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Mangalore, the administrative headquarters of Dakshina Karnataka is an extremely exuberant town marked by coconut palms in the backdrop, and majestic streams flowing towards the Arabian Sea. Attracting tourists from across the globe for its scenic beauty, the bustling and bubbly port city of Mangalore will take your breath away with its striking roads, beautiful sandy beaches and parks, and medieval temples. And to make the most of this coastal paradise in Karnataka, try your hands at these ten best things to do in Mangalore that’ll add more thrill to your vacation in this port city!

Top 16 Things To Do In Mangalore

Are you planning a trip to Mangalore and looking for the popular things to do here? Whether you are an adventure freak or love admiring natural beauty, there are numerous interesting things to do in Mangalore that makes your vacation a perfect one! Hence, make sure you do not miss out on these best activities and fun things to do in Mangalore on your next trip!

  • Panambur Beach: Perfect To Laze Around
  • Kadri Hill Park: Ideal For A Family Getaway
  • Sultan’s Battery: Explore The Miniature Fortress
  • Bejai Museum: Take A Plunge Into The Rich Heritage
  • Mangaladevi Temple: Witness The Puja During Dusshera
  • Kudroli Gokarnath Temple: Watch The Murals
  • Gajalee Restaurant: Relish Tasty Dishes
  • Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park: Pay A Visit
  • New Mangalore Port: Explore The 7th Largest Port 
  • Pilikula Nisargadhama: Witness Both Flora & Fauna
  • Stand Up Paddling: Get Your Heart Throbbing
  • Kayaking: Row, Row, Row Your Boat
  • Surfing: Opt For A Challenging Activity
  • Shopping: Explore The Street Markets
  • Spindrift: Visit The First Brewery In Mangalore
  • Light House Hill Garden: Admire The Surrounding Nature

1. Panambur Beach: Perfect To Laze Around

Things To Do In Mangalore

Image Source Located at a distance of 13 kms from the city centre to the south of Mangalore port, visiting Panambur Beach is considered to be one of the must things to do in Mangalore. Owing much of its popularity to the carnivals that comprise of boat racing, kite flying, and making sand sculptures, Panambur beach manages to be the cleanest beach one can ever come across despite the massive footfall. Enjoy peace and serenity at this spectacular clean beach and spend some quality time.

Location: Port Trust Panambur, NH 66, near New Mangalore, Mangalore, Karnataka 575010

Nearby Attractions: Shri Nandaneshawara Temple, Sultan Battery & Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Must Read: 23 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Mangalore For A Peaceful Sojourn


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2. Kadri Hill Park: Ideal For A Family Getaway

Kadri Hill Park

Image Source One of the fun things to do in Mangalore is to visit the Kadri Hill Park. Considered as the largest park within the city limits of Mangalore, this park is ideal for families who can have a great time during the weekends. Adjacent to the park is an animal conservatory that falls under the Government’s Department of Horticulture and where one can find numerous kinds of reptiles, rare birds, spotted deer, sambar deer, anteaters, and other animal species.

Location: Near NH-17, Mangalore 575001, India

Nearby Attractions: Pilikula Biological Park and Kadri Shri Manjunatha Temple

3. Sultan’s Battery: Explore The Miniature Fortress

Sultan’s Battery

Image Source Exploring the watchtower Sultan’s Battery is one of the top things to do in Mangalore. This was constructed by famous Tipu Sultan in 1784 to keep a lookout on the entry of warships into the Gurpur River. The battery is made from black stones and had been given the look of a miniature fortress. One can also relish the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea along with the lush greenery atop the fort that serves as a real treat for the nature lovers.

Location: Sultan Battery Rd, Urva, Gandhinagar, Mangalore, Karnataka 575003

Nearby Attractions: Sri Jarandaya Temple

4. Bejai Museum: Take A Plunge Into The Rich Heritage

Bejai Museum

Image Courtesy: Mangalore Day Tours Out of many offbeat things to do in Mangalore city, visiting the Bejai Museum is one. An ideal place for history lovers to explore, this is a must visit place if you are in Mangalore. The Seemanthi Bai Government Museum known as Bejai Museum is located in the heart of the city and is the city’s only museum. It has a collection of ancient coins, paintings, statues, and inscriptions which display the rich heritage of India.

Location: Bejai, Mangalore, Karnataka 575004

Nearby Attractions: Durgaparameshwari temple and St Francis Xaviers Church

Suggested Read: 15 Hill Stations Near Mangalore That You Cannot Afford To Miss

5. Mangaladevi Temple: Witness The Puja During Dusshera

Mangaladevi Temple

Image Source Paying a visit to the holy Mangaladevi Temple is one of the best things to do in Mangalore. Situated around 3 kilometers from the city centre in the region of Bolar, the Mangaladevi temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati. The city of Mangalore owes its name to the Mangaladevi temple which traces its roots back to the 9th century. Considered to be the most holy of all temples in Mangalore, grand and elaborate pujas are held and devotees from round the globe come to witness it during the festival of Dussehra.

Location: Mangaladevi Temple Rd, Bolar, Mangalore, Karnataka 575001

Nearby Attractions: Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple and Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple

6. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple: Watch The Murals

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Image Source Visiting the famous Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is one of the best things to do at Mangalore without which your trip is totally incomplete. Dedicated to Gokarnanatheshwara or Lord Shiva, this temple was built by Sri Narayana Guru for the Billava community, who were prohibited from entering into any other temple in the area. The surrounding temples and the main temple itself are built in Tamil Nadu style, and decorated with murals showing various mythological legends.

Location: Alake Rd, Kudroli, Kodailbail, Mangalore, Karnataka 575003

Nearby Attractions: Mahatma Gandhi Museum, St. Aloysius Chapel, and Mangaladevi Temple

7. Gajalee Restaurant: Relish Tasty Dishes

Dine At Gajalee Restaurant

Image Source If you are in Mangalore, treat the gastronome in you by dining at the famous Gajalee Sea Food Restaurant which is one of the famous things to do near Mangalore. Gajalee is often counted in the top 100 restaurants in India. Located upon a hilltop with beautiful surroundings, one can feel the charm of an old British bungalow coupled with exceptional views of the city while munching on the most delicious seafood in town. So, make sure that you head to this restaurant in Mangalore for a sumptuous meal!

Location: Circuit House Compound, Kadri Hills Vasanth Vihar, Kadri Mangalore, Karnataka 575004

Nearby Attractions: Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, Sultan Battery, and St. Aloysius Chapel

Suggested Read: 12 Things To Do In Murudeshwar For A Relaxing Holiday In Shiva’s Coastal Abode

8. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park: Pay A Visit

 Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

Image Source Experience something different by visiting Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park that was set up in 2011, and is home to 114 species of butterflies. This was built by Sammilan Shetty with an aim to educate people about butterflies and the need for their conservation along with undertaking scientific research on them. This place is not only educational but a brilliant treat for nature lovers and is one of the popular things to do in Mangalore.

Location: Butterfly Park Rd, Manjana Katte Belvai, Karnataka 574213

Nearby Attractions: Karkala Gomateshwara Statue, Thousand Pillars Temple, and St. Lawrence Church

9. New Mangalore Port: Explore The 7th Largest Port

New Mangalore Port

Image Source New Mangalore Port is one of the major ports located in Karnataka and is the seventh largest port in the country. Most of the primary commodities like pellets, iron ore fines and concentrates, coffee, cashew, manganese, granite stones and containerized cargo are exported while other commodities such as LPG, crude, petroleum products, wood pulp, logs of timber, fertilizers, liquid ammonia, liquid chemicals, and others are imported. All the projects associated with the port were started in 1962 and visiting this port is one of the popular things to do in Mangalore.

Location: NH 17 New, Indian Oil Tank Farm, Kasba Bengre, Mangalore, Karnataka 575010

Nearby Attractions: Jami Mosque of Zinad Baksh, Kadri Manjunath Temple, and Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Suggested Read: Picnic Spots Near Mangalore: 7 Relaxing Spaces Of Beaches, Forts, Parks & More!

10. Pilikula Nisargadhama: Witness Both Flora & Fauna

Pilikula Nisargadhama

Image Source Spread across 350 acres of land, Pilikula Nisargadhama is a major eco-education and tourism development project in Mangalore. This park is an ideal place for nature lovers and exploring this park is one of the fun things to do in Mangalore. It houses a botanical garden, golf course, science centre, mini aquarium, and a lake with boating facilities. Also, there is an open zoo which houses wild animals like tigers, rare wild cats, and king cobras.

Location: Pilikula Rd, Mudushedde, Post, Vamanjoor, Mangalore, Karnataka 575028

Nearby Attractions: Pilikula Biological Park and Manasa Amusement Park

Suggested Read: Kudremukh National Park: A Guide For Enjoying An Ultimate Escape Into The Wild!

11. Stand Up Paddling: Get Your Heart Throbbing

Stand Up Paddling

Image Source Wondering what to do in Mangalore? Well, if you are an adventure enthusiast then we have just the right activity for you – Stand Up Paddle. You might not have heard about this activity before but it is one of the top adventure activities to do in Mangalore. You will get a training session of 90 minutes along with briefing about safety measures.

Location: Numerous sites

Nearby Attractions: NA

Suggested Read: 5 Luxurious Villas In Mangalore Which Are A True Escape Amidst Nature’s Finest Beauty

12. Kayaking: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

kayaking

Image Source Another one on the list of offbeat things to do in Mangalore is Kayaking. Yes, Mangalore also offers this activity along with stand up paddling. In this activity, you will be given a kayak with paddles to row. While doing this activity, you get to witness the greenery of palm trees and the Arabian Sea. If you are not familiar with this activity, then you need not worry as the professionals will give proper training before you head for the activity into the sea.

Location: River Shambhavi

Nearby Attractions: Palimar Dam, Sasihitlu Beach

Suggested Read: 8 Most Popular Homestays In Mangalore For A Heavenly Stay

13. Surfing: Opt For A Challenging Activity

surfing

Image Source The best way to talk to the waves of the Arabian Sea is by taking this activity. It will make your heart throb will all the excitement due to adrenaline rush. So, if you wondering what to do in Mangalore that can rush up your adrenaline then here is your answer. It is the perfect activity that you can do with your friends and waves here are safe enough for beginners to try this activity. Moreover, you will be briefed up with a session and training before doing the activity.

Location: All the beaches in Mangalore

Nearby Attractions: NA

Suggested Read: 10 Top Hotels In Mangalore: Discover And Explore Options For A Memorable Stay

14. Shopping: Explore The Street Markets

shopping1

Image Source The streets of Mangalore has a lot to offer you so you can shop your heart out! From malls to local markets, there are a variety of places for shopping in Mangalore. Moreover, you will find several things to buy from these places, ranging from souvenirs to household items. Any vacation to a place is incomplete without exploring the shopping streets, so make sure that you do not miss out this as it is the best thing to do in Mangalore at night.

Location: Central Market, Hampankatta Market, Badangupet Market

Nearby Attractions: NA

Suggested Read: 7 Road Trips From Mangalore That Will Give You Wings And Promise An Exciting Time

15. Spindrift: Visit The First Brewery In Mangalore

Beer Tasting

For those who love beer, Mangalore offers truly a delightful surprise. Spindrift was the first brewery in Mangalore and offers relaxing environment to the visitors. You can spend an awesome evening here while grabbing your best beer and listening to popular upbeat music. 

Location: 5th Floor, Bharath Mall, Bejai Main Rd, Lalbagh, Mangalore, Karnataka 575004

Nearby Attractions: Shree Gokarananatha Kshethra Kudroli, Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, Sultan’s Battery

Suggested Read: 6 Best Adventure Sports In Mangalore Which Will Definitely Lift Your Spirits Up

16. Light House Hill Garden: Admire The Surrounding Nature

Light-House-Hill-Garden

Staying in Mangalore and missing out beautiful experiences of Light House Hill Garden from your itinerary is surely not a good idea. The garden was commissioned by Hyder Ali in the 18th century and is certainly one of the most attractive places to visit in Mangalore. You can capture the astounding beauty of the entire area from the light house. 

Location: Light House Hill Rd Hampankatta, Mangalore, Karnataka

Nearby Attractions: St. Aloysius Chapel, Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Melagres Church

Further Read: 10 Astonishing Churches In Mangalore One Must Visit For A Perfect Getaway

Stunned by these amazing things to do in Mangalore? So, plan your vacation to Karnataka with TravelTriangle and get ready to explore the land of incredible beaches, architectures, and rich culture. Make sure that you are carrying your camera with you so that you can capture some amazing landscapes for memories. 

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing  proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Mangalore

Is Mangalore worth visiting?

If you are a beach person then Mangalore will be a perfect destination for you as it has some amazing beaches, seaports and its diverse culture attracts tourists. Being one of the cleanest cities, Mangalore is the most preferred destination by travellers.

Is Mangalore a hill station?

Many times, people mistakenly call Mangalore a hill station. However, Mangalore is a city and not a hilly area. Having said that, there are a plethora of hill stations located near Mangalore.

What all safety measures do I need to take while travelling to Mangalore?

Tourists must make sure that they are fully vaccinated and carrying reports of their vaccination with both shots completed in case they need to show the proof. Tourists must also wear masks that would prevent them from being infected by the virus.

What is Mangalore famous for?

Mangalore is known for its amazing beaches, diverse culture and seaports. It is also an important business centre and one of the cleanest cities in India.

What are the famous places for shopping in Mangalore?

Hampankatta market, Central market, Seafood market and Dubai market are the famous shopping places in Mangalore for all your shopping needs.

Which are the famous day out activities available in Mangalore?

Mangalore city has a plethora of activities. Visit the holy temples, iconic museums and enjoy the gorgeous sunset views alongside beaches for an amazing day out activity. If you are a nature lover, you can visit the Butterfly Park or Light House Hill Garden. There are plenty of places to visit in Mangalore to keep you engaged.

Is Mangalore a district?

Situated on the west coast of India, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district.

How can I go to Mangalore?

Mangalore is just 25 minutes ride to the main city from the airport. It is connected with all major cities of India as well as foreign cities. You can also use rail services conveniently from all the major South Indian cities. If bus ride suits you, you can as well opt for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.

What is the best time to visit Mangalore?

September to April is the best time to visit Mangalore considering the best weather. During this time, the humidity is also minimal and is a perfect time to visit the beaches.

What can we do in Mangalore at night?

To witness the crazy side of Mangalore nightlife, explore the good pubs and the gorgeous beaches in the moonlight. Some of the popular beaches in Mangalore which offers a splendid view at night are Surathkal beach, Panambur beach. Some of the must-visit pubs include Froth on top, Liquid Lounge and The Last Stop.

What are the famous places to eat in Mangalore?

Mangalore city is a delight for the foodies. Some of the famous food corners which are unmissable are New Taj Mahal Cafe, Woodlands, Lighthouse Chaat, Shetty Lunch Home and more.


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