Explore Mangalore
Christened after Mangaladevi – the presiding deity of the Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore (also known as Mangaluru in the Kannada language) is the chief port city of India. Resting against the backdrop of lush green landscapes, the verdant Western Ghats, and the azure Arabian Sea, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of Dakshina Karnataka. Tourists from all across the world visit this picturesque city for a lot of reasons. They travel to Mangalore to explore this coastal paradise, to enrich their minds with the rich cultural diversity of India, and to recharge their souls in Mangalore’s dense greenery, and exquisite parks. Moreover, its seamless connection of roads and pleasant weather are bound to offer you a great travel experience. There are 50+ attractions in Mangalore. In this article, we list the top 10 things to do in Mangalore and help you plan a memorable trip to this port city.
Explore the Serene Beaches
The desire the witness sepia-vermillion sunsets, the search for peace amidst the ebbing waves of the Arabian Sea, and the urge to soothe your soul in the cool breeze brushing by the green casuarina trees have lured myriads of tourists to the city of Mangalore. The bustling and lively beaches of Mangalore owe their iconic ness to the golden sands, clear waters of the Arabian Sea and the lush greenery encompassing them. The best part is, that each of these beaches is different from the others; while some of them like Someshwara Beach are popular for their cultural significance, Panambur Beach is famous for its food stalls and scenic beauty. And of course, recreational activities like jet skiing, parasailing and beach volleyball are amongst the top fun things to do on Mangalore beaches. The top 5 beaches of Mangalore include:
- Panambur Beach
- Tannirbhavi Beach
- Surathkal Beach
- Someshwara Beach
- Ullal Beach
Visit Historic Temples
The search for peace pushes us to explore places known and unknown. People visit temples to spend some quality moments worshipping the Almighty. Through prayers, we seek courage, strength and positivity from the master of the universe. Also, temples are widely visited by patrons of history and architecture. Being home to several ancient and revered temples, Mangalore offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience to tourists. They are particularly famous for their exquisite architecture and intricate craftsmanship, historical significance, and strong connection with Mangalore’s local culture, festivals, and traditions. Here are some of the most prominent temples in Mangalore.
- Kadri Manjunath Temple
- Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
- Mangaladevi Temple
- Shri Surya Narayana Temple
- Thousand Pillar Jain temple
- Kateel Durga parameshwari Temple
Enjoy Coastal Cuisine and Best hotels
Your trip to Mangalore will be incomplete without savouring its delicious coastal cuisines. Therefore, one of the top things to do in Mangalore is to experiment with its rich and diverse culinary heritage while enjoying the comfort of its luxurious hotels. Given its cultural location, Mangalore is a paradise for seafood lovers. Free fish curries, succulent prawn dishes, and spicy crab preparations are almost the top seafood offerings in Mangalore. Apart from that, you can also enjoy some of the Manglorean chicken and mutton dishes, and delectable sweets and desserts, including Mangalore buns and banana halwa. Without Mangalorean coastal cuisine, your visit to Mangalore is incomplete. Some of the culinary attractions in Mangalore include:
- Gajalee Sea Food restaurant
- Maharaja
- Hotel Janatha Deluxe
- The Bombay Lucky
Discover the best hotels in Mangalore here.
Wander through the Old City
Mangalore is an old city etched with influences of South Indian dynasties like the Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Vijayanagara Empire. Later, it was controlled by the Portuguese and the British. Years have passed since then, but the city still holds the imprints of the ancient and mediaeval periods and colonial rule. So, one of the top things to do in Mangalore is to explore the old city by visiting the historical landmarks, ancient temples and churches. Stroll through Mangalore’s bustling markets to witness its culture. You can also partake in heritage walks to explore some more ancient attractions near Mangalore. The top 3 historical destinations to visit in Mangalore include:
- Sultan Battery
- St. Aloysius Chapel
- Ullal fort
Experience Local Culture
Mangalore is home to diverse cultures and traditions. One of the top things to do in Mangalore includes relishing its local cultural practices and enjoying the city’s vibrant traditions. Mangalore is known for its colourful festivals and cultural events like Navaratri, Yakshagana performances, and Kambala. Exploring these experiences will expose you to the region’s traditional music, dance and rituals. Furthermore, participating in local activities like pottery-making, palm leaf weaving, and folk art workshops, visiting art and heritage centres, and interacting with locals are the best ways in which you can experience Mangalore’s local culture and know more about the city. Some popular annual festivals of Mangalore include
- Mangalore Carnival
- Aati Festival
Explore Mangalore’s Markets
This segment is especially dedicated to every tourist who loves to shop. We know many of you love to take back some mementoes from every locale you visit. And what better place to get tokens of the local culture and art from than the notable marketplaces of the area? From discovering local flavours to shopping for unique treasures, you can enjoy it all at Mangalore’s popular markets. Some of Mangalore must-visit places for marketing include:
- Hampankatta Market
- Badangpet Market
- City Market
- Kadri Market
- Urwa Market
Architectural Marvels
It does not matter how thick the layer of time is, the eminence of historical architecture can never be buried beneath it. The moment you step inside these exquisite works of art, a sense of pride fills you. You cannot help wondering how our ancestors crafted these beautiful towers, arches, stone carvings, and minarets with just a few simple tools. Mangalore is home to several iconic architectural wonders which reflect the flawless craftsmanship and excellence of mankind. From temples to historic monuments, architectural marvels are strewn all around the city. So, one of the top things to do in Mangalore is to visit architectural masterpieces like:
- Mangaladevi Temple
- St. Aloysius Church
- Mangalore Port
- Milagres Church
- Sultan Battery Watch Tower
Enjoy Water Sports
Water sports are ideal for all adventure lovers who enjoy experiences that offer an adrenaline rush and spike up their excitement levels. Endowed with numerous beaches, adventure activities in Mangalore (especially water sports) are a must-try. Indulging in water sports not only allows one to experience the natural beauty of Mangalore uniquely, but it might also act as a stress reliever. Many of Mangalore’s beaches offer a palette of water and other adventure activities for tourists to enjoy. Some of the top water sports activities for tourists to explore include the following:
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
- Banana Boat Ride
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Scuba Diving and snorkelling
Trek through Nature
If being surrounded by sky-kissing high-rises and cacophonies of traffic seems to take a toll on your inner peace, then trekking through the trails encompassed by lush greenery is one of the top things to do in Mangalore. The best thing about trekking in Mangalore is that it is suitable for both first time and experienced trekkers. Trekking in Mangalore can be a lifetime experience, thanks to the diverse species of plants and animals spread across the city’s large landscape. Be it a one-day trekking adventure or an elaborate trekking trip for 2 or more days, Mangalore can offer it all. Some of the best attractions near Mangalore for trekking include:
- Trekking in Kumara Parvatha
- Kudremukh Trek
- Ettina Bhuja Trek
- Ballalarayana Durga Trek
- Madhugiri Trek
Relax at Hill Stations
Just when the hot and humid summers seem to suck all energy from you, your mind craves to escape to some pleasant and serene hill station in the lap of nature. Mangalore is not a hill station itself but it is in proximity to several hill stations in the Western Ghats. With the Western Ghats surrounding them and the dense green forests, coffee plantations and capricious streams enhancing their beauty, the hill stations neear Mangalore are a treat to the eyes and the heart. They are the perfect getaway from the humdrum of life and amongst the best Mangalore places to visit in one day. Here are the top 5 hill stations to visit from Mangalore.
- Coorg
- Chikmagalur
- Sakleshpur
- Agumbe
- Kemmangundi
Safety Tips for Visitors
Travel is a pleasurable experience. We travel to rejuvenate our hearts and brains. However, as a tourist it is your responsibility to plan your trip carefully taking into account an array of factors like crafting the perfect itinerary, booking secured and comfortable hotels, and making flight/rail reservations. Your responsibility does not end here. Throughout the trip, you must follow certain safety measures to stay safe and travel seamlessly. Here are some safety tips for visitors in Mangalore.
- Stay Informed
Before traveling to Mangalore, acquaint yourselves with local customs, laws, and potential safety concerns. Also, take note of travel advisories issued by the government.
- Respect local customs
Mangalore is home to people with diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions. So, while visiting the place you must respect the local customs, and be mindful of cultural norms especially when visiting places of worship.
- Stay Alert
Mangalore is a safe city. That said, it is better to stay vigilant in crowded areas, marketplaces, and centres of attractions. Always take care of your belongings and valuable possessions.
- Opt for reliable transportation and hotels
While traveling around Mangalore always opt for licensed taxis, auto-rickshaws, or reputable transportation services. Also, while booking hotels, look through its website, client testimonials, Google rating and hotel location before making a final decision.
- Stay Hydrated
Since Mangalore has a tropical climate, you should drink sufficient water throughout the day, especially during the summer months. In fact, we advise you to carry light water bottles while exploring the Mangalore best sightseeing places.
- Protection against Mosquitoes
Mangalore is prone to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, particularly during the monsoon months. To stay safe you can take precautions like wearing mosquito nets, wearing long-sleeved dresses and pants, and considering staying in accommodations with mosquito screens or air condition facilities.
Conclusion
In this article, we covered the 10 top places to visit in Mangalore. Mangalore has a huge palette of locales to offer for its visitors. From pristine beaches to historic monuments to calm and cool hill stations, Mangalore has a lot to offer to its tourists. So, what are you waiting for? Come unite with nature and history by visiting the best places to see in Mangalore.
FAQs on Mangalore (Mangaluru)
- What is the best time to visit Mangalore?
Since Mangalore has a tropical climate, we advise you to avoid the summer and monsoon months when visiting Mangalore. The best time to visit Mangalore would be during the winter months, from October to February. You can explore the best places to visit in Mangalore comfortably during this time.
2. What are the transportation options in Mangalore?
The popular tourist places of Mangalore are connected by a transportation system including city buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis. You can also avail of app-based cab services like Ola and Uber.
3. How can I reach Mangalore?
You can reach Mangalore by train, rail, and road.
| Medium of travel | |
| Rail | Mangalore is connected to other cities of India via Bangalore by the Indian Railways network. |
| Road | You can reach Mangalore by bus (both public and private) from Mysore, Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai. |
| Flight | Mangalore has an international airport located 18 km from the city. |
4. What are the top websites for booking accommodations at various tourist destinations of Mangalore?
Every popular tourist destination of Mangalore is complemented by safe and comfortable hotels. The top websites for reserving accommodations in Mangalore include:
- MakeMyTrip
- Agoda.com
- Booking.com
5. What should be the ideal length of a trip to Mangalore?
The length of a trip usually varies depending on factors like the number of destinations you choose to visit in Mangalore and your budget. That said, a typical visit to Mangalore usually ranges from 2–4 days. Within this time, you can cover all the top things to do in Mangalore.
