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Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is a major industrial port city in Karnataka, India, on the country’s west coast. It is Karnataka’s only city with all four modes of transportation—air, road, rail, and sea. With its beaches, temples, and parks, Mangalore has something for every kind of traveller. From the peaceful Tannirbhavi Beach to the architecture of St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangalore is a delightful destination. Let’s explore the 10 places to visit in Mangalore that will stay in your memories forever.
10 Best Places To Visit In Mangalore
Explore Mangalore’s combination of cultural, religious, and natural beauty with these 10 memorable places to visit in Mangalore and Udupi that will leave a lasting impression.
1. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
Photo: Premkudva / Wikimedia Commons
Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is a grand religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. This magnificent temple, constructed in 1912 by the Billava community, is known for its Dravidian-style architecture. The temple shines during Navratri, with colourful decorations and cultural events. The temple’s golden gopuram (tower) and marble flooring add to its visual appeal, making it one of the most sacred places to visit in Mangalore.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 3.5 km
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
2. Tannirbhavi Beach
Photo: Aviator423 / Wikimedia Commons
Being one of the best places to visit in Mangalore, Tannirbhavi Beach is the perfect getaway for relaxation and fun. Its clean shores, calm waves, and gentle sea breeze make it an ideal spot for beach lovers. The beach is less crowded, making it perfect for quiet evening walks, sunbathing, or enjoying the sunset. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in water sports such as jet skiing and surfing.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 12 km
Timings: 24*7
3. St. Aloysius Chapel
Photo: Vinay bhat / Wikimedia Commons
Built-in 1885 by Jesuit missionaries, St. Aloysius Chapel is among the famous places to visit in Mangalore for its stunning Italian-style frescoes, which cover almost every inch of the walls and ceilings. The paintings, created by Italian artist Antonio Moscheni, depict scenes from the lives of Jesus Christ, his saints, and angels, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 1.7 km
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
4. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park
Photo: Vinay bhat / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Belvai, just outside Mangalore, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park is home to over 100 species of butterflies. Visitors can witness butterflies in various stages of their life cycle and learn about their importance in biodiversity. The park also has guided tours and photography opportunities, making it a delightful experience for families, kids, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for places to visit in Mangalore.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 35 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Sundays only)
5. Pilikula Biological Park
Photo: Aviator423 / Wikimedia Commons
Pilikula Biological Park is an expansive conservation and eco-education destination in Mangalore. This well-maintained park houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, lions, reptiles, and birds, all in their natural habitats. The park is part of the larger Pilikula Nisargadhama. It’s among the excellent places to visit in Mangalore to spend a day observing animals and learning about conservation efforts.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 12 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)
6. Infant Jesus Shrine
Photo: Vivian Antony / Wikimedia Commons
The Infant Jesus Shrine is a revered religious site in Bikarnakatte, Mangalore. Established in 1947, this shrine attracts devotees from across the country, especially during its annual feast in January. The church’s architecture is striking, with its modern design and tall spires. The peaceful atmosphere inside the shrine makes it one of the ideal places to visit in Mangalore for prayer and reflection.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 7 km
Timings: 6 AM – 8:30 PM
7. Sultan Battery
Photo: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU / Wikimedia Commons
Sultan Battery, built by Tipu Sultan in 1784, is a historic watchtower located on the banks of the Gurupura River. Initially constructed to prevent enemy warships from entering the river, it now stands among the popular places to visit in Mangalore as a symbol of the region’s history. Visitors can take boat rides across the river and climb the tower to enjoy the views from above.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 5.7 km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Forum Fiza Mall
Photo: Aviator423 / Wikimedia Commons
Being the city’s largest mall, Forum Fiza Mall houses a variety of retail outlets, food courts, and entertainment options. From branded clothing and electronics to enjoying a movie at the multiplex, Forum Fiza Mall has it all. Its convenient location in Pandeshwar makes it one of the ideal places to visit in Mangalore for a casual day out.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 2.2 km
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
9. Swami Vivekananda Planetarium
Photo: Aviator423 / Wikimedia Commons
Swami Vivekananda Planetarium, part of the Pilikula Regional Science Centre, is among the ideal places to visit in Mangalore for science enthusiasts and families. It has an impressive 3D digital dome, one of the few in India, where visitors can watch fascinating shows about astronomy, space exploration, and the universe. The planetarium makes complicated scientific concepts exciting for all ages.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 12 km
Timings: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
10. Rosario Cathedral
Photo: Krishna Mohan / Wikimedia Commons
Rosario Cathedral, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, is one of Mangalore’s oldest churches, dating back to 1568. The cathedral’s white façade and bell tower make it a prominent city landmark. Its quiet atmosphere and historical significance make it one of the popular places to visit in Mangalore, especially during the annual feast.
Distance From Mangalore Central Railway Station: 1.5 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
Mangalore’s mix of culture, natural beauty, and modern attractions makes it a city worth visiting. With its peaceful beaches, historical sites, religious landmarks, and busy shopping malls, Mangalore has something for everyone. Whether you’re on a spiritual trip or just want to relax, these 10 memorable places to visit in Mangalore will leave a lasting impression. Let TripXL help you create the perfect itinerary with customised travel packages.
Cover Photo: Annj AD / Unsplash
