Mangalore aka Mangaluru is a port city nestled between Arabian sea and the Western Ghats. Mangalore is the commercial and industrial centre of Karnataka. This port city is visited by tourists for its beautiful beaches and ornate temples.
Why Go There: Beaches | Temples | Witnessing Folk Dances
Ideal For: Nature Lovers | Religious people
Things to Bring Back: Traditional handicrafts, ayurvedic medicines, dry fruits especially cashews
Places to Visit in Mangalore
11. Surathkal Beach
Located about 13 km from Mangalore, the pristine beach of Surathkal is ideal for those seeking some tranquil. This beach is a coastal delight not yet crowded by tourists. An enchanting Sadashiv temple and a lighthouse add charm to the place. Also, do not miss out on the breath-taking sunsets at the beach.
Distance from the City: 12 km
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Nature Lovers | Couples
Best time to visit: October – February
10. Pilikula Park and Golf Course
Pilikula Park or the pond of tigers is a one stop entertainment destination. The park boasts of boating facilities, zoo, vast expanse of golf course, biological park, science centre and more
Open Time: All days of the week- 7:00AM-7:00PM
Distance from the City: 4 km
Time required: 1 day
Ideal for: Everyone
Best time to visit: October – February
9. Kadri Manjunatha Temple
This Vijaynagri style temple is inspired by Buddhist architecture. The 1068 built temple is located at the bottom of Kadri hills. Manjunatha is the chief deity of the temple.
Distance from the City: 3 km
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: Religious people
Best time to visit: October – February
8. New Mangalore Port
The Panambur located New Mangalore Port is managed by the new Mangalore Trust. This port was inaugurated in 1984 by Indira Gandhi. This major port is India’s seventh biggest ports. This remote port is majorly into trading of primary commodities. The port started commercial trading activity in the year 1962.
Distance from the City: 4 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Traders | People having import- export business
Best time to visit: October – February
7. Kadri Hill Park
This is Mangalore’s largest garden. The place houses rare birds and animals including anteaters in its animal conservatory. Also, it is a local belief that the water contained in the garden’s eight tanks can cure skin diseases.
Distance from the City: 3 km
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: Biodiversity Lovers
Best time to visit: October – February
6. Ullal Beach
This baech is located in the Ullal village about 12 kms from Mangalore city. The beach is bordered by 14 acres of casuarina groves and dense palm trees. Adventure junkies can indulge in the water sports activities at the beach. Nearby places such as Someshwara temple, St Sebastian Church and Queen Abakka’s Fort can be visited by travellers.
Distance from the City: 12 km
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: Nature Lovers | Water sports enthusiasts
Best time to visit: October – February
5. Sultan Battery
This is a watchtower which was built by Tipu Sultan to watch out the entry of war ships in the Gurpur river. This structure made out of black stones resembles a miniature fortress. However, today the Sultan Battery lies in ruins.
Distance from the City: 5 km
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: History & Heritage Lovers
Best time to visit: October – February
4. Bejai museum
The Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, Mangalore’s only museum houses a collection of old coins, paintings, figurines as well as inscriptions.
Distance from the City: 3 km
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: History & Heritage Lovers
Best time to visit: October – February
3. Mangalore beach
This beautiful beach is nestled at the estuaries of Gurupara and Nehtravathi rivers. The beach is adorned with silver sands, towering palm trees and angled soil configuration. People visit this beach to witness the famous Yakshagana performance as well as admire beautiful sunsets.
Distance from the City: 6 km
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: Beach Lovers
Best time to visit: October – February
2. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Sri Narayana Guru built this temple for Billava clan as they were not allowed entry into any other temple. The presiding deity of the temple is Gokarnanatheshwara (Lord Shiva). The main temple as well as the temples in the vicinity are adorned with murals of varied mythological heroes.
Distance from the City: 5 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Religious people
Best time to visit: October – February
1. Panambur Beach
Panambur beach is the cleanest beach in India. It is managed and maintained by Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, a privately-owned enterprise. The beach hosts several carnivals such as kite flying, boat racing and sand sculpture making. The international Kite festival which takes place every two years and the kite carnival held in the month of April should not be missed. The beach has been awarded the cleanest and best sustained beaches in India.
Distance from the City: 5 km
Time required: 2-3 hour
Ideal for: Kite Flying Enthusiasts | Beach Lovers | Adventure seekers
Best time to visit: April
Other Attractions of Mangalore
- St Aloysius Chapel
- Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
- Mangaladevi Temple
- Sri Krishna Temple
- Milagres Church
- Anathapura Lake Temple
- Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala
- Madhur Temple
- Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
- Chandramoulishwar Temple
- Bela Church
Also Read: Tourist Spots in Bangalore
How to Reach Mangalore
Flight | Train | Bus
Nearest Airport:
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) (18 km away)
Book Your Flights And Save Money From: Cleartrip Fight Coupons | Easemytrip Coupon Code | Paytm Flight Coupon Code
Nearest Railway Station:
Bangalore Railway Station
Nearest Bus Stops:
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses connect Mangalore to cities in South India and even Mumbai. Private bus operators also ply buses on these routes regularly.
Book Your Bus and Save Money Using: Abhibus | Ticketgoose
Where to stay
Cordel Farms, Mangalore | Alta-Lux Villa | Green Retreat Second Home | Urban Retreat Homestay
Avail Discounts on Hotel Bookings Using: Booking.com | Ginger Hotel | Homeaway | Wego
Nearby Places to Visit
- Kudremukh (110 km)
- Bekal (66 km)
- Karkala (61 km)
- Udupi (56 km)
- Sringeri (110 km)
- Horanadu (136 km)
Hidden Gems
- Travel by the scenic NH 17 and visit the Netravathi river which is a water source for the city
- Watch beautiful sunset at Tanirbhavi beach, Mangalore
- Rise early at dawn and enjoy the sunrise at Kadri temple hills
CashKaro Recommendation
You can opt for the many unique homestay options at Mangalore. Enjoy the cosy stays and savour the delectable local cuisine served at these homestays.
Fun Way to Travel
Mangalore is well connected by road to major cities of south India. You can travel by your own car and take halts at will to savour the famous Udupi cuisine along the highway.
If you do not wish to take your car, you can rent one from: Zoomcar | Savaari | Aha Taxis