Top Places to Visit in Mangalore

1) Mudabidri

It is also referred as Jain Varanasi and has 18 Jain bastis or monasteries. The most famous being the 1000 pillared chandranatha Basti built in 1429. Basadis are Jain monasteries or temples where an image of one of the twenty-four tirthankaras (saints) is installed and worshipped.

2) Karkala

Located about 20 km from Mudabidri has a number of important temples and a 13m high statue of Lord Bahubai, which was completed in 1432.

3) Dharmasthala (69 km)

It is an important pilgrim centre and a shining example of communal harmony and cultural tolerance. Dharmasthala is a temple village on the banks of Nethravathi River in Belthangadi taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka. The main attractions here are Manjunatha Temple and a 14 mtrs, high Gomateshwara statue. The temple is devoted to Shiva and houses a linga of gold.

4) Sringeri (100 km)

The beautiful town on the banks of river Tungabhadra, amidst the lush hills of Chikmagalur is one of the most important pilgrim centres of Karnataka. The Sringeri Mutt here was founded in 9th century by saint Sri Adi Shankara. Sringeri also has an old Jain Basadi (Monastery).

5) Udupi (58 km)

This important Vaishnavite pilgrim and cultural centre is also famous for delicious south Indian cuisine. The Udupi Krishna Temple here is famous for Paryaya festival held once in two years.

6) Malpe (66 km)

This beach is located 66 kms north of Mangalore, near Manipal. The quiet environments, makes this beach a famous tourist destination. The natural St. Mary's Island, just a boat ride away has a beach and an inspiring geological structure of basalt rock pillars into the sea.

7) Katil

River Nandini flows round the beautiful shrine, dedicated to Devi Durga Parameswari. Devi Durga is a Swayambu Lingam. An image of the Devi in sitting posture holding Shanku and Chakra is also installed. Devotees throng the temple on Fridays and during Navaratri festival