Welcome to Mangalore, India a coastal gem nestled along the shores of the Arabian Sea in southern India. Having spent 15 days immersing myself in the beauty of this vibrant city, I can attest to its enchanting allure. From its pristine beaches kissed by the gentle waves to its bustling markets teeming with life and color, Mangalore offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and cultural richness.
And let’s not forget the mangoes—renowned worldwide for their unparalleled sweetness and flavor, Mangalore boasts some of the best mangoes you’ll ever taste. So, join me as we embark on a journey through this picturesque paradise, where every moment is an invitation to savor the beauty and abundance that Mangalore has to offer.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Mangalore is a port city located on the southwestern coast of Karnataka state in India. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, historic temples, and mix of cultures.
Mangalore has a long history dating back to the 3rd century BCE, when it was an important trading port. It was ruled by various dynasties over the centuries including the Kadambas, Vijayanagar Empire, and Portuguese before coming under British rule in the 18th century.
The city is situated between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats mountains to the east and north. It enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 35°C throughout the year. The best time to visit is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and dry. June to August is monsoon season with heavy rainfall.
Mangalore is home to diverse communities including Tulus, Konkani Catholics, Bearys, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, and Daivadnyas. This multiculturalism is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Some of the major languages spoken here are Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary.
Transportation
Mangalore has excellent transportation connections by air, rail, road and sea.
Airport
The Mangalore International Airport has both domestic and international flights. It is located about 13 km northeast of the city center. Major domestic airlines like Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet operate regular flights to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. International flights are available to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha.
Train
Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction are the two major railway stations in the city. There are regular train connections to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Some major long distance trains that stop at Mangalore include Rajdhani Express, Kerala Express and Matsyagandha Express.
Bus
The two main bus stands are the State Bank Bus Stand and the private bus stand at Pumpwell. KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) buses connect Mangalore with all major cities and towns in Karnataka as well as with neighboring states of Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu.
Taxi and Autorickshaw
Metered taxis as well as auto rickshaws are easily available for moving around the city. Ola and Uber also operate in Mangalore. Autorickshaws are the most convenient and affordable option for short distances.
Top attractions
Mangalore has several top attractions that highlight the city’s rich history, culture and natural beauty. Some of the most popular attractions include:
St. Aloysius Chapel
St. Aloysius Chapel is a Catholic church located in the city center, known for its beautiful paintings that cover the walls and ceilings. The chapel was built in the late 1800s in a Gothic style, with impressive arches and tile flooring. The interior is ornately decorated with paintings depicting the life of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the chapel’s namesake. Visitors are awed by the artwork and serene atmosphere inside the chapel.
Mangaladevi Temple
The Mangaladevi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Mangaladevi. It is located about 3 km from the city center but is easily accessible. The temple draws devotees who come to pay respects to the goddess and bathe in the temple tank. The original temple structure dates back many centuries but has been renovated over time. The temple is known for its serene atmosphere and intricate carvings.
Kadri Manjunath Temple
The Kadri Manjunath Temple is an important temple complex in Mangalore dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, another name for Lord Shiva. The temple dates back to the 10th century and features ornate stone carvings and bronze statues. The main temple structure has a pyramid-shaped roof adorned with gods and goddesses. Devotees come here to worship and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere amid lush gardens surrounding the temple.
Pilikula Nisargadhama
For those looking to enjoy nature, Pilikula Nisargadhama is a popular eco-tourism attraction with forests, streams, boating, and gardens. Visitors can see native plants and trees while walking the trails or relax by the water. There is also a zoo, an educational center focused on conservation, and activities like golf, archery and cycling. Pilikula offers a nice outdoor escape from the city.
Beaches
Mangalore is known for its beautiful beaches along the Arabian Sea. Three of the most popular beaches are Panambur, Tannirbhavi, and Someshwara.
Panambur Beach
Panambur Beach is the most famous and frequently visited beach in Mangalore. It has fine golden sand and sparkling blue waters. The beach is maintained by the New Mangalore Port Trust. There are food stalls, rides, and camel rides available. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset. The 10km stretch is ideal for long walks.
Tannirbhavi Beach
Tannirbhavi Beach is more secluded than Panambur. It has soft white sand and is lined with coconut trees. The beach is not very crowded, making it perfect to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a dip in the ocean or enjoy activities like beach volleyball. Local fishers bring their catch to shore in the mornings.
Someshwara Beach
Someshwara Beach is situated near the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. The beach has rocky formations interspersed between sandy stretches. The beach is not visited by many tourists, lending it a serene ambience. The Someshwara Temple overlooking the beach is a popular pilgrimage site. Early morning walks along Someshwara Beach are refreshing.
Shopping
Mangalore offers plenty of shopping options for visitors. The two main malls are City Center Mall and Forum Fiza Mall, located in the Hampankatta area.
City Center Mall – This 4-story mall has over 100 stores, including international brands like Levi’s, United Colors of Benetton, Nike, and more. There’s also a food court with cuisines ranging from Chinese to Italian. The mall is centrally air-conditioned and has an indoor kids’ play area.
Forum Fiza Mall – Right next to City Center Mall, Forum Fiza Mall has 6 floors with over 125 stores and restaurants. Popular stores include Shoppers Stop, Marks & Spencer, and Westside. There’s also a PVR multiplex cinema on the top floor.
Hampankatta Bazaar – For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Hampankatta Bazaar. This old market area has everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes, utensils, and crafts. Vendors gather in the mornings and evenings, so those are the best times to visit. Make sure to haggle for the best prices.
The malls offer an air-conditioned escape for international brands, while Hampankatta Bazaar lets you experience local commerce and culture. With the variety of options, Mangalore is a shopper’s paradise.
Cuisine
Mangalore is famous for its delicious cuisine, especially its seafood and coconut-based curries. The city’s cuisine has been influenced by its coastal location as well as the South Canara region’s diverse mix of cultures.
Seafood features prominently on most menus in Mangalore. Popular fish like mackerel, sardines, seer fish, and shrimp are prepared in a variety of mouthwatering curries and fries. The signature Mangalorean fish curry is made with a coconut-based gravy flavored with ginger, garlic, chili, curry leaves, and other spices. This tangy, spicy curry goes perfectly with rice, roti, or the Mangalorean rice cake called pundi.
Another Mangalorean specialty is the bun, a type of sweet yeast bread that resembles a brioche. Buns are either eaten plain with a coconut chutney or as a sandwich with spicy chicken or mutton fillings. Sannas are similar to idlis, but are made from fermented rice batter. They have a soft, spongy texture and are eaten for breakfast or dinner along with coconut chutney and spicy chicken or fish curries.
No meal in Mangalore is complete without sampling the local desserts, like puran poli (sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery and coconut), kashi halva (a pudding made of coconut, pumpkin and banana), and almond pudding. With its delicious blend of spicy curries, flavorful seafood, and sweet treats, Mangalorean cuisine offers something for every palate.
Nightlife
Mangalore is known for its vibrant nightlife scene centered around pubs, lounges, and nightclubs. Many of these venues are located along Balmatta Road, which comes alive after dark.
Pubs: Some of the most popular pubs in Mangalore include:
- Pebbles – A lively pub known for its rock music, Pebbles attracts a young crowd. They have happy hours from 4-7pm on weekdays.
- MCCB – Mangalore Cricket Club Bar offers a sports bar atmosphere with TV screens, bar food, and local brews on tap.
- Purple Lounge – A hip, upscale pub with modern decor, Purple Lounge has an extensive cocktail menu.
- Sip N Bite – This casual British-style pub serves comfort food like fish and chips alongside beers, wines, and cocktails. There’s live music on weekends.
Lounges: For a more laidback vibe, check out these trendy lounges:
- Black Cadillac – Inspired by America’s Route 66, this lounge has a retro theme with classic rock tunes.
- The Gatsby Lounge – Modeled after the Roaring Twenties, The Gatsby Lounge exudes vintage glamour with occasional live jazz.
- Pegasus – This rooftop lounge offers panoramic city views and innovative cocktails. It’s great for conversations and people watching.
Nightclubs: When you’re ready to dance the night away, hit up these energetic nightclubs:
- I Bar – One of the hottest nightclubs in town, I Bar packs the dance floor on weekends. Notable for its sound and lighting systems.
- UG Club – Underground Club is designed like a cavern with neon accents. Open Friday-Sunday nights, it draws big crowds.
- Kudla Club – A massive two-story nightclub, Kudla Club hosts guest DJs and has VIP bottle service available.
The nightlife in Mangalore truly has something for everyone, from casual pubs to pulsing nightclubs. Just follow the crowds along Balmatta Road after 10pm to join in the excitement.
Festivals
Mangalore is home to many lively festivals that showcase the city’s diverse culture and heritage. Some of the most popular festivals include:
Mangalore Dasara
Mangalore Dasara is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the region. It takes place over 10 days in October and honors the Hindu goddess Durga. The festivities kick off with the bringing of the goddess’s idol from the Ullal Dargah to the Kudroli Gokarnath Temple. It ends with a colorful procession where the idol is taken to the sea for immersion. Cultural activities like music and dance performances, sports competitions, and a food festival are held during this time.
Karavali Utsav
Karavali Utsav is a cultural festival organized by the district administration in December or January. It aims to showcase Mangalore unique blend of Tuluva, Konkani, and Beary cultures through various performances like Yakshagana, Bharatanatyam, Hulivesha, and Paddana. The 3-day carnival also has stalls selling traditional cuisine, handicrafts, and more.
Eid Festivities
Since Mangalore has a large Muslim population, the festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha are celebrated with fervor. People dress up in new clothes, attend mass prayers, exchange sweets and gifts, and host lavish feasts with family and friends. Mosques and homes are decorated with colorful lights during this joyous occasion.
Day Trips
Mangalore is a great base to take day trips to surrounding towns that offer their own unique experiences. Here are some of the top day trip destinations from Mangalore:
Udupi
Located about 60km north of Mangalore, Udupi is renowned for its Krishna temple and its world-famous Udupi cuisine. The temple was established by the 13th century philosopher Madhvacharya and draws pilgrims from all over India. The city is also home to beautiful beaches like Malpe and Kaup, which are less crowded than those in Mangalore. Don’t miss the iconic Sri Krishna Matha and the floating restaurants in Malpe that serve freshly caught seafood.
Karkala
About 40km from Mangalore is the town of Karkala, known for its 15m tall statue of Bahubali, the world’s second tallest monolithic stone statue. This important Jain pilgrimage site has ancient temples like the Chaturmukha Basadi dating back to the 16th century. There’s also the Manasthambha, a beautiful pillar built in 1432. Karkala is a laidback town with scenic nature spots like Ramasamudra Lake.
Dharmasthala
Located 75km east of Mangalore, Dharmasthala is an important Hindu pilgrimage town built around the centuries-old Sri Manjunatha Temple. This temple is unique for being run by a Jain administration. Dharmasthala has splendid architecture and statues including the towering statue of Bahubali. The town is set amidst scenic greenery and rolling hills. There are lodging options for pilgrims and the famed Annapoorneshwari kitchen serves free meals to thousands daily.
Where to Stay
Mangalore has many accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Hotels
Some of the best hotels in Mangalore include:
- The Gateway Hotel Mangalore – This 5-star hotel located near the New Mangalore Port offers luxurious rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, and amenities like a fitness center and outdoor pool. It’s perfect for those looking for indulgence.
- The Ocean Pearl – Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this high-end hotel provides scenic ocean views. It has an infinity pool, spa, gym, and restaurants.
- Goldfinch Hotel – Located in the heart of the city, this 4-star hotel provides modern rooms and amenities. The rooftop restaurant is popular for its coastal views.
- Hotel Poonja International – Close to major attractions, this hotel offers well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, gym, and business center facilities. It’s great value for money.
Homestays
For a local experience, Mangalore’s homestays allow you to stay with a family and experience true Karnataka hospitality. Some recommended options:
- Gowri Nandana Homestay – Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this homestay offers clean, comfortable rooms and delicious home-cooked food. The hosts are warm and friendly.
- Bethany Homestay – Set in a beautiful ancestral bungalow, this homestay combines charm with modern amenities. The delicious local cuisine is a highlight.
- Red Rock Homestay – Nestled between swaying palms, this homestay near Tannirbhavi Beach provides a relaxing escape from the city. The hosts can arrange local tours.
Lodges
Mangalore also has affordable lodges catering to budget travelers and backpackers. Some good options are:
- Summer Sands Beach Resort – Located right on Ullal Beach, this resort lodge offers cottage rooms and amenities like a pool, restaurant, and bar.
- Hotel Ocean Park – Close to the railway station, this no-frills lodge provides clean, simple rooms at cheap rates.
- Dreamland Residency – Set in a quiet area, this lodge offers decent rooms equipped with AC, TV, and WiFi. The location is convenient.
So whether you seek luxury, a homely atmosphere, or budget accommodation, Mangalore has diverse stay options for all travelers.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the enchanting city of Mangalore, India, we carry with us memories of its pristine beaches, bustling markets, and, of course, the unparalleled sweetness of its mangoes. Whether we’ve spent days lounging by the sea, exploring cultural landmarks, or indulging in local delicacies, Mangalore has left an indelible mark on our hearts. As travelers, we depart with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve shared and the beauty we’ve encountered in this coastal paradise. Until we meet again, may the memories of Mangalore inspire us to seek new adventures and embrace the wonders of the world. Safe travels!
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