10 Best Places to See and Things to Do in Mangalore

Sitting at the estuaries of the picturesque Netravathi and Gurupur Rivers on the Arabian Sea coast, Mangalore is a laid back destination, ideal for beach lovers. Though it encompasses a busy city but as soon as one reaches the shore line, everything bad seem to fade away and all one see is a vast stretch of golden sand and azure sea. For those who like to savour seafood, Mangalore has unbelievable varieties on offer. Not only this, like other cities of South India, Mangalore has a spiritual feel to it making it all the more interesting destination to visit. Here are some of the best places to see and things to do in Mangalore.

Places to See in Mangalore:

Mangaladevi Temple

Photo: https://goo.gl/8GQpBI

Mangalore was previously known as Mangalapur due to the deity and temple of Mangala Devi situated here. This 19th century temple was established by the King of the Ahepa dynasty and is one of the most popular places to see in Mangalore. Even if you are not a religious soul, you can visit this shrine to admire its architectural beauty and the immense faith of the people with which they come here. The best time to visit the temple is during the Navratra before Dussehra when the festivities at the temple are at their peak.

Gokarnanatheshwara Temple

Photo: https://goo.gl/tJaLwS

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple is yet another must see in Mangalore. Built in the Dravidian style, this temple boasts of golden colored gopuram which is 60 feet high and is decorated with stucco figures. The temple also flaunts some exquisite rock carving and sculptures that add to the beauty of this temple.

Panambur Beach

Photo: https://goo.gl/eKFVqW

Mangalore undoubtedly has some of the finest beaches in and around it. Panambur Beach, which is located 13 kilometers from Mangalore is indeed one of the pretty beaches that this place vaunts of. Less crowded and safe for secluded swimming, Panambur is an ideal place for beach lovers.

Surathkal Beach

Photo: https://goo.gl/nvwEH5

Another place for beach goers to explore is the Surathkal Beach. Known for pristine surrounding, Surathkal is located 18 kilometers from the main city. The beach is famed for its unique powdery sand that invites people to enjoy barefeet stroll on it. Another attraction here is a lighthouse on the beach that provides some great views of the ocean and the countryside.

Pilikula Nisargadhama

Photo: https://goo.gl/c26IKi

The surroundings of Mangalore are quite ideal for picnics and one such perfect location is Pilikula Nisargadhama, which is some 15 kilometers away. Pilikula Nisagadhama or Pilikula, is one of the most preferred picnic spots near the city as it is picturesque hamlet of Vamanjoor where rich wildlife can be experienced. One can find scads of wildlife species here and there is a botanical garden, a cage less zoo, where Tigers, Leopards, Bears and a variety of reptiles and snakes can be seen. A golf course within premises can also be found.

St. Aloysius Church

Photo: https://goo.gl/r4kOpA

St. Aloysius Church in Mangalore is known for its marvelous architecture and interiors. The church was built in 1880 and features paintings by the Italian artist Antonio Moscheni covering most of the walls. One can see several ceiling frescoes of various saints in Christianity and of course spend sometime in quietude here. Another attraction of the place is its location as it allows one to get a picturesque view of the Arabian Sea.

Sultan’s Battery

Photo: https://goo.gl/w7ADyl

Do not confuse this Sultan’s Battery with the one in Wayanad District of Kerala. This Sultan’s Battery is a watch tower which is located some 4kms from Mangalore at a place called Boloor. The watch tower was constructed in the era of the emperor Tipu Sultan in 1784 A.D and is said to be built with the same stones of 23 churches destroyed by Tipu Sultan. Though it is a watch tower but it looks much like a fort with mounting places for cannon. There is an underground storage area under the tower which was once used for storing gunpowder. If one climbs up to the top, he is guaranteed a panoramic view of Arabian Sea. This place is a blend of natural and manmade beauty. It is now a nearly deserted place with a few shacks and a boating club nearby, but is gathering popularity among tourists because of the pervading eternal bliss of nature.

Things to Do:

Try the Delectable Mangalorian Cuisine

Photo: https://goo.gl/PPYVkq

Delicious food is one thing that is guaranteed in Mangalore. Since the city it is a coastal city, you can expect some really scrumptous seafood here. A must try here is Fish Pulimunchi and Crab Ghee Roast. One of the best places for chicken ghee roast and crab ghee roast, is Kudlas. Other dishes that are a hit in Mangalore are neer dosa and chicken curry, the chicken pulimunchi and kundapuri chicken. Pork-lovers can head to Mangala for delicious Mangalore pork and vegetarians can head to Ayodhya for authentic Manglorean vegetarian food.

Go Shopping in Mangalore

There are two famous malls that shopaholics could head to City Centre and the biggest mall in Mangalore, Forum. But for a better shopping experience in Mangalore, it is ideal to shop in traditional markets like Hampanakatta, which by the way is the oldest and busiest markets in Mangalore and where you can find almost everything.

Surfing in Mulki

Photo: https://goo.gl/Q42Xrr

The Surfing Ashram at Mulki is surfers’ paradise. Situated some 30km north of Mangalore, this place is quite different from other surfing schools/centres. At this Hare Krishna ashram, which was established by its American guru who’s been surfing since 1963, devotees follow a daily ritual of puja (prayers), chanting, mediation and vegetarian diet in between catching barrels. Although one can surf all tear round, the best time would be May to June and September to October. All are welcome to visit and try hands at surfing but it’s important to be aware that it’s strictly a place of worship and there are guidelines to abide by, including abstinence from meat, alcohol, tobacco and sex during the stay.

This short list may not be enough to praise Mangalore, so best is to visit and check this lovely place on your own. If you liked our blog, make sure you give it a THUMBS UP and share it with your friends. And if you think, we are the right people to help you plan the trip to Mangalore, then give us a call at +91-9212553106/07 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com. We at Tour My India have been catering to all the needs of the travellers and promise to do the same for you as well.