Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru is an Arabian Sea Port city in the Karnataka State of India. The city is known for its coconut palms, beautiful beaches, and ancient architecture. The Mangalore city of Karnataka State is an important industrial, commercial, educational, and healthcare hub.
Mangalore city gives a peaceful and relaxing vacation to tourists by offering a pleasant natural environment. Whether it’s Shopping attractions with grand complexes, nightlife, seafood culture, or tourist beach resorts, the city offers a lot to its domestic as well as foreign tourists.
Attractions in Mangalore: 10 Best Places to Visit:
The major tourist attractions in Mangalore include beautiful beaches, temples, churches, and mosques.
Some of the major tourist places to visit in Mangalore include:-
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple, Panambur Beach, Mangalore Beach, Mangaladevi Temple, Someshwara Beach, St. Aloysius Chapel, New Mangalore Port, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi Beach, New Mangalore Port, and much more.
1. Panambur Beach
Panambur Beach is one of the most popular and cleanest beaches located 13 Km from Mangalore. Panambur is one of the safest, and the most well-maintained beaches to visit. It is also famous for its sunset view and you can relax your senses.
Adventure activities include Jet Ski, Parasailing, ATV rides, and surfing can be enjoyed on the beach side. You can also indulge in horse riding at the beach.
The International Kite Festival is organized at Panambur Beach every year in January. Sand sculpture and boat race competitions are also the part of Kite flying ceremony.
Location: NH-66, near New Mangalore Port Trust
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
2. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple – The Lord Shiva Temple
Kudroli Gokarnath temple, also called Gokarnanatheshwara temple is dedicated to ‘Gokarnanatha’, another name for Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the popular attractions of the city and was built by Sri Narayan Guru.
During the Dussehra and Navaratri celebrations, the temple looks glittering yellow and you will be mesmerized by the decoration. The temple’s carved architecture is beautifully illustrated and reflects Dravidian-style architecture. The devotees visit the ancient temple to pray and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Location: Kudroli, Kodailbail, Mangalore
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
3. St. Aloysius Chapel
The Chapel of St. Aloysius College is a well-known Catholic Church in Mangalore built in 1800. The Chapel has astonishing architecture as well as interiors. The Church also offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. The Aloysius has many beautiful houses with frescos, sculptures, and paintings by Italian artist Antonio Moscheni.
It has a peaceful atmosphere offering calmness and relaxation to the bothered mind.
Location: PB No 720, St. Aloysius College Road, Kodailbail, Mangalore
Timings: 7 AM- 7 PM
4. Sultan Battery – The Historical Watchtower
The Sultan Battery is the watch tower constructed in the era of Emperor Tipu Sultan. It is the most fascinating place in Mangalore as it gives beautiful views from there. The tower was constructed to keep a lookout on the invading ships on the Arabian Sea. On climbing up the stairs to the top of Sultan Battery, you can get to enjoy a fascinating and breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding environment.
The place is also a boating point to head to Thannirbhavi Beach.
Location: Sultan Battery Road, Urva, Gandhinagar, Mangalore
Timings: 9 AM – 9.15 PM
5. Kadri Manjunath Temple
The Kadri Manjunath Temple is a historic religious tourist place situated at the base of the Kadri hills. The Manjunatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be the oldest Shiva Temple in Mangaluru. The location of the temple is extremely calm and spiritually attractive.
You will get to see water ponds along with gardens offering a peaceful environment. Architecture lovers must check out the sacred temple of Shiva in Mangaluru.
Location: Kadri Temple Road, Vasanth Vihar, Kadri, Mangalore, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM-2 PM, 4 PM -8.30 PM
6. Tannirbhavi Beach – For Sunset Views
Tannirbhavi Beach is one of the famous beaches offering peace and perfect natural surroundings to tourists. It is located on the outskirts of Mangalore and is also a perfect destination for nature lovers. Water sports like boating, surfing, jet skiing, and kayaking are also some fun adventures at the beach. You can chase the beach waves, enjoy walking barefeet, or just gaze at the ocean in introspection.
The natural beauty of location attracts the tourists to visit the beach.
Location: Kasba Bengre, Mangalore
Timings: 24 Hours Open
7. Mangaladevi Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu holy place at Bolara in the city of Mangalore. It is one of the popular spiritual and religious temples in Mangalore. The name of the city Mangalore came from the deity Mangaladevi, Goddess Durga to which the temple is dedicated.
During Navaratri and Dussehra, the ancient temple is the best time to worship and see the intense beauty of the temple.
Location: Mangaladevi Road, Bolar, Mangalore
Timings: 6 AM-1 PM and 4 PM – 8.30 PM
8. Someshwara Beach
Someshwara Beach is one of the oldest beaches and the hidden gem of the city. The centuries-old Somnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located near the beach. The beach is also known as Rudra Shile as it carries pretty huge stoned rocks over the shore.
At the shore, you can enjoy the golden sands and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea.
Location: Someshwar, Ullal City, Mangalore, Karnataka
Timings: 24 Hours Open
9. New Mangalore Port
New Mangalore Port, also known as Panambur Port is the only major port in Karnataka. It is the 7th largest port in India located in Panambur, Mangalore. It is an all-weather port that lies north of the Phalguni River to the Arabian Sea.
The commodities are imported as well as exported from the Panambur Port. Mainly the export of minerals like granite, Manganese, and iron ore along with coffee, spices, and cashews are done through the New Mangalore Port. You will get to see medium to large containers and have a unique experience of visiting the port.
Location: Panambur, Mangalore, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
10. Ullal Beach
Ullal Beach is a popular beach surrounded by casuarina and palm plantations to visit in Mangalore. The beach is a perfect tourist spot to sit, relax, chill, and introspect yourself.
The beach is located in the coastal region which is approximately 12 Km from Mangalore.
You can enjoy at the beach spot with your family, and friends chilling or trying some fun adventure sport. Some Shacks are also available to enjoy the local cuisines.
Location: Ullal City, Mangalore, Karnataka
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Best Time to Visit Mangalore
The best time to visit Mangalore is from October to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, making it comfortable to explore the city and its surroundings.
How to Reach Mangalore
By Air:
- Mangalore International Airport (IXE): Located about 13 km from the city center, it is well-connected to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi, as well as international destinations in the Middle East.
- From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the city center.
By Train:
- Mangalore Central Railway Station (MAQ): Located in the heart of the city, it is well-connected to major cities across India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Delhi.
- Mangalore Junction Railway Station (MAJN): Located about 5 km from the city center, it also serves as a key railway hub.
By Road:
- National Highways: Mangalore is connected by NH66, NH75, and NH169, making it accessible by road from cities like Bangalore (350 km), Mumbai (940 km), and Goa (360 km).
- Bus Services: Both government and private operators offer regular bus services to Mangalore from major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.
By Sea:
- New Mangalore Port: This port handles cargo and cruise ships, connecting Mangalore with various domestic and international destinations by sea.
Things to Do in Mangalore
1. Visit St. Aloysius Chapel:
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- Description: Known for its stunning frescoes and paintings, this chapel is a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.
- Activities: Explore the beautiful interiors, admire the artwork, and learn about its history.
2. Relax at Panambur Beach:
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- Description: One of the cleanest and most popular beaches in Mangalore.
- Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, camel rides, water sports, and savoring local snacks from beachside stalls.
3. Explore Kadri Manjunath Temple:
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- Description: An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its historical and architectural significance.
- Activities: Offer prayers, explore the temple complex, and learn about its history.
4. Visit the Sultan Battery:
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- Description: A watchtower built by Tipu Sultan to prevent the entry of warships into the Gurpur River.
- Activities: Climb the watchtower for panoramic views, explore the historical site, and enjoy a boat ride on the river.
5. Mangaladevi Temple:
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- Description: An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mangaladevi, after whom the city is named.
- Activities: Offer prayers, participate in temple rituals, and explore the temple complex.
6. Pilikula Nisargadhama:
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- Description: A multi-purpose tourist destination with a zoo, botanical garden, heritage village, and lake.
- Activities: Visit the zoo, enjoy boating, explore the botanical garden, and learn about local culture at the heritage village.
7. Visit the Kudroli Gokarnath Temple:
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- Description: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Gokarnatheshwara, known for its grand celebrations during Navaratri.
- Activities: Offer prayers, explore the temple’s architecture, and participate in festivals and events.
8. Explore the Tannirbhavi Beach:
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- Description: A serene beach offering a peaceful retreat with stunning views and less crowd.
- Activities: Relax on the beach, enjoy a picnic, and watch the sunset.
9. Local Cuisine:
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- Description: Mangalore is known for its delicious coastal cuisine, including seafood and traditional South Indian dishes.
- Activities: Try local dishes like Mangalorean fish curry, neer dosa, and ghee roast at popular eateries and restaurants.
10. Visit the Rosario Cathedral:
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- Description: One of the oldest churches in Mangalore, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Activities: Explore the cathedral, admire the architecture, and attend a service.
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