Mangalore, also known as Mangaluru, is a coastal paradise located in Karnataka, India. It blends ancient temples, Portuguese churches, golden beaches, and rich coastal cuisine into a vibrant and laid-back travel experience. Whether you’re planning a Mangalore 1-day trip, 2-day trip, or exploring hidden places in Mangalore and Udupi, this guide will help you plan a complete trip from entry fees and stay options to family attractions and offbeat places. Whether it’s a quick weekend plan or a full-on thrill trip, this guide covers the top hidden places in Mangalore and exciting spots within 100 to 200 km.

🛕 Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple

This majestic temple, built in Dravidian style, is one of the most visited religious sites in Mangalore. The temple is especially vibrant during Navratri with illuminated chariots and cultural programs. It’s open to people from all backgrounds and symbolizes spiritual harmony in the city.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

  • Distance: 3 km from Mangalore Railway Station

  • Family-Friendly: Yes

  • Couples: Calm and peaceful during weekdays

🌟 Things to Do

  • Watch the evening aarti

  • Stroll in the temple gardens

  • Take photos of the golden tower (Gopuram)

🍛 Local Food Nearby

  • Giri Manja’s Fish Thali – ₹180

  • Kudla Restaurant – Famous for Chicken Ghee Roast – ₹250

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Budget: Hotel Mangalore International – ₹1,200

  • Mid-Range: Goldfinch Hotel – ₹3,500

  • Luxury: The Ocean Pearl – ₹6,500

🛍️ Shopping

  • Central Market – Local flowers, brass lamps, spices

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Visit early morning for a serene experience with fewer crowds.

🏖️ Panambur Beach For Sunset & Surf

Panambur is the most popular beach in Mangalore, known for clean sands, camel rides, and parasailing. It’s also the venue for Mangalore Beach Festival and kite flying contests.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: ₹10 per person

  • Timing: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

  • Distance: 12 km from city center

  • Perfect for: Couples, families, solo travelers

🌟 Things to Do

  • Jet skiing, camel rides, banana boat ride – ₹200–₹500

  • Sunset photography

  • Kids play area and food stalls

🍛 Must-Try Food

  • Beach Chaats – ₹50

  • Ice Gola & Neer Dosa – ₹70–₹120

🏨 Where to Stay Nearby

  • Budget: Sagar Ratna Lodge – ₹900

  • Mid-Range: Hotel Sai Palace – ₹2,000

  • Luxury: Goldfinch Retreat – ₹5,000+

🛍️ Shopping

  • Local beachside stalls – Seashell crafts, handmade anklets

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Go on a weekday evening for a quiet sunset and less crowd.

🏞️ Tannirbhavi Beach

Tannirbhavi is one of the hidden tourist places in Mangalore, less crowded and perfect for quiet reflection. Surrounded by trees, it offers sunset views, basic seating, and clean shores.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: Open all day (best during sunrise/sunset)

  • Distance: 13 km from city, accessible by ferry from Sultan Battery

  • Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, picnics

🌟 Things to Do

  • Ferry ride – ₹10

  • Enjoy tree-lined shore walks

  • Watch fishermen at work

🍛 Food Nearby

  • Beachside Maggi & Chai – ₹30–₹50

  • Street snacks like Podi Dosa & Buns – ₹40–₹70

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Stay near Panambur or Surathkal – shared options available

  • Budget: Youth Hostel Surathkal – ₹700

  • Mid: Ginger Hotel – ₹3,000

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Take the Sultan Battery ferry route for a scenic and local experience.

🏰 St. Aloysius Chapel – Painted Heritage Marvel

A must-visit for history and art lovers, the St. Aloysius Chapel resembles the Sistine Chapel of Rome. Its interiors are painted with biblical scenes, created by Italian painter Antonio Moscheni.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: ₹10

  • Timing: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed during mass hours)

  • Distance: 2 km from railway station

  • Family-Friendly: Yes

🌟 Things to Do

  • Take a guided art tour

  • Visit St. Aloysius College campus for history buffs

🍛 Where to Eat Nearby

  • Cochin Bakery – Famous for snacks & plum cake – ₹50–₹100

  • Ideal Café – Ice cream & meals – ₹80–₹200

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Check mass timings before you visit to explore freely.

🌅 Sultan Battery Watchtower + Ferry Spot

Built by Tipu Sultan in 1784, this black stone watchtower served as a naval outpost. Today, it offers beautiful views of the backwaters and is also a starting point for the Tannirbhavi ferry ride.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Distance: 4.5 km from city

  • Good for: History lovers, kids

🌟 Things to Do

  • Take photos from the fort ramparts

  • Ride the ferry to Tannirbhavi Beach – ₹10

  • Explore nearby fishing villages

🍛 What to Try

  • Fresh juice stalls near the ferry dock – ₹30–₹50

  • Homemade jackfruit chips – ₹80 per pack

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Visit during golden hour for magical photography and fewer tourists.

🏖️ Someshwara Beach

Located in Ullal, Someshwara Beach is known for its golden sands, large rock formations called “Rudra Shile”, and the centuries-old Someshwara Temple located right at the shoreline. It’s peaceful, less crowded, and holds immense cultural and spiritual value.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: Open 24/7 (Avoid after dark)

  • Distance: 13 km from Mangalore city

  • Best for: Couples, photographers, spiritual seekers

🌟 Things to Do

  • Watch the waves crashing on Rudra Shile

  • Visit the Someshwara Temple

  • Sunset photography by the sea

🍛 Must-Try Local Food

  • Fish curry meals at Ullal local hotels – ₹150

  • Bajji & coconut water stalls near beach – ₹30–₹60

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Budget: Guest houses in Ullal – ₹800

  • Mid-Range: The Gateway Hotel (Kadri) – ₹4,500

  • Luxury: River Roost Resort – ₹8,000+

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Head to the far end of the beach for untouched views and quieter surroundings.

🏞️ Pilikula Nisargadhama – Best Family Place in Mangalore

A one-stop destination for nature, wildlife, heritage, and science, Pilikula Nisargadhama includes a zoo, botanical garden, heritage village, planetarium, and boating lake. It’s the most family-friendly attraction near Mangalore.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: ₹100 for zoo, ₹60 for planetarium

  • Timing: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

  • Distance: 12 km from Mangalore railway station

🌟 Things to Do

  • Zoo safari with tigers, leopards, deer

  • Boating – ₹50 for 30 mins

  • Science Centre and Planetarium visit

  • Explore heritage village showcasing Tuluva culture

🍛 Food Options

  • Inside canteen – Meals at ₹100

  • Ice creams and snacks stalls – ₹20–₹50

🏨 Stay Nearby

  • Budget: Green Park Homestay – ₹1,000

  • Mid-Range: Hotel Deepa Comforts – ₹3,000

  • Luxury: The Avatar Hotel – ₹5,500+

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Rent a cycle at the entrance to explore the huge park with ease!

🌊 Sasihithlu Beach – Secret Surfer’s Paradise

A truly hidden tourist place in Mangalore, Sasihithlu Beach is a flat, white-sand beach located where the rivers Nandini and Shambhavi meet the sea. It’s popular among surfers and very photogenic.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: Sunrise to sunset

  • Distance: 23 km from city, near Mukka

  • Perfect for: Couples, solo travelers, photographers

🌟 Things to Do

  • Surfing during monsoon/surf fest season

  • Walk along river-sea confluence

  • Photoshoots and drone flying

🍛 Food Nearby

  • Local coconut water stalls – ₹30

  • Street vendors – Fish fry ₹60–₹80

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Budget: NITK Guesthouse (on request) – ₹1,000

  • Mid-Range: Hotel Surathkal Residency – ₹2,000

  • Luxury: Red Rock Residency – ₹5,000

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Early morning fog here creates a magical photo backdrop, don’t miss it!

🛕 Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple

Located by the Nandini River, this revered temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. It’s one of the most important spiritual sites in coastal Karnataka and is especially vibrant during annual temple fairs.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: Free

  • Timing: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM

  • Distance: 29 km from Mangalore city

  • Best for: Families, spiritual seekers

🌟 Things to Do

  • Attend the “Annadana” (free lunch)

  • Watch Yakshagana dance performances

  • Take blessings beside the river

🍛 Local Offerings

  • Free temple lunch (delicious & clean)

  • Banana sheera at nearby canteens – ₹30

🏨 Stay Nearby

  • Budget: Temple guest houses – ₹500–₹800

  • Mid-Range: Hotels in Moodabidri (10 km) – ₹2,500

  • Luxury: Taj Gateway in Mangalore (return after darshan) – ₹6,000+

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Visit during early mornings to see temple rituals and serene river views.

🏝️ St. Mary’s Island

A unique place to visit near Mangalore within 100 kms, St. Mary’s Island is known for its hexagonal basalt rock formations and turquoise water. It’s only accessible by boat from Malpe Beach and is ideal for half-day trips.

📌 Details

  • Entry Fee: ₹250 (boat ride round trip)

  • Timing: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (No night stay allowed)

  • Distance: 60 km from Mangalore; 15-min boat from Malpe

🌟 Things to Do

  • Explore volcanic rock formations

  • Shell collection on the beach

  • Photography and picnic

🍛 What to Try at Malpe Beach (before boat ride)

  • Ice gola – ₹30

  • Prawn masala – ₹150

  • Tandoori crab – ₹300

🏨 Where to Stay in Udupi

  • Budget: Hotel Udupi Residency – ₹1,200

  • Mid-Range: Paradise Isle Beach Resort – ₹4,000

  • Luxury: Samanvay Boutique Hotel – ₹7,500

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Carry water, shades, and wear floaters — there are no shops on the island!

Mangalore Tourist Places Map

If you’re planning your trip around tourist places near Mangalore railway station, airport, or places to visit within 100–200 km, here’s a basic route map suggestion:

🟢 Day 1 (City Core)

  • Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple

  • St. Aloysius Chapel

  • Sultan Battery

  • Tannirbhavi Beach (via ferry)

🔵 Day 2 (Coastal + South)

  • Panambur Beach

  • Someshwara Beach

  • Pilikula Nisargadhama

🟠 Day 3 (Hidden Gems & Spiritual Trails)

  • Kateel Temple

  • Sasihithlu Beach

  • Moodabidri or Doddakere

🟣 Day 4 (Udupi Day Trip)

  • Malpe Beach + St. Mary’s Island

  • Krishna Temple, Udupi

  • Endpoint Park (Manipal)

📍Use Google Maps + offline map apps to download routes in advance as rural network coverage may drop.

🧭 2-Day Itinerary – Mangalore Tourist Places for 2 Days

🗓️ Day 1: Culture + Beach + History

  • Morning: Kudroli Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel

  • Afternoon: Sultan Battery + Ferry to Tannirbhavi

  • Evening: Sunset at Panambur Beach

  • Dinner: Giri Manja’s for seafood

Stay Suggestion: Hotel City Palace (mid-range) or The Lalit (luxury)

🗓️ Day 2: Nature + Hidden Gems

  • Morning: Pilikula Nisargadhama

  • Afternoon: Kateel Temple or Sasihithlu Beach

  • Evening: Local shopping at Central Market

  • Dinner: Try Chicken Ghee Roast at Machali

Optional: Late night train/flight from Mangalore

What is Famous in Mangalore (Must-Try Food & Shopping)

🍛 Famous Foods in Mangalore

  • Neer Dosa with Chicken Sukka – Light and spicy

  • Mangalorean Fish Curry Meal – Coconut and tamarind based – ₹150

  • Kori Rotti – Crunchy rice rotti with spicy chicken – ₹180

  • Chicken Ghee Roast – Rich & buttery dish – ₹200

  • Banana Buns – Sweet local bread – ₹40

  • Prawn Fry, Crab Masala – Coastal delicacies – ₹250–₹400

✅ Try these at: Giri Manja’s, Machali, Shetty Lunch Home, Sizzler Ranch

🛍️ What to Buy in Mangalore (Souvenirs & Spices)

  • Pashmina shawls and silk stoles

  • Cashew nuts and Mangalore coffee

  • Saffron, cardamom, and pepper from Central Market

  • Shell crafts, local wood carvings from Panambur stalls

🛒 Best Shopping Areas

  • Lal Chowk Market – Spices & dry fruits

  • City Centre Mall – Branded + local shops

  • Empire Mall – Artifacts and souvenirs

Top Adventure & Nature Experiences in and Around Mangalore

Sakleshpur – Trekking, Camping & Coffee Estate Trails

A serene hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is a paradise for trekkers and nature campers. Known for its green coffee estates, waterfalls, and scenic railway bridges, it’s perfect for adventure lovers.

📍 Location

  • Distance from Mangalore: ~160 km (~4–5 hours by road)

  • How to Reach: Drive or bus from Mangalore (KSRTC or private cabs)

💸 Entry & Activity Fees

  • No general entry fees (guided treks start at ₹300–₹800 per person)

🎯 Top Activities

  • Manjarabad Fort trek

  • Railway Trek through tunnels and bridges (Green Route – advanced)

  • Jenukal Gudda Peak for stunning views

  • Camping in coffee estates – ₹1,500–₹2,500 per night with meals

🏞️ Ideal For

Solo travelers, friends’ groups, and teens with family

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Visit during monsoon (July–September) for lush green views, but wear good trekking shoes!

Malpe Beach & St. Mary’s Island – Island Exploration + Watersports

Malpe Beach, near Udupi, is famous not just for its long coastline but for its banana rides, jet skis, parasailing, and island hopping to St. Mary’s Island – a geological wonder.

📍 Location

  • Distance from Mangalore: ~60 km (1.5 hours)

  • How to Reach: Bus/train to Udupi + rickshaw to Malpe beach

💸 Fees

  • Beach entry: Free

  • St. Mary’s Island ferry: ₹250 (round trip)

  • Watersports: ₹400–₹1,200 per activity

🎯 Top Activities

  • Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Speed Boating

  • Walk on unique basalt rock formations at St. Mary’s Island

  • Photography & shallow swimming

🏞️ Ideal For

Families with kids, couples, and solo wanderers

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Reach before 10:30 AM for ferry tickets – they sell out on weekends!

Pilikula Biological Park – Zoo + Boating + Science Center

Located just outside Mangalore city, Pilikula Nisargadhama offers a wide variety of experiences: zoo, lake boating, science center, planetarium, and a heritage village — all in one spot.

📍 Location

  • Distance: 12 km from Mangalore city (Vamanjoor area)

  • How to Reach: Local cab, auto or KSRTC city bus

💸 Fees

  • Zoo: ₹100

  • Planetarium: ₹60

  • Boating: ₹50

  • Science Park Combo: ₹150+

🎯 Top Activities

  • Nature safari with tigers, panthers, and snakes

  • Pedal boating with lake views

  • Interactive science exhibits + 3D shows

  • Cycle rental available inside

🏞️ Ideal For

Families with kids, school tours, solo visitors looking to relax and explore

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Bring your own water bottle and food — limited options inside. Avoid Mondays (closed).

Agumbe Rainforest – Rain Trekking + King Cobra Country

Known as the Cherrapunji of South India, Agumbe is a rainforest region offering dense jungle treks, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings. It’s a UNESCO-recognized ecological hotspot.

📍 Location

  • Distance from Mangalore: ~100 km (3 hours)

  • How to Reach: Private vehicle or shared cab (via Udupi – Hebri route)

💸 Fees

  • Free trekking with permission (from forest department)

  • Homestay + guided treks: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per person

🎯 Top Activities

  • Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls treks

  • Sunset Point – panoramic view over Western Ghats

  • Visit rainforest research station

  • Herping (spotting snakes, frogs) with naturalists

🏞️ Ideal For

Adventure trekkers, nature lovers, photographers

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Carry leech socks and light rainwear even in summer – Agumbe is humid and wet year-round.

Sasihithlu Beach – Surfing + Camping Spot

One of the most scenic and less crowded beaches in Mangalore, Sasihithlu is a secret spot for surfing and camping under the stars. It’s where the two rivers meet the Arabian Sea.

📍 Location

  • Distance: 23 km from Mangalore city

  • How to Reach: Drive towards Mukka from city, past Surathkal

💸 Fees

  • Beach access: Free

  • Surf lessons: ₹800–₹1,200

  • Tent camping: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night

🎯 Top Activities

  • Surfing during Surf Fest season (March)

  • Walks along the estuary

  • Bird watching (especially in mornings)

🏞️ Ideal For

Solo travelers, nature campers, adventure couples

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Stay the night for stargazing — limited light pollution here.

Kudremukh National Park – Forest Trek + Wildlife

If you’re looking for a day or overnight trek with a bit more thrill and altitude, Kudremukh is one of the best trekking spots in Karnataka. The trail through rolling green hills, waterfalls, and mist-covered peaks is unforgettable.

📍 Location

  • Distance from Mangalore: ~110 km (~3–4 hours)

  • How to Reach: Drive or hire a jeep from Kalasa or Samse village

💸 Fees

  • Forest trekking permit: ₹475 per person

  • Guide: ₹1,000 per group mandatory

🎯 Top Activities

  • Full-day trek to Kudremukh peak

  • Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls

  • Wildlife spotting (deer, langurs, peacocks)

🏞️ Ideal For

Trekking groups, fit families, solo trekkers with guides

🕵️ Hidden Tip

Start trek early (by 6–7 AM) and carry all essentials – no shops after base.

Adventure Parks in Mangalore (For Light Family Fun)

🎡 Flip Side Adventure Park (Padil)

  • Rock climbing, ziplining, ATV rides

  • Entry: ₹200; Activities: ₹300–₹800 per ride

🎠 Fun World Amusement Park (Lalbagh)

  • Water rides, mini roller coasters, kids activities

  • Entry: ₹250–₹400

Island Trips from Mangalore

🌊 St. Mary’s Island (Malpe) – The Most Popular Island Near Mangalore

Known for: Unique hexagonal basalt rocks, clear water, seashell beach
Best for: Island hopping, family picnics, photoshoots, short hikes

📍 Location: Malpe Beach, Udupi
📏 Distance from Mangalore: ~60 km (1.5 hrs by road)
🛥️ How to Reach:

  • Bus/train to Udupi → Auto to Malpe Beach → Ferry to the island

  • Ferry timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last boat around 4 PM)

💸 Entry & Ferry Fee: ₹250 per person (round trip)
📸 Activities

  • Walk across lava rock formations

  • Shell collection

  • Scenic photography

  • Shallow water exploration (no swimming)

🏨 Stay: In Udupi or Malpe Beach area (budget to luxury options)

🕵️ Hidden Tip: Visit before 10 AM to avoid ferry rush and harsh sun — no shops or food on the island, so carry essentials.

🏖️ Kurumgad Island (Karwar)

Known for: Dolphin spotting, heritage temple, water sports
Best for: Couples and offbeat explorers

📍 Location: Karwar, Uttara Kannada district
📏 Distance from Mangalore: ~270 km (6–7 hrs) – ideal for overnight trip
🛥️ How to Reach: Karwar town → Ferry from Devbagh beach to island

💸 Entry Fee: ₹300–₹500 (part of resort packages or local boats)
🎯 Activities

  • Kayaking, snorkeling, banana rides

  • Visit Narasimha Temple on the island

  • Nature walks

🏨 Stay: Island resort (Great for couples – ₹4,000–₹8,000) or Karwar hotels

🕵️ Hidden Tip: Pre-book water activities or accommodation during peak season (Dec–Feb)

Waterfalls near Mangalore

🌳Hanuman Gundi Falls (Kudremukh National Park)

Known for: Cascading waterfall surrounded by dense forest
Best for: Family trips, trekking, photography

📍 Location: Kudremukh, Chikmagalur district
📏 Distance: ~95 km from Mangalore (3 hrs)
💸 Entry Fee: ₹30
🧗 Activities

  • Forest walk (about 300+ steps to reach base)

  • Waterfall view & light bathing

  • Photography

🕵️ Hidden Tip: Visit during monsoon or just after (July–Sept) when the fall is full and flowing.

🌄 Sirimane Falls (Agumbe region)

Known for: Remote beauty, less touristy, forest trek
Best for: Nature lovers and offbeat trekkers

📍 Location: Near Sringeri, Agumbe belt
📏 Distance: ~130 km (3.5–4 hrs from Mangalore)
💸 Entry Fee: ₹10
🎯 Activities

  • Short forest trek

  • Waterfall bathing

  • Visit nearby Sringeri Temple

🕵️ Hidden Tip: Carry snacks and water, no facilities around. Combine with Agumbe sunset point.

🍃 Sathodi Falls (Yellapur – Karwar Region)

Known for: Hidden gem waterfall with swimming-friendly pool
Best for: Weekend trips, couples, and photographers

📍 Distance from Mangalore: ~180 km (5–6 hrs – best for overnight stay)
💸 Entry Fee: ₹20
🧭 Access: Forest entry + short trek

🏞️ Activities

  • Swimming and relaxation

  • Nature trails

  • Bird watching

🕵️ Hidden Tip: Visit early morning, gets misty and magical.

Mangalore is more than just history, it’s an adventure hotspot! With unique places to visit, from waterfalls and trekking peaks to surf beaches and forest camps, there’s fun for everyone. So if you’re looking for family-friendly adventure, hidden tourist places in Mangalore, or a break from routine, this coastal gem has it all. Plan your Mangalore trip now, adventure awaits!

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