MANGALORE Location : West Coast of India Famous For : Karwar Beach, Architectural Temples Distance : 357 kms from Bangalore Best Time to Visit : September to May

Mangalore – The Port City of India

Mangalore, lying on the west coast of India is the chief port city. Lined with exotic beaches, numerous ancient temples and holy places catering all the religion, Mangalore city is truly a delightful travel destination in India. Located at a distance of 357 kms from Bangalore, Mangalore stand its own identity, sobriquet as the 'entry point to Beach country', treasuring some of the most splendorous beach locations in India for the tourist seeking solitude and peace. The city was earlier known as the harbour town of Mangalapuram.

Choose Mangalore as your travel destination and laze down on the virgin beaches where the golden sand is constantly caressed by the gentle waves of the turquoise Arabian Sea.

Major Attractions of Mangalore

Hill Stations

Waterfalls

Beaches are invariably the most famous attractions of Mangalore. Karnataka tourism highlights various tours to Mangalore that boasts of some of the best country side, temple architecture, ancient churches, mosque and the die- hard traditions of this exquisite town. The Karwar and Ullal beaches are a must visit on your travel itinerary. Tourists are advised not to miss the famous Yakshagana performance, a unique and elaborate form of dance in south India. Important attractions also include Sultan Battery which is a fort and the famous Light House Hill Garden.

Beaches in Mangalore – Endless Stretches of Golden Sand

Beaches

Mangalore has some of the most sparkling and soughted beaches in the country. The Ullal beach is an evening spot for those who seek solidarity. The view of the sea with a ship or two waiting to dock at the harbor is simply magnificent. Then there is the Malpe beach, which is ideal for enjoying some sailing and there is a sea resort as well. The Karwar beach is an adventure beach where tourists can enjoy snorkelling.

Temple Attractions in Mangalore – Holiness Bestowed

Monuments Gol Gumbaz

Mysore Palace Shravanabelagola

Hampi and Pattadakal Badami Caves

Mangalore is in possession of some of the most ancient historical temples of Karnataka. Visit the Kadri Manjunath Temple that dates back to 1068 A.D. It is located on the highest hill in Karnataka and the main attraction is the bronze statue of Lokeshwara, which is claimed to be the best bronze statue in India. To add to this there are 'Pandava Caves' located at the top most part of the hill.
The Kudroli Gokarnath temple is an important tourist spot, while the Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple is an important pilgrim center. Here tourists should see the many sacred temples like Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, Kudroli.

Other Tourist Attractions – Adding on to the Splendor

St. Aloysius College chapel houses paintings by the Italian artist, Antony Moshaini. Notice the gorgeous frescos that cover its interiors. An interesting highlight of Mangalore is the Sultan Battery. Confused? Well it is a fort that has a watchtower built in black stone. Just 4 kms from Mangalore, this for was constructed by Tipu Sultan and is an important tourist attraction in Karnataka.

Getting There to Mangalore – The Way to the Port Land

Places to Visit

Transport

Mangalore is an important junction in Karnataka that is well connected with all the major areas of the city. Just 18 kms from the main city at Bajpe is the airport that has regular flights from all over the country. Presently Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate regular flights from Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai to Mangalore. International flights are also available.
Mangalore is connected to the Indian Railways network via Kerala and Bangalore. Having its own railhead, regular trains run to Mangalore from Thiruvananthapuram, Palghat, Chennai and other important South Indian cities. The Konkan Railways links Mangalore to Mumbai via Goa. As far as roadways are concerned, Mangalore is connected by Goa and Bangalore highways. Regular Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses connect Mangalore from Mysore, Bangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Private buses also ply between the major cities of Karnataka.