Mangalore
Mangalore (or Mangaluru) is an Arabian Sea port and important commercial hub in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mangalore places a strong emphasis on people, culture, and festivals. Mangalore is located in the Indian state of Karnataka and acts as its main port. It is located on the west coast of the country. On the eastern side, Mangalore is surrounded by the Western Ghats.
Mangalore, the operational headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district, is located on the backwaters formed by the Gurupura and Netravati rivers. This South Indian city is known for its beautiful temples, thriving businesses, and sun-kissed beaches.
Mangalore’s people are predominantly Hindu. However, a portion of Mangalore’s population practices other religions such as Jainism and Islam. Tulu, Kannada, Beary Bashe, Konkani, and English are the primary languages spoken by the residents of this city. A sizable proportion of the population practices Christianity as well. The Beary community comprises the majority of Mangalore’s Muslim population.
Mangalore is considered a multicultural city. The colourful culture of the people of this city is well represented by their various dance styles, handicrafts, cuisines, festivals, and rural sports.
Several eateries serve seafood delights. Travellers can sample local foods such as Neer Dosa, Patrode, and Akki Roti. Tourists can purchase a wide variety of handcrafted items made of wood, ivory, and stone. The Yakshagana and Hulivesha are two of Mangalore’s most famous dance genres.
Rural sports such as Korikatta and Kambala are extremely popular. Korikatta is a contemporary variant of the cockfight. Whereas Kambala is a buffalo race held on a paddy field. The folks play it with great energy and vigour.
Some of Mangalore’s prominent events include Dussehra, Bhuta Kola, the Aati festival in Mangalore, and the Car Festival held at the Venkatramana Temple.
1. Panambur Beach.
Panambur Beach, located near the New Mangalore Port, is one of the city’s most popular, pure, and clean beaches. The blue skies, sea, and dunes get a pop of colour in April when the beach holds a kite festival.
2. Kadri Manjunatha Temple.
Built in 1068, this temple incorporates Buddhist architectural elements within the classic Vijaynagri style. It is located at the foot of the Kadri hills, and the main god is Manjunatha.
3. SURATHKAL BEACH.
Surathkal beach is located farther down the Konkan Coast, south of the tourist trap of Goa, around 13 kilometres from the port city of Mangalore, which is home to one of India’s major ports. Unlike Goa, Mangalore’s beaches have not been unduly developed for tourism, keeping their natural allure of infinite miles of immaculate shoreline that meet the seductive Arabian Sea. Surathkal Beach is an excellent example of the pure character of these coastal attractions.
Surathkal beach, with its gorgeous rocks that wonderfully punctuate the smooth coastline, is an excellent choice for those wishing to experience the pleasures of the Konkan coast without a herd of people interfering with their lovely view of the ocean. The sunsets here are stunning and well worth the drive from Mangalore. Because this beach is rarely visited by visitors, there are few opportunities for individuals interested in water sports. The lovely Sadashiv temple located here houses a fragment of the Shiv Lingam that lends this seashore its name. A lovely lighthouse completes the seaside beauty that one sees at this spot.
4. Kudroli Cokarnath Temple
Sri Narayana Guru erected this temple for the Billava community, who were barred from entering any other temples in the vicinity. This temple’s god is Gokarnanatheshwara, also known as Lord Shiva.
5. Attur Church.
A little village on the outskirts of Karkala is a popular tourist destination known primarily for its St. Lawrence Church. The current church is thought to be the third after the previous two were damaged, with Tipu Sultan destroying the first.
It is said that the second church, located near Nakre of Karkala, was fairly old, thus it was decided to rebuild it at another location. While looking for a location, the parishioners brought the statue of St. Lawrence and stopped in Attur to quench their thirst at Pushkarni Pond. The parishioners were unable to lift the statue until they agreed to build a church on the spot, after which the church was erected. Today, this impressive building, about 200 years old, is a prominent attraction in the area as well as a religious centre for many devotees, regardless of religion. January is an ideal time to visit the church.
6. ANEKERE LAKE.
Anekere Lake, a picturesque place in Karkala, is a big body of water with historical value. King Pandyadeva erected it as a tank in 1262, and it served as the city’s drinking water source for nearly eight centuries.
Today, this historic 12th-century Anekere, which covers 7 acres, is filled with clean water and ornamented with magnificent white lilies.
7. Manasa Amusement and Waterpark:
Manasa Amusement & Water Park is part of the Dakshina Kannada administration’s 450-acre tourism project “Pilikula Nisarga Dhama” at Vamanjoor, 12 km from Mangalore City. It is a 15-minute drive from the city centre.
8) Pilikula Theme Park:
Pilikula features a theme park that aims to promote the rich local heritage and coastal culture of the people of Dakshina Kannada district, and it is a one-stop educational and recreational destination in India.
9. Adyar Falls:
Adyar waterfalls are located approximately 12 kilometres from the city. There are two waterfalls here, roughly 200 meters apart, at the hillock’s extreme ends. These waterfalls may only be enjoyed from October to November.
10. The Pilikula Zoo
This zoo distinguishes itself by not keeping wild animals in cages. They’re in the open. However, there are partitions, such as large trenches or wire mesh, to prevent direct contact with visitors. Tigers, leopards, bears, and other wild species inhabit the park.
Two of Mangalore’s most well-known shopping malls are in the city centre:
1. City Centre Mall.
City Centre Mall has around 850,000 square feet of retail space. The mall has a large variety of shops distributed across five floors, including over 149 retail businesses and services.
2. Forum Fiza Mall.
It is the largest mall in Mangalore, located on Pandaneshwar Road, 1 km from the Mangalore Central Railway Station. Many Indian and international brands are present and have outlets at this mall.
