Temple Tours and Sight Seeing Tours in Mangalore
Temple Tours: This is Mangalore Taxi’s effort to reduce the planning time for our customers who wanted to visit famous and historic temples(Temple Tours) in and around Mangalore, Surathkal, Mulki, Polali, Padubdri, Udupi, Manipal, Kundapur, Kapu, Malpe, Karkal, Moodbdri, Kateel, Kollur, Sringeri, Horanadu, Venur, Murudeshwara, Karwar Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Uppinagadi, Puttur, Bantwal, Belthagadi, Sulya and Kasargod. You can find the distance and driving directions of these popular temples, brief description, phone number etc. Please call Travel Plus on +91-9972722878 or book online to reserve your taxi to visit these temples.
Distance and Brief Description of Important and Historical Places, Tourists Attractions in and Around Mangalore City
Kadri Manjunath Temple
Located at the foot of the Kadri Hill, the Kadri Manjunath temple enshrines the deity of Lokeshwara. The idol of Lokeshwara, a three-faced figure with six arms, is reputed to be one of the best bronze statues in India. The origin of the Kadri temple can be traced to 1068 AD. A ‘Jogimutt’ and some stone caves located atop the Kadri hill are believed to be the caves of the Pandavas, mythological figures from the epic Magabharata. Pilgrims throng these caves in large numbers.
Mangaladevi Temple
Mangaladevi temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi, the presiding deity of Mangalore. Mangaladevi was a princess of Kerala, who came here accompanying Matsyendranatha, one of the propounders of the Nath cult and breathed her last on this land. The 10th century temple is situated 3 Km. away from main City Bus stand. This temple built by the Ballal family of Attavar.
St. Aloysius College Chapel
Built in the year 1899-1900, St. Aloysius College Chapel is located on the light house hill. For its sheer architectural beauty, the Chapel is regarded on par with the famous Sistine Chapel in Rome. Exquisite frescoes adorn the walls and the ceilings of this structure, which are regarded to be the creation of trained Jesuit priest Antony Moscheni.
Sultan Battery
This watchtower was built by Tipu Sultan to prevent enemy warships from entering the Gurpur River. Cannons mounted on vantage points of the tower used to mow down the enemy with enormous firepower. Remnants of the original fort-like structure today constitutes what is called the Tipu’s well. It is today a deserted spot but its construction is bafflingly exquisite.
Pilikula Nisarga Dhama
Nearly 10Km away from Mangalore highway road at Moodushedde the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is situated. This offers a panoramic view for the nature lovers. It is a very significant place with Botanical gardens, Horticultural gardens, Musical fountains, deer park, swimming-lake with boating facilities, tiger safari and children train. It extends to an area of 350 acres land along the tropical jungle on the bank of the Gurpur river.
Gokarnanatheshwara Temple of Kudroli
Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Kudroli in Mangalore is the only temple in Karnataka set up by Shri Narayana Guru, the great philosopher, saint and social reformer from Kerala. Shree Narayana Guru had visited Mangalore in 1912 and expressed his wish that the Billavas should build a temple for themselves.
Shri Venkataramana Temple, Car Street, Mangalore
Rathostsava at Mangalore Venkataramana TempleIt was believed that temple was founded during 17th century A.D. (1735). The present idol erected in main sanctum of Lord Sri Venkataramana of temple is said to be original symbolic idol of the Lord Sri Venkataramana. It is also said, Sri Mahla Pai from a noble family of Mangalore belonging to Gowda Saraswatha Brahmin Community of Kaushika lineage erected bronze idols of Lord Sri Veera Vittala and Lord Sri Gopalakrishna. Inside the main sanctum of the temple, there established idols of deities – Goddess Sri Devi and Goddess Bhoodevi along with main deity Lord Sri Veera Venkatesha, festive idol of Lord Srinivasa, Shri Mula Venkaaramana, Garuda Vahana Shri Gopalakrishna and Shri Veera Vittala.
Rosario Cathedral: The Church of the most Holy Rosary, Mangalore
Rev. Fr. Urban Stein S.J. a German (1845-1888) was the first Parish priest of the Cathedral. He introduced the order of Ursuline Franciscan Congregation in the Cathedral in the year 1888. Mother Nymppa Paullina Fernandez daughter of John Francis Fernandez, deputy Collector, South Kanara was the first superior. During this time it was decided that those who would contribute Rs.200/- to Rs.500/- and superintend the work of the Cathedral for one year should be granted the honor of Principals or Founders.
Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathy Temple, Mangalore
Main Entrance of Sharavu Mahaganapthy Temple, MangaloreSituated on the heart of the city Hampankatta, it is one of the famous ancient temples of South Kanara District. The origin and importance of the temple is narrated in skanda purana. Sharabeshwara and Mahaganapathy are the principal deities in the temple. The chief God Sharabheshwara situated in front of the temple but the popular Mahaganapaty attracts devotees is situated to the south of the temple. Vinayaka Chathurthy August-September Simha Maasa is most important festival for Mahaganapathy. But the utsavas starting from Chandramana Ugadi continues for 9 days in the main annual festival for Sharabheshwara.
St. Aloysius College and St. Aloysius Chapel
On the top of the lighthouse hill 2 km from Mangalore is the Light House an 18-century-old monument inside the Tagore Park standing, adjacent to the Idgha- a place where the Muslims offer pooja during their festivals. An ancient chapel called St. Aloysius College Chapel is situated by the side of the Lighthouse. The walls and roof of the chapel are decorated with paintings depicting Bibilical stories. An Italian Jesuist Fr. Mocheni did the paintings. Next to the chapel stands an 18-century-old St. Aloysius College, which is a reputed educational institution
Ullal Beach, Someshwara Beach and Ullal Darga
On the bank of the river Nethravathi 12 Km from Mangalore Ullal is situated, Many Seafood and canned food factories are situated in this area. It has a beach resort at chota Mangalore of Ullal on the bank of the Arabian Sea called Summer Sands beach resort. Well famed saint Syed Mohammed Madani Darga and college imparting Arabic education, is also located here. About three Km from Ullal a place Called Kotekar, on the top of a Huge rock a temple named Somanatheshwar stands with its grandeur of sculpture of ancient times. The ruins of the Fort of queen Abbakka Devi of Ullal can be seen around the temple. The alluring beach is also named as Someshwar beach.
Panambur Beach
13Km from Mangalore on the north of the National Highway is the Panambur beach. On the 11th of Jan 1975, as the 9th Major port of the country the new Mangalore port was opened near Panambur. For visitors a pass is to be obtained from the Secretary Mangalore Harbour Port Administrative Office. In the vicinity of the Port lies the Mangalore chemical and Fertilizers Factory and the Kudremukh Iron Ore Factory. The iron ore from Kudremukh and other accessories are transported from this port.
LOCAL FESTIVALS / EVENTS
The “KARAVALI FESTIVAL” is held in February every year. Organized by the Government of Karnataka, this festival celebrates the rich culture of the coast. It also observes quaint rituals like the “BHUTA” (DEMON WORSHIP), NAGAMANDALA and DEMON DANCE. Sports like the KAMBALA-the BUFFALO RACE and KORI KATTA or the COCK FIGHT are played with much enthusiasm
Around Mangalore
Moodabidri and Karkala – the towns of Jain basadis
Moodabidri: It is a Jain Shrine pilgrimage called “Jain Kashi”. Pilgrims from different places and countries come here to worship the Thirthankara in different basadis. It is 35 km from Mangalore. 5 centuries ago a Basadi called “Saavira Sthamba Basadi” was built here. It still appears very magnificent.
Service / express busses takes approximately one hour from the service bus stand at Nehru maidan in Mangalore. Costs about Rs. 15-20 depending on the route taken by the bus. Around 35 kilometers from Mangalore to Moodabidri, taxis too will take you there. By taxi it cost about 300 – 350 Rs. for a round trip. Karkala on the other hand is about 50 kilometers from Mangalore and the charges by taxi are about 500-750.
Karkala
It is 52 kms northeast. The 452 ft tall monolithic statue of Bahubali and the St. Lawrence Church are the main attractions here.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple
Kateel is located about 5 kilometers from the Bajpe Bus stand. As such going to Bajpe, using the Kavoor- Marakada Route is the most convenient as the road is well maintained since it is also the access route to the Mangalore Airport. Further the winding roads amidst green hills and valleys make it a very pleasant and memorable experience. Once in Bajpe town, take the straight road leading north to go to Kateel.
Jamalabad
It is 40 kms east. The fort here was built by Tippu Sultan and named after his mother Jamalbee.
Udupi and Krishna Temple
60 kms north, this town has the famous Krishna Temple with the Golden Chariot. It is here that the saint Madhwacharya lived and preached 700 years ago. The famous Masala Dosa has its origin here. Now, it is the district head quarters of the newly formed Udupi District.
Polali
About 34 Km from Mangalore an ancient Temple dedicated to the Goddess Rajarajeshwari is situated, with an image of 12ft height, worshiped with the idols of Badra Kali, Shanmuga with Ganapathi, on either side. Every year a car festival lasting for a month is held and it is called as polali chendu. During the period of polali chendu, a football tournament is held as an important event of the festival.
Mulki Bappanadu Temple
In the north direction of Mangalore on the N.H 17 highway road at a distance of 28 Km, on the riverbank of Shambavi is situated a famous temple of Shri Venkatramana. The temple belongs to 1277 A.D. In the temple the images of Venkatramana, Bindu Madhava, Vittala and Ugra Narasimha are worshiped. The history of the place indicates that Shri Vijayendra Yathi of Kashimutt installed the image of Ugra Narasimha belonging to Vijayanagar here in 1565. Mulki was earlier known as Mulikapur. In course of time Mulikapur changed to Mulki. Samantha kings who had donated “Inams” to this temple ruled this place. Now one can see the palace and the old ruins of the fort of Samantha Kings. The Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple and twin temple of Somanath and Narayana are the other shrines of the Mulki. A buffalo race called “Arasu Kambala” also annually held here.
Dharmasthala
On the bank of the River Nethravathi at about 74 km from Mangalore and at a distance of 3 km from the bank, the Holy Place Dharmasthala is situated. With green vegetation and the hills environment with the river flow creates a calm serenity to the visitors. It is a pilgrimage to Hindus where the charity is the most predominant. The speciality of the temple is that the Lord Shiva is worshipped by Shivites called deity called “Manjunatha” and the priests are Madhwa Vaishnavas. A Jain family called the Heggade according manages the place. Food is served free here to the visitors. The management also extends the lodging facility to the visitors as service.
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade is the present Dharmadhikari, who is responsible for the installation of a Monolithic statue of Gommata sculptured at Karkala by Renjal Shenoy, a great sculpture, on a near by hill near to the temple. The name Dharmasthala was given by a Yathi Shri Vadiraja Swami of Udupi Sodemutt. A museum, Car Museum, Lalithodyana, an Aquarium park, yakshagana training center are the main attractions here.
Subramanya
A well-famed temple, inside the dense forest bordering the Western Ghats, is situated and is called Subramanya. The original name was Kukke as “Kukke” or basket by the priest of the temple had covered the Kukkelinga. Now this linga is inside the inner courtyard of the Subramanya Temple. The temple cart is nearly 150 years old. On the bank of river Kumaradhara a small shrine of Subramanya called “Mooladevaru” is also situated. It is a sacred pilgrimage to Hindus.
Venur
45 km from Mangalore a monolithic statue of Gommata 38 ft. height is situated. The place is called Venur. Veera Thimmappa Ajila 4 installed this Gommata in 1064 A.D. There are also a few Jain basadis.
Malpe Beach
It is 66 kms north of Mangalore. The pristine beauty complemented by peaceful surroundings, make this beach a favorite holiday spot. The St. Mary’s Island, another delightful holiday hangout, is just a boat ride away.
Maravanthe Beach
It is 110 kms north of Mangalore and has a scenic beach.
Baindur
Is a hamlet, 45 kms from Maravanthe. It has a beautiful beach nearby. Ottanane near Baindur is famous for its glorious sunset.
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Is 140 kms north. The famous Mookambika Temple here attracts thousands of devotees.