Mangalore is one of the best tourist spots in Karnataka. Situated at the estuarine confluence formed by River Gurupura and River Netravati, it is an outstanding destination for a weekend trip. Known as the port city in Karnataka, Mangalore is known for its age-old temples, lush parks, sun-kissed beaches, and verdant gardens. Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Karnataka. This exuberant city is marked by many coconut palms and majestic streams.
Mangalore is officially called Mangaluru. It is also an important commercial, healthcare, educational, and industrial hub of the Karnataka state. Alluring tourists and travelers from around the world due to its picture-perfect beauty, this port city is sure to take away your breath with its beautiful parks and beaches, medieval temples, and striking roads. For people looking to have a peaceful and relaxing holiday, Mangalore is an ideal option!
Mangalore is named after Mangaladevi. She is the deity in the Mangaladevi Temple. As per a local legend, Parimala, a princess from Malabar abandoned her kingdom. She then became Matsyendranath’s discipline. Since she was converted to the Nath sect, she was renamed by Matsyendranath as Mangaladevi. When she was about to reach the region with Matsyandranath, she fell ill and had to stop at Bolar. Soon she died and the local people built a temple in Bohar in her honor, which was known as the Mangaladevi Temple.
Another earliest reference to the name of this city was made by Chettian, the Pandyan King, in 715 CE. He called the city by the name – Mangalapuram. As per K.V. Ramesh, the President of Place-Name Society of India, it was in 1345 CE that Mangaluru was used as the name of the city under the Vijayanagar rule. Lots of shilashnasanas of this period refer to this city as Manhalapura. In the Kannada language, this city is called Mangaluru. From 1799, during the British rule, the anglicized version of this name became the official name. Mangalore was renamed to “Mangaluru” officially on November 1, 2014, by the Government of Karnataka.
In the 3rd century BCE, this place was a part of the famous Mauryan Empire, ruled by Ashoka of Magadha, who was the Buddhist Emperor. From the 3rd century CE to the 6th century CE, the Kadamba dynasty ruled the whole area. From mid of the 7th century to the end of 14th century, Alupa rulers ruled the South Canara area. During the rule of Kavi Alupendra, the Alupa King between 1130 and 1140, this town was home to Abraham Ben Yiju, a Tunisian Jewish Merchant. Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan traveler, visited this city in 1342 and named it Manjarur. By 1345, the area came under the control of the Vijayanagara rulers. In the period of Vijayanagara rulers between 1345 and 1550, the South Canara was split into two rajyas – Mangalore and Barkur.
In around 1498, European influence was seen in Mangalore when Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer landed at the St. Mary Islands. In the sixteenth century, many commercial places in Canara were acquired by the Portuguese. Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara Empire has a very friendly relation with the Portuguese. Under Lopo Vaz de Sampaio’s viceroy ship, the Portuguese took Mangalore’s possession. After the Vijayanagara Empire’s disintegration in 1565, the Keladi rulers got more powerful. The de facto leader of Mysore Kingdom, Hyder Ali conquered Mysore in 1763. From 1767-1783, the British East India Company ruled Mangalore. Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali took Mangalore from the British Control in 1783. On March 11, 1784, a Treaty of Mangalore was signed between the British East India Company and Tipu Sultan after the 2nd Anglo-Mysore War ended. Since Tipu lost the 4th Anglo-Mysore War, Mangalore stayed under the British rule. Many developments took place in Mangalore after this like establishment of modern industries and educational institutions.
A municipal council was assigned by the Town Improvement Act of Madras (1865) on May 23, 1866. It has the responsibility for urban planning and civic amenities. In 1878, an Italian Jesuits came here and he played a vital role in the education, social welfare, and economy of the city. In 1907, Mangalore was connected with the Southern Railways. The State Reorganization Act of 1956 resulted in Mangalore getting incorporated in the newly made Mysore state, later named Karnataka. Mangalore soon developed into a petrochemical and commercial hub by the early 21st century.
Below is the list of places to visit in Mangalore if you are planning a vacation to this place and want to have a wonderful time:
Shopping: The Mangalore streets have a lot for everyone to shop their heart out. From local markets to malls, there are many places to go shopping in Mangalore. A holiday to Mangalore will be incomplete without visiting the shopping streets.
Surfing: If you wish to make your heart rhythm, go for surfing in Mangalore and enjoy the adrenaline rush. It is an ideal activity to go for in Mangalore with friends.
Kayaking: Another offbeat activity to enjoy in Mangalore is known as kayaking. You will be provided with a kayak having paddles to row and will also get to experience the Arabian Sea and verdant palm trees.
Paddling: If you are still thinking about what you should do in Mangalore, Stand Up Paddling is another activity you can enjoy. Though a lesser-known activity, adventure enthusiasts are surely going to enjoy it.
Visiting the Butterfly Park: If you are a nature lover, this place is a great treat for you with more than 114 species of rare butterflies.
Relish Seafood: Due to its closeness to the sea, the city is very rich in seafood. The foodies are sure to love this place for the variety of seafood it has to offer. You should definitely try the Mangalorean cuisines if you are in the city.
Explore the Beaches: The city is dotted with beaches that can be visited at any time of the day. You will love to spend some quality time with your friends and family here. The beaches also allow you to play beach football here.
It is only Mangalore in Karnataka that has all kinds of transportation options including air, roadways, railways, and sea. The city has its own airport, the Mangalore International Airport, situated about 13 km from the city center. With well-constructed roads, Mangalore is connected to all the cities and states of India. Mangalore has three railway stations including the Surathkal Railway Station, the Mangalore Junction, and Mangalore Center. Mangalore Harbour and New Mangalore Port are the two sea routes from Mangalore.
Stunned by the history, rich culture, places to visit, and activities to do in Mangalore? Plan a trip to Mangalore right away to experience everything yourself!