Mangalore is the ultimate destination for those looking to experience the very best of everything. The city offers a delightful array of cuisines, especially for seafood enthusiasts, along with stunning landscapes where you can create unforgettable memories. With its beautiful temples, parks, beaches, and churches, Mangalore stands as one of the most sought-after tourist spots. Armed with accurate and current information about activities and attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Check out some of the top experiences to enjoy the finest that Mangalore has to offer.
# Panambur Beach
Located 13 kilometers south of Mangalore port from the city center, Panambur Beach is a must-visit spot. Despite drawing large crowds, it remains one of the cleanest beaches, famed for its lively carnivals featuring boat races, kite flying, and sand sculpture events. Spend some peaceful moments soaking in the serene atmosphere of this pristine beach.
# Kadri Hill Park
# Sultan’s Battery
One of the top attractions in Mangalore is Sultan’s Battery, a watchtower built in 1784 by Tipu Sultan to monitor warship movements along the Gurpur River. Constructed from black stone, it resembles a small fort and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding greenery—an ideal spot for nature lovers.
# Bejai Museum
A visit to the Bejai Museum is a unique experience for history enthusiasts. Also called the Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, it is the only museum situated in the heart of Mangalore, housing an impressive collection of antique coins, paintings, sculptures, and inscriptions reflecting India’s rich heritage.
# Mangaladevi Temple
Visiting the sacred Mangaladevi Temple is among the best things to do in Mangalore. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, this temple is located about 3 km from the city center in the Bolar area. The city itself is named after this 9th-century temple, which is known for its grand pujas, especially during the Dussehra festival when devotees flock from across the globe.
# Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
# Gajalee Restaurant
For seafood lovers, dining at the famous Gajalee Seafood Restaurant is a must. Ranked among India’s top 100 restaurants, it offers exquisite seafood in an elegant setting reminiscent of an old British mansion, along with spectacular views of the city from its hilltop location.
# Sammilan Shetty's Butterfly Park
Founded in 2011, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park is home to 114 butterfly species. Established to promote conservation awareness and conduct scientific research, this park is both educational and a delight for nature lovers.
# New Mangalore Port
New Mangalore Port, one of Karnataka’s major ports and India’s seventh largest, plays a key role in exports like pellets, iron ore, coffee, cashew, manganese, granite, and container cargo, and imports including LPG, crude oil, timber, fertilizers, and chemicals. Established in 1962, visiting this bustling port is a popular activity in Mangalore.
Spanning 350 acres, Pilikula Nisargadhama is a significant eco-education and tourism hub. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, it features a botanical garden, golf course, science center, aquarium, boating lake, and an open zoo housing animals like tigers, rare wild cats, and king cobras.
