5 things to do in Mangalore

Visit Mangaladevi Temple

A Hindu temple at Bolar in Mangalore, it is home to the goddess Mangaladevi after whom the city of Mangalore is named. It's history dates back to the 10th century, when Kundavarma, the famous king of the Alupa dynasty, was ruling Tulu Nadu. Approximately 3 km from the heart of the city, the temple can be accessed by rickshaw or bus. It is believed that the worship of Mangala devi brings prosperity and happiness. Dusshera is celebrated here, on a big scale with special pujas performed for nine days. It is also believed that maidens who observe Mangaladharavrata (Swayamvara Parvathi) will have their wishes fulfilled and will find a suitable match.

At St. Aloysius Chapel

Situated in the heart of the city on Lighthouse Hill is the beautiful St. Aloysius Chapel. A part of the St. Aloysius College, it has magnificent Biblical frescoes on its walls and ceilings painted by the Italian Jesuit, Anthony Moscheni. With frescoes depicting the lives of saints and the life and death of Jesus Christ, they are a visual treat for art lovers. Its an architectural marvel and can be compared to the churches in Rome. Even if you're not an art fan, the chapel is worth a visit for its wonderfully peaceful feel.

For the Foodies

If you're a foodie, you won't be disappointed in Mangalore. Since Mangalore is a coastal city, seafood is a must. You must try fish pulimunchi and crab ghee roast. One of the best places for chicken ghee roast and crab ghee roast, is Kudlas. But, if you're not much of a fish fan, try the neer dosa and chicken curry, the chicken pulimunchi and kundapuri chicken. Pork-lovers, head to Mangala for delicious Mangalore pork and vegetarians can head to Ayodhya for authentic Manglorean veg food. For dessert, try the Dilkush and gadbad ice cream at Pabbas or at Ideal Ice Cream Parlour. These two varieties are available in almost all hotels across Mangalore, but at Ideal Ice Cream Parlour and Pabbas, you will find even more varieties. So make sure you save some space for dessert.

Hit the Manglorean Beaches

If you're looking for some peace and quiet, head to Tannirbhavi beach. One of the cleanest Manglorean beaches, you have to take the ferry across the Gurupurra river from Sultan Battery. It's a five-minute walk once you've crossed the river and is not as crowded as the famous Panambur beach. An ideal place to relax, it is approximately 20-minutes away from the city centre and is famous for its white sand and silence. However, swimming is not allowed here during rainy season. Panambur beach, on the other hand, is full of activity with plenty of foodstalls, jet-ski and camel rides, boating and other options to keep children as well as adults entertained. A kite festival is held on this beach every year, so if you're around don't miss it. If you like watersports, you can give surfing, stand-up paddling and wakeboarding a go, at the Mantra Surf Club.

Shopping for the Shopaholics

There are two famous malls that shopaholics could head to–City Centre and the newly-opened, biggest mall in Mangalore, Forum. But even though the malls are a big hit with the people, there are many who love to shop in the markets. Hampanakatta is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Mangalore, where you can find almost everything.

Avril-Ann Braganza - with inputs from Vishwanath Pathiyappa, Stephanie Correa.