Mangalore

357 kms west of Bangalore is the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada - Mangalore. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial center. Mangalore could be your entry point to Beach Country- with its virgin and unexplored beaches. While in Mangalore try and see a Yakshagana performance - an elaborate dance form unique to Karnataka. The Kambala (buffalo race) is another exciting event. A trip to Mangalore would be incomplete without a visit to the 10th century Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangala Devi Temple, Tipu's Battery and the Jumma Masjid. The Ullal Beach with casuarina groves is another attraction that draws tourists all through the year.

Excursions (Distances and directions from Mangalore)

Pulikula Nisarga Dhama at Mudushedde
11 kms northeast from Mangalore is an integrated tourist destination with a variety of attractions.

Moodabidri
Moodabidri lies 35 kms northeast, and is famous for its 1000 -pillared Jain shrine.

1000 Pillered Jain Temple

Karkala
Karkala is 52 kms northeast. The 452-ft tall monolithic statue of Bahubali and the St. Lawrence Church are the main attractions here.

Varanga
Varanga, nearby, is an important Jain pilgrim center.

Katil
It is 27 kms east, on the banks of the river Nandini. It has a famous temple dedicated to Durga Parameshwari.

Jamalabad
Jamalabad is 40 kms east. The fort here was built by Tipu Sultan and named after his mother Jamalbee.

Udupi
58 kms north, this town has the famous Krishna Temple with the Gold Chariot. It is here that the Saint Madhwacharya lived and preached 700 years ago. The famous masala dosa has its origin here.

Krishna Temple, Udupi

Venur
65 kms from Mangalore, is well known for its Bahubali statue.

Malpe Beach
It is 66 kms north of Mangalore. The pristine beauty complemented by peaceful surroundings, make this beach a favorite holiday spot.

Malpe beach

The St. Mary's Island, another delightful holiday hangout, is just a boat ride away.

Maravanthe
It is 110 kms north of Mangalore and has a scenic beach.

Baindur
Baindur is a hamlet, 45 kms from Maravanthe. It has a beautiful beach nearby.

Ottanane
Ottanane near Baindur is famous for its glorious sunset.

Kollur
Kollur is 140 kms north. The famous Mookambika Temple here, attracts thousands of devotees.

Dharmastala
75 kms east, this town is a unique example of communal harmony, famous for its Manjunatha Temple. Every person, who comes here, irrespective of caste or creed, is welcomed and given a free meal.

Manjunatha Temple, Dharmastal