Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches, lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores. It is located at a distance of 357 Kms from Bangalore. Mangalore was named after the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi.

It is also headquarters of the South Canara District known for its port related and agricultural produce processing activities. It has a long history of maritime trade. Though developed as a business and commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old world charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish,sea food served in spicy coconut curries.

Mangalore is a reminder of the good times of life. The district offers a wide range of interesting places like Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri for both pilgrimage and pleasure.

The city is well connected by road to the rest of the state. This fishing town is also known for its coffee, beedi and cashew nut industry. Mangalore is also known for its Panambur port, which is India's ninth largest in terms of handling cargo.

Tourist Attractions

Milagres Church was built in the year 1680 by Vicar Thomas de Castro he was a Theatine Priest of Salsette. It is one of the oldest churches in South Canara. The piece of land to build the church was gifted by Keladi Queen Chennama. The present structure dates from 1911.

Some parts of the church is believed to have been destroyed by Tippu Sultan and the stones were used to build the Idgah on Lighthouse Hill.

Milagres Church has a great altar and is considered one of the best prayer house in Mangalore. The Church also houses the paintings of St Monica and St Augustine which is a wonderful piece of work is a worth watch.

Phone: (0824) 2423522

St Aloysius College Chapel was built in the year 1882 by the Jesuits is on the lighthouse hill. The Chapel is compared to Sistine Chapel in Rome. There are a lot of oil paintings covering the entire ceiling and walls of the chapel depicting the life of St Aloysius and there are also scenes from the Bible.

All these paintings are gifted by an Italian artist named Antonio Moscheni. The chapels art has been honoured with 2 post age stamps on the occasion of the shrine's centenary celebrations in 2002. This place is one of the Major tourist attraction.

Phone: (0824) 2449706

Aloyseum (St Aloysius College Museum) is a small museum with a large eclectic collection which includes mounted skeletons of wild animals (tiger, panther, antelope and wild boar). You can also see animal bones, skin of animals, skulls and a clutch of ostrich eggs.

The first generator which was used in the city of Mangalore is also seen here. There is a vast collection of vessels and utensils used by Mangaloreans in the pastis also visible here.

However the center of attraction here is the vintage 1906 De Dion the very first automobile to have graced the streets of the city. Old telephones, radios, cameras, clocks, bulbs, telegraph instruments are all on display here.

Phone: (0824) 2449706

Lighthouse Hill Park

Also know as Tagore Park is a beautiful park and a favorite hangout for the youngsters. It is located in the heart of the city. The view of the sea from here is marvelous, you can also get to see the ships sailing and watch the sunset from here. The garden also surrounds a old light house with full of huge trees and flowering plants.

There is also a small artificial stream that flows down a rock strewn channel. There is a public library at the base of the light house with a reading room named after Karnad Sadashiv Rao, a renowned freedom fighter.

Kadri Manjunatha Temple

The old shrine dates back to 1068 AD situated on top of the Kadri hills. It is associated with the legend of the mythical Parasurama. The temple is supposed to be the oldest Shiva shrine in Mangalore. The shape of Udbhava Linga is a natural stone, one more interesting feature is when ever any amount of water is poured on it it just disappears.

The temple has traces of Buddhist influence and constructed in Vijaynagar style and architecture. The temple resembles a Kerala temple with a massive arch entrance. The main sanctum has elaborate carved silver doorways, and a chariot covered in intricate silver work. The Balipitha in front of the temple also gives us an almost definite period going back to 10th century. Within the temple premises to the west is the temple of Goddess Durga, and to the north the temple of Lord Ganesha.

There is a natural spring at an elevataed location on the backside of the temple. It is called as Gomukha.The water from this spring is let into 7 ponds of different sizes adjacent to it. People visiting the temple, come here wash themselves before entering the main temple.

There is a hill close to the temple with some stone caves called as caves of Pandavas. This is also a major tourist attraction. There is also a structure called Jogimutt believed to have been built King Kundavarma Bupendra.

The main attraction here is Lakshadeepotsava held during karthika maasa, on this day devotees offer prayers and wait to visit Lord Shiva.

The temple is located 4 Kms from the Nehru Maidan Service bus stand.

Phone: Kadri Hills (0824) 2214176

Kadri Park is a oval shaped sprawling green park on Kadri Hills. It is 5 Kms away from the city near Air studios. The park is green all round the year. There is also a 18 inch railway track along which chugs a toy train.

Srimanthi Bai Memorial Museum City's only museum, which links modern Indian history with the 16th century objects. Col VR Miraskar Mangalorean by birth during one of his posting in pre-Independence India, had stayed in a bungalow he liked it so much that he built an almost exact replica of it at Bejai. Later the State Archaeological Department converted the bungalow into a museum.

The museum is named after the Colonel's mother with many of the exhibits are from his own collection he has collected over 40 years. The house has three floors and its huge teakwood caskets filled with Artifacts ranging from ancient coins, second century stone idols, 18th century brass images, lamps, life-size wooden figures can also be found. You can also find pottery, porcelain and glass from China and Japan.

Neolithic tools, palm-leaf manuscripts, puppetry artifacts and a large collection of old paintings are also displayed.

Located at Betta Gudda, of Bejai Main Road. Phone: (0824) 2211106. Closed on Monday and second Saturday.

Sultan Battery watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan, is situated 4 km from Mangalore City at a place called Boloor. Built in black stones, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round. It was built to keep a watch over the sea and protect his kingdom from invaders.

This structure is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Only a portion of the fort exits which is called Tippu's well and the entire structure does not exist. It is preserved so the tourists can get a glimpse of the historic monument. Now Sultan Batter is an abandoned place.

Gokarnath Temple was first built by Sri Narayana Guru in 1912 and is dedicated to Shiva as Gokarnatheshwara. Kerala temple architecture is followed, later it was renovated in Chola style. It is located 3 Kms away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand.

The main temple is surrounded by the smaller temples of Subramanya, Mahaganapathi, Annapoorneswari, Shaneeshwara, the Navagraha, and Anandabhairava. There is a huge statue of Nandi at the entrance. The courtyard is marble paved with silver artwork.

Navaratri and Shivratri are major festivals celebrated here. The dining hall of the temple serves lunch for visitors everyday.

Phone: (0824) 2495740

Juma Masjid located on JM Road may have been built around 644 AD by early Arab traders who came in search of the famous Malabar spices. Tipu Sultan the famous ruler of Mysore is credited to have renovated in 18th century. The mosque has carved intricately wooden roof. The prayer hall is the main attraction which is a rectangular platform which is 3 ft above the ground.

This mosque also marks the arrival of Islam in this region. It is also called Masjid Zeenath Baksh.
Phone: (0824) 2427979

Idgah Maidan Mosque built by Tipu Sultan has an elaborate stone wall built as the palce for worship. The local administration did not give permission to build the mosque so the local Muslim community settled for a temporary structure itself.

Holy Rosary Church or Rosario Cathedral is one of the oldest churches situated near Hampankatta. It was built in the year 1568 by the Portuguese and reconstructed in year 1910. Diego de Silveira the Portuguese King his stone emblem here marked the landing of the Portuguese in Mangalore can ben seen at the entrance of this church.

It is known for its magnificent dome which resembles St Peter's in Rome. There are as many as 8 bishops, including one archbishop interred here.

Phone:(0824) 2420942

Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple at Bolar in the city of Mangalore, situated about 3 km southwest of the city centre. This temple has influenced the name and importance of Mangalore. The name Mangalore is derived from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. To enter the inner sanctum you have to pass through 3 silver doorways.

The temple was built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. The Goddess Mangale is worshiped as Shakti during 9 days of Navaratri in October.

The pious devotees even today believe that the worship of Mangaldevi brings them happiness and prosperity.

Mahatobhara Shri Mangaladevi Temple
Bolar,
Mangalore - 575 001.
Phone: (0824) 2425476

Shanthi Cathedral of the Basel Mission was built by Reverand Ananda Rao Kaundinya on a piece of land that was once the site of a bookshop. The church has 3 massive bells and a electric organ are the highlights here.

In 1970 when Mangalore became the headquarters of the southern diocese, Shanthi Church was granted the status of a cathedral. The exterior and interior look of the cathedral is very simple. It is located in a very peaceful compound.
Phone: (0824) 2432728

Bengre Headland is a natural breakwater protecting downtown Mangalore from the vagaries of the sea. It is a 8 Km long piece of land and 1/2 Km wide, with Gurupur River on one side and Arabian Sea on the other.

Getting Here

• By Air :Mangalore International Airport is near Bajpe, and is located about 21 kilometres north-east of the city centre. It is the second airport in Karnataka to operate flights to international destinations.
• By Rail: The city has two railway stations – Mangalore Central (at Hampankatta) and Mangalore Junction (at Kankanadi). Mangalore is well connected by rail to all major South Indian cities. Phone: (0824) 2424002/3137
• By Road: Mangalore is well connected by bus to all major towns in Karnataka. Bus Station Phone: (0824) 2211234

Best time to go
Anytime, but best during Oct-May

• Dharmasthala
• Kukke Subrahmanya
• Aati Kalanja Festival
• Sri Mangaladevi Temple
• St. Aloysius College Chapel
• Zeenath Baksh Masjid

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