildings with distinct architecture. A number of Canteens for a quick refreshment. Chikmagalur surprised us with the number of eateries. Arabic food was found in plenty.

I have previously stayed at a Rainforest Resort in Madikeri. The Taj Madikeri Resort is one of India’s finest and I remember the couple of days I spent in the absolute splendor of nature’s bounty. Vacations like them are tailor cut for the royalty. For the traveler keen on exploring local society, it is important to find a balance between nature and a semi-urban set up. I recommend you stay at the heart of the Chikmagalur Town if you are traveling on a budget.

We stayed at Hotel Aadrika Chikmagalur. This was a three star property located right at the heart of the city. Here is my honest review.

Pros of staying at Hotel Aadrika:

• Centrally located. The bus depot is located right next to it. The auto stand is walking distance.
• Market place is very close. So is a bakery and super markets.
• Plenty of eating joints are operational outside. Swiggy and Zomato make food delivery a smooth experience.
• The Service is nice and prompt.
• Rooms are large enough. Rooms had large TV for Netflix and chill kinda days.
• Food was decent. They allowed us to heat food for the child.

Cons of staying at Aadrika

• They charge for water beyond two bottles of mineral bottles.
• They charge of ice.
• They charged for cutlery. That was a new thing!
• Wi-fi was weak.

Overall, if you have your own wifi and carrying disposable plates, Aadrika was a decent hotels. We chose rooms with balcony. One had a view of the main road. the other one was looking at the hill ranges afar. Nothing outstanding though.

You may choose to watch my 4 part long travel vlogs from Chikmagalur. We traveled to Chikmagalur in July end, at the peak of monsoon. These travel vlogs are created in Bengali.

One day, the driver Sai said, most people come here to relax. I could not agree more. If you have seen our travel vlog series from Chikmagalur, you would know. We were mostly inside the hotel for four days. Except for a few hours when we were driving around the town or the hills. It was a nice little gateway with curated experiences that spanned from culture to nature to gourmet delights. I am gonna list out my favourite things to do in Chikmagalur so that when you plan your next trip to the hill station with family, you can add some of these to your Chikmagalur bucket list!

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10 Beautiful Cultural Experiences from Chikmagalur Roadtrip!

List of the best things to do in and around Chikmagalur!

Chikmagalur lies in close proximity to the ancient western ghat hills. The protected bio reserve has a rich history of flora, fauna and cultural ties of the region. Let alone coffee, the hills are often frequented by the Royal Bengal Tigers. Did you know Karnataka has the highest population of Royal Bengal tiger in India (and not the Sundarbans of West Bengal )?

Explore the ancient Hoysala temple clusters of Belud and Halebidu

On the way to Chikmagalur from Karnataka, you will come across the stunning Chennakeshava temple from the days of the Hoysala dynasty. It is located at Belur, a little ahead of the Hassan city. Hassan itself is famous for the Gorur dam on Hemavathi river. The fish dishes we eat in Karnataka are mostly procured from Hassan.

Belur is often referred to as the Varanasi of south India in ancient texts. The Hoysalas ruled the region in the early 11th century and Belur was the state capital. In recent times, the Chennakeshava or Keshava temple of Belur and Hoysaleswara temple of Halebidu have been proposed to be included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites from India.

The massive Gopura of Kesava temple of Belur city can be spotted from a distance. The Hoysala emblem of a lion is very much visible at Belur temple. Chenna Keshava temple is made from soft rocks. The finery and intricate detailing on the temple walls are comparable to that of Ajanta Ellora.

You need at least a couple of hours to study all the details engraved on the walls of these temples. The stories date back to contemporary life, courtroom, reign of the rulers, kings and queens, dancers and mythical depictions of Mahabharat and Puranas! Keep an eye open for the music instruments depicted through the stone work. It is a wonder how these artworks sustained the gnaw of time through thousand years and remained intact!

Pro tip: For a rather unusual experience, head to the Amrutesvara temple located in Shimoga district, closer to the town of Chikmagalur. The ancient Hoysala temple is dedicated to Vishnu. It was established by Amrita Dandanayaka, an army general from the king’s troops.

Explore the Stunning Coffee Trails of ancient Mountains, Chikmagalur

Located in the Malenadu region of Karnataka, the land of rain , Chikmagalur has a perfectly moderate climate for growing coffee! The plantations and estates are found everywhere as you leave the city behind and head towards the hills.

In India, coffee was first cultivated in the hills of Chikmagalur. Precisely the reason why the rolling hills in this part of the Western Ghats are specifically known as “Land of Coffee”.

As we approached the base of Mullayanagiri, we came across sprawling acres of coffee plantation. Estates and plantation workers have claimed the lower parts of the hills, somewhat reminding me of Darjeeling and the road to Kaziranga .

Variants like Arabica and Robusta grow here in tonnes. The finest Coffee of Chikmagalur is exported from India. Price of coffee in Chikmagalur ranges from 200 to 11000 per kg.

To experience the best of coffee trails of Chikmagalur, you need to spend a few nights at an estate. Ideally, choose to stay at one of the old estates, to taste the authentic old world charm of the land of coffee. Most of these estates are family run properties. You may come across a few guns in the living room. This is to scare away the wildlife, I was told.

“Wildlife frequents here?”

“Yes, many. Elephants, deer. Sometimes tigers. Though they shy away from humans.”

Buy Filter Coffee when Traveling in Chikmagalur

Traveling to Chikmagalur and not buying a packet of filter coffee equates to blasphemy! Many brands sell myriad varieties of coffee but try to get your pack from either Jayanthi cafe or Panduranga. Running since the days of India’s independence, Panduranga coffee is a family run business. The shop is centrally located at the market. It is run by a group of efficient local women.

At Panduranga Coffee experience center, I even found a classic filter kapi mug, dazzling in the glitters of gold! Perfect for a discerning traveler to collect as a souvenir. The lower bottom of this set is to help you blend the filter concentrate with that of a thick later of milk.

Glide to the Western Ghats, Especially in Rainy Chikmagalur

It is always a delight to be in the Western Ghats during the monsoon. The Monsoon in the Himalayas could be scary with shooting stones and sudden cloudbursts. Western Ghats are relatively tolerant. The clouds come down to kiss your cheeks. The greens soothe your eyes. The air breeze smells of fresh pollens. Mist and drizzle come hand in hand to romance you on the road. Nameless streams trickle down the tall mountains and the roads get inundated with overflowing fountains.

During the monsoon, taking a bath in these mountain streams is a thing here. In Vagamon , I had seen a few water trucks filling up at these fountains. The higher up you go the purity of water becomes more desirable!

The rainforest on the Western Ghats becomes a living thriving form of a whistling being! It is a world afar, from the world known to mere mortals. I can go on with the praise but the truth is you need to be there to understand! Riding in the mountains of Western Ghats during monsoon feels a lot like a green dream. A little hazy with the mist. A little risky with the constant shower. But fresh and alive! I felt like being one with the world!

The forest being a protected area and home to a number of rare wildlife, visiting Mullayanagiri may require you to cross a few check point. Carry your vaccination certificates if you are fully vaccinated.

Also read: Essential travel tips for your first visit to Egypt!

Head straight to Mullayanagiri peak

At 6300 ft, Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest hilltop of Karnataka. Standing at the edge of it, your eyes will sweep through vast acres of green rolling hills. Being a soothing climate area, you will always find a cold breeze reaching the top of the hill. However, you can also start the day early and reach the top as soon as the day breaks for a cleaner view. It felt a lot like visiting the sky cable bridge of Langkawi.

Many choose to trek through the mountains, follow the marked trail and reach the top. It is easily accessed by car and then followed by 200 steps. Due to excess mist and absolutely zero visibility, I did not climb further. Men standing a few meters ahead were whistling and blowing yet I could not see a single face. By the way, many rowdy groups of young men were playing music in high volume. I would have shrieked had I had seen their faces!

On the way back, stop at the Siri Cafe and enjoy a soothing cup of coffee and snacks from the comfort of a pretty decked up eatery.

The Shrine of Baba Budan Giri

Baba Budan is a famed Sufi preacher. He is the man who brought the first grain of coffee from his Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. The story goes back to the 16th century. He is known to have brought 7 seeds of coffee plants which clearly started a new era of coffee plantations in Karnataka and the rest of India gradually.

Baba Budan giri hill is located at an elevation of 1800 meter. It is known as Dattatray Peeta among the Hindus who visit there as a part of a pilgrimage. Caves and waterfalls adorn the area. However, every 12 years the hills see a spectacular phenomenon of Kurinji flower bloom.

Witness Mesmerizing Sunset at Hirekolale Lake

About 9 km from the center of Chikmagalur, located is a beautiful freshwater lake named Hirecolale. The ride to this lake is a short distance. It is a beautiful ride crossing a number of quint little villages. Life unfolds in myriad colours at the local houses. Try to visit during sunset on a sunny day and find the lake coloured in bright red hues! It is a pleasant walk and much suited for a family holiday.

Head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: One of th eoffbeat Tourist Attraction in Chikmagalur

While the way to Mullayanagiri was dotted with marked trail announcing frequent tiger crossing or deer areas, for a close encounter with the elusive tiger, head to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Safari takes place from morning 6: 30 to 9 am and in the afternoon it starts from 3 pm for 3 hours. Stop at Hebbe (Staircase waterfall) on the way.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to April. In the monsoon months, roads are often inundated with overflowing mountain streams. Do opt for a night stay at the jungle lodges.

Cafe Hopping at Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur has a number of beautiful cafes. I assume the cafe culture in the town slowly grew with more number of tourists flying in to the city.

We chose to visit cafe Agape but that was closed. Cafe Agape had good reviews. We headed for Jayanthi Cafe instead. More than a cafe, Jayanthi cafe was an experiment center elaborating on the history of coffee arriving in India. Despite looking stunningly beautiful, Jayanthi Cafe was extremely slow in providing service. They had interesting stuff like blue berry cheese case and Vietnamese coffee in the menu. It was a hang out zone for the young and enthusiasts of Chikmagalur. I say this by looking at the crowd!

Binge Eat Bene Dosa at Town Canteen, Chikmagalur

In normal circumstances, I would have never paid attention to benne Dosa. Sorry, pardon this naïve Bengali girl. But then Town Canteen Happened to me and the one thing I look for in Bangalore these days is a good meal of Benne dosa. The crispy fried dosa with crunchy outer layer and beautiful dollops of butter dripping through its side is a beauty to behold. the Town Canteen in Chikmagalur is famous for serving the best Benne Dos and aromatic strong Filter coffee for half a century (or more?) and attracts customers from all over the globe! The menu is simple, in fact non existent. It is either masala dosa or crispy dosa with extra bene (butter). You can order for more sambhar and you will be served!

Heaven cometh to your plate!

Things to eat at Chikmagalur

For the four days we were at Chikmagalur, we made it a point to order in on a daily basis for our dinner. We chose to eat Arabic cuisine mostly because the kebabs were lip smacking. they did try to smuggle some of the North Indian Mughlai dishes in the name of Arabic. But they belonged to nowhere yet managed to taste decent. I will list down a few must try food items when you are in Chikmagalur.

• Order in Mutton biryani from Maharaja restaurant. A variant of donne biryani with bright yellow rice grains, the Dum Biryani of Maharaja restaurant was generous to feed 4 hungry souls for breakfast. need I say more?
• Do order Mutton Chatpata Kebab from Table Top restaurant. It is one of the finest kebabs of the world. Overwhelmingly good!
• The Chicken Shawarmas are generally a safe bait if you are a picky eater.
• The bakery served a beautiful milk cake. But the pasties were horrible.

We traveled to Chikmagalur from Bangalore right after the second lockdown. The rules were a bit relaxed but not entirely loosened. There was makeshift RAT testing camps as you approached the road leading to Mullayanagiri Peak. Shops were closed after 9 pm. Delivery was also scheduled within 9 pm. Night curfew was in place and widely followed. The cafes had locals incoming when we were visiting Chikmagalur. Needless to say, mask and sanitization is being carried on every step of restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops and everywhere.

Have you visited Chikmagalur? Traveling to Chikmagalur proved to me a beautiful surprise where we chanced witness the splendid nature of western Ghats during monsoon. We crossed multiple streams and fountains as ice cold wind caressed our hair! Visit the mountains before the lockdown is eased out completely and thousands rush. The charm of Chikmagalur is reserved for the first few.

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One Response

Great writeup and lovely photos. Chikmagalur is indeed beautiful – a place I keep returning to as well. Stumbled on this blog today, and am glad I did 🙂

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Is Mangalore Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

India : Safety by City

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Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka.

It is the second major city in Karnataka state in all aspects after the capital city Bangalore.

Mangalore developed as a port in the Arabian Sea during ancient times and became a major port of India.

Travelers come here to see various temples and buildings such as the Mangaladevi Temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral and many others.

The city is also known for beaches which attract tourists from across the country.

And Adyar waterfalls are on the outskirts at about 12 km from the city also are worth to visit.

• Warnings & Dangers in Mangalore

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

In general, Mangalore is a very safe city, but care should be taken not to catch malaria. You also need to be careful with water and hygiene here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation can be risky because of the possibility of being robbed, particularly during the night. Taxi is safe, but negotiating a price before a trip is a must.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

India is full of pickpockets who distract a person’s attention. Using this strategy, tourists usually do not even notice that they have been robbed.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Hurricanes and floods pose a risk in Mangalore. Before traveling here, you need to check the news on these risks.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Usually, serious crimes do not occur in the city, but it is worth being on the alert and not wandering around the dark streets at night. Do not leave things unattended.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of terrorism exists, but it is not high. Avoid street demonstrations and study the political situation in the region before traveling.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Tourists can be deceived by offering them shops and tours in which high prices are possible. You should not buy jewelry here too - they may turn out to be faked.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone can feel safe here, but modest clothes are recommended. It is also a not good idea to and walks around the city late at night.

• So... How Safe Is Mangalore Really?

Mangalore is safe to visit.

The level of crimes is low here.

But the main risk comes from natural hazards.

For example, malaria is endemic in Mangalore.

So, travelers should not forget to carry mosquito repellent creams, mosquito mats, coils, liquidators, etc. along with you (it should be the first priority on your list of things to pack!).

If you have the slightest idea of a fever with chills, rush yourself to a nearby hospital to get yourself checked.

Also, it is recommended to get yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis A (food-borne Hepatitis) in case you haven’t been vaccinated already.

In this region always take water only filtered water, hand sanitizer is a must, always choose foods that are steaming hot.

The city is free from big crimes but pickpockets occur.

Petty crimes like theft and armed robbery occur.

Travelers should be careful in touristic places and keep an eye on their belongings.

Women traveling alone should observe the cultural habits of India and dress modestly.

It is also not recommended getting drunk and walk around the city late at night.

Otherwise, the usual caution in Mangalore will be enough to avoid trouble.

Always keep your valuables in safes and do not wear too much jewelry on you.

• How Does Mangalore Compare?
• Useful Information

You need to have a valid passport to visit India. And getting a visa is also necessary before coming to India.

The official currency in India is the Indian Rupee. It has a sign: ₹ and code: INR. The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise.

The best times to visit Mangalore for ideal weather are from December to April. Average temperatures in Mangalore change very little and feel hot all year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.

Mangalore has an International Airport. Mangalore International Airport is the second busiest airport in Karnataka. It handles domestic flights and flights for major cities in the Middle East.

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Mangalore Weather Averages (Temperatures)

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9 Reviews on Mangalore

Mangalore is a very safe city.

Mangalore is a safe city. It is safe for women to travel alone.

Your write up on Mangalore is terrible.

Whoever has written details on “Risk factors & safety” in Mangalore seems to be either entirely the gn orang about the city or simply an idiot. The first risk he sites is Malaria!!! Wherefrom he got this stupid idea? And when did Mangalore was hit by a cyclone dear? I am 75 now and still I haven’t met a cyclone here. People who don’t know things should refrain from writing such nonsense and publishers must refrain from publishing unverified nonsense.

A good city to live

Mangalore is a good city to live. Most people here understand and can communicate with you in English or Hindi. I feel that the Primary School and High School education fees are very much affordable in Mangalore, unlike the metro cities where the schools charge lakhs of Rupees per year. There are plenty of English Medium schools in Mangalore city. It is safe for women to travel alone during daytime and also at night. Over here, you don’t have to worry about getting mugged. Also robbery is very less and violent crimes are extremely rare. Almost every negative incident gets reported to the police, or gets sensationalized by the media. This is quite peculiar for such a small city. There are many hill-stations near Mangalore such as Coorg, Sakleshpur, Mudigere, Chikmagalur, Agumbe, Ranipuram, etc. You can travel there especially during weekends and holidays. But 4 things that I didn’t like about Mangalore are 1. Problem of mosquitoes during the monsoon 2. Quality of private buses 3. Lack of job opportunities, especially in Software and R&D sectors 4. Beaches need more improvement

Other than these 4 reasons, I feel that Mangalore is an awesome place to live a peaceful life.

This page has highly inaccurate content about Terrorism and Pickpockets

The author is clearly not correct about some details 1. Terrorism risk (Medium) – Terrorism incidents have never happened in Mangalore. I never agree with the information in this page. 2. Pickpockets risk (High) – Pickpocketing incidents are very rare in Mangalore. The statement “India is full of pickpocketers” is faulty generalization and quite ridiculous. 3. “Public transportation can be risky because of the possibility of being robbed, particularly during the night” Chances of robbery in a public transportation at night in Mangalore are very rare. Clearly, this page is very inaccurate regarding risks.

I breathe here So I know my city

Adding to above Mangalore has best public transport facility It has City buses and private buses and people are helpful Uber and Ola taxi facility is round the clock. Mangalore is the only place in India where all kind of festival is celebrated with grand. For Safety Mangalore comes within top 50 safest city. Mangalore has no slum It’s a Small city wherein you can get all facility of bigger metro.

Best City you can live in,People are educated,Many local languages are spoken here so its very easy to communicate.number of hospitals,schools are very high ,you can also travel facility through road,train,ship and also by air.

Misleading article

I would’ve agreed to all of these points if it was 1987, but in 2020 India has changed a lot. “India is full of pickpocketers” is like saying every Indian is a snake charmer, all englishmen drink tea and loot countries, every American is an immigrant or every German drink only beer. So you get what I meean!

Hi I am from Mangalore hope you may know what are the disaster gained in the city indeed some points are correct such as pickpocketing and cyclone do occur in the city I think you are not from the city if you are local enough then you won’t grab the point of malaria which is the serious health issues occurred during rainy season and pickpocketing you know that always occurs in the local transport and railway station if you are intelligent enough you would point about terrorism risk given in the page not malaria or pickpocketing thank you to MN Rao

Mangalore a beautiful City

I am born and brought up in Mangalore, in my 50plus years i have not seen cyclone, floods or terrorism. Yes, we do have some strong winds but not cyclone. We have very good private as well govt public transport system. It’s safe for women. What do you mean by one has to be careful of water and hygiene? People here are well educated and well informed. We have reputed and well established jewellers here. So there’s no chance of being duped. Pickpocketers are existing all over the world so why pinpoint India.

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Article Contents

• Mangalore : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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