Mangalore officially Mangaluru (Kannada: ಮಂಗಳೂರು Maṅgaḷūru), in the coastal Karavali region of Karnataka, is a blend of new and old. With the increasing influx of students from various states of India and different parts of the world, Mangalore has become a "melting pot" of cultures, given the various communities that make up the social framework of Mangalore: the Tuluvas, the Brahmins, the Konkani Catholics, the Bearys, the Devangs and many others.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Due to the city's cultural diversity, the city of Mangalore (mang-guh-LOHR) is known by different names across the languages spoken: Mangaluru (ಮಂಗಳೂರು Maṅgaḷūru) in Kannada Kudla (ಗುಡ್ಳ Kuḍḷa) in Tulu Kodiyal (Koddiyal / ಗೋಡಿಯಲ Koḍiyal) in Konkani Maikala (ಮೈಗಲ Maikala) in Beary Mangalapuram (മംഗഴാപുരം Maṅgalāpuraṁ) in Malayalam The city is named "Mangalore", "Mangaluru" or "Mangalapuram" after the Hindu deity Mangaladevi, the patron goddess of Mangalore.
There are numerous private bus companies which run bus services within the city of Mangalore and its suburbs. They have names like Padmambika Bus Co. Ltd. emblazoned in large letters in English on the front windscreen of the bus and on its sides. These buses also connect to all the minor urban centres surrounding Mangalore. Most of them originate from the Central Bus Stand at Mangalore behind the Town Hall: It is known as the 'State Bank' bus-stand. Even though the buses are operated by different private companies, the bus numbering scheme is unified and quite useful. The destinations and routes are, however, all written in Kannada.
Most of the attractions are places of worship. A few of the important ones are listed below. Kalangan Konkani Heritage Centre, Shakthi Nagar (7 km from Mangalore). 1 Mariyamma Temple. 2 Sultan Battery. 3 Urwa Marigudi. 4 Kudroli Gokarnanatha. (updated Mar 2023) 5 Milagres Church, Hampankatta. (updated Mar 2026) 6 Rosario Cathedral (Our Lady of Rosary Cathedral), Bolar. (updated Mar 2026) 7 St. Aloysius Chapel, Lighthouse Hill. (updated Mar 2026) 8 Adyapady Adinatheshwara, Bajpe. Bhagavathi Kshetra, Kudroli. 9 Carstreet Venkataramana Temple. 10 Kadri Manjunatheswara, 702 Planet SKS Kadri Hills. (updated Mar 2026) 11 Kateel Durgaparameshwari.
Adventure: For the adventurous, the Western Ghats near Mangalore provide an ideal location to get lost in the dense jungles. Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is about 12 km from city and is a tourist spot with "Manasa" water theme park, animal park, boating, science centre, arboretum, golf course, all in one place. Surf: India's first surf club "Mantra Surf Club" is located just 24 km from Mangalore at Mulki. Just board an EXPRESS Bus heading towards Udupi and get down in Mulki. Ask for "Hare Krishna Ashram". The auto rickshaws charge around ₹20-30 from Mulki bus stand. Swim: Mangalore has many clean and beautiful beaches: Kapu Beach is about 45 km to the north.
There are numerous small restaurants where one can gorge on cheap food as long as one likes South Indian food. The most typical ones are the Udupi-style restaurants which serve the staple fare of idli, wada and a variety of dosas. You can wash them down with some home-grown filter coffee or tea. Hotel Ayodhya is famous for authentic Mangalore-style food. Try appam, ghee dose, vastad roti, parota/tingalavare song. Janata Deluxe also serves authentic Udupi style food items. Taj Mahal, two locations in Mangalore (Hampankatta & Kodialbail).
An array of mini fruit juice stalls dot every nook and cranny of Mangalore City; at bus stops, near shopping areas, etc. that serve the usual fare of juices and milkshakes. Name it and it's all there for you. But this is not recommended if your gut is not immune to such juices! Normal restaurants would definitely be a hygienic alternative! A must visit place: Srinidhi Juice & Snacks, Opp to Srinivasa Theater (Balaji), B.E.M High School Road, Carstreet, 50 Year old shop, Serves Fresh Fruit Juices, Fruit Chat, Lassi, Maggie, Pav Bhaji & other Snacks. Tendercoconut (Local language called Bonda or Shiyala) is available in plenty.
Malaria is endemic in Mangalore. So, don't forget to carry your mosquito repellent creams, mosquito mats, coils, liquidators, etc. along with you (let that be your first priority on your list of things to pack!). Consult your doctor for advice on malaria prophylaxis before you arrive in Mangalore. If you have the slightest idea of a fever with chills, rush yourself to a nearby hospital to get yourself checked. Also, it is advisable to get yourself vaccinated for Hepatitis A (food-borne Hepatitis) in case you haven't been vaccinated already. Three things will do more to prevent an upset stomach or other traveling ailments than anything else: Always choose water from filters (Aquaguard water)…
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Mangalore typically sees ~27°C daytime highs and 31 rainy days.
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