Mangalore is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast of Karnataka in India. The city has a number of tourist attractions including beaches, temples, and historical sites. Some of the popular places to visit in Mangalore are Panambur Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, Sri Kadri Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Ullal Dargah, Kukke Subramanya Temple, Mangalore Fort, and Mangaladevi Temple.
The city's tranquil landscape is characterized by forest-covered rolling hills, coconut trees set along the lively coastline, ancient monuments, and hard red-clay tiled roofs. Mangalore's coastline consists of several beautiful beaches that are popular among both tourists and locals alike. Mangalore is a city with a long history and rich culture.
Mangalore is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to experience the true beauty of India. The city offers a wide range of activities for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled trekking trip, Mangalore has something for everyone.
Popular Places to Visit in Mangalore
1. St. Aloysius Chapel
St. Aloysius Chapel is a Christian chapel located on Lighthouse Hill. It is among the best places to visit in Mangalore. The interior of the chapel is beautifully decorated with paintings by Antonio Moscheni that cover almost all of the walls. It has a line of circular pillars that holds an arched ceiling with oil paintings that depict the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom the chapel is dedicated.
Other paintings beautifully depict the life events of Jesus Christ like birth, baptism, the wedding feast at Cana, and the crucifixion of Jesus. It is an architectural and artistic marvel that attracts people from all over the world.
2. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. It is dedicated to the form of Lord Shiva named Lord Gokarnanatheshwara. It is beautifully decorated with murals that show mythical stories of various gods and goddesses. The massive compound of the temple has beautiful marble flooring.
This temple hosts many festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Krishnashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Nagara Panchami, Deepavali, Navaratri, and Sri Narayana Jayanthi. The Navratri and Dussehra celebration are very prominent in this temple popularly called Mangalore Dasara. The idols of Sharada Matha and Maha Ganapati, life-size idols of Nava Durgas are later taken for a grand procession through the city which attracts many people.
3. Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple
Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shri Rajarajeshwari. It is among the most revered places to visit in Mangalore. The idol of the deity is completely molded from clay with herbal mixtures for added strength. The temple has beautiful historical architecture with the roof of Mukhamantapa being delicately carved in wood and other sections of the roof covered with copper plates.
It hosts the Polali Chendu festival which is a famous football festival held for five days and represents the fight for good over evil. It is followed by the annual festival in March which spans a month attracting people from all around the world.
4. Panambur Beach
Panambur Beach is the most popular and well-connected beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Mangalore. It is among the popular places to visit in Mangalore for its splendid sunset vistas and dolphin viewing. You can enjoy water activities such as motorboat rides, banana rides, jet skiing, water-scooter rides, parasailing, and surfing. You can also explore the sandy beach through buggy rides, long camel rides, horse rides, and chariot rides.
Various events such as beach festivals, kite festivals, boat races, air shows, and sand sculpture contests are held here. The beach hosts the International Kite Festival with teams from all over the world. The largest carnival festival is held here in December spanning across many days which attracts children and adults alike.
5. Tannirbhavi Beach
Tannirbhavi Beach is one of the most popular coastal places to visit in Mangalore. The beach is famous for water sports like boating, surfing, jet skiing, motorboats, and kayaking. You can also take a ferry to reach here from Sultan Bathery which is a historic dockyard spot to explore.
The beach also has a Tannirbavi Tree Park with an area of 15 hectares. The park consists of various species of flora collected from the Western Ghats with great medicinal properties. The park also depicts sculptures of the local region like the Yakshagana and Buta Kola.
6. Surathkal Beach
Surathkal Beach known for its white sands and rocky shore line is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. The beach has a curving shoreline with a lighthouse at the end. The lighthouse is situated on a rocky hillock and offers a panoramic view of the sea around. It provides a great place for photography.
You can witness the beautiful sunset from the beach and capture pictures of the scenery. The hillock also has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can also witness the 4 ponds in the shape of a conch, wheel, mace, and lotus surrounding the temple.
7. Sasihithlu Beach
Sasihithlu Beach is located in Sasihithlu village in the north of Mangalore. Surrounded by the backwaters of the Pavanje and Shambhavi rivers, the beach is among the most happening places to visit in Mangalore. You can spend a lazy day walking and swimming around. The tide is suitable for surfing. Many surf clubs can be spotted along the coast and surfing competitions are also held here. The beach is a great location to get drone shots for picture enthusiasts.
8. New Mangalore Port
New Mangalore Port is governed by the New Mangalore Trust and is the seventh largest port in India. It is an all-weather port located at Panambur in Mangalore. The port is renowned as the deepest inner harbor on the west coast. It is mainly used for fishing and for ferrying small goods.
Panambur Beach is located nearby which provides a great panoramic view of the port and surrounding areas. You can visit the port to be mesmerized by the colossal vessels and containers carrying commodities.
9. Ullal Beach
Ullal Beach is located 10 km from Mangalore near the Western Ghats. It gives a panoramic view of the coastline of the Arabian sea. Blessed with sparkling sand and clear water reflecting the blue sky, Ullal Beach is among the most pristine places to visit in Mangalore. You can spend time watching the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and click Insta-worthy pictures of the captivating scenery.
Ideal for a romantic time with your loved one, the beach is usually less crowded than other beaches in Mangalore. It is surrounded by stretches of coconut trees, tall lush casuarinas, and dense palm trees. You can also visit the ruined fort of Abbakka Devi and the Jain temples located along the coastline. The famous Dargah of Sayed Mohammed Shereful Madani is also located nearby.
10. Sultan Battery
The magnificent Tipu Sultan constructed Sultan Battery in 1784 and it is situated near Boloor. It was constructed to stop foreign ships from crossing the Gurupur River. Though it is a watch tower that resembles a fort and is surrounded by canyons, the name Sultan Battery implies "firing of the cannons."
The subterranean basement is used as storage for the gunpowder for the canyon. One of the many forts constructed by Tipu Sultan in his struggle to prevent the British from establishing themselves as the dominant power in India is Sultan Battery. It is the most popular place to visit in Mangalore for history lovers.
11. Bejai Museum
The Bejai Museum is the only exhibition place to visit in Mangalore and is sometimes referred to as the Seemanthi Bai Government Museum. The historical institution, which is well-known for connecting modern Indian history to that of the sixteenth century, features collections of antiquated and foreign coinage.
The gallery provides insight into Indian history and heritage through coins that have a connection to Pakistan and the British East India Company. The exhibition hall, named after the mother of a British Raj official named V.R. Mirajkar, Seemanthi Bai, is bedecked with copper engravings, statues, lights, and metallic symbols.
12. Pilikula Nisargadhama
The famous Infotainment Park Pilikula Nisargadhama was built amidst nature in Mangalore to offer a restorative experience. The name Pilikula translates to "a pool of Tigers" in Tulu. Tigers used to live naturally in the area, visiting the lake to sip water. In addition to nature enthusiasts, Pilikula draws zoologists, botanists, and students who want to learn about the diverse range of flora and animals that can be found there.
Visitors may explore the surrounding terrain, the lush rainforest, and the ponds. Along with its beautiful surroundings, Pilikula Nisargadhama is also one of the well-known places to visit in Mangalore for its entertainment and leisure pursuits.
13. Someshwara Beach
Someshwara Beach is among the offbeat places to visit in Mangalore. It is a charming undiscovered treasure of the city. Situated in the neighborhood of Ullal, the beach is distinguished from other beaches in the city by its long and stunning shoreline, glistening golden sands, and Rudra Shile, which are large granite boulders.
The Someshwara Temple, which is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, is located on Someshwara Beach. It is thought that the god's presence is responsible for the beach's scattered rocks. However, because of these rocks and the powerful currents, swimming in the waters is not recommended and is indeed rather dangerous.
14. Mangaladevi Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple is devoted to the goddess Mangaladevi, who is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti or Durga. It was constructed in the year 9000 AD and is now the oldest temple in Mangalore. Durga worshipers visit the huge temple and offer prayers to the deity.
Worshippers can sit in the roomy temple complex and meditate or chant in order to feel refreshed and at peace. The temple is the source of the city's name, Mangalore, and is also located at the geographic center of the city. Ranked among the famous places to visit in Mangalore, it draws several tourists with its historic architecture.
15. Kadri Manjunath Temple
Kadri Manjunath Temple was constructed in the year 1068 AD and is among the most revered places to visit in Mangalore. Located at the foot of the Kadri hills, it is built in the traditional Hindu Vijaynagri style. The main presiding deity of the Kadri Manjunath temple is Lord Manjunatha.
Due to its hilltop location, the temple is surrounded by several caverns. Images found in these caverns date back to the ancient era. It was formerly an epicenter of Buddhism, however, a new religion called Natha Pratha emerged after its collapse. They were Shiva followers known as Jogis. The present temple edifice was completed in the 14th century after several renovations.
16. Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
One of the most sacred temples in the area is the Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple. The location of the temple on an islet in the middle of the River Nandini, amidst the tranquil surroundings, is its most distinguishing characteristic that draws enormous crowds of visitors.
The temple honors the goddess Durga Parameshwari and is one of the most sacred places to visit in Mangalore. During the visit to the temple, you can enjoy the verdant panoramic view of the area, especially in the rainy season. The temple's surroundings are enormous, and the management keeps it in remarkable condition.
17. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
An illustrious historic temple honoring Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha is called Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple. The temple is thought to be 800 years old and has long played a significant role in Mangalore's religious beliefs. The word "Shara," which means "arrow," is the source of the name Sharavu, and it has a fascinating mythology associated with it.
The location is well-kept and orderly, which creates a warm and peaceful environment for worshippers to visit the temple and give their prayers. It is thought that Lord Ganesha is the one who frees his followers from their problems and suffering.
18. Pilikula Park And Golf Course
One of the most happening places to visit in Mangalore, Pilikula Park And Golf Course serves as the most fascinating neighborhood. Due to mother nature's enchantment all over the park, Pilikula park and the golf course are the most popular destinations in the city. It is located in Mangalore's Pilikula neighborhood of Moodushedde.
The park houses a golf course, zoo, lake, amusement park, heritage town, and other attractions that you can enjoy with your family, friends, and loved ones. It is the best option for you to spend time with your kids and participate in some boating activities. Picnics and leisurely excursions are a fun pastime at Pilikula Park.
19. Kadri Hill Park
A beloved destination for both locals and tourists, Kadri hill park is among the most vibrant places to visit in Mangalore. The park cum animal conservatory has an intriguing set of rare birds and animals, and is particularly famous for its anteaters. It has undergone a massive renovation recently, because of which it is bigger and better than ever.
You can enjoy the mesmerizing musical fountain show, or be an audience to the spectacular laser light show. The park also hosts beautiful flower shows throughout the year. You can visit the park with your family or friends for a lovely picnic full of enjoyment and excitement.
20. Light House Hill Garden
Lighthouse hill garden is an abode of peace and among the most serene places to visit in Mangalore. Located at the center of the city, it is also known as Tagore park. Built by Haider Ali in the 18th century, the lighthouse is a spectacle to witness. You can be pleased with the sea view from the top of the lighthouse, especially during the sunset.
Besides the sea view, the chirping of birds and the refreshing breeze mingled with the sound of the waves will instill a sense of calmness in your soul. There is a beautiful garden next to the lighthouse and a public library at its base.
21. Milagres Church
Milgrage Church is a historic, religious, and architecturally significant place to visit in Mangalore. It is among the oldest churches in South Canara. Built in the late 1600s by Bishop Thomas De Castro, it is a Roman Catholic church. The Church is now located in the Hampankatta locality of the city.
The architecture is fascinating with incredibly aesthetic marble designs that you cannot afford to miss. Milagres Church also conducts prayers and mass on Sundays which are open to anyone and everyone. Even though Milagres Church has experienced some trying historical periods, there is still a calming aura that soothes the visitors.
22. Rosario Cathedral
Rosario Cathedral, built in 1568 by the Portuguese is the oldest church in the south Canara region. It is one of the most well-known Roman Catholic churches and the best places to visit in Mangalore. The original structure was demolished in 1784 during the rule of Tipu Sultan, reconstruction started in 1813 and ultimately in 1910, the current structure was completed.
The church boasts spectacular architecture that is reminiscent of Roman architecture and was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. In front of the church is a towering, majestic bell tower. Rosario Church is known as "Poyyeda Ingreji" in Tulu, which translates to "Sand Church."
23. Mulki
Mulki is a small drop of heaven, situated on the banks of the enormous Arabian Sea and the Shambhavi River. The village is a haven for wakeboarders, surfers, and kayakers. It is one of the most popular adventure places to visit in Mangalore. You can experience the gentleness of the sand, discover corals and marine life in their native habitats, feast on scrumptious cuisine, and experience the coolness of the water here.
There is also an option to go on snorkeling excursions to distant islands. If you are looking for calm, vigor, good food, and a change in perspective towards life Mulki is the ideal spot.
24. 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. It is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore. The town of Moodubudiri is also known as the “Jain Varanasi'' of Southern India.
Basadi is unique and special as there are no two identical pillars in the temple. Each pillar is distinct with beautiful and intricate carvings. The Temple was built in the 15th century by the local ruler Devaraya Wadiyar and was once renovated in 1962.
25. Pilikula Regional Science Center
The Pilikula Regional Science Center is an incredibly informative and interesting place to visit in Mangalore. It is massively spread out over 10 acres and includes, among other things, 3 exhibition galleries, an inflatable dome planetarium, and 3D theatre facilities.
Outside the structure, in addition to the unique Science Center, there is a lovely Science Park and a Dinosaur Park. It frequently hosts students and teachers from nearby schools. You can bring your kids and family to view the planetarium shows. These are themed around science, astronomy, and the "Mysteries of the Unseen World".
