Mangalore is one of the coastal cities of Karnataka that is nestled along the pristine coastline of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the old charms of the state with the significance of historical relevance. It served as a flourishing port city, where Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed. It marked the beginning of European influence in the region and still gives a glimpse of the colonial era. The city also host several tourists sites in it beautiful vicinity that attracts travelers and tourist form over the world.
To make your Mangalore trip a memorable one you can book your local sightseeing taxi with the Cabbazar. It offers large fleet of professional drivers and well maintain cars.
1. Panambur Beach
Panambur Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Mangalore city that attracts a group of tourists and locals year around. It is one of the most popular beaches in the state and hosts several vibrant events like kite festivals, boat racing and sand sculpture competitions. It is located only 13 km from the center of the city near to the south of Mangalore port. The name Panambur is derived from “panam” meaning money and “ur” meaning places.
Panambur Beach is getting attention due to its excellent maintenance and cleanliness which allows it to get several awards. The beach is also open for many events like, promotional programmes, weddings, parties, etc.
2. St Aloysius Chapel
St. Aloysius Chapel is a famous attraction set at the top of the lighthouse hill. It's a historical catholic church and has a regal look which offers breathtaking views right from the entrance. Also, the unique wall paintings of St. Aloysius Chapels are very famous for their stunning art and attract visitors in large numbers. All these are the oil paintings that were painted in 1899 by Antonio Moscheni, an Italian Jesuit when he visited Mangalore on a mission in 1878. This chapel offers a peaceful place for visitors in the buzzing life of the city.
Being located near the coastal region of the city you can also enjoy the Arabian Sea views from the campus of the chapel. Also, the surrounding natural landscape of the church makes it one of the best tourist places in Mangalore.
3. Kadri Manjunath Temple
The Kadri Manjunatha temple is believed to be the oldest Shiva temple in Mangalore. This historic temple was built in 1068 AD with the South Indian architectural style of Vijayanagar at the foothills of Kadri Hills. One of the major events the Jatra Mahotsav festival is held there annually, which attracts thousands of devotees who call themselves Jogis.
Located in the Hillocks region of the city, the temple has many caves around it. These are the prehistoric caves. Being the oldest religious monument the temple has been renovated many times and the last renovation was done in the 14th century. Also, there is a natural spring at an elevated location at the back of the temple.
4. Rosario Cathedral
Rosario Cathedral is the most famous and oldest church in Mangalore. It stands as a testament to elegance and devotion amidst the metro city’s bustle. The church was built by the Portuguese in 1568 in Gothic style. The cathedral is well known for its serene atmosphere, which offers a peaceful and reflective environment. Its beautiful architectural style, with towering spires, arches, and ornate detailing, enhances its beauty. In 1784, the church was desecrated and destroyed by Mysorean ruler Tipu Sultan, who gave iconic features to visitors about historically guided ships approaching Mangalore.
It was the original church of the old Portuguese factory, where oral tradition states that the image of the Virgin Mary at the high altar was found by the fishermen at sea and then caught in their net. Here, you will also find many Mangalorean cuisines, like Mangalorean fish curry, along with many different street foods.
5. Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple
Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple also known as Gokarnanatheshwara Temple is one of the popular temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Gokarnanatha a form of Lord Shiva. It lies in the heart of the city and has a Gopuran tower-like structure decorated with pieces of graphic artwork that depict various gods and goddesses. It was built by the Adhyaksha HoigeBazar Koragappa in 1912. One of the iconic features of the temples is that during the afternoon the temple with its golden sheen casts rays on it that give a feeling of divinity and power.
The temple was built in 1912 by Adhyaksha HoigeBazar Koragappa. It is Mangalore places to see during festivals such as Maha Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, Deepli, Navratri or Sri Narayana Jayanthi. Also, one of the best times to visit the temple is during Dasara when the whole temple is decorated with vibrant flowers and lights.
6. Kadri Park
Apart from its beaches and port, Mangalore is home to some beautiful parks. Kadri Park is one of them. The has undergone a massive renovation project that led to it being one of the most popular attractions in the city for people of all ages. The park has a lush green landscape and offers several other fun activities like a musical fountain show, a laser light show and for children's toy train, making it a popular attraction of the city. It is the largest garden in Mangalore that hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna in its vicinity.
The park is also one of the major Mangalore city sightseeing destinations among travelers or the most popular picnic/jogging spot. The park is well connected to public transport, and several city buses the best time to when you can visit here is during weekends and vacations along with your family, and friends, or with your loved ones for some quality time together. There is a conservatory for animals aside from the park where you can come across some species of animals in the park
7. Tannirbhavi Beach
Tannirbhavi Beach is among the most beautiful places in Mangalore for travelers. It is one of the most visited beaches of the city and is also called as Thandrai in the Tulu language and spelt Tannirbavi as well. The beach is located at a distance of 12 Km from the city center and is easily reachable. The coastline with golden sand and cool fresh air makes the beach a frequently visited attraction. The beach also features modern facilities like proper parking spaces, lifeguards and several eatery stalls.
Sprawling along the pristine water of the Arabian Sea Tannirbhavi Beach is one of the popular beaches in the city. You can also enjoy several water sports activities such as boating, surfing, jet skiing, motor boats and kayaks here that will also let you enjoy the beauty of the Arabian Sea closely.
8. Pilikula Park and Golf Course
The Pilikula park offers stunning natural beauty, which is designed to seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. It prides itself on providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for golf enthusiasts. It is the perfect choice for any special occasion for a touch of elegance and charm. It was established in the early 2000s, as a private club that offers individuals and families to enjoy exclusive access to the course and its amenities. The views of the Western Ghats and well-maintained greens give relaxation to the disturbed mind.
The Pilikula translates to ‘pond of the tiger’. This park also has many other activities like boating, an amusement park and a golf course, perfect to keep everyone busy. If you are looking for a Mangalore day trip it is the best place to visit. The club also hosts a variety of events that attract a vast community of individuals and sports enthusiasts.
9. Ullal Beach
Ullal Beach is the perfect Mangalore picnic spot located only 12 km away from the bustling center of the city. It is one of the pristine beaches of the majestic Arabian Sea that offers several panoramic views. As reach the palm-fringed beach, the azure water of the sea with a gentle sea breeze welcomes you and revitalizes your inner child. The view of the long coastline and the majestic Arabian Sea in Ullal Beach mesmerizes its visitors. This place calms you and a sense of tranquility within you.
It is one of the perfect tourist sites for a weekend or a vacation where you can explore dense palm trees, that look like beautiful natural sceneries. The water of the beach is very clean and invites you to take a dip in it. There are also several stalls at the beaches that offers local cuisines and other handicraft items.
10. Mangaladevi Temple
Mangaladevi Temple is a grand temple in Mangalore city that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple was built during the 9000 AD and since it is one of the most sacred temples in the city, it attracts devotees from all over the region. Also, the ancient architecture of the temple which focuses on functionality and religious symbolism attracts travelers and tourists. The temple has a grand spacious complex and architecture that allows devotees to sit and meditate or chant. after offering their prayer to feel relaxed and at peace.
It is also interesting to know that Mangalore city has got its name form the Mangaladevi Temple. That is nestled in the city only 3 km away from the center and always remains busy with devotees and travelers.
11. New Mangalore Port
The New Mangalore Port is one of the major all-weather ports in the Panambur region of Mangalore city in Karnataka. It is the seventh-largest port in the country on the Malabar coast of the Arabian Sea which started functioning in 1974. It is one of the major commercial ports in South India from where most of the primary commodities are imported as well as exported. It lies to the north of the Phalguni River to the Arabian Sea and has completed around 12 years.
Along with its economic significance, the port is also one of the best attractions in Mangalore. The best time for Mangalore post is between October and February when the beaches offer beautiful sightseeing and beach view and attracts lots of travelers.
