Mangalore

Mangalore, a sea-side town bordered by the Western Ghats, is situated on the southern tip of Karnataka. The town is unique that its culture, language and ways exhibit a blend of Kerala, Karnataka and the various other settlers here. The numerous pubs, discos, shopping malls and the young crowd all give it a cosmopolitan atmosphere, yet the city retains its small town charm. Although the beaches and temples of Mangalore are its prime attractions, the town by itself is worth a wander, with its winding streets lined with quaint houses.

The landscape is generally lush and green, with coconut palms occupying a major part of it. A drive down the NH 17 here will be an experience of a lifetime; you can enjoy a stiff sea breeze and have glimpses of the sparkling sea every now and then. The road runs parallel to the beach for a distance of no less than 95 km.

The name Mangalore has been derived from Mangala Devi, the presiding deity of the temple here. Mangalore was originally a major trading centre, owing to its favorable location. However, it was occupied successively by invaders such as the Portugese in the 16th century and later by Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan.

The major tourist spots here are Moodabidri, Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollu, Udupi, Karkala and Venoor. And while you are here, dont forget to get a taste of the local cuisine, rich with seafood and coconut.

The adventure and the nature lovers have a lot to do in Mangalore. The Western Ghats offer quite a bit of trekking opportunities amongst its thick recesses. The lovely beaches peppering the coast are ideal for quiet relaxation.

Moodabidri is a Jain pilgrimage centre with numerous basadis of its own, the most reputed of which is the Savirakambha Basadi. The highlight of the Basadi is that it has no less than 1000 pillars, each of which is different from the other in some way or the other. A huge monolithic pillar situated right at the entrance welcomes visitors. The temple also contains a variety of carved idols of Theerthankaras done in metal and adorned with jewels.

Mangalore has its share of tall and beautiful churches, the most important of which is the St. Aloysius Chapel, which is around 100 years old. The inside of the church is covered with frescoes, done by an Italian artist Bro. Moscheni. The paintings depict events in the life of St. Aloysius.

The Kadri Manjunatha temple is an ancient temple with Shiva as the main deity. The interesting part of the temple is that right below the idol of Ganesh, a spring called Gomukha originates and flows into a stream to fill up no less than 9 tanks.

Udupi, located 60 km from Mangalore, is most famous for being the originator of the Masala Dosa and several other South Indian delicacies. The characteristic Udupi cuisine is so famous that restaurants serving this delectable vegetable cuisine can be seen in every nook and corner of South India. Udupi also has a temple of its own- the Sri Krishna temple with a Golden Chariot.

Must See

Kadri Manjunatha Temple

St. Aloysius Church

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Pilikula Nisarga Dhama

Church of Our Lady of Miracles

Rosario Cathedral- The Church of the most Holy Rosary

Mahatobhara Shree Managala Devi Temple

Sultan Battery

Ullal

Panambur Beach

Moodabidri- Jain Pilgrimage centre

Karkala

Varanga

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple

Jamalabad

Udupi

Polali

Mulki Temples

Dharmasthala

Subramanya

Venur

Malpe Beach

Maravanthe

Baindur

Kollur

October to February.

By Flight

Mangalore has an Airport of its own at Bajpe. Flights operate to Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kochi and Calicut daily.

By Rail

Mangalore has two railway stations from where trains run to Bangalore and all major cities in South India.

By Road

There are buses running to Bangalore and other nearby towns. NH 17 and NH 48 pass through Mangalore.