Things To Do
in Mangalore
Mangalore is a vibrant coastal city located in the state of Karnataka, India. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic temples, and delicious cuisine, it attracts both tourists and pilgrims. The city also serves as a major port and commercial center, with a thriving fishing industry.
Mangalore's rich cultural heritage and welcoming people make it a must-visit destination in South India.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.75
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic St. Aloysius Chapel, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Take a peaceful stroll around the campus and admire the architecture before heading out for breakfast.
Visit the bustling local market, where you can experience the city's vibrant culture and shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional Mangalorean lunch at a local eatery, savoring the delicious seafood and coconut-infused dishes.
Wind down your day at Panambur Beach, where you can relax by the shore and enjoy the sunset. Grab a snack from the vendors and take in the serene atmosphere of the beach.
Begin your culinary adventure with a cooking class that introduces you to Mangalorean recipes. Learn to make local dishes and use fresh ingredients sourced from the local markets.
Enjoy the meal you prepared and savor each delicious bite. After lunch, head to a local cafe to sample some traditional filter coffee.
Visit the historic church of Rosario Cathedral and take in its stunning architecture. End the day with a seafood dinner at a renowned restaurant known for its traditional Mangalorean dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes
- Rich cultural heritage and diversity
- Delicious local cuisine, especially seafood
- Educational hubs with reputed institutions
- Pleasant weather most of the year
- Strong economy with thriving industries like cashew and coir
- Access to various festivals and local traditions
- Traffic congestion in urban areas
- Limited public transport options
- Frequent rainfall during monsoon season
- Higher cost of living compared to rural parts of Karnataka
- Infrastructure challenges in some areas
- Social issues such as regional disparities
- Waste management problems in certain neighborhoods
Best Activities in Mangalore
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches of Mangalore such as Panambur Beach, Tannirbhavi Beach, and Surathkal Beach for sunbathing, water sports, and relaxing.
Embark on treks in the Western Ghats near Mangalore, offering lush greenery, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
Enjoy an adventurous session of river rafting on the white waters of the Barapole River, which is located a few hours away from Mangalore.
Visit the Pilikula Biological Park to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mangalore with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mangalore
Visit one of these nice places.
Historical watchtower offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and nearby coastline.
Popular beach with scenic views of the sea, sunset, and ships in the harbor.
Secluded beach known for its picturesque setting and serene surroundings.
Recreational area with stunning views of the beach and the confluence of the Gurupura and Nethravati rivers.
Food in Mangalore
Mangalore Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy and spicy coconut-based curry, typically prepared with locally caught fish like pomfret or kingfish. Best enjoyed with steamed rice. Recommended spots: Giri Manja's, Machali.
Must-Try!
A delicate, paper-thin rice crepe that pairs wonderfully with the spicy and flavorful curries of Mangalore. Available at Shree Krishna Lunch Home, Pabbas Ice Cream.
A popular dish consisting of crispy, wafer-thin bread (rotti) served with a fiery chicken curry (kori). Must-try at Narayana and Anupama Restaurant.
A local specialty featuring layers of colorful ice cream, fresh fruits, jellies, and nuts, creating a delightful dessert. Widely available at Ideal Ice Cream, Pabbas Ice Cream.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mangalore better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling marketplace offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and street food delicacies such as chaats, pani puri, and local snacks like buns and bondas.
A renowned street food vendor famous for its lip-smacking Goli Baje, Mangalore Buns, and a variety of crispy vadas. Located at Hampankatta.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mangalore, it is customary to greet people with the traditional 'Namaste' gesture, especially when meeting elders or in formal settings. It is a sign of respect and politeness.
When visiting religious sites or attending traditional events in Mangalore, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively, covering shoulders and legs. This shows respect for local customs and traditions.
When dining with locals in Mangalore, it is polite to eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. Also, it is courteous to accept and eat a small amount of food offered to you as a sign of respect for the hospitality.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mangalore with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mangalore
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Mangalore, India, especially in local establishments. However, in upscale restaurants or hotels, a service charge may be included in the bill. If the service charge is not included, a 5-10% tip may be given, but it is not mandatory.
In Mangalore, India, cash is widely used for smaller transactions, especially in local markets and smaller businesses. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. It is advisable to carry some cash for convenience, especially in more traditional areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mangalore.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Mangalore, with pleasant weather and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Expect hot and humid weather during this time, but it's a good time for beach activities and water sports.
Heavy rainfall is expected during this season, so it's best to be prepared for wet conditions if you visit Mangalore at this time.
Weather becomes pleasant post-monsoon, making it a good time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of Mangalore.
Mangalore at Night
Hiking in Mangalore
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trekking spot known for its scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and well-marked trails.
A serene hill offering picturesque views and a relatively easy hiking trail, ideal for beginners.
Features lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, perfect for nature walks and moderate treks alongside the river.
Known for its beautiful landscapes and challenging trails, it's a favorite among seasoned hikers.
A hill station with numerous trails through coffee plantations and stunning views, suitable for both casual and serious hiking.
Aiports
How to reach Mangalore by plane.
The primary airport serving Mangalore, offering both domestic and international flights.
Located in Kochi, Kerala, this is the largest international airport in India by area and serves a wide range of international destinations.
Situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, this is one of the busiest airports in India and offers numerous international flights.
Located in Dabolim, Goa, this airport serves both domestic and international flights and is a major hub for tourism.
Located in Karipur, Kerala, this airport serves international flights mainly to the Middle East and various domestic destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Mangalore, primarily speaking the Tulu language.
A significant demographic that speaks Kannada, the official language of Karnataka.
A prominent community known for its cultural and religious contributions, primarily involved in temple traditions.
A diverse group within Mangalore, encompassing various sects and influences.
An important religious community, including various denominations such as Roman Catholics and Protestants.
A smaller yet notable community often linked to the coastal heritage and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is immensely popular in Mangalore, with many local clubs and schools participating in matches and tournaments throughout the year.
Football is widely played and followed in Mangalore, with numerous teams and leagues catering to various age groups and skill levels.
Kabaddi has a strong following in Mangalore, with traditional local tournaments and festivals featuring the sport prominently.
Badminton is popular among both youth and adults in Mangalore, with many players participating in competitive events.
Basketball is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations, with many schools and colleges having their own teams.
Athletics, including track events and field games, has a significant presence in Mangalore, supported by schools and local athletic clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mangalore.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Mangalore boasts numerous options for vegetarians, with a variety of vegetarian dishes available at almost every eatery. Mitra Samaj and Shree Krishna Lunch Home are highly recommended for their vegetarian delicacies.
While vegan options are not as prevalent, several establishments like Mitra Samaj and Pabbas Ice Cream offer vegan-friendly dishes and desserts.
Individuals with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like Neer Dosa and most seafood curries, along with certain traditional sweets like Mysore Pak.