Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Mangaluru serves as a prominent port city, as well as a holiday destination. From picture-perfect beaches and coconut palms to some of the finest ancient temples and monuments, the coastal city has it all. Besides, the history of Mangaluru is as fascinating as its natural landscapes. It was once ruled over by the great Indian dynasties, such as the Kadambas, Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas before the Portuguese took over. The architecture of the various temples and monuments speak volumes about the cultural diversity of Mangaluru.
Things to do in Mangaluru
Marvel at the magnificent architecture of the St. Aloysius Chapel and seek blessings of the local Hindu goddess Mangala at the Mangala Devi Temple. Explore the remnants of the 18th-century watchtower at Sultan Battery. Gear up for a unique surfing experience at the Surfing Ashram or simply enjoy a peaceful walk along the beautiful beaches.
Tourist attractions in Mangaluru
History buffs can visit the Father Muller Museum and St. Aloysius Museum for an enriching experience. Nature lovers can visit and spend the day at Pilikula Biological Garden and Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park. Other major attractions in the city include the Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Kadri Hill Park, Tannirbhavi Beach, Someshwara Beach and Temple, Milagres Church and Bekal Fort.
Places to shop in Mangaluru
There’s no better place than the local shops and markets to go on a shopping spree in Mangaluru. The oldest and the largest marketplace in the city is the Hampankatta Market, famous for sweets, delicacies and spices. You can pick a box of cashews or coffee to take back home from here. For fashionable clothes, ethnic wear, jewellery and accessories, visit the Badangupet Market and Dubai Market. You will find a variety of handicrafts, artefacts and souvenirs at the local shops. Mangaluru also boasts a few fancy malls, where one can get products from national and international brands. The most famous ones are The Forum Fiza Mall, Empire Mall and Bharat Mall.
Best time to visit
You should ideally plan a vacation to Mangaluru between October and March to comfortably enjoy sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Modes of transport
The most economical way to get around Mangaluru is on local buses and auto-rickshaws. However, if you want to travel a few distances, opt for app cab services, like Ola and TaxiForSure.
Weather in Mangaluru
From March to June, Mangaluru experiences hot summers with temperatures rising above 33-degree Celsius. Heavy monsoon rains between July and September brings some relief. Winter months, lasting from December through February, are pleasant and cool. The temperature hovers around 18-degree Celsius during this time.
Airport in Mangaluru
The only and the chief airport in the city is Mangaluru International Airport (IATA: IXE). It has a single integrated terminal that serves multiple flights across various key locations. For more information, visit IndiGo’s website.