Mangalore Travel Guide

Mangalore, also known as Mangaluru, is termed by many as the ‘Rome of the East.’ It is the chief port city in Karnataka, India, and is picturesquely located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The town lies on the backwaters formed by the converging Netravati and Gurpura rivers.

Being a major port city, Mangalore has developed as an important commercial center for the export of coffee, cashew nuts, and fish. The town is believed to gain its name from Mangaladevi – the goddess of fortune. Also, a temple dedicated to the goddess was built here in the 9th century by King Kundavarma.

Places to visit in Mangalore

Mangalore will pamper you with choice when it comes to sightseeing. Every beach in Mangalore is spectacular and worth visiting. Here are the best places to see in Mangalore that should be on your list if you plan a vacation. Keep big days aside for a beautiful time in the coastal city, as the following places to visit in Mangaloreare handpicked.

Panambur Beach
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
New Mangalore Port
St Aloysius Chapel
Sultan Battery
Pilikula Park and Golf Course
Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

Explore everything Karnataka has to offer with our Karnataka Tourism guide-from serene beaches to majestic heritage sites!

Things to do in Mangalore

Are you planning a trip to Mangalore and looking for the popular things to do here? Whether you are an adventure freak or love admiring natural beauty, there are numerous exciting things to do in Mangalore that make your vacation perfect! Hence, take advantage of these best activities and fun things in Mangalore on your next trip!

Stand-Up Paddling
Kayaking
Surfing
Shopping
Spindrift
Come and appreciate the beauty of nature at Light House Hill Garden.

Best time to visit Mangalore

For an enjoyable visit to Mangalore, plan your trip between September and April, when the weather is at its best. During these months, the temperature stays below 30 degrees, and the humidity is low, making it perfect for exploring the beaches. Avoid visiting during the hot summer when the humidity is high or during July and August when heavy rainfall occurs. Instead, plan your trip during the winter or post-monsoon periods for the best experience in Mangalore.

How to reach Mangalore

Mangalore has its airport at Bajpe. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways run regular flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Mangalore. The city is also connected to the Indian Railways network via Kerala and Bangalore. Regular trains run to Mangalore from Thiruvananthapuram, Palghat, Chennai, and other major South Indian cities. You can also use Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from Mysore, Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai to Mangalore.

Accommodation in Mangalore

Mangalore is one of the most popular coastal vacation destinations in South India. We have curated a list of the best places to stay in Mangalore so that you can focus on gorging on the fantastic Mangalorean cuisine and enjoying the sights. From budget to luxury, adult to kid-friendly, you can pick any hotel you prefer. Some of the best places to stay in Mangalore are Ginger Mangalore, Hotel Karuna Residency, the Ocean Pearl, Hotel Sai Palace, and Goldfinch Mangalore.

Where to eat in Mangalore

Mangalore is famous for its Udupi-style dishes, ice creams, and staple seafood preparations. Coconut, rice, dried red chilies, garlic, ginger, tamarind, and curry leaves are the main ingredients in Mangalorean food. Like most coastal communities, fish is a part of their everyday meal. The Mangalore fish curry and Mangalore buns are classics you cannot miss. New Taj Mahal Café, Giri Manja’s, Gajalee, Woodlands, and Lighthouse Chaat are some of the best places to eat in Mangalore.

How to get around Mangalore

The easiest way to travel within the city is by auto-rickshaws. Remember to fix the price before sitting or ask the driver to go by the meter. Apart from this, local bus services in Mangalore are also popular.

Travel tips

Stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you, as the coastal climate of Mangalore can be hot and humid.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as temples and mosques.
Sample the local cuisine, especially the seafood delicacies for which Mangalore is famous.
Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as the city experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
Explore the pristine beaches of Mangalore, but be cautious of strong currents and follow the lifeguard instructions.
To avoid large crowds, plan your visit to popular attractions, such as the Kadri Manjunath Temple and St. Aloysius Chapel.