Making the most of Mangalore
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The New Mangalore port is located in Panambur, Mangalore harbor, 10 km away from the main city. The terminal has a state-of-the-art cruise lounge accommodation with an immigration counter, foreign exchange facility, duty-free shops and a handicraft boutique.
Shuttle bus drops you off at a shopping mall in the center of the city where there are several taxis and tuk-tuks.
There are also taxis and tuk-tuks at the port entrance, about 12 USD to the city center, negociate!!!
The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, 3kms from the city, is an important landmark. You could also visit Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, located on the highest foothill, and dating back to 1086 AD. It houses what is said to be India's best bronze statue of the God Lokeshwara. While there, visit the stone caves on top of the hill called the Caves of the Pandavas.
The Mangaladevi Temple, is named after the princess in whose memory the city also got its name. You could also visit the St. Aloysious Chapel, atop the lighthouse hill, built between the 18th and 19th centuries, and see the beautiful paintings that adorn the walls of the church. Keep some time to visit the Kudroli Mosque as well.
Mangalore is also known as the 'Cradle of Education' in Karnataka with many colleges.
Mangalore is known for its large population of eagles. They are everywhere.
Malaria is endemic in Mangalore. Regular water is not safe.
Six kilometers away from the city, is Boloor, where you will find the Sultan Battery, built by Tippu Sultan and made of black stone. While it may look like a fort it was really a watchtower.
Getting around
Sharing a taxi is a good way to see most highlights. About $80 for the day.
Mangalore is one of the only few cities in India where the autorickshaw driver still uses the meter for all journeys. The starting fare is 25 rupee.
Nearby places
Pilikula nisarga dhama is about 12 km from city and is a tourist spot with "manasa" water theme park, animal park, boating, science center, arboretum,golf course etc., all in one place.
Mangalore has many clean and beautiful beaches.
Food and shopping
You could shop at the many malls and bazaars on M G Road, Hampankatta, Balmatta, Kankannady and Falnir. Try the local Mangalorean cuisine that includes typical Udipi dishes, as well as spicy coconut based seafood and non-veg curries. The city has quite a cosmopolitan choice of restaurants too.
Carrying water free hand sanitizer is a must. Go ahead and eat with your hands like everyone else! Once you use your hand sanitizer your hands are cleaner than the silverware that was washed with water you don't want to drink.
Money
The currency in India is the Indian rupee.
In the big cities, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other westernized restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand.
Staying connected
Kannada, a language of the Dravidian family, spoken in southwestern India.
Internet kiosks are everywhere nowadays and they charge as low as as Rs. 10 per hour. Beware of using your credit cards online as many cases have come forward regarding credit cards thefts using key loggers.
Opening Hours and
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