Now and then our mind gets weary of the monotonous routine of our lives. We scroll through social media or read blogs on the internet indulging in pictures and travelogs of picturesque locales. Decked in an aesthetic appeal these places entice us. We are filled with a strong desire to tiptoe away from the busyness of our lives and escape into the beauty of exquisite tourist destinations.
Fortunately, India is home to hundreds of places adorned with scenic beauty and other elements of tourist attractions. From ancient architecture depicting the rich cultural heritage and history of India to pious religious places, India has it all. This blog is for all tourists searching for new and unexplored destinations for their next trip.
Why is Mangalore an ideal tourist destination?
Ever considered visiting Mangalore?
Located in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, Mangalore is a port city overlooking the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, it lies in the backwaters of the Netravati and Gurpur rivers. This offbeat tourist destination harbours a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural prowess. Punctuated by capricious streams, dotted with lush green coffee plantations, strewn with golden sandy beaches, and studded with ancient architecture, Mangalore is an underrated yet exceptional travel destination in India. Moreover, Mangalore’s cultural diversity complemented by numerous festivals and celebrations ranks it higher among tourist destinations. Read ahead to explore the top 25 Mangalore attractions to unleash happiness and peace.
Top 25 Mangalore Attractions
There are over 50 Mangalore sightseeing places for tourists to explore. However, covering all these places is hectic especially if you are planning a short and comfortable trip. Keeping your time and leisure constraints in mind, we have curated a list of 25 visitables you cannot miss during your trip to Mangalore.
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The Mangaladevi Temple
The coastal city of Mangalore gets its name after its presiding deity, Mangaladevi. The Mangaladevi Temple is devoted to this goddess, who is considered a form of the Hindu god Shakti. Built in the 9th century by Kundavarman (the celebrated king of the Kalupa dynasty, this temple portrays a unique architecture etched with intricate carvings. People from different parts of India visit this temple to seek Mangaladevi’s blessings for prosperity and well-being and enjoy the surrounding nature.
| Timing | 6:00 am- 1:10 pm & 4:00 -8:40 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Mangalore International (2.1 km from Mangaladevi Temple) |
| Restaurant | Cardamom (0.8 km from Mangaladevi Temple) |
2. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Built by social reformer and spiritual leader Narayana Guru in 1912, Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is among the best Mangalore sightseeing places. It is a beacon of spirituality and cultural significance. You can witness a harmonious blend of various architectural styles, including Kerala, Dravidian, and Mughal. This temple is the abode of Lord Gokarnatheswara, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It also has shrines dedicated to other deities. Besides fostering social harmony, the temple hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
| Timings | 6:00 am – 2pm & 4:30 – 9 pm |
| Hotel | The Ocean Pearl (0.9 km from Kudroli Gokarnath Temple) |
| Restaurant | Giri Manja’s (0.8 km from Kudroli Gokarnath Temple) |
3. Kadri Manjunath Temple
Situated in the Kadri Hill, the Kadri Manjunath Temple was established in the 11th century. Dedicated to Lord Manjunath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, this is one of the most ancient temples in Mangalore. Marked by intricate carvings, tall entrance towers, and ornate sculptures, this temple exhibits a blend of indigenous Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture. Apart from its rich historic and religious significance, the Kadri Manjunath Temple is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Combining piety and natural beauty this temple is a unique Mangalore tourist destination.
| Timings | 5:30 am – 1:00 pm, 4 – 8 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Prestige (2.1 km from Kadri Manjunath Temple) |
| Restaurant | Village Restaurant (0.8 km from Kadri Manjunath Temple) |
4. Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple was built in Kateel (Near Mangalore) in the honour of Goddess Durga. Adorned in a traditional South Indian style of architecture the temple is a spiritual sanctuary in the heart of coastal Karnataka. It is popular for hosting vibrant festivals like the Navaratri showcasing colourful rituals and cultural performances. We highly recommend it for tourists who want to explore the culture and people of Mangalore.
| Timings | 6:15 am – 10:00 am & 5 – 7:45 pm |
| Hotel | Bombay Residency (13.6 km from Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple) |
| Restaurant | Lalith Restaurant (6.6 km Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple) |
5. Kudupu Anantha Padmanabha Temple
Resting amidst the tranquility of the serene village of Kudupu near Mangalore, the Kudupu Anantha Padmanabha Temple is dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabha (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Decked in intricate carvings and vibrant paintings, the temple is an ideal Mangalore tourist spot for pilgrims across India. This temple is popular for hosting special festivals like Vishuva Sankrama (celebrating the Sun’s transit into Aries).
| Timings | 6:30 am – 1 pm & 5 -8pm |
| Hotel | Adyar Plaza Inn |
| Restaurant | Inchara (1.9 km from Anantha Padmanabha Temple) |
6. St. Aloysius Chapel
The St. Aloysius Chapel was built in 1885 and is considered one of the most revered chapels for Mangalorean Christians. The chapel is a must-visit for all lovers of architecture. The arched ceilings resting on a line of circular pillars add a touch of iconicness to the building. Particularly exquisite are the church’s artworks created by Italian painter Antonio Mischeni, showcasing the life events of St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Finally, the paintings of Jesus Christ further elevate the chapel’s beauty.
| Timing | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Hotel | Grand Plaza Hotel (0.3 km from St. Aloysius Chapel) |
| Restaurant | Brio Cafe & Grill (0.1 km from St. Aloysius Chapel |
7. Panambur beach
If you love sunsets by the beach then Panambur Beach should be in your top 25 places to visit in Mangalore City. Decked in golden sands, clear blue waters, and swaying palm trees this is the ultimate spot for relaxation. From picnicking with your family to enjoying exquisite water sports, Panambur Beach offers you the complete package. With proper lighting and coast guard facilities, Panambur beach is a must visit.
| Timing | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel BMS (4.1 km from Panambur Beach) |
| Restaurant | Shakthi Restaurant (0.5 km from Panambur Beach) |
8. Ullal Beach
Bordered by the lush casuarina trees and coconut groves, Ullal Beach offers much more than just scenic beauty to its tourists. The place is etched with the remnants of the fort of Queen of Ullal, Rani Abbakka Chowta who was famous for her fight against the Portuguese. The proximity of Ullal Beach to Mangalore makes it the top choice for people exploring other parts of Karnataka. Also, if you love Mangalorean seafood delicacies and activities like sunbathing then do not forget to keep this white sandy beach in your itinerary.
| Timing | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Hotel | Parivar Residency |
| Restaurant | Diesel Cafe |
9. Someshwar Beach
Attracting myriads of pilgrims from different corners of India, Someshwar Beach rests on the mouth of the Netravati River. It gets its name from the Someshwara temple (dedicated to lord Shiva) located close to the beach. Someshwara Beach is famous for large rocks called “Rudra Shile”, strewn all across it. Presenting a mix of natural and rugged environments, the beach is iconic for its distinctive rocky landscape and strong waves. Although it is less suited for swimming and water activities, beautiful beach walks and splendid views of the sunset at the beach make it among the top Mangalore attractions.
| Timings | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Hotel | Goldfinch Hotel Mangalore (7.8 km from Someshwar Temple) |
| Restaurant | Pronto Kitchen (8.8 km from Someshwar Temple) |
10. Tannirbhavi Beach
Accessible by a ferry ride across the river from Sultan Battery or by road via Kuloor Bridge, visiting Tannirbhavi Beach is an exquisite experience. It’s an iconic local with a long stretch of golden sand dotted with greenery. Ensconced in serenity and nature, this place is a perfect getaway from the bustling city life. We highly recommend trying the delicious Mangalorean delicacies from the food stalls located near the beach. Having proper amenities like lifeguards and restrooms this place is amongst the top Mangalore attractions.
| Timings | 6:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel BMS (8.9km from Tannirbhavi beach) |
| Restaurants | Sizzler’s Restaurant (7.4 km from Tannirbhavi Beach) |
11. Netravati River Estuary
The area around the Netravati River estuary offers stunning views of the river’s union with the sea. The quiet waters reflecting the golden and crimson views of sunrise and sunset make it an ideal spot for nature-watching and photography. Rich in biodiversity, Netravati river estuary is rich in biodiversity attracting wildlife watchers and nature lovers from across India. The boat rides along the river let you experience the estuary closely and observe different species of birds, fishes, and other marine life.
| Hotel | Stream of Joy (12.6 km from Netravati) |
| Restaurant | Lqaxmi Prasanna (0.6 km from Netravati) |
12. Sasihithlu Lake
One of the lesser-known yet attractive tourist Mangalore sightseeing places is the Sasihithlu Lake. The natural beauty of the Sasihithlu lake is complemented by the iconic views of the coastal Karnataka landscape. This place is especially rewarding for bird watchers owing to the rare species of migratory birds here. You can also enjoy fishing and picnicking in this environment. Those in search of peace can spend hours doing yoga and meditation at Sasihithlu Beach.
| Hotel | The Oceanic Beach Front- Beach Hotel (17 km from Sasihithlu Beach) |
| Restaurant | Bourn Bon (6.1 km from Sasihithlu Beach |
13. Ankere Lake
Located in Karkala, 50 km from Mangalore, Ankere is a man-made lake. The calm waters of the lake surrounded by serene landscapes make this spot highly popular amongst tourists. Be it a picnic with your family or just a casual solo trip, Ankere Lake is ideal for you.
| Hotels | Country Inns & Suites By Radisson Manipal |
| Restaurants | Hotel Savita – Rooftop Family Bar & Restaurant |
14. St. Mary’s Island
Technically, St. Mary’s Island is not located in Mangalore. However, its proximity to the city makes it ideal for tourists visiting Mangalore. Also known as Coconut Island, St. Mary’s Island is a group of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Karnataka. These islands are popular for the formation of columnar basaltic lava. Surrounded by rocky beaches these islands feature pristine sandy beaches, coconut palm trees and crystal clear waters. Ideal for beachcombing, and birdwatching, the best time to visit this island is between October to January.
| Hotel | Aryan Hotel and Resort (1.7 km from St. Mary’s Island) |
| Restaurant | Woodland’s Restaurant (9.5 km from St. Mary’s Island) |
15. Sultan’s Battery Watch Tower
Sultan Battery Watchtower was built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. It was constructed to monitor the British forces approaching India from the Arabian Sea. The tower resembles a miniature fort characterized by mounting holes for cannons all around. Sultan battery is amongst the top Mangalore attractions depicting the military architecture from Tipu Sultan’s rule. Moreover, the visitors can also enjoy the boat rides, scenic beauty, and iconic views of the Arabian Sea.
| Timing | 8:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Sea View Mangalore (1.7 km from Sultan Battery) |
| Restaurant | Shri Durga Prasad Restaurant (0.4 km from Sultan Battery) |
16. Jamalabad Fort
Jamalabad Fort is located near Belthangady which is 60 km from Mangalore. Built by Tipu Sultan, you can reach this fort by trekking through dense forests. Views of the beautiful surrounding landscapes along with the greenery around elevates your trekking experience.
| Timing | 6:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Hotel Ray’s Inn |
17. Mangalore Port
Also known as the New Mangalore Port, this is an offbeat Mangalore tourist attraction. Being one of India’s major ports, Mangalore port is responsible for a large percentage of India’s exports and imports. With a combination of panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and industrial operations, this is an ideal spot for photographers. You can also take boat tours along the coastline to explore more about the place.
| Timings | 9:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Hotel | Ginger Mangalore (2.3 km from New Mangalore Port) |
| Restaurant | National Hotel Palace |
18. Thousand Pillars Basadi
Thousand Pillar Basadi also known as Savira Kambada Basadi is a historic Jain temple that is a significant pilgrimage site for the Jains. Built in the Vijayanagara architectural style, this temple is known for its intricate designs, detailed carvings, and granite pillars, this temple is an ode to the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans. The best part about this temple is that each of the thousand pillars of the temple is adorned with unique designs.
| Timing | 7:30 am to 6:00pm |
| Hotel | Golden Residency Hotel (930m from Savira Kambada Basadi) |
19. Pandeshwar Temple Ruins
If you love history and architecture then this Mangalore tourist place can be just perfect for you. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Pandeshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mangalore. The temple is immensely popular amongst the local Hindus. Although parts of the temple have turned into ruins, the Pandeshwar temple with its detailed carvings, towers and strong stone structures holds a significant place in Indian archaeology and architecture.
| Timing | 4:00 am to 9:00 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Citywalk Residency |
| Restaurant | Hotel Sri Sai |
20. Kambala
Although Kambala is not a location, it is definitely amongst the top 25 Mangalore attractions. Kambala is a traditional annual Buffalo race that is popularly held in the coastal regions of Karnataka, especially Mangalore and Udupi. The festival involves racing buffaloes through muddy tracks. It is usually hosted by the farming communities of the region as they believe it to bestow good luck upon them. Moreover, Kambala offers tourists a glimpse into the local cultures and practices of Mangalore and coastal Karnataka.
21. Manasa Amusement and Water Park
If you are traveling to Mangalore with kids then Manasa Amusement and Water Park is an ultimate treat for them. It is one of the most popular recreational tourist spots located in Mangalore. This park offers a wide range of attractions from water rides like speed slides, wave pools and lazy rivers to amusement rides like Ferris Wheel, and roller coasters. The multiple food stalls and restaurants in this area coupled with picnic areas make it ideal for you and your children to have a fun time.
| Timing | 10:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Sharada Residency |
| Restaurant | Mayakshi Veg and Non-Veg Restaurant |
22. Lighthouse Hill Garden
Located in the heart of Mangalore, Lighthouse Hill Garden is located in the center of Mangalore. Away from the busyness of the city, this garden offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the entire landscape of Mangalore. The historic lighthouse located on the hill close by coupled with the walkways elevates the beauty of the place. Therefore, the Lighthouse Hill garden is amongst the best places to see in Mangalore.
| Timing | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 4pm- 9pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Prestige |
| Restaurant | Hotel Janatha Deluxe |
23. Pilikulla Nisargadhama
Pilikulla Nisargadhama is an eco-educational and tourism development project located in Mangalore. It had something to offer for tourists of all ages. For example, the Pilikula Zoo houses a wide variety of local fauna. Also, the botanical garden, boating lake, and artisan’s village are some other attractions of Pilikulla Nisargadhama.
| Timing | 9:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Hotel | Hotel Sharada Residency |
| Restaurant | Hotel Shivprasad |
24. Witnessing Mangalore’s festivals
The smart city of Mangalore is home to people from various communities and cultures. Tourists can find traces of Mangalore’s diverse cultures in its wide array of festivals happening throughout the year. Some of these unique festivals include
- The AAti festival
- Ugadi
- Monti Festival
- Yakshagana Festival
A visit to a place is never complete without savouring its local food. Through their taste, these delicacies create a bond between the traveller and the local culture of the place they are travelling. Being a coastal city, one of the popular Mangalore attractions is its seafood and sweets. Some popular seafood dishes of the city include fish curry (Mean Gussi), Mangalore Fish fry, Crab Sukka, Kane Rava Fry, and Anjal Tawa Fry. Some other delicacies include Chicken ghee roast, Korri Roti, Mangalore Buns, and Sannas. Read this blog to explore the top 20 restaurants for Mangalorean delicacies.
Conclusion
In this blog, we covered the top 25 Mangalore attractions for tourists to explore. Our list includes a combination of both popular destinations and activities and some hidden gems as well. Do not keep yourself away from the exquisite travel experience that awaits you in Mangalore. The best time to visit Mangalore is from October to February. Remember to consider all safety norms while planning your trip. For example, it is always better to book the best quality accommodations and transportation while you are traveling.
