Mangaluru, lying between the Western Ghats mountain ranges and the Arabian Sea, serves as the major port city in Karnataka. It is also the administrative headquarter of the Dakshini Kannada district in the state. Due to its modern infrastructure and planning, Mangaluru is widely regarded as one of the cleanest cities in India.
Things to do in Mangaluru
Adventure and water sport enthusiasts must head to the Mantra Surf Club, the country’s only surfing ashram that offers a unique experience. Nature lovers can spend an entire day at the Kadri Hill Park witnessing various species of wildlife animals and birds. When in Mangaluru, you must plan a visit to Spindrift, the first-ever brewpub in the city. Enjoy your evening listening to soulful acoustic music or watch a live band performance.
Tourist attractions in Mangaluru
Mangaluru is adorned with some of the finest architectural marvels, temples, and beaches. The most prominent tourist attractions here include the Panambur Beach, Tannirbhavi Beach, Sultan Battery, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park, Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, and Mangala Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Mangala Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Shakti. The city is named after the same deity.
Places to shop in Mangaluru
The street shops and local markets in Mangaluru offer a unique shopping experience to tourists. From fashionable clothing and traditional silk saris to jewellery, footwear, handicrafts, home décor, and electronics, you will find everything at reasonable prices at the popular shopping destinations, such as the Badangupet Market and Dubai Market. If you want to purchase sweets, halwa, or cashews for your loved ones, visit the Hampankatta Market. The Central Market is good for buying spices. For branded goods, hit the fancy city malls, like The Forum Fiza Mall and the Empire Mall.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mangaluru is between October and March. One can truly enjoy sightseeing and other outdoor activities during this period, given the pleasant weather.
Modes of transport
One can get around the city on taxis and auto-rickshaws. They are cheap and easily accessible. Mangaluru also has a wide network of buses operated by the government as well as private agencies. You can also hire app-based cabs to travel comfortably within and around the city.
Weather in Mangaluru
Mangaluru enjoys hot summers (March to June) and cool winters (December to February). The average temperature hardly ever exceeds 35 degrees Celsius. Between July and September, the city receives heavy monsoon showers.
Airport in Mangaluru
Mangaluru International Airport (IATA: IXE) is the nearest airport to the city. It is a single integrated terminal handling 1000 in-bound and out-bound passengers. IndiGo operates weekly flights to various key locations from this airport. For more information, visit IndiGo’s website.