Mangalore or Mangaluru is a major port city of India that stands on the Malabar Coast. It is situated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka and is at a distance of about 352 km from Bangalore. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, the city of Mangalore boasts of pristine beaches and enchanting forests. The city is recognised as one of the prime destinations for business in India. It stands surrounded by several places and monuments that are popular as tourist spots.
Let us explore some of the interesting places to visit near Mangalore.
Moodabidri
Moodabri or Mudabri is an ancient town located at a distance of about 34 km from Mangalore. Moodabri is recognised as a major Jain learning centre in South India. The town has several Jain temples, some of which date back to the 10th century AD. Its Thousand Pillar Basadi, Guru Basadia, Gowri Temple and the Church of the Holy Cross are places of major attraction.
Dharmasthala is a famous temple town of South India located on the banks of the Nethravathi River. It is at a distance of about 75 km from Mangalore. The place has several ancient temples that are a major attraction for Hindu pilgrims even today. The Dharmasthala Temple is the most renowned temple of this town and is visited by about 10,000 pilgrims every day.
Ullal
The serene town of Ullal is one of the oldest towns of the country. The historical town is located about 14.5 km way from Mangalore. Ullal is a popular place for tourists as it has the Ullal Beach. The beach is considered to be among the most picturesque beaches in Karnataka. Other attractions of the town include the Sayyid Madani Darga, Queen Abbakka’s Fort at Ranipura and Kadapara jara Darga.
The ancient city of Udupi stands at a distance of about 58 km from Mangalore. Udupi has the 13th century Krishna Mutt which is a popular pilgrim spot for Hindus. Udupi is also known for its world famous unique Kannada vegetarian cuisine and Masala Dosa. The Tulu Ashta Mathas of Udupi is another major attraction of the city.
Varanga
Varanga is a quaint village located at a distance of about 76 km from Mangalore. Varanga is popular as a pilgrim centre for the Jains. The village has several ancient Jain temples, some of which are more than 1000 years old. The Neminatha Basadi, the Kere Basadi and the Chandranatha Basadi are among the main attractions of Varanga.
Malpe
Malpe is a natural port and an important fishing harbour on the Karnataka Coast. Located at a distance of about 60 km from Mangalore, Malpe is known for its enticing natural beauty. The pristine Malpe beach is ideal for enjoying various kinds of water sports. There are four small islands that can be reached by ferries from the Malpe Beach.
Kigga
Kigga is a picturesque village surrounded by hills and forests. It is located at a distance of about 115 km from Mangalore. Kigga is well-known for the 14th century Rishya Shringeshwara temple (also known as the Rishya Shringa Temple). The age-old temple was built in honour of Saint Rishyashringa who is believed to have possessed the power to bring rain. The Sirimane falls is also located near Kigga.
Kateel
Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town that is known as an important seat of Shakthi worship. It is located at a distance of about 29 km from Mangalore. The Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple here is situated on an islet in the middle of the Nandini River. The temple draws pilgrims and devotees from all over the country.
Venoor
Venoor or Venur is a scenic town located at a distance of about 54 km from Mangalore. Nestled on the banks of Phalguni River, it was once a seat of Jainism. The town has the monolith statue of Lord Bahubali who is also known as Lord Gomateshwara. The huge monolith statue has a height of 38 feet and is a major attraction for tourists.
Karkala
Karkala is an old town that is popular as a centre of Jain pilgrimage. It is situated at a distance of about 49 km from Mangalore. The historic town has several monuments and structures that attract tourists from far and near. Among the main attractions are the 42 feet high colossus statue of Lord Bahubali, the St. Lawrence Church, 18 Jain temples and a number of Hindu temples.
Subramanya
Subramanya is a serene village situated at a distance of about 105 km from Mangalore. The village is famous for the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple that is located on the banks of river Kumara Dhara. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya and is regarded as one of the holiest places in Karnataka for Hindu pilgrims.
Manipal is a renowned town located off the Malabar Coast. It is at a distance of about 61 km from Mangalore. Manipal has established itself as an important centre for higher education due to the presence of the Manipal University here. The town has various tourist attractions like the Smrithi Bhavan, the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village, Sri Venu Gopalakrishna Temple and the Anatomy Museum.
Mulki
The village of Mulki is located 22 km away from Mangalore. The small village has Bappanadu Shri Durga Parameshwari temple, which stands on the banks of River Shambhavi. The village is also famous for hosting the Arasu Kambala or the Buffalo Race festival which is celebrated in the month of December every year.
Pajaka
The peaceful Pajaka village is located at a distance of about 62 km from Mangalore. It is considered as a holy place as it is the birthplace of Dvaita philosopher Sri Madhvacharya. The ancestral home of Sri Madhvacharya is visited by countless devotees and pilgrims even today. The Madhva Mandir and the Kunjaragiri Durga temple are other interesting places to visit here.
Also See:
- About Mangalore
- Bendru Theertha, Mangalore – The lone hot spring of South India
- Mangaladevi Temple
- Hotels in Mangalore
- Resorts in Mangalore