Mangalore is famous for its beautiful beaches with tall coconut trees, making it a great place to relax and escape the busy life. These beaches offer a mix of quiet spots for those who enjoy peaceful shorelines and lively areas filled with fun activities for those looking for excitement.
Beaches in Mangalore have something for everyone. where you can join in on water sports, enjoy beach festivals, or simply unwind by the sea, Mangalore’s beaches provide a perfect getaway for all kinds of travellers.
1. Panambur Beach
Panambur beach is located to the north of Mangalore, at a distance of 13 kilometers from the city. this beach is known for being the cleanest and well-maintained beach on the western coastline of India, attracting visitors in large numbers.
The beach is also considered to be safe as many lifeguards patrol the area to ensure the safety of the beachgoers. the beach has various adventure activities such as ATV rides, parasailing, jet ski rides, surfing, etc.
Along the beach, there are several stalls selling delicious chats and ice cream and also many eateries offering fresh seafood.
One of the main attractions of Panambur beach is the kite festival that is held as part of the Karavali Utsav organized by the district administration.
The International kite festival is held every two years, attracting participants from all over the world.
It’s no secret that Panambur is one of the top beaches in Mangalore.
2. Tannirbhavi Beach
| Feature | Details |
| Overview |
Tannirbhavi Beach offers relaxation and adventure with activities for all age groups.
|
| Cleanest Beach |
Known for its cleanliness and peaceful atmosphere.
|
| Lifeguards |
Present to ensure safety. Swimming is allowed only in designated areas.
|
| Activities |
Swimming, beach volleyball, cycling, photography, quiet walks, and picnicking.
|
| Adventure Activities |
Jet skiing, banana boat rides, boating, and kayaking.
|
| Eateries |
Food stalls and cafes nearby offer snacks, drinks, and seafood.
|
| Entry Fee |
₹20 for adults; ₹10 for children below 13 years.
|
| Best Time to Visit |
Early morning or late afternoon for swimming and picnicking.
|
| Facilities Available |
Lifeguards, washrooms, parking, and food stalls.
|
| Nearby Attractions |
Sultan Battery, New Mangalore Port, and Pilikula Biological Park.
|
| Distance from Mangaluru |
Just 12 km from the city center.
|
| Transportation |
Accessible by auto, taxi, bus, or ferry from Sultan Battery.
|
| Places to Stay |
Hotels in Mangaluru and resorts near the beach.
|
- This beach is lined with rows of trees which offer a picturesque view.
- To reach Tannirbhavi beach, one can take a ferry ride from Sultan Battery across Gurupura river or reach by land near the Kuloor bridge.
- It is one of the city’s most serene beaches. It is far less crowded than other beaches, making it the best beach in Mangalore if you are looking for some quiet time by the seaside.
- Moreover, there’s a tree park located close to the beach where one can enjoy a stroll through nature.
- The park is an initiative by the Karnataka Forest Department, covering an area of approximately 15 hectares near Tannirbhavi Beach.
- The tree park has distinct tree species that are found in the Western Ghats and also many medicinal and herbal plants.
- The park also contains a food court, cultural area, and beachside amenities such as an information kiosk, beach volleyball court, and relaxing beachfront area.
Activities and Pricing at Tannirbhavi Beach
| Activity | Description | Pricing |
| Swimming | Swim in safe, lifeguard-supervised areas. |
Free (in designated zones).
|
| Jet Skiing | Experience thrilling rides on the water. |
₹500–₹1,000 per short ride.
|
| Banana Boat Ride | Group boat rides on inflatable banana-shaped rafts. | ₹300–₹600 per person. |
| Boating | Relaxing rides on traditional boats. | ₹200+ per person. |
| Cycling | Rent a cycle to explore the beach area. | ₹50–₹100 per hour. |
| Beach Volleyball | Play volleyball on the sandy shore. |
Free (own ball) or local rental.
|
| Photography | Capture beautiful sunsets and beach views. |
Free (unless equipment rented).
|
| Quiet Walks | Peaceful walks along the shoreline or under trees. | Free. |
| Picnicking | Enjoy a picnic with family or friends. |
Free (bring your own supplies).
|
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3. Someshwara Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking Space
- Paid Toilet
- Lifeguards
It is a rocky beach located on the outskirts of the city. Several rocks on the beach stretch into the ocean or are positioned in the sea just a few feet from the coast, making them perfect for sitting and watching the sunset.
This is what makes Someshwara beach stand out from the other Mangalore beaches. the beach is named after the Someshwara temple, which is located nearby.
The huge boulders called ‘Rudra Shile or Paadhe’ that cover the beach are believed to be due to the presence of the temple. Rudra means Lord Shiva, and Shile or Paadhe is rock in Tulu language.
This beach has a beautiful spot called Ullal Delta, where one can see the joining point of the Netravati River with the Arabian Sea. due to sharp rocks and strong currents, swimming is not recommended in the beach area.
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4. Ullal Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking Space
- Food Stalls
This Mangalore beach is around 15 kilometers south of Mangalore city and adjacent to Someshwara Beach. It remains of Queen Abakka’s fort, Queen Abakka’s Jain temple, St Sebastian Church, and the Sayyid Madani Dargah are some of the noteworthy spots to explore near the beach.
If you’re looking to get away from the hectic city life, Ullal Beach is the perfect place to go. this beach offers a calm and serene environment as it is located a little further away from the city.
Summer sands beach resort which is situated near the Ullal beach is the best seaside retreat if you’re on vacation or planning to spend the weekend by the beach.
5. Sasihithlu Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking Space
- Few Food Stalls
Sasihithlu beach is located near Mukka, which lies to the north of Mangalore, about 25kms away from the city. this is where the rivers Shambhavi and Nandini meet and join the Arabian sea.
You cannot miss this scenic view of the calm backwaters on one side and the rough Arabian on the other side, making Sasihithlu beach a must-visit beach in Mangalore. In 2017, Sasihithlu beach also hosted the Karnataka Surfing Festival and India Open of Surfing, which drew a large number of water sports enthusiasts.
These festivals were held to promote beach tourism in Karnataka. after the success of these major events, the quiet beach has seen a significant increase in visitors over the years.
6. Surathkal Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking Space
- Few Food Stalls
This beach has a beautiful coastline with a lighthouse at the end. The lighthouse is open between 4pm to 5pm in the evening.
It is perched on a rocky hillock offering a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and sea.
Surathkal beach is situated close to NITK (National Institute of Technology). The area is primarily occupied by college students and also serves as a picnic spot for the locals.
One can see an abandoned ship along the coastline, which is a dredger ship that was beached in the year 2019.
This unique sight of the stranded ship makes the whole place more interesting.
7. Chitrapura Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking space
Located about 10 km from Mangalore city, this beach has stunning white sand that adds to its beauty, making it a lovely spot to visit.
The blueish water flanked by this white sand seems incredibly captivating. The beach is a great place to go if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
It is a tranquil beach near Mangalore that is relatively undiscovered by tourists. It is an ideal spot for those who wish to be near nature and away from the city’s bustle.
8. Kodical Beach
Facilities Available:
- Parking space
Located near Baikampady, Kodical Beach is one of Mangalore’s most tranquil and well-known beaches. This beach is a favorite picnic spot among locals. People come here with their families to watch the beautiful sunset or to spend some quality time together.
This relatively secluded beach is situated between the ever-busy Panambur and Surathkal beaches. Families who rely on fishing live near this area. As it is less crowded, the beach is clean with clear water.
9. Malpe Beach
Facilities Available:
- Paid Parking Space
- Paid Toilets
- Lifeguards
- Ferry Boat Ride
- Food Stalls
- Kid’s Play Area
- Speed Boats
- Water Scooters
- Parasailing
Malpe beach is one of the top beaches near Mangalore. It is a pristine beach located about 59 kilometers from Mangalore and 6 kilometers from Udupi. It is an important port and fishing harbor. There are a lot of attractions in Malpe beach, including St. Mary’s island, sea walk, amphitheater, and much more.
The St. Mary’s Islands are 4 miles away from the coast and can be reached only through ferry services. It consists of a group of four small islands, namely, Coconut Island, North Island, South Island, and Daria Bahadurgad Island.
These islands have a crystalline rock shoreline that geologists believe was formed when Madagascar was separated from India about 88 million years ago. Standing on the crystalline rocks and watching the sunset is one of the most enchanting things to experience on the island. St. Mary’s Island is closed during the monsoons. The best time to visit is between the months, October till January.
10. Kapu Beach
Facilities Available:
- Paid Parking
- Paid Toilets
- Food Stalls
- Lifeguards
- Kid’s Play Area
Located about 42 kilometers from Mangalore, Kapu beach is known for its lush greenery with golden sand and softly swaying coconut trees.
The century-old 130-foot lighthouse is one of Kapu Beach’s main attractions. The Kapu town is also known for its Goddess Mariamma temples and the Jain Basadis.
The Kapu lighthouse is open to visitors from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. From the lighthouse, the visitors can get a bird’s-eye view of Kapu Beach. For safety reasons, the lighthouse is closed during heavy rains.
Comparing Features of 10 Beaches in Mangalore
| Feature | Panambur Beach | Tannirbhavi Beach | Someshwara Beach | Ullal Beach | Sasihithlu Beach | Surathkal Beach | Chitrapura Beach | Kodical Beach | Malpe Beach | Kapu Beach |
| Boat Ride | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Food Stalls | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sunset View | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Swimming Area | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cleanliness | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Water Sports | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nearby Accommodation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Scenic Beauty | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lifeguard Services | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Parking Availability | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accessibility (Road) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Family-Friendly | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Shaded Areas | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nearby Attractions | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Beach Festivals/Events | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Conclusion
Mangalore has some of the cleanest and scenic beaches in India, drawing a large number of tourists every year.
Each of the beaches in Mangalore is unique and lovely in its own way.
The next time you visit Mangalore, make sure to stop by these beautiful beaches, they are sure to win your heart!
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