Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangaluru is a prominent port city located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is best known for its scenic landscapes, beautiful beaches, coconut palms, and ancient temples. The city was founded in the 3rd century BC and was ruled by several great Indian rulers, such as Vira Harihararaya II and the Kadamabas, and later by the Portuguese, who were defeated by Hyder Ali. Today, Mangaluru stands as an important commercial, industrial, and educational centre in the state.
Things to do in Mangaluru
Witness the traditional Mangalorean folk dance, Yakshagana, which narrates mythological stories from the ancient Puranas. Take a day trip to Karkala, 52.3 km from Mangaluru, to witness the historic Gomateshwar Statue. On your way, stop by at Moodabidri, a small town known for ancient temples, nature parks and lakes. Take a stroll along the coastline in Panambur Beach, or explore the street shops to enjoy some of the local delicacies.
Tourist attractions in Mangaluru
Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park is a natural preserve and certainly a photographer’s delight. If you are a nature lover, you must visit this place. Sultan Battery is an 18th-century watchtower built by Tipu Sultan. The place is famous for offering wonderful views of the sea. Apart from these, Mangaluru boasts of numerous religious and historical sites, the most popular ones being the Mangala Devi Temple, Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Tannirbhavi Beach, Someshwara Temple and Beach, Kadri Hill Park, and St. Aloysius Chapel.
Places to shop in Mangaluru
Mangaluru is a shopper’s paradise, thanks to an array of markets and fancy malls dotting the city. You can shop for high-quality cotton fabric and a range of silk saris, fashionable jewellery, stationery, handicrafts, and electronics at extremely reasonable prices from Dubai Market and Badangupet Market. The Hampankatta Market is one of the oldest shopping destinations, from where one can pick sweets and delicacies for loved ones. The large shopping malls, such as the Empire Mall and City Centre Mall, are great for purchasing branded goods.
Best time to visit
October to March is the ideal time to explore Mangaluru at its best.
Modes of transport
Buses and auto-rickshaws are the best modes of transportation in Mangaluru. They are cheap and easily available. Besides, one can get local taxis and app-based cabs to travel across the city.
Weather in Mangaluru
Mangaluru witnesses hot summers between March and June with the temperature rising beyond 33 degrees Celsius. Monsoon hits in July and lasts through September, during which the city enjoys moderate to heavy rainfall. Winters, between December and February, are quite pleasant, as the temperature hovers around 17 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Mangaluru
IndiGo operates several flights between Mangaluru and other prime locations within the country from Mangaluru International Airport, which is the major airport in the city. To know more about IndiGo flight timings, visit the official website at goIndiGo.in.