¤ About Mangalore
Mangalore
was once the major port during the reign of Hyder Ali. With huge hills on
one side and sea on the other, Mangalore is one of the most naturally gifted
cities in Karnataka. The city gets its name from the famous Mangaladevi
Temple. The city is inhabited by people of different religion like Hinduism,
Jainism, Christianity and Islam, which adds further diversity to the culture
and colors of the city. Mangalore has few of the oldest temples and
monuments in Karnataka.
And it also is among the fastest growing
cities in the state. This lets one get a glimpse into the past and future of
the city at the same time. If your vacation is incomplete without shopping,
then take a trip to Mangalore. It is the center for exporting coffee and
cashew nuts to all parts of the country and abroad. So do not forget to buy
yourself some packs of pure coffee and cashew. It is also a great place to
shop for celebrated Karnataka textiles.
¤ Major Tourist Attractions
of Mangalore» Carved Out of Stones - Mangalore
is more an attraction for the pilgrims as the most visited places in the
city are all temples. The huge and grand temples are all a marvel of
architecture. The main temple in the city is the Mangaladevi temple, which
is the reason the city is named Mangalore. Regular rituals and Pujas are
performed in almost all the temples of the city. So the city turns out to be
a great pilgrimage as well.
» Mangaladevi Temple -
Mangalore City got its name from the Mangaladevi Temple. Earlier, the city
was called Mangalapur, which slowly got changed to Mangalore. The temple is
visited by pilgrims from around the country. Goddess Mangaladevi is believed
to be a form of Goddess Shakti. The temple is situated at a distance of 3 km
form the city center and can be easily reached by road.
»
Kadri Temple -Kadri Temple which is situated in Kadri hills, is
dedicated to Lord Manjunatheshwara. Built around 10th century, the temple
has the oldest statue of Lord Manjunathaswamy in South India. Kadri Temple
is famous for the holy water that flows through the gap, in the shape of a
cow's head called 'Gomukha'. It is said that the water has curing effects.
For taking a bath in the water, many pilgrims come here from all over the
world. The temple is also famous for the Pandava Guha.
»
Goddess Durga Temple - Goddess Durga Temple is located at a
distance of 30 km in a place called Kateel. The place is surrounded by lofty
hills and is covered with green paddy fields, the place is naturally
splendid. Kateel has been one of the most visited pilgrimage center in
Karnataka. Huge number of pilgrims visit the temple and the number increases
evidently during the Yakshagana Dashavatara mela (fair) which was started as
an offering to the goddess.
»
Lord Krishna Temple -Lord Krishna Temple is situated in Udupi - 60
Km from Mangalore. The temple is famous for a unique statue of Lord Krishna.
The idol is heavily decorated with magnificent real jewels and gems. Another
famous attraction of the temple is a small window called 'Kanakana Kindi'.
It is said that Lord Krishna once gave his darshan to an ardent devotee, who
was not allowed inside the temple because of his lower caste. The temple is
now considered as a center for education, cultural and religious programmes.
¤
ShoppingWith its shimmering silks, sandalwood and rosewood
carvings, and exquisite handicrafts, Karnataka is a shopper's paradise. You
can buy sandalwood sculptures, agarbattis (incense sticks,) perfumes,
sandalwood oil, and other small gifts like pens, letter openers, metal
lamps, wood carvings, and inlay work. Karnataka's rich cultural heritage is
evident in every product made by skilled, dedicated artisans who are devoted
to keeping their art alive.
¤ AccomodationMangalore
is one of the quickly growing cities in Karnataka. Number of visitors also
has been increasing steadily. And to meet the requirements, there are many
hotels and resorts in the city. You will find both luxury and budget hotels
in Mangalore. Most of the luxury hotels also provide good business
facilities. The hotels that stand out are Taj Manjarun Hotel, Hotel Moti
Mahal, Hotel Poonja International and Hotel Srinivas.