Mangalore, the headquarters of Dakshin Kannada district is an important seaport town and a major export center of coffee and cashew nuts. The city flanked by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea has been a trading center for many centuries. Today, it is famous for beaches, backwaters, seaside fortress, architecture, and pleasant climate.
The Sultan’s Battery: Ruins of Tipu’s fort which once guarded the Naval station.
Kadri Temple: This spacious square-shaped temple complex is modern in layout and has unique seven tanks surrounded by swaying palm trees. The bronze statue of Lokeshwara is said to have been cast in 968 and is one of the finest bronzes in India.
St.Aloysius College Chapel: This relic of colonial past is known for fine murals, painted by Rev. Antonio Moscheni in the early 20th century. Other attractions include Mangladevi Temple and Rosario Cathedral etc.
Around Mangalore
Ullal Beach (11 kms.)
The sea-side village set on the mouths of two rivers is famous for the Summer Sands Beach Resort. Other beaches around are – Panambul (10kms.) and Suratakal (25kms.).
Mudabidri (34 kms.)
It is also referred to as Jain Varanasi’ and has 18 Jain bastis or monasteries. The most famous being the 1000 pillared Chandranatha Basti built-in1429. Karkal, located about 20 kms from Mudabidri has several important temples and a 13 m. high statue of Lord Bahubali, which was completed in 1432.
Dharmasthala (69 kms.)
Dharmasthala or the place of religion or faith’ is an important pilgrim center and a shining example of communal harmony and cultural tolerance. The main attractions here are the Manjunatha Temple and 14 meters. high Gomateshwara statue.
Sringeri (100 kms.)
The beautiful town on the banks of river Tungabhadra, amidst the lush hills, of Chikmagalur, is one of the most important pilgrim centers of Karnataka. The Sringeri Mutt herewith as founded in the 9th century by saint Sri Adi Shankara, the propagator of Advaitha phi 12th-century Vidyashankara temple was built here with the help of Vijayanagar rulers. It is a fine blend of the Hoysala and Dravidian style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum enshrines a linga, called as Vidyashankara, in the memory of Guru Vidy 14th century shrine of Lord Janardhana is located nearby. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi (monastery).
Udupi (58 kms.)
This important Vaishnavite pilgrim cultural center is also famous for delicious South Indian cuisine. The Udupi Krishna Temple here is famous for the ‘Paryaya’ festival held once in two years.
Kallianpur (4 kms.): Relics of a fort built during the Vijayanagara period and shrines of Kenchamma, Veerbhadra, Mahalingeshwara, and Ganapathi.
Malpe (6 kms.): Tranquil beach resort. The beautiful St. Mary’s Island can be reached by boat from here.
Venur (50 kms.)
The sacred site is well known for an 11 meters high statue of Lord Bahubali, which was erected in 1604, on the southern banks of Gurupur river.