Mangalore is a thriving port city nestled between the Western Ghats’ lush, tall mountains and the Arabian Sea’s beautiful waters. Its location makes it a paradise for nature lovers. The golden beaches of Mangalore, which are lined with swaying palm palms and with the magnificent green Western Ghats mountains as their backdrop, are among the most tranquil places on earth.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mangalore is home to some of the nation’s oldest temples. The two most visited temples in Mangalore are the Mangaladevi and Kudroli Gokarnath temples. Among Mangalore’s other attractions are the Sultan’s Battery, St. Aloysius Chapel, and Ullal Beach.
Thousands of tourists throng this South Indian port city every year, especially during the winter, to relax by its gorgeous beaches, taste the delicious Malabar cuisine, and experience Mangalore’s rich cultural heritage.
OVERVIEW
Location: Karnataka
Nearest Airport: Mangalore
How to reach: by air/train/road
Famous for: Traditional and cultural temples
Best time to visit: October to March
WHAT TO SEE
Mangaladevi Temple
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Ullal Beach
St. Aloysius Chapel
Sultan’s Battery
Milagres Church
Mangalore’s history can be traced back to the Kadamba dynasty’s dominance over the city in the third century BC. The Portuguese monarchs that took control of the city at that point left a lasting impression. Following the Portuguese, the Mysore Sultanate ruled Mangalore until it was seized by the British government of India.
The diverse set of rulers who ruled the place during different periods influenced its traditions, buildings, art, culture, and Mangalorean cuisine and shaped it into the colorful, lively city we know today.
Culture:
Mangalore has a population that practices a variety of religions and has a wide range of traditions, like other cities in India. Due to its variety, Mangalore has a vibrant cultural history. The country is well-known for the wood and ivory crafts manufactured in Mangalore, and the dance styles Yakshagana and Hulivesha are exclusive to the city and delightful to watch. The Dussehra, Bhuta Kola, and Aati festivals are the most well-known among the several holidays that the people of Mangalore observe.
Places of Interest:
Mangaladevi Temple: The Mangaladevi temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi, the deity from whose name Mangalore gets its name. The architecture of this 9th-century temple is a perfect example of Kerala-style architecture, and the walls of the temple are decorated with ancient art.
The prayers, locally known as aartis, are a spectacle to behold, especially during the Navaratri and Dussehra, and are attended by thousands of locals and tourists. Also, photography is allowed inside the temple premises.
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple: The Kudroli Gokarnath temple is one of the highlights of Mangalore tourism, thanks to its splendid architecture and rich history. The temple was built for the Billava community as they were prohibited from entering any other temple. The walls of this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva are engraved with beautiful murals that depict various mythological legends.
Ullal Beach: Ullal Beach is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Mangalore city. This serene and tranquil beach is one of the tourist hotspots of Mangalore thanks to its unparalleled natural beauty and soothing atmosphere. Guests can relax on the golden sand beach and soak in the lukewarm sunshine or can take a bath in the waters of the Arabian Sea.
St. Aloysius Chapel: St. Aloysius Chapel is one of the major attractions of Mangalore. This Catholic church is located in the center of the city and is particularly famous for the beautiful paintings that grace its walls. Guests who visit during the church’s masses are treated to a soothing and enlightening experience.
Tourists from all over the world flock to the church every year, especially during the winter months.
Sultan Battery: The Sultan Battery is an ancient naval watchtower built out of black stone. It was a part of Tipu Sultan’s naval defense architecture to watch out for enemy naval attacks. Now, it is a tourist hotspot in Mangalore. On climbing the watchtower, one is treated to a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the sweeping waters of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding areas. Beneath the watchtower, there is a dungeon that used to serve as a storage house of gunpowder. For guests, there are ferry rides in the area.
Milagres Church: The Milagres Church is located at the center of Mangalore and is a popular tourist destination in the city. The most remarkable feature of this Roman Catholic church is the beautiful choir that is organized during the Sunday morning mass. The tranquil and soothing atmosphere of the place also serves as an attraction for guests.
Food:
Mangalore is famous for its unique Malabar food culture. The main ingredients of the dishes of Mangalorean cuisine are coconut and curry leaves. The place, being a coastal town, is famous for its fish dishes. The fish curry made with coconut milk and the fish roe curry is some of the signature dishes of Mangalorean cuisine. Chicken Indaaz and Bokrea Maas are some of the famous meat dishes of Malabar cuisine, and Akki roti, Neer Dosa, and Patrode are the must-try dishes of Mangalorean cuisine.
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