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INTRODUCTION

Mangalore gets its name from the presiding deity of the town, Mangaladevi, the goddess of fortune. Mangalore is one of the important ports in the state of Karnataka situated close to the backwaters of the Netravati and Gurpur rivers. Mangalore being one of the major commercial centres in this area is known for the cultivation of coffee and cashew nuts and are into other industries like Beedi's, Tiles and fishing.

They also export coffee and cashew nuts to other countries.Managalore are known for its scenic beauty where the entire city is fenced with coconut palms, hills and streams. Mangalore was referred by different names during different periods like it was called 'Managalapuram' in 715 AD by a Pandya King, while in the 11th century an Arabian traveler called it 'Manjarur'.However today t is known by the name Mangalooru which was recently declared by the government of Karnataka. The temples and the beeches in Mangalore draw a lot of tourist attention.

HISTORY

There are mentions about the city of Mangalore as Mandegora in the books written by Ptolemy and Pliny.There are records which says that Mangalore was rewarded to Parashurama by Samudraja.Also it is believed that the Sahayadri mountains in Mangalore is an important place where great sages like ysa, Vashista,Kanva, Vishwamitra, etc, had spent their days meditating. Till the end of the 14th century Mangalore and its adjoining territory where under the control of the Alpa Dynasty.

There are records for Mangalore as one of the major trading center from notes made by Ibn Batuta.Mangalore was also under the reign of the Odeya Kings where King Mangaras Odeya was one of the governor.Besides him Deeva Raaja Odeya is also said to have ruled Mangalore in 1429.Mangalore was under the control of Portuguese in 1520 and then followed by the Arabs in 1695.From the Arabs Hyder Ali captured Mangalore only to loose again to British and finally it became a part of the Karnataka state.

LOCATION

Mangalore on the west coast of India in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It coordinates at 12.87≥N 74.88°E.

BEST SEASON

The ideal time to visit Mangalore is during the period of winter for it is quite hot and humid during summer.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Aati Festival

Aati festival goes for about a month and it roughly starts around 17th of July and ends on 15th August. During this festival season Aatikalanja a ritual folk dance is performed by a group of people belonging to the Nalke community. Another festival celebrated during the month of July-August is Kalanja who a minor spirit is believed to protect the village. Janmashtmi It is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees celebrate it with feasts and dances after the whole day fast. People go to temples, especially of Lord Krishna which are decorated for this day. This is celebrated in the month of August/September, is one of the major festival of Mangalore.

Dussehra

There is a unique form of dance practised by the people of Dakshina Kannada during the time of Dussehra celebrations. The other festivals celebrated here include the Ganesh Puja and Navaratri.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Mangaladevi Temple

Mangalore which was initially referred as Mangalapur and the name was derived from the presiding deity of the town, Mangaladevi, the goddess of fortune.Mangaladevi is the incarnation of Goddess Shakti.This temple is located at a distance of about 3kms away from the bustking town and it draws lot of tourists both within and outside the country.

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 situated in a place called Kateel which is at a distance of 30 km from Mangalore. This place is known for its scenic beauty and it is surrounded by hills and paddy fields.

It is a place of tourist attention and a pilgrimage centre especially during the fair of Yakshagana Dashavatara mela.People come from different parts of the country to Kateel to get the blessings of goddess Durga.

Lord Krishna Temple

This is a very famous pilgrimage spot in a place called Udupi situated at a distance of 60kms away from Mangalore.The idol of Lord Krishna is worshipped by devotees coming from different parts of the world. Every day poojas are conducted and the idol of Lord Krishna is fully adorned with real jewels and gems. One of the main attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana Kindi'.The 'Kanakana Kindi' is a small window and the story behind this is that once an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna belonging to a Lower caste was not allowed to enter the temple.So Lord Krishna gave his darshan to the devotee through this small window.

St. Aloysius Church

St. Aloysius Church belonging to the 1899-1900 period is just a kilometer away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand. This church which is known for its architecture is compared with the Sistine chapel in Rome. The main attraction of the St. Aloysius Church is its painting adorning the interior walls and the roof of the Church. These paintings were specially done by an artist named Antony Moshaini from Italy.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Sri Sharavu Sharabeshwara - Sri Mahaganapathy Kshetra is nearly 800 years old of long and arduous undertaking. This is considered to be a very sacred religious centre. The other important pilgrim centre in this area is Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, Kudroli etc.

Light House Hill-Garden

The Light House Hill-Garden is again situated very close to the city bus stand. From here one can get a beautiful view of the sea and the boats and ships sailing in it. The view of the sunset and the sunrise is very eye capturing from here.

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple situated in the vicinity of the Nehru Maidan Bus Stand is another important temple in the area which draws a lot of tourist attention.

Sultan Battery

Sultan Battery was built by Tipu Sultan with black stones mainly to prevent the warships from entering the Gurupur River. But however now even though it is not maintained well it still gives impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all round.

SHOPPING

The main shopping items in Mangalore includes sarees made of Pure Silk, and decorative items made from ivory and sandalwood.Some of the main shopping areas include Hampankatta, Kankannady, Balmatta,Falnir,Bharath Mall. The other shopping areas include Mischief Mega Mall, the Excel Mall and the Time Square.

GETTING THERE

By Air

Mangalore has its own airport and receives flights of Indian Airlines and Jet Airways regularly. Many other private flight operators like Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines have their operation in Mangalore. Apart from being connected to all the airports in Karnataka, it is also accessible from many important cities around India like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and Kolkata.

By Rail

Mangalore has its own rail head and has connection to all the major cities of India. There are trains coming to Mangalore from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata. Kopnkan railways connects it to many parts of Kerala. Rail network between Mangalore and cities of Karnataka is also good.

By Road

Mangalore is one of the major cities in Karnataka, This ensures good connectivity by road to all major parts of Karnataka. State Highway 48 and 17 pass through Mangalore which connects it to cities like Bangalore and Mysore KSRTC buses and private coaches are frequent between the Mangalore and other major cities of the state.