Things to Do in Mangalore

Located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the port city of Mangalore or Mangaluru is known for its swaying coconut palms, beautiful beaches and temple architecture. Major tourist attract (Read More)ions in Mangalore are the beautiful beaches and the temples, churches and mosques

Here is the list of 21 Things to Do in Mangalore

1. Visit the Kudroli Temple

Visit the Kudroli Temple

Sri Narayana Guru consecrated this temple for the Billava community in 1912, who was prohibited from entering any other temple in the area. The deity in this temple is Gokarnanatheshwara, Lord Shiva. The surrounding temples and the main temple are built in Tamil Nadu style, decorated with murals showing various mythological legends.

2. Admire the Beautiful St Aloysius Chapel

Admire the Beautiful St Aloysius Chapel

St Aloysius Chapel is a Catholic Church and a famous attraction set atop Lighthouse Hill and has a regal look which is breathtaking right from the entrance. The unique wall paintings of St. Aloysius Chapel are stunning and attract visitors in large numbers.

3. Kadri Manjunath Temple

Kadri Manjunath Temple
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Built in 1068 AD, this temple has the typical Hindu architectural style on the basic Vijaynagri style. It is situated at the base of the Kadri hills, the chief deity being Manjunatha. The temple has many caves around it as it is located on hillocks. These caves have depictions that go back to prehistoric times. Kadri was once the centre of Buddhism.

4. Beautiful Views from Sultan Battery

 Beautiful Views from Sultan Battery
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Tipu Sultan constructed this watchtower to keep a lookout for the entry of warships into the Gurpur River. The battery, made from black stones, had looked like a miniature fortress. This tower stands in ruins today without withstanding the test of time and extreme weather. This is a popular tourist spot as you get beautiful views of the battery.

5. Have a Day-Out at Kadri Park

Have a Day-Out at Kadri Park
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Housing a wide variety of wild animals, this is the largest garden in Mangalore and the city's most popular picnic/jogging spot. Rare species of birds, anteaters and various other animals are seen in the animal conservatory. The toy train here is a popular attraction for children as the train takes people around the park compound.

6. Visit Pilikula Park and Golf Course

Visit Pilikula Park and Golf Course
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Literally translating into the 'pond of tigers', this park can keep everyone busy with a lake with boating facilities, a zoo, an amusement park, a sprawling golf course, a biological park, a science centre, and a heritage village and more. The park is perfect for a day trip with the family.

7. Water Sports at the Tannirbhavi Beach

Water Sports at the Tannirbhavi Beach

Tannirbhavi Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city. The coastline with golden sand and cool, fresh air is rejuvenating, and people are drawn to the location's natural beauty. Proper seats and other facilities make the beach a frequently visited attraction, and it is crowded often on weekends and public holidays.

8. View Beautiful Interiors of Rosario Cathedral

View Beautiful Interiors of Rosario Cathedral

Rosario Cathedral is a 16th-century Roman Catholic church called the Church of Our Lady of Rosary of Mangalore. It is a magnificent structure with a beautiful interior and one of the few places in Mangalore where one can find peace and tranquillity away from the chaotic city life. The magnificent cross and the dome on the Cathedral are said to be prominent features easily visible to the ships approaching the Mangalore Harbour.

9. Indulge in Activities at Panambur Beach

Indulge in Activities at Panambur Beach
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Panambur Beach is located at a distance of 13 km from Mangalore to the south of Mangalore port. It is visited by hordes of tourists and locals every year as it hosts several events like boat racing, kite festival and sand sculptures competitions. Despite a massive footfall, it is one of the cleanest beaches one can come across on the Western coastline of India.

10. View the Architectural Beauty of Milagres Church

View the Architectural Beauty of Milagres Church

Milagres Church is a late 1600 Roman Catholic church and one of the oldest in Dakshina Karnataka dedicated to the Church of Our Lady of Miracles. Followers visit to offer prayers and absorb the tranquil vibe. The major aspects that draw tourists are the century-old architecture, its religious significance and historical importance.

11. Explore the Beaches of Mangalore

Explore the Beaches of Mangalore

The beaches in Mangalore are sure to capture your heart. Mangalore is replete with alluring beaches, vibrant culture, sumptuous cuisine and all-around beautiful locales in the South Canara district of Karnataka. However, the pristine beaches in Mangalore are just one of the many wonderful aspects of the city, which has also been ranked the 8th cleanest city in India.

12. Go Temple Hopping in Mangalore

Go Temple Hopping in Mangalore

The city of Mangalore is famous among pilgrims and tourists because it is home to many ancient temples and shrines. In fact, it got its name ‘Mangalore’ from Goddess Mangaladevi.

13. Indulge in a Local Shopping Spree

Indulge in a Local Shopping Spree

Mangalore might not sound like a shopper's heaven, but it indeed features an incredible line-up of local markets that provide you with a truly local experience that percolates down even into the exotic products offered there. All you need to do is take a small walk down the market alley, and you'll be instantly drawn to everything sold at the roadside stalls.

14. Explore the Collection at Bejai Museum

Explore the Collection at Bejai Museum
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The Srimanthi Bai Government Museum or the Bejai Museum is located in the city's heart and is Mangalore's only museum. It has a collection of ancient coins, paintings, statues and inscriptions which display the rich heritage of India. The copper inscription containing the verses of Keladi Venkatappa Nayaka dating back to 1624 AD is the highlight here.

15. Try the Mangalorean Dishes

Try the Mangalorean Dishes

Along with the mainstream seafood of the region, street food in Mangalore is undeniably epicurean. The mixed aromas of food from across the country are any day highlighted by the exclusivity of the state that could be found elsewhere, but wouldn’t be the same.

16. Visit these Malls for All Your Shopping Needs

Visit these Malls for All Your Shopping Needs

This coastal city of Karnataka may not be like a big city full of shopping malls. But you can surely have a wonderful time here! With traditional dresses and jewellery in high demand, you'll find a handsome number of tourists here. Amidst this shopping tour, don’t forget to grab some famous cashews when you are here.

17. Dinosaur Park at Pilikula Science Centre

Dinosaur Park at Pilikula Science Centre

Inaugurated in 2014, The Pilikula Regional Science Center in Mangaluru is spread over 10 acres and houses 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium and a 3D theatre facility, among other things. Inaugurated in 2014, The Pilikula Regional Science Center in Mangaluru is spread over 10 acres and houses 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium and a 3D theatre facility, among other things.

18. Have a Relaxing time at Ullal Beach

Have a Relaxing time at Ullal Beach
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Ullal beach is a prime tourist attraction in the city. Located in Ullal, a small fishing village only 12 kms away from the city centre of the bustling city of Mangalore, Ullal beach mesmerises its visitors with a panoramic view of a long coastline and the majestic Arabian Sea. The entire coast of the serene Ullal Beach is flanked by tall lush casuarinas and dense palm trees.

19. Sakleshpur - Poor Man's Ooty

Sakleshpur - Poor Man's Ooty
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Known For : Manjarabad Fort Sakleshwara Temple Bisle Reserve Forest

Sakleshpur is a popular yet offbeat hill station in Karnataka flanked by the Western Ghats. There is something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. Whether its the significant agricultural products or the discovery of a jyotirlinga by the Hoysalas, the quaint town of Sakleshpur earned its name rightly as it is no less verdant than Ooty.

Best Time: October to March, May-June

14 Sakleshpur Attractions

20. Watch a Mesmerising Sunset at Kodi Bengre Beach

Watch a Mesmerising Sunset at Kodi Bengre Beach

Surrounded by water on three sides, Kodi Bengre Beach is a perfect attraction for beach lovers. With the Suvarna River draining into the Arabian Sea, it forms a delta and hence it gets its name as Delta Beach and is also known as a 'sangama' point.

21. Kayaking in Backwaters in Mulki

Kayaking in Backwaters in Mulki

Mulki is nestled between the Arabian sea and the Shambhavi River in this paradise of water sports lovers. An esoteric town for surfers, Kayakers, Rafters and wakeboarders, Mulki is based 30 kms from Mangalore. Snorkeling trips to nearby islands are also possible from Mulki beach.

This post was published by Avneet Kang

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