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Situated by the scenic Arabian Sea, Mangalore is a vibrant city that opens up the gateway to a series of breathtaking places to visit nearby. The city prides itself on the aspects of its history and culture, its cuisine, and its beautiful landscapes. However, this is nothing compared to what lies beyond the borders of the city – breathtaking calm beaches and verdant hills, ancient temples, and bustling shopping centres ready to be explored. Whatever the purpose of the visit, the places to visit near Mangalore will always fascinate you.
10 Places To Visit Near Mangalore
Discover the top 10 places to visit near Mangalore. Each place offers a special look into the local culture and beauty of this enchanting coastal area.
1. Udupi
Photo: Suhas Hanjar / Unsplash
Udupi is located in the southwest state of Karnataka, right on the coast, and is known for its cultural heritage and amazing sights. One of the most important attractions here is the Krishna Temple built by Madhvacharya, a saint in the 1300s. The food in Udupi is unique and is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. There are beaches like Malpe and Kaup that are great for water sports and scenic views and witness the beautiful St. Mary’s Island. The city is also home to prestigious educational institutions like the Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Distance From Mangalore: 55.2 km
2. Kaup Beach
Photo: Fabian Wiktor / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kaup Beach also known as Kapu Beach is a stunning coastal gem found within 45 kilometres to the south of Mangalore. Famous for its serene ambiance with a lovely view, golden sands and an iconic lighthouse that visitors can climb to witness stunning views of the Arabian Sea, especially when the sun goes down. This beach is less commercialized which makes it more peaceful and great for people who want to relax and get away from the city rush. The beach is also close to some nearby attractions like ruins and temples. It is one of the best places to visit near Mangalore.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Mangalore: 42.6 km
3. Sullia
Photo: Tejj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sullia is a lovely town in the Dakshina Kannada area of Karnataka surrounded by the lush greenery of Western Ghats. It boasts a tropical climate with lots of rain during monsoons, which helps to enrich its biodiversity. The people in Sullia mostly speak Tulu and are known for celebrating festivals and playing traditional music, and local food. The town’s economy is primarily about farming with coffee, areca nuts, and rubber, along with some small-scale industries. You can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding hills, visit temples, and historic sites and engage in activities like birdwatching and trekking.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Mangalore: 86.5 km
4. Someshwara Beach
Photo: frank mckenna / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Someshwara Beach, nestled in Ullal, Mangalore, is a charming beach, its golden sands and rocky landscape of Rudra Shile boulders set it apart from the city’s other beaches. The beach is significant for the Someshwara Temple, which honours the Hindu deity Shiva, and locals often link the presence of these rocks to the god’s influence. Swimming isn’t recommended here due to the rocks and strong currents. The beach’s surroundings offer another attraction: Ottinene Hill, this hilltop vantage point is a delight for visitors as it provides stunning panoramic views of the city, the Netravati River, and the vast Arabian Sea.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Distance From Mangalore: 18.8 km
5. Manipal Lake
Photo: Zeph77 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Manipal is a well-known town famous for its excellent educational facilities and lively culture. The town has a cosmopolitan feel with people from different places and foods from various cultures, because of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, which brings in students from all over the world. Manipal is nestled amidst lush greenery and picturesque views and features attractions like Manipal Lake and the End Point viewpoint, known for amazing sunsets. The town also has an important historical site called the Koti Chennaya Temple. The town offers modern healthcare facilities with Manipal Hospital as a well-known place for it.
Must-Try Local Food: Neer dosa, Mangalorean fish curry, and Uttapam
Distance From Mangalore: 59.8 km
6. St. Mary’s Island
Photo: Shivam Pandey / Unsplash
St. Mary’s Island is a beautiful destination close to Malpe known for its amazing hexagonal basalt rock formations formed by volcanic activity a long time ago. To get to St. Mary’s Island visitors take a quick boat trip from Malpe Beach, making the whole experience feel like an adventure. Visitors engage in water activities like snorkelling, swimming, and kayaking and explore its vibrant marine life. The island is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers with diverse flora and fauna and lush greenery. If you’re planning to visit places near Mangalore, include this island in your list of places to see.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Boat Fare To Reach The Island: ₹250 onwards
Distance From Mangalore: 64.1 km
7. Kudremukh
Photo: Pourna Rajendran / Unsplash
Kudremukh is a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kudremukh is known for green valleys, rolling hills, and a wide variety of plants and animals. It has great trekking trails, with the trek to Kudremukh Peak being famous for its panoramic views. The area also features waterfalls like Hanuman Gundi Falls which are worth seeing. Kudremukh is home to different kinds of wildlife, some of endangered species as well. The best time to visit is from October to February when the weather is perfect for exploring.
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Distance From Mangalore: 102 km
8. Mookambika Temple
Photo: Roman Saienko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mookambika Temple is a special Hindu pilgrimage site in Kollur and is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It’s an ancient temple located amidst the beautiful lush green area of the Western Ghats. It is believed that the temple’s main deity grants devotees wisdom and fulfil their wishes. Devotees from around the world flock to the temple especially during Navaratri, when the celebrations and rituals take place. The surroundings of the temple offer a tranquil environment enhancing the spiritual experience and making it a must-visit destination for divine blessings.
Timings: 5 AM – 1:30 PM; 3 PM – 9 PM
Distance From Mangalore: 126 km
9. Netrani Island
Photo: Flo Dahm / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Netrani Island also known as Pigeon Island is a lovely island located near Murudeshwar, it covers an area of about 2 square kilometres with rocky areas, sandy beaches, and lots of greenery surrounded by crystal clear waters. The island is known for its coral reefs and marine life. It’s a popular destination spot to go for scuba diving and snorkelling and also a good spot for birdwatching. Visitors can get to the island by boat from Murudeshwar. Netrani Island is not just a pretty place to relax but also a part of marine conservation efforts which promote sustainable tourism.
Water Sports Available: Diving and snorkelling
Distance From Mangalore: 157 km
10. Brahmavar
Photo: Navin Shetty Brahmavar / Wikimedia Commons
Brahmavar is a town known for its rich cultural heritage, home to many ancient temples, like the Brahmavar Temple. Brahmavar is surrounded by lush greenery, paddy fields, and coconut trees. It’s also close to nice beaches like Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island. The food here is a highlight, especially the seafood and local dishes like dosa and idli at local eateries. The town’s economy is mostly based on farming and fishing, with some small-scale businesses. The town is also famous for its festivals which shows the community’s lively spirit and cultural background.
Distance From Mangalore: 66.5 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Looking for destinations with a blend of beautiful beaches and rich cultural spots? Look no further, places to visit near Mangalore guarantee amazing memories with its diverse attractions. Each place is unique in itself and promises a diverse experience. These places also reflect the vibrant culture of the region, making it among the top-tier choices of travellers. Plan your trip with TripXL for a hassle-free experience.
Cover Photo: Godwyn Fernandes / Unsplash
