Places to visit in and around Mangalore

BEKAL FORT: Loacted 63 Kms south of Mangalore is in the state of Kerala. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening  music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.

GOA:  The most exciting tourist destination of India, which is known for its beautiful golden beaches, is at a distance of 360 kms from Mangalore. It is well connected by air, rail and road.

GOKARNA  is an important pilgrim centre located 239 kms from Mangalore and  60 km from Karwar. It is famous for the 'Atmalinga' in the ancient Mahabaleshwara Temple. Thousands of people visit this place every year occasion of Maha Shivaratri festival. Om Beach: is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Om beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Om beach is named because it resembles like the auspicious \ symbol. Om beach is the only naturally \ shaped beach. Kudle Beach: is one of the five beaches in Gokarna. Kudle beach is around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. It is accessible by rickshaw or foot. Kudle beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Gokarna.

JAMALABAD FORT located 65 km from Mangalore and  8 km north of Beltangadi town, is 1700 ft above sea level and was formerly called Narasimha Ghada, which refers to the granite hill on which the fort is built. It is also referred locally as 'Jamalagadda' and 'Gadaikallu'. The fort is said to have been built over the ruins of an older structure.The fort is inaccessible other than via a narrow path, with around 1876 steps to the fort that are cut out of the granite hill and lead all the way to the top. Jamalabad is a trekking destination, with the climb up to the fort being classified as 'medium difficulty level' and the  the structure offering good views of the surrounding landscape and the Kudremukh range.

JOG FALLS Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Located near Sagara, Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. It is roughly 150 KM away from Managlore.  Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River  flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja. A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill.

KADRI MANJUNATHA TEMPLE   is located on Kadri hills, in Mangalore is just 3 Km away from the venue. This popular and beautiful temple is surrounded by tanks with natural springs and laterite caves. These caves are also called as Pandava Caves. It is believed that the Pandavas came to this cave and  stayed there. There is a natural spring at an elevated location on the backside of the temple. It is called as Gomukha. There are statues of Machendranath, Gorakanath, Shringinath, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and Budha in the temple. Kadri Manjunatha temple

KUDROLI GOKARNANATHA TEMPLE is located just 2 km from the venue. The temple at Kudroli is dedicated to Lord Gokarnanatheshwara. Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra was started by his holiness Narayana Guru. Navarathri celebrated here with much grandeur. The idols of Sharadamba, Ganapathi and Navadurgas are installed here during Navarathri. The dasara celebrations here are also called as Mangalore Dasara.

KARKALA is about 52 Km. from Mangalore and 35 km from udupi. The name Karkala has been derived from the Kannada word "kari kallu", meaning black stones. Karkala is important pilgrim centre for Jains. 42 ft high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara is main attraction of Karkala. It was installed in the year 1432. The Maha Mastakabhisheka is held here once in 12 years. There are about 18 Jain Basadis here. The Chaturmukha Basai is the important one.

KOLLUR  is about 140 Km. from Mangalore,  about 80 km from Udupi and 35 km from Kundapur in the picturesque Western Ghats. Kollur is important seat of Shakti worship. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya installed the deity here. Kollur is believed to be one of the seven pilgrim centers created by Parashurama.

KATEEL is located 30 kms North of Mangalore. Traveling to Kateel in the winding roads amidst green hills and valleys is a very pleasant and memorable experience.  Situated on the banks of River Nandini, surrounded by lush green fields and beautiful hills, Kateel has become a famous pilgrimage and a tourist center over the years.

KUKKE SUBRAHMANYA is regarded as one of the seven Mukti places of Karnataka is 105 km east of Mangalore. Kukke Subrahmanya is situated on the banks of river Kumara Dhara, which originates in the Kumara Parvatha and proceeds towards western sea. The water here is believed to have the power to cure all skin disease. Kukke Subrahmanya temple is dedicated to lord Subrahmanya, who had manifested with Vasuki (the king of serpents).  The other important shrine to visit here are Kukke Linga, Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha, Sri Bhairava Devaru, Sri Uma Maheshwara Devaru, Ballalaraya Vigraha, Sringeri Mutt, Hosaligammana Gudi, Adi Subrahmanya, Kashikatte Ganapathi Temple, Biladwara. A fair held here on Champa Shasthi (Skanda Shashti in December) every year attracts thousands of visitors.

KUMARA PARVATHA or  Kumara Hills is a mountain located in Subramanya of Sullia taluk. Kumara Hills is on the border between Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts. The peak is at a height of about 1350 m, and is about 13 km from the famous Subrahmanya temple. Kumara hills are a trekker's delight, attracting a large number of adventure lovers. Kumara hills has three peaks called 'Shesha Parvatha', 'Siddha Parvatha' and 'Kumara Parvatha'.

KODYADKA (HOSANADU) ANNAPOORNESHWARI TEMPLE   is just 40 km away from Mangalore. The Hosanadu Kodyadka is situated in Puttige village. It can be approached from Mangalore via Karkala, Moodabidri and Alangar where one would take the Belmannu Road. Kodyadka is one of the important pilgrim centre in Dakshina Kannada district. The temple here is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari, which is similar to one in Horanadu, Chikmagalur district. Kodyadka Jayaram Hegde, founder administrator of the temple. The main shrines in the temple are Shilathirtha Mantapa, Garbhagudi, Prasanna Ganapathi, Naga, Anjaneya, and Navagraha Mandira. The other shrines are Tulasi with Ashta Laksmi, Navadurgas, Jagadguru Adi Shnkaracharya and Madhwacharya. The statue of Shri Sanjivini Hanumanta, which is 71 ft tall, is under construction. The zoo in the temple premises house varieties of animals, birds, peacocks, turkeys, deer, rabbits, monkeys, stags, elephant, bull and horses.

MADIKERI: The administrative capital of Kodagu or Coorg is 138  KM away from Mangalore.  Coorg rated as one of the top hill station destinations in India is known for its hospitability of people and beautiful scenery. This is one of the best destinations for nature lover in India. Tourists get fascinated by colourful scenery, wooded slopes, undulating landscape and quaint villages of Coorg. There are endless mountain ranges which attract thousands of tourists every year.  Madalapatti in Medikeri, Talakavery, Raja Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey falls, Harangi Dam, Nisargdaham Forest, Bylakuppe , Namdroling Monastery etc. are some of the places to visit.

MOODABIDRI  an important Jain pilgrim center is about 35 km north east of Mangalore. Moodabidri is also known as Jainakashi (the Kashi of Jains) of the south. 18 Jain temples, known as Basadis, were constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries. Guru basadi the earliest of the Jain monuments. The largest basadi in Moodabidiri is Chandranatha Basadi, which is also known as the THOUSAND PILLAR JAINA BASADI (Savira kambada basadi). Thousand pillar basadi is around 560 years old and was build over century. No two pillars in the basadi are alike. The 2.5 metres tall bronze image of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum of this basadi is said to be very sacred. The Basadi is treasure house of art and architecture.  The other basadis of Moodabidiri are Badaga basadi, Betkeri basadi, Shettara basadi, Hire basadi, Deramma Shetti basadi, Kallu basadi, Koti basadi, Vikrama Shetti basadi, Leppada basadi, Baikanatikari basadi, Chola Shetti basadi, Kere basadi, Maday Shetti basadi, Shri Mathada basadi, Padu basadi, Jaina Pathashaleya basadi.

MULKI is a small town located 29 km from Mangalore Mangalore on National Highway No.17. One of the main attractions of Mulki is Bappanadu Shri Durga Parameshwari temple, situated on the banks of River Shambhavi. The Arasu Kambala (Buffalo Race) takes place in December is also very popular in Mulki.

MURUDESHWAR is 154 for KMs away from Mangalore and can be reached by train or buses. Murudeshwar is bounded by the rolling hills of Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, the place is a favorite picnic spot. Probably the finest beach, temple, restaurants, guest houses, resorts and  beautiful garden in coastal Karnataka and the most popular. The main attraction of Murudeshwar is Shiva temple, this sacred place presents some beautiful carvings and statues, which has a history that dates back to a few centuries. A recent attraction of Murudeshwara is the world's tallest Shiva idol erected beside the temple. The idol of Lord Shiva is 123 feet high and viewable from a very long distance from the Arabian sea.

MYSORE is located at a distance of 257 km from Mangalore and 140 Kms from Bangalore . The cultural capital and the second largest city of Karnataka, Mysore is well connected to Mangalore by road and rail.  Its grand and imposing palaces, majestic temples, gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor. Situated 770m above sea level, Mysore has a warm and cool climate throughout the year.

PILIKULA NISARGA DHAMA  a 350 acre wide park is about 12 km away from Mangalore highway road at Moodushedde. Pilikula means Tiger's lake. In olden days, tigers used to come to this lake to drink water. An integrated park for tourists. It is a very important place with Botanical gardens, Horticultural gardens, Musical fountains, deer park, boating facilities, wildlife safari and mini aquarium.

VENUR  is a small town situated 55 km  away from Mangalore  on the banks of Gurupur River. Once Venur was a great seat of Jainism. The main attraction of Venur is 38 ft high monolithic statue of Bahubali, was erected by the Jain ruler Timmanna IV Ajila in the year 1604. This statue was sculpted by Amarashilpi Janakacharya. Venur also has eight basadis and the ruins of the Mahadeva Temple.

MANIPAL  is about 65 Km. from Mangalore and 3 km from Udupi and it is a famous educational and medical centre. Manipal is a center of academic learning, healthcare, industry and finance. Anatomy Museum, End Point, Hasta Shilpa, Brindavan Garden and Venugopala temples are few attractions of Manipal.

MANGALADEVI TEMPLE is just 3 km from Mangalore city. The city Mangalore was named after goddess Mangaladevi. The temple was built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century.

PAJAKA is just 9 km from Udupi. Pajaka is birthplace of Dwaita philosopher Madhwacharya. The most important place to see in Pajaka is ancestral home and birthplace of Sri Madhwacharya. The Kunjarugiri Durga temple is also a charming place to visit. The temple is located on top of a hill. This hill is also known as `Durga betta' and the hill offers some wonderful sceneries of Udupi. The 4 theerthas on 4 sides of the hill are Parasu Teertha, Dhanus Teertha, Gada Teertha and Bana Teertha. It is believed that these theerthas are created by Lord Parashurama and all the sins will be washed out after taking bath in these teerthas.

SHARAVU MAHAGANAPATHI TEMPLE is a famous ancient temple located in Hampanakatta, Mangalore. Sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the principal deities in the temple. There is a temple tank called 'Sharatheertha'.

SHREE KHETRA  DHARMASTALA  is about 75 km east of Mangalore located among sylvan surroundings on the lower slopes of the Western Ghats. Dharmasthala is a popular pilgrim centre situated on the banks of river Nethravathi in Belthangady Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District. It is a sacred place, as the name suggests is a place of Truth, Faith, Communal harmony, Cultural Tolerance and spiritual experience in the Holy Land. Dharmathala has 700 years of history. Here deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Manjunatha swamy.  The 39 ft statue of Bahubali was erected in 1980 on a hill called Rathnagiri in Dharmasthala. The Manjusha Vasthu sangrahaalaya (museum) nearby houses a large range of objects including ancient scripts on palm leaves, silver jewellery and religious statuary. The annual festival of Laksha Deepotsava is held here in Karthika masa (November/December) every year.

SHRI ANANTHAPADMANABHA TEMPLE is situated on the Mangalore-Moodabidri route in  the Kudupu village, 10 km from Mangalore. It is dedicated to  Lord Anantha(Shiva) Padmanabha(vishnu), another name by which Lord Vishnu is known. This temple is famous for serpent worship. Main deity Lord Anantha Padmanabha and the serpent deity face in  the western direction. Naga Bana (place of serpent deity) is in  the eastern portion of the temple. On the left side of the temple is the holy pond Bhadra Saraswati Tirtha. Jarandaya, Shree Devi, Mahaganapathi, Lord Subramanya, Jaya and Vijaya are the main  sub deities.

SHRINGERI is around 109 km away from Mangalore.Sri Sharadamba Temple  is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati in the holy town of Shringeri in Karnataka, India. The Sharadamba Temple at Shringeri is an 8th-century temple, founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. It housed a sandalwood idol of Shardamba in a standing posture, which was installed by Adi Shankarachaya until the Vijayanagara rulers and Sri Vidyaranya (12th Jagadguru) installed a seated gold idol of Sri Shardamba in the 14th century.

ST ALOYSIUS COLLEGE CHAPEL or the chapel of St. Aloysius College, is a Christian chapel in  Mangalore  in  the state of Karnataka in  southwest India. The Chapel is situatedin the heart of the city on the Lighthouse Hill. The St. Aloysius Chapel in Mangalore was built by Jesuit Missionaries in  1880 and its  interiors painted  by the Italian Jesuit Antonio Moscheni in  1899, during the Mangalore Mission in 1878.It is situated in the conference venue. St. Aloysius College Chapel is an architectural marvel that could stand comparison with the chapels of Rome. What makes this chapel unique compared to the other chapels in the country is the beautiful paintings that cover virtually every inch of the walls. Bro. Moscheni from Italy is the creator of this master piece. One portion of the chapel paintings depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to  whom Aloysius College and chapel are dedicated. Saint Aloysius gave his life in the service of others. The paintings of this chapel is preserved by a recognised board of the nation which maintains  and restores all historic  artifacts.

ST LAWRENCE CHURCH, ATTUR  has remarkably rich history. The shrine of St. Lawrence at Attur - Karkala parish seems to have been in existence even before 1759 A.D. Annual feast held every year in the last week of January attracts lakhs  of devotees.

ST MARY'S ISLAND are a group of small islands in the Arabian Sea, lying a little to the north of the port of Malpe in Udupi is about 65 Km. from Mangalore.  When Vasco Da Gama landed here in 1498, he named one of these islands El Padron de Santa Maria. St. Mary's Island is a famous picnic spot. The main attractions of these islands are the basalt rocks which have crystallized into vertical hexagonal blocks. The only way to reach these islands is by boat from Malpe.

THE INFANT JESUS SHRINE :  Infant Jesus has been honored with a magnificent shrine at Carmel Hill, Mangalore .In Mangalore, Infant Jesus worship was started some 150 years back. The architectural structure and design of the shrine is unique in many ways. Carefully planned, it has a rich symbolic meaning and significance derived principally from Biblical themes, of both the old and the new testaments. It is located 3km from Mangalore at Bikarnakatte.  Five huge columns encircle and  uphold the main structure, while rising to a height nearly double that of the roof and converging under a globe atop of which is planted a luminescent Cross. While at the base the shrine is hexagonal, the roofing is pentagonal.

THE SULTAN BATTERY situated in Boloor, 6 Kms away from Mangalore city bus stand, this watchtower, built of rough blocks of laterite, is the last remaining bastion of Tipu Sultan's fort. It was built to prevent warships to enter Gurupur river. Sultan Battery is a watchtower that was constructed by Tippu Sultan.The ruler constructed this watchtower to watch the entry of warships into the Gurpur River. Having a construction similar to a minuscule fortress with its many apertures for rising cannons all around, it was erected in black stones.

UDUPI  is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats. Situated about 60 kms from Mangalore, Udupi is famous for the Lord Krishna temple located here. Udupi is also world famous for its world class cuisine. Udupi's contribution to World is 'Masala Dosa'. Tulu, Konkani, Kannada and Beary languages are spoken here. Most of the hotel owners in Karnataka are from Udupi and Udupi hotels are famous world over.

ULLAL  DARGA The Ullal darga famous for its legend & Uroos celebration. Ullala Darga is situated about 13 kms from the Mangalore city. The Dargah to commemorate Saint Sayyid Mohammed Shareeful Madani, located in Ullal in South Kanara, has been drawing pilgrims from all faiths. Legend has it that about 500 years ago, Sayyid Muhammed Shareeful Madani came to Mangalore from Saudi Arabia, reaching the shores of Ullal by floating on a piece of cloth. He camped in a small mosque at Melangadi in Ullal village where he led asimple life showering his love on the poor.Now Ullal Darga is one of the popular pilgrim center 

 
BEACHES

KAUP BEACH  is about 45 km to the north of Mangalore and  12 km South from Udupi on National Highway, ancient temples and an old 100ft high lighthouse which is open to visitors. The two temples of Goddess Mariamma in Kaup are famous.

MALPE BEACH is about 60 km to the north. It can be reached by a the local express buses. This beach has a resort. Also there is a small island of the beach about 15 minutes boat ride. Local ferry runs every 30 minutes or so. The last ferry back from the island is at 5PM.

MARAVANTHE BEACH This scenic beauty is situated 105 Km. away from Mangalore, this is a unique place where the arabian sea and the river is separated by a narrow road. A stretch of a kilometer of this highway is flanked by the seashore of Arabian sea on one side and the Sauparnika River on the other. Turtle Bay Beach Resort is just 12 km away from Kundapur and half a kilometre away from Trasi junction. Maravanthe is a beach located about 50 km from Udupi on National Highway

PANAMBUR BEACH  which is known for its cleanliness and safety. It is the site of New Mangalore Port. It is located in north of the Gurupura river. The city's most visited beach, Panambur is a place where one can enjoy a long camel rides and the breath taking view of the sunset. The beach aura warms up during the carnivals, organized by the district authorities. The festivity includes boat races, air shows and sand sculpture contests. Food and the ‘bonhomie’ atmosphere which accounts for the large  number of return guests

SUMMER SANDS BEACH RESORT  located on the famous Ullal-Someshwar beach, is a resort that is truly a retreat. A spreading campus of 15 acres, it has spacious two and three bedroomed villas, a Multicusine Restaurant with an alfresco ambience , a 1000 foot beach front with the waves flirting with the fence as it were. The Swimming Pool,  extensive lawns and hammocks add to the serenity.

TANNIRBAVI BEACH is about 12 Km away from Mangalore. This is one of the best beaches of Dakshina Kannada. One can enjoy the sunset view here.

ULLAL BEACH  is about 12 km from Mangalore. Ullal beach is one of the most famous beaches of Mangalore. Summer Sands Beach Resort is situated at Ullal Beach, with well furnished cottages and makes a pleasant getaway from the city.

SOMESHWAR BEACH  is in ullal, 11 km to the south of the city, near the confluence of the netravati river and the arabian sea. the beachface is extremely rocky and considered dangerous for swimming. however, it is a great place to relax and watch the spectacular sunsets. someshwar beach is houses large rocks called "Rudra Shile". The historical Somanath Temple constructed during the regime of the famous queen Abbakka Devi is situated in the north side.

SURATHKAL BEACH A picturesque beach is known for its clean surrounding and has a curving shoreline and has a lighthouse at the end of the beach. Surathkal beach is located 12 km from Mangalore city. The beach   is close to the NITK The lighthouse is situated on a rocky hillock and offers an uninterrupted view of the countryside and sea around. The lighthouse is open to visitors between 4.00 pm and 5 pm. Buses ply at regular intervals from Mangalore to Surathkal.