Places to Visit near Mangalore

The Surathkal beach lies further down the Konkan Coast, south of the tourist trap of Goa, about 13 km from the port city of Mangalore, home to one of the major ports of India. Unlike Goa, the beaches in Mangalore have not been overly exposed to tourism, retaining their natural charm of endless stretches of spotless shores which are met by the alluring Arabian Sea. The Surathkal beach is a prime example of the pristine nature of these coastal delights.

Distance from Mangalore: 14 km

Located in Ullal in the city of Mangalore, Someshwara Beach is a hidden gem of the city. Encircled by lush green hills and majestic mountains in the backdrop, the beach is synonymous with tranquility, serenity and ataraxy; and, is still unexplored. Boasting of shimmering golden sands, a long and beautiful coastline, the beach is also peppered with rock boulders called Rudra Shile, making it unique from its other counterparts in the city.

Distance from Mangalore: 17 km

Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is one of the holiest temples in the region. The dominant feature of the temple that attracts people in large numbers is that it is situated on an islet in the middle of River Nandini amidst serene natural landscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari and is located at a distance of 27 kilometres from Mangalore. When visiting the temple, one must take a moment out to appreciate the panoramic view of the location, especially during the monsoon season.

Distance from Mangalore: 18 km

Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple is one of the holiest temples in the region. The dominant feature of the temple that attracts people in large numbers is that it is situated on an islet in the middle of River Nandini amidst serene natural landscape. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari and is located at a distance of 27 kilometres from Mangalore.

Distance from Mangalore: 18 km

At a distance of 25 kms from Mangalore, in the village of Sasihithlu, Sasihithlu Beach is a gorgeous beach in the state of Karnataka. The beach is the convergence point of the confluence of rivers Nandini and Shambhavi with the Arabian Sea.

Distance from Mangalore: 22 km

Known For : Chaturmukha Basadi Statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) Ramasamudra Lake

Karkala is a quaint small town with great historic significance and is blessed with several ancient temples. In fact, the town of Karkala itself is believed to have its roots going back to the 10th century while under the rule of Alupas.  The town also serves as an important religious centre for Jains and Hindus and has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Distance from Mangalore: 52 km

Best Time: September to March

10 Karkala Attractions

Venur is a small town located in the proximity of Karkala on the banks of River Gurupur. Once served as the capital of Ajila Dynasty, Venur today is a popular spot housing owing to its major attraction of a statue of Bahubali, about 35 feet high.

Distance from Mangalore: 54 km

On the top of the list of exquisite unexplored beaches in India is the Malpe beach, is located at a distance of 66 kilometres from Mangalore and 6 kilometres from Udupi in Karnataka. This scenic beach is as popular amongst locals and foreigners alike. The clean white sand and pleasant weather make the Malpe Beach an ideal spot to indulge in a variety of water sports.

Distance from Mangalore: 61 km

Known For : St. Mary's Island Malpe Beach Krishna Temple

Udupi is a coastal town in Karnataka, most famous for its vegetarian cuisine and South Indian restaurants all over the country. With carefully carved temples, laidback beaches and unexplored forests, Udupi is also the place where the educational hub of Manipal is located. Situated 60 km. from Mangalore, Udupi is famous for its culture.

Distance from Mangalore: 55 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

31 Udupi Attractions

Known For : Dharmasthala Temple Bahubali Statue Netravathi River Barrage

A famous pilgrim location for the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Jaina communities, Dharmasthala meaning the Land of Charity is a beautiful blend of heritage, culture and religion.  Dharmasthala has natural beauty gifted by its location and the same is ornamented by the rich and widespread scents of culture and spirituality in its air.

Distance from Mangalore: 75 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Dharmasthala Attractions

Known For : Kudremukh Trek Kudremukh National Park Hanuman Gundi Falls

With the promise of a picturesque view of a mountain in the shape of a horse face, Kudremukh is famous for its biodiversity and scenic beauty. A popular hill-station among the Bangalore crowd, Kudremukh is actually a hill range in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. With its rolling meadows, grasslands and dense forests, this place is a biodiversity hotspot.

Best Time: October to May

10 Kudremukh Attractions

Known For : Shringeri Shree Sharadambe Devi Temple Kigga Annapoorneshwari Temple

Sringeri or Shringeri, as it is called is a hill town located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. It is the site of the first Matha- Sringeri Sharada Peeta, established by Adi Shankara- the great Indian theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in 8th century CE. Adi Shankara, also known as Adi Shankaracharya was born either in a village named Kaladi in the state of Karnataka, or in a place called Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu (debatable, as per different texts), and travelled throughout the Indian subcontinent.

Distance from Mangalore: 107 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Sringeri Attractions

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a tiny village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region highest rainfall in south India and the second highest annual rainfall in India. Visiting Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station and picturesque beauty coupled with trekking trails and gushing rainfalls. It is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests.

Distance from Mangalore: 104 km

Known For : Kukke Subramanya Temple Sringeri Mutt Kumara Parvatha Trek

Known for the Subramanya temple with Subramanya, lord of all serpents as the deity, Kukke Subramanya is a village with beautiful landscapes all around. Placed on the banks of the river Kumaradhara, this village is a pleasant mix of natural beauty and religious sanctity. Its unparalleled and abundant natural endowment makes it a popular tourist destination.

Distance from Mangalore: 100 km

Best Time: July to March

10 Subramanya Attractions

Kundadari is a place for trekkers, situated about 12 km from Thirthahalli. A paradise for trekking lovers, it offers a good trail with a Kundadri Hill which is huge single rock formation and many protrusions. With a Jain pilgrim located its center, one has to follow a rough paved path strewn up to the hill.

Distance from Mangalore: 116 km

Known For : Annapoorneshwari Temple Kalaseshwara Temple

Horanadu is a quaint little village boasting of pristine nature in and around. It is most famous for the Goddess Annapoorneeshwari Temple and its beautiful sights. It lies in Malnad, about 330 km from Bangalore and 136 km from Mangalore. The area is covered in thick vegetation and gives it a beautiful setting. The town of Horanadu being agriculture centric, is rich in tea, coffee and spice plantations.

Distance from Mangalore: 126 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Horanadu Attractions

Known For : Murudeshwar Temple Netrani Island Murudeshwar Beach

With its major attraction as the huge Shiva temple, Murudeshwar is a religious site which also serves as the connecting point for popular scuba diving destination Netrani.  Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. With the shimmering Arabian Sea on three sides and the magnificent Western Ghats imposing their presence on this town, it is a favourite picnic spot for the folks from Kerala and Karnataka.

Distance from Mangalore: 155 km

Best Time: October to May

8 Murudeshwar Attractions