Want to take a break from your hectic, mundane schedule? Spend a weekend in the vibrant town of Mangalore in Karnataka. It is a beach town renowned for both its cultural richness and its natural beauty. With its stunning sandy beaches, temples, and indigenous architecture, this town is a haven for tourists. There is a wide variety of places to visit in Mangalore in 3 days catering to the interests of several types of tourists.
Beaches like Palambur Beach and Surathkal Beach offer comforting sand and a chilly breeze to soothe your body and soul. You can find peace and tranquility in the lap of nature at the pristine beaches of Mangalore.
A trip to Mangalore is incomplete without visiting the famous pilgrim places like Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple, Kudroli Gokarnath temple, and St. Aloysius Chapel, which while being a beautiful spectacle will calm your soul with their divinity as well. The architecture of this city is breathtaking, with structures like Saavira Kambada Basadi. The beautifully and intricately carved monuments appear mesmerizing against the scenic backdrop of the sea.
Mangalore is a city filled with splendid activities, such as the kite festival, a museum, an infotainment park, and much more to make your three-day vacation in Mangalore memorable. It will be filled with unforgettable memories.
Mangalore Places to Visit in 3 days – Option 1
Day 1 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Kadri Manjunatha Temple
- Kudroli Shree Gokarnanatheshwara Temple
- Mangaladevi Temple
- St. Aloysius Chapel
- Kadri Park
Day 2 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Tannirbhavi Beach
- Sulthan Battery
- Panambur Beach
- Ullal Beach
Day 3 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Nisargadhama
- Pilikula Biological Park
- Pilikula Park And Golf Club
Mangalore Places to Visit in 3 days – Option 2
Day 1 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple
- Kadri Manjunatha Temple
- Someshwara Temple
- Someshwar Beach
Day 2 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Surathkal Beach
- Panambur Beach
- New Mangalore Port
Day 3 Mangalore Places to Visit
- Saavira Kambada Basadi
- Bejai Museum
- Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple
- Sulthan Battery
Mangalore is well-known among tourists for its beautiful beaches, historic temples, and delicious food. If you’re looking for a place to relax away from the chaos of your routine life and enjoy some stunning natural scenery, then Mangalore is the perfect destination for you. The popular places to visit in Mangalore in 3 days are-
1. Saavira Kambada Basadi
Saavira Kambada Basadi, also known as the "Thousand Pillars Temple," is the most notable of the 18 Jain temples in the Moodubidiri town of Karnataka. The town is also known as the “Jain Varanasi'' of Southern India.
What makes this Basadi unique and special is the fact that there are no two identical pillars in the temple, and each one is distinct and different, with beautiful and intricate carvings. The temple was built in the 15th century by the local ruler Devaraya Wadiyar and was renovated in 1962.
2. Bejai Museum
The Samantha Bai Government Museum, popularly known as the Bejai Museum, is the only museum in Mangalore and is situated in the city's center. It features a collection of historical coins, paintings, statues, and inscriptions that showcase the rich legacy of India. It is named after Seemanthi Bai, the mother of an officer of the British Raj named V.R. Mirajkar.
One of the highlights of this place is a copper inscription from 1624 AD that contains verses by Keladi Venkatappa Nayaka. There are models of boats, planes, and acting puppets in the kids' area. A whole area is dedicated to displaying the stones from different eras. Additionally, there are statues of soldiers and cannons from the Jain Fort of Jamalabad.
3. St. Aloysius Chapel
A popular tourist destination, St. AloysiusChapel, is a Catholic church with a regal beauty that is spectacular to see from the entryway. It is located atop Lighthouse Hill. Captivating wall paintings can be found at St. Aloysius Chapel. Italian Jesuit artist Antonio Moscheni created these works in 1899.
Unfortunately, most of the paintings we get to see have been restored after they were damaged over time, but St. Aloysius Chapel's charm and authenticity have nonetheless been very well preserved. The church is also known as the Sistine Chapel of Mangalore, and it provides a tranquil setting to ease a troubled mind. The view of the Arabian Sea from the chapel provides a sense of unexplainable calm.
4. Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple
On the banks of the Phalguni river stands the 8th-century Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple, a shrine to Goddess Shri Rajarajeshwari. The main attraction for tourists and devotees is Sri Rajarajeshwari's idol, which, according to legends, is composed of special clay with healing abilities.
With beautiful woodwork carvings of Hindu gods and copper roof plates, the temple architecture is breathtaking. Over the years, the entire building has undergone numerous restorations. However, the deity's allure, strength, and peaceful atmosphere of the temple draw a sizable number of followers from across the nation to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
5. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
The history of Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is revolutionary. It dates back to the 18th century when members of the underprivileged classes were forbidden from entering temples. In 1912, under the direction of Sri Sahukar Koragappa, a consecrated Shivalinga was transported to the Kudroli temple in Mangalore and given the name "Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara."
Gajaraja, a sculpted elephant, guards the temple's entrance. Spread over two lakh square feet, complete with marble flooring, it is heaven for all devotees. Thousands of pilgrims from many castes, communities, and religions visit this location to offer prayers. The temple incorporates contemporary design with ancient sculpture techniques based on Adwaithamritha's Prateeka Sampradaya.
6. Panambur Beach
Panambur Beach is among the best places to visit in Mangalore in 3 days. It is always exuberant, as it regularly holds events like boat races, a kite festival, sand sculpture competitions, and more, it attracts throngs of tourists and locals each year. Despite having a lot of visitors, it is one of the cleanest beaches on India's western coastline.
The words "Panam" and "ur," which mean "money" and "location" respectively were combined which resulted in the apt name for the beach. Watching the sunset here while you rest your feet on the golden brown sand is an experience you cannot afford to miss.
7. Surathkal Beach
The Surathkal beach is a peaceful abode for individuals wishing to enjoy the pleasure of the Konkan coast without a herd of people spoiling the lovely view of the ocean, thanks to its stunning rocks that delightfully punctuate the smooth coastline. It is definitely worth the drive from Mangalore to see these gorgeous sunsets.
There aren't many choices for individuals who want to participate in watersports at this beach because it isn't frequently visited by visitors. The fragment of the Shiv Lingam that gives this beach its name is housed in the charming Sadashiv temple located here. The beach's attractiveness is complemented by a lovely lighthouse.
8. New Mangalore Port
Located in Panambur, Mangalore, the New Mangalore Port is an all-weather port. Its inner harbor is the deepest on the west coast. Operating under the direction of the New Mangalore Port Authority, it is the only significant port in Karnataka and the seventh-largest port in all of India. The name "New Mangalore Port" sets it apart from the former port or harbor in Mangalore City known as "Mangalore bunder" or "Old bunder."
The ancient harbor, which is located south of New Mangalore port, is now utilized for fishing and small cargo ferries. There are docks for cruise ships at the New Mangalore Port. International visitors arrive here and explore Karnataka state's seaside (Karavali) region. It provides a helicopter service for visitors arriving on cruise ships.
9. Pilikula Nisargadhama
Pilikula Nisargadhama is an iconic infotainment park in Mangalore built amidst nature to offer a rejuvenating experience. The name Pilikula translates to "a pool of Tigers" in Tulu. Tigers used to live naturally in the area, visiting the lake to drink water. In addition to nature lovers, Pilikula draws zoologists, botanists, and students who want to learn about the diverse range of flora and animals that can be found there.
You can also explore the surrounding terrain, the lush rainforest, and the ponds. Along with its beautiful surroundings, Pilikula Nisargadhama is well known for its recreational and entertainment pursuits. They also have a scientific center, a water park, a zoo, a botanical garden, and an artisan village.
10. Kadri Manjunath Temple
Kadri Manjunath temple was constructed in 1068 AD and features the traditional Vijaynagri style of Hindu architecture. It is a tribute to Lord Manjunatha who is the deity of the temple. The temple is located at the foot of the Kadri hills, and due to its hilltop location, the temple is surrounded by several caverns. Drawings found in these caverns date back to the prehistoric era.
The Kashi Bhageerathi Theerth is located behind the temple on the hill. The water is thought to originate from Kashi's River Bhagirathi. Devotees traditionally stop by this location before entering the temple. The existing temple edifice, which dates from the 14th century, has undergone numerous renovations.
Mangalore has much more to offer, other interesting places to visit include, beaches like Gokarna beach, Om beach, and Malpe beach. On top of that, if you are on a spiritual embarkment, you must also include Shri Mahabaleshwar temple and Murudeshwar temple. And if you have some more time, you can also visit St. Mary’s Island and Mirjan fort.
Although Mangalore might not seem like a paradise for shoppers, it does have a remarkable selection of indigenous markets that give you a truly local experience that extends even to the exotic goods they sell. Some of the locations that you must visit include, Central Market, Hampankatta market, and the Seafood Market.
Being a coastal city, the seafood Mangalore has to offer is scrumptious. Mangalore's street food is also diverse and undeniably delicious. Some of the local dishes you must try are Goli Bajji, Korri Roti, and Mangalore Biryani, among others.