Location: Mangalore
Top Things to do in Mangalore
Top 10 Things to do in Mangalore, India
Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located about 352 km (219 mi) west of the state capital, Bengaluru, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. The population of the urban agglomeration was 623,841, according to the provisional results of the 2011 national census of India.
Restaurants in Mangalore
1. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By VinodaJoshi - Mumbai, India
Well Managed & Maintained Temple by private trust, must visit once at least, located within the city itself.
2. Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By sudhibhushan - Bangalore
Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. This temple is constructed on a big rock in the middle surrounded by River Nandini on all the three sides. The area is quite scenic during the monsoon season.
As per the legend, there was a demon named Arunasura who as terrorizing the gods in Heaven and people on Earth on the strength of boon received from Lord Bramha. Sage Jabali prayed Mother Goddess Durga to get rid of the menace of Arunasura. Goddess Durga fought against him and turned into stone when he attacked her with a sword. Arunasura was shocked for a moment thinking what to do. Suddenly a cloud of bees appeared from this stone and stung and killed Arunasura. Sage Jabali did a Tapasya, prayed the Goddess and requested her to stay here in her benign form. Pleased with his devotion, she agreed. This temple is believed to be extremely powerful and blessed by Mata Durga Parameshwari.
Meanwhile there was a severe drought in the earth. Sage Jabali prayed the divine cow Kamadhenu to help. Since she was in Varunaloka and could not go to earth, she asked her daughter Nandini to help. Nandini was unwilling to go to Earth. The angry sage cursed her to become a river. She then came down to earth as Nandini River flowing around Kateel.
The name of this place is derived from two words Kati’ meaning ‘center’ (since its midway between the ‘Kanakagiri’ (the place where the river was born) and Pravanje (the end location of the river where it joins the sea) and ‘lla’ means area. One has to walk through a small bridge for entering the temple.
This temple is 29 km from Mangalore city (takes an hour and a half) and almost at a half an hour distance from the Bajpe Airport.
Points to Note:-
1. The temple premises are maintained clean. The temple management has to be complimented for their contributions in maintaining this temple complex well.
2. The overall atmosphere of this temple is very peaceful and relaxing. The devotees could hear the soothing sound of river flowing from the temple.
3. The temple is constructed with traditional architecture with wooden rooftop and pillars.
4. The temple authorities distribute food or Annadanam every day after 12.00.
5. Maha Mangala Arti is held at 1:00 P.M and is a very blissful experience.
6. This temple is famous for Yaksha Gaana mela which is performed based on the prayers of devotees against fulfillment of a desire as a service
7. This temple has a temple elephant and an adjacent “Go shala” which is well managed.
8. Photography is not allowed in the temple as per the notices outside. But it was observed that no one stopped mobile photography as long as it was not taken at the sanctum sanctorum
9. Parking in front of temple is difficult but the corporation authorities have provided ample parking near the bus stop.
Visiting the Kateel temple was indeed a very spiritual and enriching experience.
This is a very powerful temple. Recommend spending an hour to fully experience the cultural significance of this temple.
3. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
This is an open air butterfly conservation park spread across 7.35 Acres of land, located in the foot of Kanthavara forest in Belvai.The place being admist Western Ghats hosts more than 100 species of butterflies, including some of the endemic and most dazzling butterflies of the world.Best months to visit:June to November.
Reviewed By Ashwani S
The park is the result of the individual effort by Mr Sammilan Shetty. A place to visit to see and learn more about the beautiful creatures. Mr Sammilan Shetty takes you on a guided tour of his land which he has dedicated to protect the butterflies.
4. Kadri Manjunath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
Reviewed By sudhibhushan - Bangalore
Kadri Manjunath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Manjunatha) is one of the most famous and oldest temples in Mangalore. This temple located in the Kadri Hills is believed to have been built during the 10th or 11th century. Later in the 14th century it was renovated and converted to a complete stone structure.
As per the prevailing legend, Sri. Parashurama after killing Kshathriyas prayed Lord Shiva for penance. As per Lord Shiva's orders, he threw his axe into the sea and created a place (known as Kadali kshethra). Here Parashurama is believed to have performed his tapasya as Penance. Pleased with his tapasya, Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvathi appeared and promised to stay in this place and bless the whole world.
The idol of Lord Manjunatha is made up of Bronze and is believed to be one of the oldest in Southern India. Apart from the main deity Shiva, Durgaparameshwari, Ganesha, Ayyappa and Vishnu are worshiped here.
Some of the unique attributes of this temple include:-
1. Though the temple is located on the Ground Level, the temple tanks (combination of 9 ponds) is located at the higher levels.
2. Gomukha (Cow’s face)Teertha where water flows continuously from an unknown natural spring believed to be Bhageerathi river in Kashi. Considering this, it is also known as Kashi Bhageerathi theertha. The water from this spring flows to nine ponds of different sizes adjacent to it. Visitors wash themselves in these ponds before entering the main temple.
3. This temple is currently under the administration of Natha Pantha. This temple was once a Buddhist Vihara. One could see statues of Machendranath, Gorakanath, Shringinath, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and Buddha in the temple.
4. The temple has a 1.6M tall Bronze statue of Shiva in a seated position with three faces and six arms. This is considered as one of the best bronze statues.
5. It is said that this place was known as Kadarika earlier. Buddhism took shelter at Kadri mutt till the 10th century resulting in the name Kadri.
6. There are many landmarks above the temple complex. One needs to take many steps to visit these landmarks. The landmarks above are Sri. Gorakshanath, Yogeeshwar Mutt, Kashi Kalabairava, Parashuram Dhoom, Seetha Bavi and Pandava caves.
7. The first structure as you walk up is a large Green colored statue of Lord Hanuman. On walking further up, one would reach the Yogeeshwar Math. The math has a temple, the tombs of saints and head of the mutt. One could also see Parashuram Dhoom, believed to be burning since ages.
8. Further up, one could observe the Pandava caves. As per the local legend, Pandavas during their hiding period (Agnathavasam) spent a good amount of time here.
9. One could also see the place believed to be Hanuman’s resting place when he went to Lanka in search of Sita Devi.
10. The view from the top is amazing. One could have a beautiful view of the Mangalore city from top.
Temple Timings
Opens at 5:30 AM. Closes after Noon Pooja at 12:30 P.M.
The temple reopens at 4:00 P.M. and closes at 8:30 P.M. after the Night Pooja
Visiting the Kadri temple and its surrounding landmarks is indeed a very spiritual and enriching experience.
Recommend spending an hour of two to fully understand the historical and cultural significance of this temple.
5. St. Aloysius Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By Peter S - Canberra, Australia
The chapel at St Aloysius is an extraordinary phenomenon. It is not a mere monument or edifice, but a living, functioning church. When I visited, at 8.30am on a Saturday it was crowded with university students attending mass before starting their Saturday classes. I'm not a Christian, but it was a moving experience to see this evidence of Christian faith in this place.
6. Someshwara Temple and Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Ankur G - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
This place was on my list as it is one of those places where you have a beach temple and reviews on most of the sites rated it highly.
I would say this is an amazing place be it for pristine beach or for humble Someshwara temple.
Tips: The seas are rough and has large rocks (called shiva shilas) so not recommended for swimming or Surfing, must see during the sunset, as this is a secluded place ensure you have your own vehicle (though i managed to get an auto but had to leave the beach a bit early)
7. Mangaladevi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By KRAMA200 - Seattle, Washington
It is one of the oldest and famous temple in Mangalore. As derived from history Mangalore got its name after this temple. It has no architectural significance to boast. But the temple with open structure is serene and divine. Normally not crowded. We went in the morning and had a good Darshan. Must visit attaraction in Mangalore for any visitor.
Mangaladevi temple car festival during navarathri time is famous here.
8. Tannirbhavi Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 379 reviews
Reviewed By Sushma_KS - New Delhi, India
This beach has developed over the years from an isolated shore with industrial area nearby to a hot-spot for water sports and events especially Kite festival and fairs. The shore is laden with trees and also a walking path which adds to the beauty of beach.
9. Pilikula Nisargadhama
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Dpka69 - Mangalore, India
A day activity for family and kids adjacent to the Water Park. The animals are in large outdoor areas in the open and no caged enclosures so you can feel free with the spirit of the wild. though picnic facilities are few, but an educational insight and a good walk among sun filtered patheays is the way to go and explore a chance sighing of the Tigere stroll or the lion relaxing with his Family.
10. Surathkal Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By imhvs
On one hand this beach is clean, little rocks in the water and picture perfect, but on the other hand - there is nothing to do there except taking a walk.
It is almost half a kilometer from the highway. So if you are using public transport, be ready to walk to the beach.
Its a beach you might want to skip if you have been to other beach destinations in India.
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