subject: Mangalore - The Temple Beach Town [print this page] Located between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea, Mangalore is a major port city in India. This port city, headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, was known as one of the major port cities in South India even in sixth century.
Mangalore derived its name from the local Hindu Goddess, Mangaladevi. Mangalooru was its earlier name. This word in Kannada meant 'Place of Mangala'. The Britishers called it Mangalore. The coastal city was known as Managalapuram in the eighth century and Manjarur three centuries later.
Sages like Vyasa, Vashista, Kanva and Vishwamitra were believed to have spent some time meditating in the nearby Sahyadri Mountains. The famous rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan belonged to this place. The coastal city had been a source of conflict between them till the Britishers took control of the territory in 1799.
Among the major attractions in Mangalore are some temples, including the Mangaladevi Temple, Seemanthini Bai Bejai Museum and the Light house. Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, built in 1086, is located on the highest hill of the area. India's best bronze statue of God Lokeshwara is located in this temple. This hill provides a beautiful view of port city.
Apart from having a dedicated section for zoology and anthropology, Mahatma Gandhi Museum showcases sculpture, art, coins and manuscripts. Bejai Museum has a small collection of antiquities. In addition to these, wooden carvings of divinities such as Bhairava and Hanuman are also housed in the museum.
Among major attractions in Mangalore is St. Aloysious Chapel. It has exquisite frescoes covering the walls and ceilings. Believed to have been built by Haider Ali, the Light House Hill Garden is an 18th century lighthouse that offers a beautiful view of the sea.
An important centre of Jainism, Karkala is famous for its several important temples and a 13-metre high statue of Bahubali (Gomateswara), situated on a small hill. Established in memory of the Muslim saint Syed Muhamed Shareef Madani Melangadi, Ullal Jamma Masjid is a popular pilgrimage centre for Muslims.
Mangalore is blessed with several beaches like Someshwara beach, Mukka beach, KREC beach, Panambur beach and the beautiful silky Tannirbavi beach. These beaches are popular because they are suitable for swimming. Yakshagana, the folk dance of Mangalore, is spectacular. Mangalores cultural heritage is adapted in the night-long dance and drama concert.
Mangalore is well connected by air, rail and road. The port city has its own airport, which is situated 10 km from the city centre. Mangalore is a major railway station in the Southern Railway. The best time to visit Mangalore is from December to February. Accommodation options in Mangalore ranges from high-end to medium range and budget hotel to cater to the needs of various categories of travellers.
