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Mangalore is one of the largest cosmopolitan city in Karnataka. This non-metro city is an improtant place for many kinds of activities like commercial, industrial, educational, healthcare and multi cultural. Mangalore is also known as the largest port in the Kanara and Malnar Coastal region.
Best Time to visit Mangalore
Located between Arabian Sea in the West and Western Ghats region in the East, Mangalore city have topical monsoon climate, where monsoons are seen with heavy rains, summer with sunny weather and winters with balanced weather. The best time to visit Mangalore city is during October to February months (Winter Season)
Places to visit in Mangalore
Mangalore is one of the top tourist attractions in Karnataka. The state government has taken various steps to provide the best and comfortable experience for the tourist and visitors to the city.
Sultan Battery
Located at Boloor, Sultan Battery is one of the most visited places by the tourists in the Mangalore. This fort is built in 1784 by the King Tipu Sultan. The river and sea near the Sultan battery make a great place to hang out. There are several water sports activities such as boating, banana boat rides, windsurfing, canoeing and speed boating. The view from the top of the Sultan Batter gives a full panoramic view of Arabian Sea.
Pilikula Nisarga Dhama
Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is an Eco- tourism project maintained by the government. This place is located in the Pilikula, a 6 km drive from Mangalore. It is also an eco-education spot developed around the lake known as Pilikula. The lake is named Pilikula because tigers in this region used to come to drink water in this lake.
This is one of the must visit places in Mangalore and it will be loved by the kids. This location consists of a zoo, science centre, Botanical Park, Water Park, aquarium and many more.
Pilikula Botanical Garden – It is an arboretum with many species and endemic species of plants and trees found in the Western Ghats. Along with this there are more than 460 varieties of Medicinal and Ayurvedic plants can be seen here. This 6 acres arboretum contains 9 ponds where you can see ducks, swans, native fish species and even endangered species too.
Pilikula Biological Park – This Biological Park have various kinds of Wild Animals such as tigers, lions, leopards, bears, and other wild animals. Unlike the other zoo’s, here the animals are set free and protected by wire mesh and blocks.
Manasa Water Park – Next to the Pilikula Biological Park, you can see this Water themed park. This theme park is best suited for children to have fun.
Golf court – There is a golf court present in this project. Interested people can practice golf here.
This place is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and the opening timings of each section within the project varies. So, it is better to enquire about the timing and cost before planning a visit this place.
- Timings: 8.30 am |5.30 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs20 – children, Rs50 – adults and Rs100 – foreigners
Saavira Kambada Basadi
Saavira Kambada Basadi popularly known for its 1000 Pillar Jain Temple is a place near Moodabidri about 34 km from Mangalore. The Moodabidri town is known as the Holy center with 18 Jain Temples or Basadi. One of the most visited Basadi is Saavira Kambada Basadi or Tribhuvanatilaka Chudamani Basadi. It has magnificent architecture and 8 foot idol of Tirthankara Chandraprabha. Some people also call this temple as Chandranatha Temple.
According to the history, this temple is constructed in 3 phases and it took around 31 years to complete. The temple is built in a 3 story complex with 1000 pillars, many mantapas (halls) and secret rooms. Each pillar in this temple is carved with unique design and stone chandeliers. One can really feel the peace and blissfulness in these temples.
In addition to the 17 other Jain temples, there are some other ancient temple like a Gowri temple and hanuman temple in the vicinity. Also they celebrate several festivals and annual pooja’s in this temple town.
Kadri Park
Kadri Park is a garden cum park which has attraction like Water fountain, Toy car ride and play area for children. This park is visited by everyone in the city to walk, jog, and to do yoga. People also visit this park to see the musical fountain program in evening with their families and friends.
- Timings: 8AM–7:30PM
- Fee: Free
Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park
Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park at Belvai, Mangalore is a paradise for nature lovers and butterfly admirers. This park hosts more than 114 spices of butterflies. One can visit this park to see and know a lot about the butterflies. Don’t miss to take you camera and binoculars while you visit this park.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Fee: Rs. 80 – adults and Rs. 40 for childern
Bejai museum
Bejai Museum also known as Seemanthi Bai Government Museum is the cities only museum. This museum is the home for several historical and cultural collections likes coins, paintings, carvings, statues, inscription, tea posts, lamps, swords and many more. One who will visit this museum will fall in love with the history.
- Timings: 9:00 AM -6:00 PM
- Fee: Paid
Beaches To Visit Near Mangalore
Panambur beach
Panambur Beach is a highly popular beach in Mangalore. This beach is located at 13 km from the city. It is considered as one of the cleanest and safest beaches in India and also the only beach maintained by private Organization. There are many kinds of tourist attraction in this beach, which will make sure people will have fun. Camel and horse rides, Jet Ski rides, Boating, Dolphin viewing, ATV’s are some of the fun activities present in this beach. And for the safety of the visitors, this beach is always guarded by the skilled and well trained lifeguards.
Along with these attractions, there are many festivals organized and celebrated in this beach like annual kite festival, air shows and sand-sculpture contests. The Organization of this beach also provides a space for the private parties, ceremonies like wedding and meeting and conference along the beach. One can reach this beach by the state transport or else in the private vehicle as there is ample parking available.
Tannirbavi beach
annirbavi beach is a second popular beach in Mangalore. The best attraction of Tannirbavi beach is the breathtaking view of sunset. The pleasant environment and cool breeze from the Arabian Sea makes it an ideal spot to relax and a great spot for family picnic.
Another interesting place near this beach is Tannirbavi Tree Park. Here you can see various kinds of plant and trees with herbal and medical importance.
Surathkal Beach
Surathkal Beach is located 12 km from the city center. It is also a most visited beach near Mangalore city.There is a lighthouse at the end of Surathkal beach, where people visit to see mesmerizing view of sea, hillocks and city. Lighthouse is open from 4 am to 5 pm.
Another attraction of this beach is the ancient Shiva Temple. The Sadashiva Temple is built as a conch-shaped temple and idol is in Linga Form. This temple is surrounded by four ponds, which is considered sacred by the people.
NITK Beach
NITK Beach is near the Campus of National Institute of Technology, Karnataka. It is a private beach for the campus students, but it is also open for the public and tourists. It is a small beach with no basic amenities and unfit for swimming. However, there is a Lighthouse in one end of the beach, where visitors can climb and have a complete view of the city. To reach this beach you have go through a small path through the campus road that leads to the beach gate.
Sasihithlu Beach
Sasihithlu beach is one of the unexplored beaches at Mukka about 22 km away from Mangalore. This tranquil and pristine beach is commonly used by fisherman’s for fishing and by natives.
The cool breeze and the awesome view of the delta point make it a worthy place to explore while visiting Mangalore.
Someshwara beach
Someshwara beach is located at Ullal, Managlore. The name of this beach comes from the ancient Shiva temple – Someshwara Temple. This beach is present at the estuary point of the Netravati River and Arabian Sea.
The main attractions of this beach are the large rocks known as the ‘Rudra Shile’ means Shiva rocks and the Ottinene hill near to it. The splashing tide on the Rudra Shile rocks provides a noteworthy view to the visitors.
A little trek on the Ottinene hill, will offer the mesmerizing view of the Netravati River bed and Arabian Sea. This small hillock is rich with medicinal and herbal plants. The bay area of the Someshwara beach is with golden sand. Therefore, this beach is ideal for photography, walking, resting, sunbathing and sunset views.
Ullal Beach
Ullal beach is a major beach in the Ullal suburb of Mangalore. Visitors usually come here to relax, swim and sunbath at the beach. Here you can see some decent eateries and resort to extend your stay. Some of the places you can visit near the Ullal Beach are Abbakka’s Fort at Ranipura, Dargah of Hazrat Shareef ul Madni and St. Sebastian Church.
Pilgrimage Places in Mangalore
Mangaladevi Temple
Mangaladevi Temple is a very famous and ancient temple in Bolar town, 3 km from the main city Mangalore. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti in the form of Mangala devi. The temple is built around 9th century. So,you can also admire the Kerala architecture used to build this temple.
The most celebrated festival is Dasara – a 10 days annual festival in this temple.
- Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM, 12 noon to 12.30 PM and 4 PM to 8:30 PM
- Entry fee: Free
Kadri Manjunatha temple
Located at Kadri 4 km from Mangalore. Kadri Manjunatha temple is another famous and most visited temple by the tourists. The Main deity here is Shiva in the form of Shiva Linga. Also you can see many deity statutes of Goddess Durga, lord Ganesh, Gorakanatha, Machendranath, Shringinath, Manjushri, Lokshewara and even Buddha within the sanctum.
It is built during 10th century and later converted into stone structure by 14th century. There is a Natural spring present at the back of temple known as Gomukha. This spring is believed to be flowing from the Bhageerathi River from Kasi. Therefore, people often call this spring as Kashi Bhageerathi Theertha.
There are several annual festivals happens in this temple they are, Jathra Mahotsava festival and Makara Sankranthi, Rudrabheeeksha and many more in grand manner.
- Entry Timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Sri Gokarnatheswara temple
Sri Gokarnatheswara temple is located in the Kudroli area – 4 km drive from the main city. This temple has another name “Kudroli Gokarnath Temple”. It is built under the guidance of Narayana Guru in 1908. The temple has beautifully designed Gopuram with several god idols from Indian epics.
This temple is dedicated to the God Shiva. A garden, Fountain, auditorium and a magnificent structure of Kailasagiri hills are some of the other attractions in this temple.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Entry: Free
Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is an ancient temple in the Kateel Village of Karnataka and it is located at 29 km from Mangalore city. This old temple is dedicated to the Goddess Parameshwari who is considered as a powerful god by the locals.
Built in the typical Kerala style architecture this temple also conducts several annual festivals and other Pooja’s, where hundreds of Goddess Durga devotees come to this village to pray and get blessings from the Goddess Parameshwari.
- Timings: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Entry: Free
Someshwara Temple
Someshwara Temple is a Shiva Temple located in Ullal. This temple is situated near the Someshwara beach. It is built in the 10th century AD and renovated in 16th century by the queen and devotee of Shiva – Rani Abbakka Devi.
There is a lake near to this temple known as Gadha teertha, people who visit to this temple also visit this lake and take bath. This temple is also known as Rudrapada Kshetra and famous for Pitrakrayas (ritual for deceased soul).
- Timings: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Entry fee: Free
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is one of the most popular temples in the city. There are two deities inside the temple, one is Sharabeshwara (Shiva Linga) and a Maha Ganapathi in south side.
The water tank inside this temple is known as Sharath Teertha by the devotees. Every year, devotees visit this temple to get blessings of the gods and also participate in various annual festivals and Poojas.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm | 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Dargah of Hazrat Shareef ul Madni at Ullal
Ullal Dargah Hazrat Syed Mohammad Madani aka Juma Masjid for Native villagers is a highly sacred place in Ullal, Mangalore. According to the history, 500 years ago a Muslim saint reached this place by floating across the Arabian Sea in musalla from the holy city of Madina and stayed at the small masjid at Ullal.
In the year of 1970, this Mosque was renovated with the help of the Karnataka Government. The popular festival in this Mosque is uroos which happens once in 5 year. This festival is happens for a period of one month and more than 15 lakhs people attend this festival.
- Timings: NA
- Entry Fee: Free
Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid
Zeenath Baksh Jumma Masjid in Bunder, Mangalore is one of its kind mosques where you can see the life stories of Prophet Muhammad inside it. This mosque is built in 644 AD by the Arab Muslim Traders.
This mosque is built using Indian Style architecture with wood and pillars. In 17th century, king of Mysore Tipu Sultan took the renovation work of this mosque and completely renovated the woods and carvings with unique and costly paintings.
St Aloysius Chapel
St Aloysius Chapel is a beautiful Chapel in Mangalore. Situated at the top of the Lighthouse Hill, this chapel is the built by the Jesuit Missionaries in 1880. The main attraction of this chapel is the interiors with beautiful paintings of Fresco and oil paintings.
The paintings are by the famous Italian Painter St. Aloysius Chapel in the year 1899. The beautiful painting and the peaceful environment attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 7.00 PM
- Fee: Free
Rosario Cathedral
Church of Our Lady of Rosary of Mangalore or Rosario Cathedral is an oldest church in Karnataka. It is the first Roman Catholic Church in the Canara region. It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1568. In 1910, the old church was demolished and a new church was constructed. In 1851, this church was declared as Cathedral and in1915 the formal dedication is carried out by a Bishop in Mangalore.
The beautiful paintings and the series of high and low arches of the Cathedral make it look so beautiful . Every day many people visit this Cathedral and offer prayer to Virgin Mary.
- Timings: 9AM–5PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Things to do in Mangalore
Spend time in Mangalore beaches
If you are a beach lover, then Mangalore beaches are the right place for you. Beaches like Panambur, Tannirbhavi, Sasihithlu, Ullal and Someswara beach have many kinds of water activities such as boating, surfing and skiing.
Witness the natural beauty
The tall casuarinas trees, small hillocks, white sand, endless beaches and river make it s great place to explore and become one with the nature.
Visit historical Places
Being a Port City, Mangalore has many historical places and monuments. Here you can witness the grandeur of various monuments, forts and museum.
Wear your shopping shoes
Mangalore has some great places to shop. There are several malls, shopping centers and markets in the city, where you can find all kinds of goods to shop.
Taste The Unique Mangalore Cuisine
Mangalorean cuisine is a typical south Indian cuisine. Some of the must try dishes are Neer dosa, Masala Dosa, Chicken sukka, Kori roti, Boothai Gasi, Kadubu, Patrode and Mangalorean fish. There are many fine dining restaurants and eateries in Mangalore which offers the authentic Mangalorean cuisine.
How to reach Mangalore
By Air
Mangalore city has an International Airport in Bajpe town . There are number of flights between the Mangalore International Airport and major airports in India and also from Middle East countries. From the Airport you can use State run government buses and cab service to reach the main city.
By Rail
There are two main Railway stations in Mangalore, they are Mangalore central and Mangalore Junction. You can get direct trains from Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mumbai, Ajmer, Gujarat, Goa, Karwat and Bhatkal cities.
By Bus
This port city consists of 5 National Highways which connect with all parts of India i.e. South, East, North and Central roadways. Over night busses are available from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Trivandrum.
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