A prominent port city in the western coast of India, Mangaluru is located in the southwestern state of Karnataka. It is surrounded by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea to its west. For several centuries, the city has been a major commercial centre and a popular destination among travellers, thanks to its pristine beaches, monuments and ancient temples.
Things to do in Mangaluru
Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Tannirbhavi Beach, as you walk along the coastline. Marvel at the breath-taking architecture of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple or seek blessings at the famous Mangala Devi Temple. Nature lovers can visit the Butterfly Park, which is home to over 114 species of butterflies. Don’t forget to relish the authentic flavours of Mangaluru. The city is widely known for its lip-smacking cuisine and seafood.
Tourist attractions in Mangaluru
St. Aloysius Chapel is a popular tourist spot known for its breath-taking paintings and regal appearance. The Kadri Hill Park is home to various species of wildlife animals and birds, thus attracting hordes of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Other prominent attractions here include the Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, Sultan Battery, New Mangalore Port, Pilikula Biological Park, Rosario Cathedral, Milagres Church, Ullal Beach and Panambur Beach.
Places to shop in Mangaluru
Mangaluru is great for street shopping. With an array of local markets, such as the Hampankatta Market, Dubai Market, Central Market and Badangupet Market, the city caters to all your needs. From clothing to footwear, accessories, jewellery and electronics, the local shops stock just everything you might be looking for. Cotton fabrics and silk saris are a must-buy. For a more lavish shopping experience, hit the fancy malls, like the City Centre Mall and Bharat Mall.
Best time to visit
You should ideally plan a vacation to Mangaluru between October and March because the weather during this period remains best suitable for sightseeing and outdoor ventures.
Modes of transport
You can easily travel around the city on auto-rickshaws, buses and taxis. They are the cheapest and most convenient mode of public transportation in Mangaluru. For a more comfortable ride, opt for app cab services, like Ola and TaxiForSure.
Weather in Mangaluru
Summers are typically hot in Mangaluru and last from March through June. The temperature in May is likely to go beyond 35 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature drops a few notches in monsoon, between July and September. The city receives abundant rainfall during this time. Winter temperature hovers around a soothing 17 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Mangaluru
The main airport serving the city is Mangaluru International Airport (IATA: IXE). IndiGo operates many flights between Mangaluru and other major cities from this airport. For more details, visit IndiGo’s website.
Raipur
The capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is located in the central Chhattisgarh Plain bordered by River Mahanadi to its east. The city serves as an important business, educational and cultural hub in not only the state but also pan-India. Apart from being a rapid-growing city, Raipur has also emerged as a popular travel destination due to its beautiful temples, lakes and waterfalls.
Tourist attractions in Raipur
Some of the most renowned tourist attractions in and around Raipur include the Ramkrishna Mission, Buddha Talab, Naya Raipur Central Park, Nandan Van Zoo, Swami Vivekananda Sarovar, Mahant Ghasidas Samarak Sangrahalaya, Gandhi Udyan Park, Pujya Shadani Darbar, Banjari Mata Mandir, Ghatarani Waterfall and Chitrakoot Waterfall.
Places to shop in Raipur
Visit the Bombay Textiles and Basant Textiles to pick up high-quality colourful cotton fabrics at affordable prices. Barlota Enterprises and Togita Kosa Handloom are the best places to purchase a variety of locally manufactured Dhruva saris. You can shop for woodcrafts, metal sculptures and terracotta pots from the street shops as souvenirs. If you are looking for branded goods, visit the Magneto Shopping Mall or the City Centre Mall.
Modes of transport
The most convenient and economical way of getting around the city is auto-rickshaws, taxis and tuk-tuks. Raipur also has a decent network of buses plying along the major routes within the city.
Weather in Raipur
The summer temperature between March and June may exceed 35 degrees Celsius, making it hot and humid. Winters (December to February) are relatively cool with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Between July and September, Raipur receives heavy rainfall.
Airport in Raipur
Raipur Airport (IATA: RPR) has a single integrated terminal serving numerous connecting and direct flights to and from other cities. To find out more about IndiGo flights operated from this airport, visit the official website.