Travel & Tourism

DAKSHINA KANNADA AND UDUPI (KARNATAKA - INDIA)

ABOUT MANGALORE

Area                  D. K. District  - 4866 Sq. Kmss
                            Udupi District - 3575 Sq. Kmss
Population     30,05,897 (Mar. 01)
Altitude          Sea level
Climate            June – Nov Max. 340 C, Min. 320 C.
                           Dec. – May Max. 280 C, Min. 260 C
Literacy          83% (Male: 89%, Female: 77%)
Language       Tulu, Konkani (Local languages), Kannada (State Language).   
                           Here people can communicate in English as well as in Hindi.

INDUSTRY
New Mangalore Port:
The New Mangalore deep sea all weather Port, is the ninth major port of our country from 11th January 1975 ushers a new era of the development of hinterland of the port consisting mainly of Karnataka state and a portion of Kerala. Visitors to this port are requested to obtain passes from the Secretary, Mangalore Harbour project, administrative office at Panambur.   

Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers, Kudremukh Iron and Steel Company (KISCO) and Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) factories are situated near the port. The Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL) is situated in Bala, Kuthethur is 18 Kms. away from Mangalore.

Small Scale Industry is the pride of the Mangalore City. The Mangalore Tile factories produce world famous ‘Mangalore Tiles’. Mangalore has developed the leaps and bounds in the coffee curing Industry, Cashew Industry, the Beedi Industry, Marine based Industry, Boat building yards, Plywood Factories, Motor spring manufacturing Units, Engineering workshops etc. Software Industry is also playing an important role. The famous Software Company ‘Infosys’ is situated at Kottara, 4 Kms. away from Hampankatta. In agricultural field CAMPCO (Central Areca nut and cocoa Marketing and Processing  Co-operative Limited) and the MASS is active in Agricultural Industry.

Mangalore, the district head - quarters of Dakshina Kannada, has been a trading center for several centuries. It was, since the early period of the Christian era till the end of the 14th century, the capital of the Alupa Rulers. From the 14th to the 16th centuries the area came under the governance of Vijayanagar dynasty. But the strongest influence was that of the Portuguese, who arrived on the coast in the 15th century. They opened a factory for trade and brought with them the Roman Catholic religion too. Conquered by Hyder Ali in 1763, Mangalore became the Chief port of Mysore. When Tipu Sultan’s Fort fell in 1799 to the British, they made it the district headquarters of Kanara. With an important port, this once coastal town, has become a bustling commercial center. Yet it preserves its old world charm, with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta tiled roofs, temples and churches.

Two hundred years ago it was known as Kanara district with the present North Kanara and Kasargod areas under the Madras Presidency. Later due to certain political compulsions, North Kanara was transferred to the Bombay Presidency. History reveals that it was on 8th July 1799, Kanara revenue district was formed and Major Munroe was the first district collector. The land of South Kanara is highly fertile with occasional floods spreading fertile soil along the river banks. Business exports and ship building are the forte of South Kanara since the time of the legendary Boothala Pandya. The linguistic and communal harmony of the land drew its inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of this land. Swamy Narayana Guru chose this land to spread his message among the depressed classes.

RELIGIOUS CENTRES:
Mangaladevi Temple:

This city is called as Mangalore just because of this temple. It is situated  3 Kms. away from main City Bus Stand. To get there take the City Bus No. 27, 27A, 29A.

Kadri Manjunath Temple:

Kadri is another ancient historic spot in Mangalore. The Kadri Temple dating back to about 968 A. D. with its nine tanks, its square temple, nestling at the foot of the highest hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors annually. The Lokeshwara bronze statue of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple is tipped to          be the best bronze statue in India. On top of the hill King Kundavarma Bupendra built a mutt, which came to be called ‘Jogimutt’.
There are some stone caves on top of the hill which are known as the caves of the Pandavas. It is situated 4 Kms. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is known as the oldest of the South Indian Temples. The seven sacred ponds, Jogi Mutt and caves of Pandavas are the pilgrim attractions here. To get there take the City Bus No. 3. 3A, 4, 4C, 6A, 6B, 6C, 14, 14A, 14B, 21, 22, 30A, 48.

Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple:

Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple at Mangalore is the only Temple in Karnataka set by Shri Narayana Guru, the great Philosopher, Saint and social reformer from Kerala. The Temple was renovated in the Chola Gopuram style in the year 1991 at a cost of Rs. 1 Crore with 500 labourers working day & night for 11/2 years. The main deity of this temple is Shiva – the Shiva Linga is carved out of Amrutha Shile meaning ‘Marble’ brought by Shri Narayana Guru from a place called Godarna where he got it under water.

Urva Marigudi:

Urva Marigudi is situated at Urva 4 Kms. North from Mangalore. To eradicate the evil of the valley Durga or Shakthi is worshipped by the people. The grand annual festival falls in March.

Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple:

Situated at Kateel 30 Kms. away from Mangalore on the river Nandini. Goddess Durgaparameshwari is worshipped in Linga form in the middle of the river.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple:

Udupi is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats. Situated about 60 Kms. from Mangalore, it is a fairly large and upcoming town that was the sanctum of Madhvacharya, the great Sanskrit Philosopher. The famous temple here has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. It is known for the famous Sri Krishna temple. The reasons for its fame are the statue of Sri Krishna installed by the great saint   Sri.  Madhvacharya   and  the penance and nfluence of Sri. Vaadiraja Yathivarenya. Another attraction of this temple is the ‘Kanakana Kindi’ - a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa. It is the centre for education, social and religious activities in the district of South Canara.

Sri Mookambika Temple:
 

Sri Kukke Subrahmanya:

Situated 96 kms. From Mangalore, it is a unique place of worship. The annual festival Shashti which falls in the month of December & Nagarapanchami a spiritual worshipping Lord Naga are immensively popular.

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple:

Situated on the banks of river Nethravathi & surrounded by the lush green forests & hills of Malnad, Dharmasthala is known for its beautiful surroundings and Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple. In Dharmasthala, charity is a way of life, extended to all without discrimination. Sri Dharmasthala which is one of the sacred places in South   India   &  a  famous  pilgrim
centre. It is situated in the village of Dharmasthala, in Beltangady Taluk of South Kanara district about 75 Kms. from Mangalore.

Thousand Pillar Temple Moodabidri:

A Holy Shrine of the Jains, the Thousand Pillar Temple is dedicated to Shri Chandranath, a Jain Saint. The Temple is intricately carved and has architecture that is peculiar to Nepal. There are a total of 18 Temples in Moodabidri. The 1000 Pillar Temple is around 569 years old and was built over Century. The history of the Temple is carved on the
walls and pillars of the Temple. No two pillars in the temple are alike. The Basadi is treasure house of art and architecture. Nowhere in Karnataka, a Basadi so much grandeur and so much magnificence as this could be found.

Gommateshwara Statue:  Karkala:

This famous monolithic statue of Gommateshwara – the legendary jain saint stands 42 feet in height and was carved in 1432 A.D.The statue is given a mahamastakabhisheka (ritual bath of milk and honey etc.) every 12 years. 53 Kms. away from Mangalore.

Ullal Darga:

Known for the “Uroos Fair”. This is one of the main mosques in the region. Which has got 45 years of history, thousands of people from various states visit the mosque to participate in the Uroos festival which is celebrated once in every five years.

St. Aloysius Church:

It is situated 1 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Antony Moshaini of Italy. This Church was built in the year 1899-1900.

Rosario Church:

One of the oldest Rosario Church was built in 1568 by the Portugese. The church was reconstructed in 1910. This attractively designed church was built in the Gothic style and is 1 Km. away from Hampankatta.

Milagres Church:

Situated in Hampankatta it was built by Bishop Thomas D’ Castro in 1680. Later the church was reconstructed and now is famous for architecture.

Infant Jesus shrine :

This church dedicated to infant  Jesus of Prague , was built in 1996 in the form of a crown . The church  is situated on Carmehill at Bikarnakatta , Mangalore Karkala road , 4 kms from the city center. Thousands of pilgrims, from all over India, irrespective of their caste, come to this church and pray for all their needs, especially on Thursdays when thee are six services ( 7.30, 9, 10.30 a.m and 5,6 and 7 p.m ) . Devotion to infant Jesus was originally started by the Discalced Carmelites in the city Prague of Check republic in the year 1628. In 1956, the Belgian Carmelites who were working in Mangalore , brought a beautiful statue of infant Jesus from the U.S and began this statue devotion. This statue is the focus of devotion for all pilgrims

St. Lawrence Church:
Situated 58 Kms. away from Mangalore the unique festival (Santh Mari) attracts people of all religion & caste.

Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi:
Situated at Kankanady5 Kms. away from Hampankatta & constructed 100 years ago. Garadi is the hero-worshipping centre of Koti Chennaya twin heros who belongs to the Billava community.

Venoor:
Venoor is about 19 Kms. from Belthangady and about 69 Kms. from Mangalore. The chief objects of interest here are the colossal Monolithic statue of Gommata 38 feet in height and a few basadis. This Gommata statue was set up in 1604 A. D. by Veera Thimanna Aijila IV.

Kirimanjeshwara:
Kirimanjeshwara, about 22 Kms. Northwest of Kundapura, on the seacoast, has the Kirimanjeshwara Temple amidst beautiful surroundings. There is another old temple called the Agasteshwara Temple, named after Sage Agastya. There is a large agrahara at this place.

Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple:
Situated at Bappanadu 29 Kms. North to Mangalore in N.H. 17 where the
SDT is located. It is situated very near to Mulky Bus Stand at the bank of
river Shambhavi.

Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple:
Situated at Polali 24 Kms. from Mangalore. Polali is not merely a centre for pilgrimage but also attracts travelers and tourists with its natural scenic beauty and serenity. It is considered a rare and rewarding experience for all.

Sharavu Temple:
Situated in the heart of the city, it is a famous ancient temple of South Kanara. Sharabheshwara & Mahaganapathi are the principal deities in the temple. The temple was built in the 14th century by Thuluva king Veerabahu.

PLACES OF HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE:
Sultan Battery:

It is situated in Boloor 6 Kms. away from Mangalore City Bus Stand. It was built in Black Stones by Tippu Sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurpur River. Battery now known as Batheri. It is today a deserted spot but its construction is bafflingly exquisite. Although it is a
watchtower, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all round. To get there take the City Bus No. 16, 16A.

Srimanthi Bai Memorial Govt. Museum:

At Bejai Ci. V. R. Mirajkar’a donation of a bungalow and rare collections that the doctor grouped together in several years are established into Srimanthi Bai Memorial Govt. Museum.

Barkur:
76 Kms. to the North of Mangalore are majestic Temples belonging to the Chaulkya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara periods. This place was once the traditional capital of Tulunadu.

Jamalabad Fort:
68 Kms. from Mangalore to the east at Belthangady-Killur road is the Jamalabad Fort. Tippu Sulthan built this new fort in 1794. One must climb the fort to sense its beauty.

Manipal:
63 Kms. to the North of Mangalore, 3 Kms. to the East to the East Udupi. Well known place for Banking Industry, Deemed University of Higher education, the Kasturba Medical College, College of Engineering, Manipal Power Press, Udayavani Daily, The Jubilee Church, Valley View, International Health Club, Venugopal Temple etc. Padmashree Dr. T. M. A. Pai id the architect of Manipal.

PUBLIC GARDENS & AMUSEMENTS:
Tagore Park Light House Hill:

About 1 Km. Away from Hampankatta towards light house hill road. Situated on the top of the Bavuta Gudda maintained by P. V. S. group. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea can be seen  from here.
The old light house (18th Century) is
situated here. No evidence is      available  as  to  who constructed it,
but it is generally attributed to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan who has stationed a considerable navy, built a dockyard and named it Courial (Kodial) or the Port Royal.

Pilikula Nisargadhama:

Legend has it that there was a place in Dakshina Kannada where tigers used to play. It is at this mythical spot that Pilikula Nisargadhama is situated. ‘Pilikula’ literally means ‘Pond of the Tigers’ in Tulu.

Located at Mudushedde, just 10 Kms. from Mangalore on the Mangalore-Karkala highway, Pilikula Nisargadhama is an integrated nature park that will offer a delightful variety of attractions to the eco-tourist and nature lover perhaps the most comprehensive facility of its kind yet in the country.
The 350-acre park is located in a thick tropical forest alongside the Gurupur River and offers a panoramic view to the aesthetic eye. While the various wild life safaris promise the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural
habitat, the botanical parks will be a rare treat for those who love plants and flowers. For the aquarium enthusiasts, the park will showcase a wide variety of marine and fresh water species. A unique aspect of Pilikula will be the science center that aims to spark the scientific temper among the young and the old alike, through interesting displays that both educate and entertain.
And for the casual visitor, there’s plenty of recreation and amusement in store too. Such as the cable car, musical fountain, the toy train, fast food eateries, boating, elephant ride and so on.
The first phase of this trend-setting project is now open to the public. Extended over 100 acres, the wild life section has various safaris where you may experience the thrill of viewing wild animals in their natural habitat from the safety of your well-protected sight seeing coach.

Manasa Amusement & Water Park :
 
An exotic paradise of aquamarine life situated in the 450 acres of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. It is a destination for a whole new experience in fun and leisure . It is right place for adults and children to explore the innumerable rides and glides. Entertainment available here are Slides Surprise Zone, Lazy River, Kids Zone etc.,
Kadri Hill Park:

Situated 4 Kms. away from Hampankatta to the East which is adjacent to     NH-17. It is the highest and the largest garden in Mangalore. It comes under the Govt. horticultural department. The park is mainly meant for children. Hence children Train, and other facilities are present in the park. The Circuit House, the state home of visiting dignitaries. All India Radio station, Karnataka Polytechnic Institution, Kadri Telephone Centre, Paduva High School these surround the park.

THE BEACHES IN & AROUND MANGALORE & UDUPI:
Summer Sands Beach Resort:

Summer Sands Beach Resort situated at Ullal Beach was started by the Albuquerque family. It is a 15 acre property with a 1000 feet beach front. It has 30 Villas, lush green environment, and ideal for conferencing and family getaways.

Restaurant serves good Seafood to saliate one’s appetite. Ideal to have an rich memorable experience.
Someshwar Beach :

16 kms to the south of Mangalore, the Someshwar beach is well known for the large rocks locally as ‘ Rudra Shile’

Tannirbavi Beach:
 
This is one of the best beaches of Dakshina Kannada. One can enjoy the sunset view here. It is about 12 Kms. away from Bus Stand. To get there take the City Bus No. 1A.

 Panambur Beach:

10 Kms. from Mangalore is the Panambur Beach, an important harbour, where the business of imports & exports takes place. A hub of activity, it is one of the most popular beaches in Mangalore.

Suratkal Beach:

This picturesque beach is known for it’s clean surrounding and it’s light house. This beach is a few minutes away from National Institute of Technology Karnataka. (Formerly Known as K.R.E.C.)

St. Mary’s Islands:


68 Kms. North of Mangalore. A group of small islands lying a little to the north of the port of Malpe are called St. Mary’s Islands. Vascodagama landed on one of these islands, St. Mary’s Islands are known for their famous basalt rocks which have crystalized into columns and split into hexagonal mosaic.

Paradise isle beach resort :


The only full fledged beach resort on the coastal Karnataka, is located at the unspoilt beauty of the beach town of Malpe,  near Udupi . The beach front resort provides the ultimate ambience in five star hospitality .
Situated along the coconut groves, opposite the tranquil Arabian sea, ‘ Paradise isle’ provides the ideal setting for leisure times, having unique dining facility: which  provides ultimate fun, food & relaxation . This aesthetically  landscaped food court overlooking of white sand and shimmering blue sea. The serene beauty of the beach front resort is all set to attract the tourists from all parts of the world.
Maravanthe Beach:

About 105 Kms. North of Mangalore lies this enchanting beach resort between the sea on the west & the river Souparnika flowing in the east. The sunrise &
sunset against the backdrop of the
Kodachadri hills is a sight to behold.               
   

 

* May All Beings Be Happy *