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
New Mangalore port is at Panambur in Mangalore harbour, 10 km from the main city. Its state-of-the-art cruise lounge includes immigration, foreign exchange, duty-free shops and a handicraft boutique.
The shuttle bus leaves passengers at a city-centre shopping mall, where taxis and tuk-tuks are available.
Taxis and tuk-tuks also wait at the port entrance. A journey to the centre costs about 12 USD, but negotiate.
Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple is an important landmark 3kms from the city. Also consider Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple, on the highest foothill and dating to 1086 AD, said to contain India's best bronze statue of God Lokeshwara. While there, see the stone Caves of the Pandavas at the hilltop.
Mangaladevi Temple is named for the princess after whom the city is also named. Visit St. Aloysious Chapel on lighthouse hill, built between the 18th and 19th centuries, for its beautiful wall paintings, and leave time for Kudroli Mosque.
Mangalore is called Karnataka's "Cradle of Education" because it has many colleges.
The city is known for its large eagle population; they are everywhere.
Malaria is endemic in Mangalore, and ordinary water is unsafe.
Boloor is six kilometers from the city and contains Sultan Battery, built by Tippu Sultan from black stone. Although it resembles a fort, it was actually a watchtower.
Getting around
Sharing a taxi is a good way to cover most highlights, at about $80 for the day.
Mangalore is among the few Indian cities where autorickshaw drivers still use a meter for every journey. The starting fare is 25 rupee.
Nearby places
Pilikula nisarga dhama is around 12 km from the city. This all-in-one visitor spot has the "manasa" water theme park, animal park, boating, science center, arboretum and golf course.
Mangalore has many attractive, clean beaches.
Food and shopping
M G Road, Hampankatta, Balmatta, Kankannady and Falnir have numerous malls and bazaars. Try Mangalorean food, including typical Udipi dishes, spicy coconut-based seafood and non-vegetarian curries; the city also has a cosmopolitan restaurant choice.
Carry water-free hand sanitiser and use it before eating with your hands, as locals do. After sanitising, your hands are cleaner than silverware washed in water you would not want to drink.
Money
The currency used in India is the Indian rupee.
In big cities, retail chains, westernised restaurants and similar stores take credit cards. Smaller and family-run businesses almost never do, so keep a moderate amount of cash available.
Staying connected
Kannada is a Dravidian-family language spoken in south-western India.
Internet kiosks are now widespread, charging as little as Rs. 10 per hour. Be careful using credit cards online, as theft using key loggers has been reported.
Opening Hours and
List of opening hours.