
Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Mangalore, Karnātaka, India
1. St. Mary's Island
A chain of four small islands off the coast of Mangalore famous for its basaltic lava formations and four chapels built around a century ago.
- Natural Formations: Unique hexagonal rock formations created by cooled lava.
- Historical Significance: Chapels showcasing rich history and culture of the region.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by ferry boats from Malpe beach.
2. Milagres Church
An old Portuguese church located at Milagres, Mangalore, known for the miraculous statue of St. Anthony.
- Miraculous Statue: Statue said to have shed tears of blood on several occasions.
- Architectural Beauty: Well-preserved Portuguese architecture with intricate carvings and designs.
- Festivals: Popular feast of St. Anthony celebrated in January with great fervor.
3. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, famous for its annual Rathotsava (chariot festival).
- Rathotsava (Chariot Festival): Uniquely designed chariots carrying idols of the deities through the streets.
- Architectural Style: A blend of Karnataka and Kerala architectural styles.
- Spiritual Significance: Believed to be built on the site where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a cow.
4. Sullia Manjunatheswara Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its unique architecture and the annual festival known as the 'Tulur Sankramana'.
- Unique Architecture: Hundreds of small shrines dedicated to various deities within the temple complex.
- Tulur Sankramana Festival: A unique festival where deities from neighboring villages are brought here for worship.
- Spiritual Significance: Believed to be one of the four important Shiva temples in Dakshina Kannada district.
5. Kadri Manjunatheswara Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on a hill overlooking the city of Mangalore.
- Hill Top Location: Offers panoramic views of the city and the Arabian Sea.
- Architectural Style: A blend of Hoysala, Yakshagana, and Kerala architectural styles.
- Spiritual Significance: One of the most important Shiva temples in the region.
6. Mangaladevi Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mangala Devi located atop a hill near Bolarumale, Mangalore.
- Hill Top Location: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Legendary Origin: Legend has it that Goddess Mangala Devi was manifested by the king to protect the city.
- Spiritual Significance: Considered as one of the important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in the region.
7. Ullal Sri Venkataramana Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara located at Ullal, Mangalore.
- Architectural Style: A blend of Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles.
- Daily Rituals: Witness the ancient rituals performed by priests in traditional attire.
- Spiritual Significance: Believed to be one of the six temples dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara in India.
8. Thokkottu Church
A beautiful church located at Thokkottu, Mangalore, known for its annual feast of St. Sebastian.
- Annual Feast: Famous feast of St. Sebastian celebrated with great fervor in January.
- Architectural Style: Gothic-style architecture with intricate stained glass windows.
- Historical Significance: Built in the late 19th century by the Portuguese.
9. Kumbala Marymatha Church
A beautiful church located at Kumbala, Mangalore, known for its annual feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- Annual Feast: Famous feast of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated with great fervor in February.
- Architectural Style: Gothic-style architecture with intricate carvings and designs.
- Historical Significance: Built in the late 19th century by the Portuguese.
10. Pilikula Nisargadhama
An eco-tourism park and wildlife sanctuary located at Pilikula, Mangalore.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to various indigenous species of flora and fauna.
- Educational Exhibits: Includes educational exhibits on local culture, history, and wildlife.
- Recreational Activities: Offers recreational activities like boating, nature walks, and bird watching.
11. Tannirbavu Beach
A secluded beach located near Udupi, Mangalore, known for its peaceful surroundings and natural beauty.
- Natural Beauty: Unspoiled and pristine beach with crystal clear waters.
- Peaceful Environment: Ideal for those seeking a quiet and serene getaway.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Mangalore city.
12. Kudremukh National Park
A national park located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, famous for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Western Ghats.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to several endangered species like the Lion-tailed Macaque and the Malabar Pit Viper.
- Trekking and Camping: Offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and bird watching.
13. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to several endangered species like the Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, and Leopard.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Western Ghats.
- Trekking and Camping: Offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and bird watching.
14. Mangalore Fish Market
A bustling fish market located in the heart of Mangalore city, known for its fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers a wide variety of fresh seafood.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: A lively and bustling marketplace with local traders and fishermen.
- Culinary Experiences: Provides opportunities to taste local seafood dishes.
15. Sultan Battery
A historic fort located near Udupi, Mangalore, known for its strategic location and rich history.
- Historical Significance: Built by Tipu Sultan to guard against the British.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
- Architectural Style: Features a blend of Islamic and Portuguese architectural styles.