Mangalore India – Top-10 Tourist Attractions and Activities Not to Miss

Mangalore is a popular tourist destination and one of the fastest growing cities in India, known for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals and delectable seafood. It is a beautiful coastal city with picturesque beaches, excellent night-life and various tourist attractions and activities. In Mangalore, you will find a great number of interesting things to do and places to visit including nature parks, adrenaline sports, historical sites, museums, water-sport activities and much more!

1. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

Situated in Belvai near Moodabidri, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this open-air conservation park is spread across 7 acres of land and is home to over a 100 species of butterflies unique to the state of Karnataka. Set up in 2011 by Sammilan Shetty, a young nature lover and butterfly enthusiast, the park aims to educate its visitors about butterflies and their conservation in the Western Ghats biosphere. The best time to go buttery spotting is between June and November. This is a great family activity or one for photo fanatics and nature lovers. The park is open every Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Entry fee is INR60 for adults; INR30 for children.

2. Bejai Museum

This is one of the top historical attractions in the city. The museum, also known as the Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, houses a vast range of art items and artefacts dating back to the 16th century. There you will find a fabulous coin collection, belonging to Pakistan and British East India Company, fascinating historical paintings, copper icons, religious statues, ancient weapons, musical instruments, lamps and inscriptions all of which provide an insight into India's recent history and heritage. The museum is located on Museum Road in Bejai. Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Entry fee is INR5.

3. Gokarnanatheshwara Temple

Located about 3 miles from the city bus stand in the area of Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, also known as Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, is one of the most impressive Hindu worship sites in Mangalore. The temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is an architectural marvel impressively constructed and designed and houses many religious icons, carvings and sculptures. It is a truly arresting place, and one of the top attractions in the city. Highly recommended for all! The Gokarnanatheshwara Temple is open Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entry is free.

4. Quad Bike Trailing

If you're after an adrenaline rush this is an activity for you! Dirt Mania Mangalore organises excellent quad bike trails in various locations around the city, chosen for their natural scenic beauty and varying terrain. This is an excellent group activity, designed to excite and exhilarate. Highly recommended! Mangalore Dirt Mania's offices are located on Tannir Bavi Beach, where you can book your quad bike riding adventure. Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Prices start from INR1200 per bike for a 2.5km trail.

5. Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Eco Park

Spread over 350 acres of land, Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is one of the key tourist places to visit when in Mangalore. This fabulous eco-park and tourist development project houses a superb botanical garden, a golf course, a science centre, a mini aquarium, a lake with boating facilities and a zoo home to tigers, wildcats and cobras. The park is designed for educative and recreational purposes and has plenty of fascinating things to do and see, which are suitable for the whole family. This is one of the highlights of the city and a fantastic way to spend the day! Highly recommended. The park is located on Pilikula Road and is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entry fee is INR5.

6. St Aloysius Chapel

Situated in the heart of the city, in Kodailbail, St Aloysius Chapel is one of the most interesting and beautiful historical places in Mangalore. Built in 1880 by Jesuit missionaries the Chapel maintains much of its architectural splendour, enhanced by exceptionally well-preserved frescoes on its walls and ceilings which depict the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles. This is one of the must-see historical attractions in the city and a genuine treat for art lovers! Highly recommended. Open Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Entry is free.

7. Ayurvedic Wellness Treatments at Vedamarogya

Vedamarogya Ayurvedic Clinic on Silva Cross Road is regarded as one of the best in the city. The clinic has super modern facilities and is run by a highly professional team of doctors, headed by founder and chief consultant Sachin Nadka MD. If you're looking for restoration and body/mind rejuvenation this is the perfect place to go. The Clinic offers a range of consultations and treatments for various physical and psychological disorders as well as time-honoured relaxation procedures. The clinic specialises in traditional treatments including Abhyanga, an oil massage which aims to promote general health and well-being. A great place to refuel. Highly recommended. Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Treatment prices upon request.

8. Sultan Battery Watchtower

This impressive site is located on Sultan Battery Road in Ashok Nagar about 2.5 miles from the city centre. The watchtower was built in 1784 from remnants of 23 churches destroyed by reigning Tipu Sultan, during his 15-year imprisonment of the Mangalorean Catholics and other Christians. The site is constructed from black stones and looks like a fort with mounting places for cannons. There is an underground storage area that was used to store gunpowder, and stairs to the top which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Gurupur River. This is a real treat for nature lovers and history buffs! Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:15 pm. Entry is free.

9. Surfing Classes

Stoked Mangalore Surfing Club offers a range of surfing classes, tutorials and lessons for both adults and children. This is a fantastic, fun-filled activity, either for individuals or the whole family! The Club has highly skilled professionals that will guide you through your paces and get you surfing the same day. This is definitely one of the things to do while in Mangalore. Stoked Mangalore Surfing Club's headquarters are located on New Tannir Bavi Beach, which is reachable by ferry (INR10). The Club is open Monday to Sunday from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. Prices start from INR1300 per lesson.

10. Mangalore City Excursion Tour by Birwas Travel

This is a great group activity if you wish to do some sightseeing and learn more about the city. The tour is led by a super professional guide who will talk you through all the places you visit. The tour commences at 9:00am in Hampankatta, near the city centre, and follows a set car route through various monuments and places of interest including a cashew factory, Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore tile factory, central fruit and veg market, fish market, Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Sultan Battery, St Aloysius Chapel, City Centre Mall, Pilikula Nisarga Dhama and Panambur Beach. The tour concludes at 7:00 pm and costs INR650 per person. This is a fantastic way to spend the day with the whole family! Highly recommended. Birwas Travel offices are located in
Anugraha, opposite India Post. Opening hours Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.

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Mangalore is a buzzing and lively city with plenty of excellent places to go and things to do. We recommend you try some of the aforementioned, which may prove to be a lot of fun!