ATTRACTIVE PLACES IN DAKSHINA KANNADA

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple, Kudroli, Mangalore

This temple is situated at Kudroli, which is about 3 Km away from the main city area of Hampankatta. The original temple structure was in Kerala style, which was replaced, by Chola style during recent renovation in 1991. The main deity of the temple is Lord Sri Gokarnanatha (another form of Lord Shiva). Navarathri Utsava (Dasara festival) is very famous and is one of the main tourist events in this temple. A grand procession of Goddess Durga takes place during this festival, which attracts many tourists and devotees from distance corners of the state and is very popular like Mysore Dasara. Billawa Community manages this temple.
To get there take the City Bus Number- 13, 7

Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Kadri, Mangalore

It is situated 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand and hence is easily accessible. The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore. It is said to be built during the 10th or 11th century. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian Temples. In front of the temple, at an height there are a number of water ponds. There’s a garden surrounding the ponds. When one walks down from there in front of the temple is a huge lightpole. During karthika maasa, deepothsava is held here. There are statues of Machendranath, Gorakanath,  Shringinath, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and Budha in the temple.
To get there take the City Bus Number- 3, 3A, 4, 4C, 6A, 6B, 6C, 14, 14A, 14B, 21, 22, 30A, 30B, 48.

 

St. Aloysius Church, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore

St Aloysius Church is situated in the heart of the city. It is just 1 Km away from Nehru Maidan bus stand, Mangalore. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Anthony Moscheni of Italy. It is comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome.. The church was built in the year1899-1900. The central row of paintings on the ceiling depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom this College and Chapel is dedicated.
To get there take the City Bus Number-5, 19, 42, 43, 55, 51, Most of all

 

 

Ullal Darga, Ullal, Mangalore

The Darga of Sayed Mohammed Shereful Madani, who is said to have come to Ullal from Madina 400 years ago, is a famous darga in this region. Thousands of people from various states visit the mosque to participate in the Urus festival which is celebrated once in every 5 years.
To get there take the City Bus Number- 44A, B, D

 

Mahatobhara Shree Mangala Devi Temple, Mangaladevi, Mangalore

 

Mangaladevi Temple is Situated 3 Km Southwest of Mangalore City, this temple has influence on the name and importance of Mangalore. The word Mangalore is derived from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. The temple built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. The Goddess Mangale is worshiped as Shakti. The festival is celebrated during 9 days of Navaratri (October).
To get there take the City Bus Number- 27,  27A, 29A.

 

Shree Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Kudupu, Mangalore

This temple is situated in Kudupu village, which is 10 Kms away from Mangalore City, in the Mangalore-Moodabidri route. This temple is dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabha (another form of Lord Vishnu) and famous for serpent worship. Annual festival Shashti is a famous religious ceremony falls in December. Also Nagarapanchami, a worship of sacrificing the milk to Lord Naga is celebrated with great devotion. The devotees strongly believe that worship of Mangaladevi brings riches and delight. Mangaladevi is worshiped as "Shakti" here. It is common belif among locals that ladies who practice the fasting known as Mangala Parvati Vrata will be blessed with fulfilling their wishes for a good marriage.

Polali Rajarajeshwari temple, Polali, Bantwala

Temple is located at Polali in Kariyangala Village of Bantwal Taluk in Dakshina Kannada District. The village is surrounded by high hillocks and wide paddy fields. the temple was built in 8th century AD. King Suratha got constructed this temple, installed the image of Goddess Rajarajeshwari and placed his own crown on the head of the deity. The big image of the Goddess is made up of Clay; the height of the Goddess is more than nine feet and wears an amazing crown made of precious gems.Lord Mahaganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, Goddess Bhadrakali and Goddess Saraswathi are other deities adorn the sanctum sanctorum. The annual festival begins in the month of March and lasts for one month. The deity is placed on ’Prabhavati’, a beautifully adorned circular crown-like structure. Polali chendu, a football game played during the temple festival is very popular. Other festivals like Sivarathri, Gokulashtami, Navaratri, Deepavali, Sashti and Dhanur mahotsavam is celebrated with great devotion. Polali, an important seat of Shakti worship is located at a distance of 30 km from Mangalore and situated about 200 yards from the Phalguni River.
To get there take the City Bus Number- 3B, and buses moving towards Moodabidre. There are frequent busses plying from State bank bus stand (Hampankatta, Mangalore) to B.C.Road via Polali temple. It is 19 K.M. from Mangalore. New visitors for quick transit can catch a service bus from Mangalore up to Kaikamba (via Gurupura) and from Kaikamba another bus service having stop at Polali temple.

 

1000 Pillar Shrine, Moodabidri

The famous 1000 pillar shrine is placed in Moodabidri, 35 Km North East of Mangalore, the Holy shrine of the Jains, Thousand Pillar Basadi is dedicated to Shri Chandranath, a Jain saint. The temple is intricately carved and has Nepalese style of architecture.  The 1000 pillar temple is around 560 years old and was build 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. No where in Karnataka a Basadi of so much grandeur and so much magnificence as this could be found.

Venoor - Gommateshwara, Venoor

Venoor is about 54 Km from Mangalore. The chief objects of interest here are the colossal Monolithic statue of Gommata of 38ft in height and a few basadis. This staute sculpted by Janakacharya was set up in 1604 AD by Veera Thimanna Ajila IV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sultan Batheri, Mangalore

 

It is situated in Boloor, 6 Km away from Mangalore city bus stand. It was built in Black stones by Tippu sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurupur River. The construction is bafflingly exquisite. Although it is a watchtower, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all rounds.
To get there take the City Bus Number- 14,16, 16A

Jamalabad Fort
65 km from Mangalore the Jamalabad Fort was built in 1794 by Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, in memory of his mother Jamalabee.

Kadri Hill Park , Kadri, Managalore

 

Kadri Hill Park is next to Nanthoor bus stop and adjacent to NH-17. It is just 4 Km away from Mangalore. It is famous for its horticulture, comes under governments horticulture department.  It is the highest and the largest garden in Mangalore. The park is mainly meant for children.

Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangalore

 

Located at Mudushedde, just 10 Kms from Mangalore, Pilikula Nisargadhama is an integrated nature park that will offer a delightful variety of attractions to the eco-tourist and nature lovers. Spread over 300 acres of land the park has a lake with boating facilities, a wild life safari, a mini aquarium and science center.

Summer Sands Beach Resort, Ullal, Mangalore

 

Summer Sands Beach Resort situated at Ullal Beach is around 15 Kms away from Mangalore to the South. Set in 14 acres of casuarina groves, has well furnished cottages and makes a pleasant getaway from the city. Restaurant serves good seafood to satiate one’s appetite.

Surathkal Beach, Surathkal, Mangalore

 

This picturesque beach is known for its clean surrounding and its light house. This beach is few minutes away from National Institute of Technology, Karnataka

Tannirbavi Beach, Mangalore

 This is one of the best beaches of Dakshina Kannada. One can enjoy the sunset view here. It is about 12 Kms away from Mangalore.

Panambur Beach, Panambur, Mangalore

10 Kms from Mangalore, to the left of the harbour and about 1Km from NH.17
To get there take the City Bus Number- 40, 41, 45, 59

Someshwar Beach, Someshwara, Mangalore

9 Kms to the south of Mangalore, and 1/2 Km from the Someshwara Bus stand, this beach is well known for the large rocks called "Rudra Shile". The historical Somanath Temple constructed during the regime of the famous queen Abbakka Devi is situated in the north side.

Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple
It is located at a distance of 28 km from Mangalore in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Narahari Parvatha is surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries. This is one of the oldest temples and it is located on the top of the hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One has to climb the hill to reach this temple. It is believed that Nara and Hari, incarnations of Lord Vishnu were supposed to have performed the penance at this place. There are ponds atop of the hill in the shape of Shanka (Conch), Chakra (Wheel), Gadha (Weapon) and Padma (Lotus).It is also believed that taking a holy dip in these ponds on Monday of the Karthika month is considered to be sacred.

Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel

 

Kateel is a sacred place for Hindus in Dakshina Kannada. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari. The holy temple is situated in the middle of the sacred river. The temple surrounded by panoramic scenes and fascinating greeneries. The devotees overwhelmed with pious emotions when they glance at the flowing water in the river, which embraces all around the lower layer of the temple. Kateel is 29 K.M. distances from Mangalore city.
Website- http: www.kateeldevi.in
Address: 
Kateel post, Mangalore,
Dakshina Kannada District.
Pin Code-574 148,
Karnataka State, India
E-mail:contact@kateeldevi.in
Phone:     +91 824 2200361 / 2200591 / 2200561

Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple, Mulki

 

The temple has a history of about 800 years. The meaning of Bappanadu is ’Bappa’s Village’. It is believed that, Bappa Beary, a Muslim merchant is responsible for the construction of Goddess Durga Parameshwari temple here. Since then the place is come to be known as `Bappanadu’ and the first honorary prasadam of the annual car festival is offered to the successors of Bappa Beary every year. Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple at Bappanadu is one of the important seats of Shakti worship in Dakshina Kannada district. Here main deity is in the form of Linga (symbolic statue). Bappanadu Durga Parameshwari Temple, has been regarded as a symbol of communal harmony, devotees from all faiths offer prayers here. Bappanadu’s Dolu (musical drum) is well known and a large drum can be found in the temple premises. During annual car festival a community allowed to participate in beating of drums which is done with great enthusiasm and devotion. This festival comes in the day of Meena Masa Shuddha Chathurdhashi and celebrated for 8 days with unique feature in each day.
Postal Address
Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple,
Bappanadu, Mulki
Dakshina Kannada District
Karnataka, INDIA
Pin code: 574154
Distance from Bappanadu, Mulki
Kateel: 14 km
Mangalore: 30 km

 

Horanadu Annapurneshwari

 

In the midst of the Western Ghats, surrounded by greenery Goddess Annapoorneshwari makes Horanadu her home. The name of the goddess means "Feeding one & all", like the ever giving & loving mother. The specialty of this temple is that everybody who visit this shrine are provided with food & place to sleep or rest. The temple of Annapoorneshwari , situated in Hornadu; with its pomp, glory and grandeur attracts people not only from Karnataka, but also from other places of India. Eight KM from Hornadu, surrounded by Bhadra River on three sides, holy place Kalasa has the shape of a pot. On the fourth side we have the duggapana katte hill . At the base of this hill you can find the great kalasheshwara temple. The soil and stones of Kalasa tell the stories of puranas and kings. as you enter the place you will feel, as if you are in the cradle of god, giving you the sense of security and satisfaction. The place is ready to reveal it’s sacredness and holiness of its mystic and ancient days.

 

Dharmastala Manjunatheshwara Temple, Dakshina Kannada District

Dharmasthala is perhaps the most highly revered and best known temple town in Karnataka. Located amidst the picturesque Western Ghats on the banks of the Netravati River, it is about 100 kms. from Udupi in Belthangady taluk. The Jain tirthankara and Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) are worshipped on the same consecrated ground. Devotees of all caste and creed visit this holy place well known for charity. Besides the many Jain basadis and a museum, the centrepiece of this temple town is a 39 ft. tall monolith statue of Lord Bahubali. Everyone enjoys generous hospitality without any distinction whatsoever. On an average the flow of pilgrims is about 10,000 people everyday. A mechanized and clean kitchen provides free food for all pilgrims can feel comfortable at the guest houses, which have all modern amenities. Dharmasthala symbolizes the true essence of religion and stands out as an oasis of peace and harmony. Here, one can witness a happy confluence of three faiths co-existing in complete harmony. While the presiding deity is Lord Shiva, the priests who conduct the daily rituals are Vaishnavaite Brahmins and the Dharmadhikari of the temple is a devout Jain. Thus religious tolerance and a spirit of oneness, which are the prominent characteristics of the Indian cultural heritage, has become the hallmark of Dharmasthala. This place was originally called "Kuduma" but in the l6th century it was named as Dharmasthala - the abode of dharma and charity. The lineage of the Dharmadhikari can be traced back Over 600 years. According to the legend, a Jain Heggade known for his piety and hospitality, was chosen by the Dharmadevatas-the guardian angels of dharma, for the propagation of dharma; being Shivaganas, they installed a Shivalinga from the Kadri temple in Mangalore, so that dharma could be established in the name of the Lord. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the Shivalinga. They also ordained the Heggade to carry out certain traditional charities.

Seemanthi Bai Government Museum, Bejai, Mangalore 
It is situated in Bejai 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan city Bus Stand.  One can see the idols, materials of historical importance here. 
To get there take the City Bus No- 19. 

New Mangalore Port Trust, Panamboor
It is situated 10 Km. away from main City Bus Stand.  It is the ninth biggest port of India.  One can visit the port by getting the permission from the proper authority. 
To get there take the City Bus No- 2, 2A, 2C, 40A, 41A, 45 to 45 G, 53, 53A, 59.


ATTRACTIVE PLACES IN UDUPI DISTRICT

Udupi Krishna Temple

Udupi is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats. Situated about 60 kms from Mangalore. Udupi is first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Thousands of pious devotees throng the Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. The unique feature of this temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The window is exquisitely carved and silver - plated. It has been a tradition in this temple to worship the Lord only through this window. Read on to know more about the temple, the legends, the pujas & rituals and the festivals celebrated.

Ganesh Temple - Anegudde Vinayaka Temple

Kumbhashi, about nine kms to the south of Kundapur, is famous for its two Temples, namely, Mahalingeshwara and Anegudde Vinayaka. The name of the place is said to be derived from Kumbhasura who was slain here. Inscriptions mention this place as Kumbha-Kashi. It is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region called "Parashurama Srishti" or the creation of Saint Parashurama.


Brindavan Garden and Sri Venu Gopalakrishna Temple
The unique architecture of the temple is a combination of openness of landscaped space and religious harmony. Now the centre for religious activity opposite which is the Brindavan Garden and colourfully lit fountains water falls is a haven for children.

Murdeshwara

Located on the main Mangalore-Karwar highway, Murudeshwar is sandwiched between the picturesque Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Its main attractions are its beach, an awesome Shiva statue and a Shiva Temple built with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in the Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is located on a hillock which offers a magnificent view of the sea.

Kolluru Mookambika Temple

Kollur, 80 kms from Udupi, is one of the most important places of pilgrimage on the west coast attracting pilgrims from all over India. The temple dedicated to the Divine Mother, Sri Mookambika, stands in the valley of the great Kodachadri peak. Inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, there is an ancient jyotirlinga which is divided by a golden line into two unequal parts, the greater representing the three Goddesses, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali and the smaller Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The temple dome, including the kalasha, is made up of gold.


Shringeri Sharada

Sri Shankara Bagavthpada is the august founder of the Sringeri Sharada pitha in Karnataka. To this day, the pitha shines as beacon light to seekers of spiritual knowledge. At Sringeri, he saw a strange sight on the bank of River Tunga. A serpent was protecting a pregnant frog with its outstretched hood from Scorching heat of sun.Overwhelmed by the sight of vicious foes being compassionate friends on this land, he decided to establish the first pitha at Sringeri. Here he spent 12 years teaching philosophy to his disciples. The serenity of sacred Sringeri is there for anyone to see even today. Situated 100kms from Udupi, Shringeri is a wellknown centre of pilgrimage on the banks of the river Tunga and at the foot of the Sahya mountain - a part of the western ghats, in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is as sacred as Kashi, Rameshwaram, Puri, Dwaraka, Tirupathi, Srisailam, Srirangam, Pandharpur, Badrinath and Pashupathinath. This place is held in high esteem also because of the Maha samsthan of Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharya. It is here that Sri Adi Shankarachrya, the exponent of the Advaita system of philosophy, established the first southern centre (" Shringeri Math ") for propagating the Sanatana Dharma. Sharada being the Goddess worshipped here, this holy place is known as Sharada Peeth as Goddess Sharada is being worshipped here. While moving all over India, Sri Shankara selected a few places for establishing his spiritual centres. Shringeri is prominent amongst such places, the others being Puri, Dwaraka, Badrinath, Kashi and Kedarnath. Sri Shankara spent a longer period of his life at Shringeri. It was here that he wrote several of his treatises.

Maravanthe Beach

This scenic beauty is situated 105 Km. away from Mangalore, this is a unique place where the arabian sea and the river is separated by a narrow road. The Beauty of Manipal’s “End Point” At one end of Manipal lies a deserted place famously known as End Point. Well I feel short of words while explaining the naturalistic beauty of this place. Just imagine yourself standing on the top of the plateau on which Manipal is founded. A beautiful river runs below the hilly area. Trekking down the place is very very exciting, encountering all sorts of plants and going through the areas of dense vegetation down the plane.

 

Dr. TMA Pai Planetarium
The planetarium dedicated to Dr TMA Pai, is located on the banks of the Manipal Lake near the Manipal Junior College. It is part of the Manipal Heritage Park which has several scientific and cultural attractions. The programs of the planetarium seek to increase awareness about astronomy and to stimulate interest in stargazing.

Manipal “End Point”, Manipal

At one end Manipal lies a deserted place famously known as End Point. Well I feel short of words while explaining the naturalistic beauty of this place. Just imagine yourself standing on the top of the plateau on which Manipal is founded. A beautiful river runs below the hilly area. Trekking down the place is very very exciting, encountering all sorts of plants and going through the areas of dense vegetation down the plane.