Top 14 Things Mangalore Is Famous For

1. Surathkal Beach

This beach offers a memorable experience, with a light house and a temple located on the beach. Surathkal Beach is also dotted by rock formations going into the sea. This beach is very beautiful; the sea side view is amazing. The sunset view is also very beautiful, so I recommend visiting this beach during this time.

Surathkal Beach

Website: Surathkal Beach

2. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

In this park, an excellent effort is made to keep preserving indigenous plants and varieties of butterfly species. Those who love nature will love visiting this place. I recommend visiting in the day time while the sun is out, while there are many butterfly species visible.

Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

Address: 13 Butterfly Park Rd, Belvai, Karnataka 574213

Website: Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

3. Temples

Mangalore is named after the deity Mangaladevi (an incarnation of Hindu deity Shakti), and with origins like that, it’s no suprise that the city is home to many temples. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or you want to take in the architecture, or somewhere in between — there are plenty of temples to explore in the city.

Kadri Manjunatha Temple dates back to the 10th or 11th century, and features a bronze idol of Lokeshwar with an inscription that dates to the 10th century. It also has both Hindu and Buddhist origins. The temple has a natural spring at the back. This spring is called Gomukha and it is believed that the water flows from the Bhagirathi River. Devotees take baths in this spring before entering the temple.

Mangaladevi Temple was built in the 9th century and is the namesake of this city. Much of the temple’s structure is made from wood, and features an impressive central shrine.

Dharmasthala Temple is 800 years old and belongs to Hindu’s Shaiva sect. These are just a few highlights — there are plenty more temples to check out in Mangalore.

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is also named Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra and is situated in the Kundroli area of Mangalore. It is sacred of Narayana Guru and is devoted to Gokarnanatha, which is a form of Lord Shiva. This temple has recently been renovated with modern facilities. This temple is of Hindu religion and there are many famous Hindu divinities which are kept here. The best time to visit the temple is in Navratras. The Navratras are celebrated for 9 days with full enthusiasm. In this temple, many marriage ceremonies are done.

4. Humid climate

If you’re a fan of hot weather, then you’re in luck, because Mangalore has plenty of it. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, and is generally quite humid, with an average humidity of 75%. This does, of course, vary throughout the year. The most humid time of year is the summer, when the average humidity is around 90%. If you’re after a somewhat drier time of year, the winter is the least humid time of year, around 70%. Not surprisingly, winter is peak tourist season, but if you can handle the humidity and the rain in the summer, you’re likely to find great deals.

5. Kori Rotti

Those who like to try the local foods during their travels are in luck, because Mangalore is known for a delicious dish. Kori Rotti is a spicy chicken curry with a red chili base. The curry is typically eaten with rotti, which are a sort of thin and crispy cracker or wafer made from rice. The most traditional way to eat it is to spoon the curry over the wafers so you get a mix of soggy pieces and crunchy pieces, and then eat these using your hands. It’s a messy yet delicious way to get to know Mangalorean fare.

6. Gajalee

Here we have another option for the foodies out there. Gajalee is a one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the area. There is a wide range of dishes on offer, including seafood curry, sea bass fry, and crab masala. But even those who don’t like seafood will have options to choose from. There’s a great vegetarian section, as well as kebabs and tandoori. In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant famously sits atop a hill, so you can enjoy a nice view with your meal.

Gajalee

Address: Circuit House Compound, Kadri Hills Mangalore, Karnataka, India 575004

Website: Gajalee

Opening hours: 11am - 3pm; 6pm - 11pm (daily)

7. Panambur Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the city, Panambur Beach is a safe and well-maintained beach with plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. Of course, you can simply relax on the sand, go for a swim, and watch the sun set from the beach. But if you like to be a bit more adventurous, you can also ride a jet ski, go horseback riding, or surfing. The beach also often hosts festivals, with sporting events and sand castle building contests often taking place. It’s a great place to go to have some fun in the sun with the whole family.

Panambur Beach

Address: Port Trust Panambur, NH 66, near New Mangalore, Mangalore, Karnataka 575010, India

Website: Panambur Beach

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 24 hours

8. Coconut palms

Coconut palms, or coconut trees, are found in coastal tropical areas of the world and have been used by humans for many years. The tree and the coconuts themselves have long been used for food, in cosmetics, and as building material. And, these palms are in abundance in Mangalore. Whether you’re walking in the city centre or enjoying a day at the beach, you’ll surely spot plenty of these iconic trees. You may even spot coconut farmers climbing these tall trees to collect the fruit.

9. Pilikula Nisarga Dhama

One of the famous attractions of the city, Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is a large park, with plenty of areas to explore. If you fancy a casual stroll, you can walk through the gardens that also feature a lake. You’ll pass lush green spaces and beautiful trees and may even spot some wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, there is a zoo where you can see tigers, elephants, and snakes. Or, you can head to Heritage Village which features a house made in a historic style, so you can get a sense of what it would have been like to live here many years ago. The house showcases exhibitions, where you can learn more about the site.

Pilikula Nisarga Dhama

Address: Pilikula Rd, Mudushedde, Post, Vamanjoor, Mangalore, Karnataka 575028, India

Website: Pilikula Nisarga Dhama

10. Surfing Ashram

Calling all surfers! This retreat is perfect for you if you want to catch some waves while also experiencing the culture of Mangalore. Here, you will explore the local surfing spots, including more secluded areas, so you can surf the day away. And when you’re not surfing, you can go kayaking, wakeboarding, or even take a bicycle out on the town. The retreat includes wifi, two vegetarian meals a day, and refreshments. There is also meditation and yoga practice. Everyone is welcome to take part, but there are some rules to follow, such as no alcohol and no meat.

Surfing Ashram

Address: No. 6, 64, Kolchi Kambla Rd, KolachiKambala, Bappanadu, Mulki, Mangalore, Karnataka 574154

Website: Surfing Ashram

11. Tannir Bhavi Beach

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This beach is 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) away from Mangalore and the best way to reach this beach is by private taxi. You can reach this place by crossing the Kuloor Bridge. Another way to reach the beach is to catch the Ferry via Gurupura River from sultan battery. This beach is very clean and not very crowded. You can visit this beach to enjoy the sunset, which is a very beautiful view.

Tannir Bhavi Beach

Address: Kasaba Bengre

12. NITK Lighthouse

This NITK Lighthouse is situated on NITK Beach, only 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) away from Mangalore. This lighthouse was constructed in 1972. You should try to reach here before 5:30pm and climb the lighthouse to see the beautiful sunset. You can see 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) away from the lighthouse into the distance. It is a beautiful experience and I highly recommend visiting this place.

NITK Lighthouse

Address: NITK Lighthouse, NITK Beach Rd, Dodda Kopla, Surathkal, Karnataka 575014

13. City Center Mall

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After the religious temples and beaches, you will love the City Center Mall for shopping and amusement. This mall is situated in Hampankatta in Mangalore. This is very huge mall and you can do lots of shopping and eat tons of delicious food here. In this mall there is a shop called Pani Puri, that serve delicious pani puri (Indian food). In this mall there is also a Cineplex, where you can watch the latest movies for a great relaxing afternoon or evening.

City Center Mall

Address: K.S. Rao Road, Opposite Harsha, Hampankatta, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575001

14. Milagres Church

This historic Roman Catholic Church is situated in Hampankatta, a locality of Mangalore. This church was built in 1680 and is the oldest church in Mangalore. Inside the church is very peaceful, so I recommend visiting for some quiet time after all of the sightseeing and activities.

Milagres Church

Address: Hampankatta, Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district

So much to explore in Mangalore

Mangalore is famous for a wide range of things, from delicious curries to beautiful beaches. So if you’re planning a visit to this coastal city, you won’t be short of things to do. Start keeping track of the attractions that pique your interest, and get ready to have a blast in Mangalore.