Mangaluru is a renowned port city located in the state of Karnataka on the west coast of India. It is bounded by the Western Ghats to its east and the Arabian Sea to its west. The city named after the local Hindu goddess, Mangala Devi, is known for its breath-taking scenic beauty, serene beaches, coconut palms and numerous temples.
Things to do in Mangaluru
There are plenty of fun and exciting activities to try out on a trip to Mangaluru. The Panambur Beach and Tannirbhavi Beach are the perfect holiday destination to laze around. Adventure and water sport enthusiasts can also go surfing and kayaking in the waters. You can spend your evening exploring the street markets and pick a few souvenirs or gorge on some of the most amazing dishes at a local food joint in Mangaluru.
Tourist attractions in Mangaluru
Mangaluru has quite a few historical and leisure tourist spots that are worth visiting. The most famous ones include the 9th-century Hindu temple of goddess Mangala Devi, Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, Pilikula Nisargadhama, a water park surrounded by lush gardens, ideal for picnics, and Sultan Battery, a historic watchtower with a sea view. Milagres Church, Bejai Museum, New Mangaluru Port and the Butterfly Park are among a few other prominent attractions in the city.
Places to shop in Mangaluru
The city has several shopping malls and markets to cater to your needs. Visit the Hampanakatta Market if you are looking for traditional fabrics, a variety of silk saris and jewellery. It is one of the busiest and oldest shopping destinations in Mangaluru, always bustling with locals and tourists alike. You can pick a few boxes of famous, delicious halwa from New Taj Mahal Café in Kodialbail or a pack of cashews from Phalguni Cashew Centre in Hampanakatta Market as souvenirs back home. Bharat Mall, Empire Mall and Forum Mall are among the prominent and largest shopping centres in the city, housing a wide collection of domestic and international brands.
Best time to visit
October to March is the ideal time to visit and explore Mangaluru at its best given the pleasant weather.
Modes of transport
The city boasts an extensive network of private and government buses across all major routes. Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available at affordable fares to get around. One can also hire app cabs, such as TaxiForSure and Ola, to travel around Mangaluru.
Weather in Mangaluru
Mangaluru enjoys a coastal climate with hot and humid summers (March to June), and cold and mild winters (December to February). The average temperature throughout the year varies between 23-degree Celsius and 33-degree Celsius. The city receives moderate to heavy rainfall in monsoon, between July and September.
Airport in Mangaluru
Mangaluru International Airport (IATA: IXE) is the major airport located 6.7 km from the city. It is a single integrated terminal serving numerous flights to and from Mangaluru. IndiGo operates over 50 weekly flights between Mangaluru and other key locations within the country from this airport. For more information, visit IndiGo’s website.