50 Places to Visit near Mangalore within 300 kms (2024)

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls, Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism.

Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors.

The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

Distance from Mangalore: 289 Kms

Formed over Sharavathi River, Jog falls is the one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Karnataka and among the top places to visit near Hubli. It is situated about 152 km from Hubli, and 400 km from Bangalore.

Locally known as Gerusoppe Falls, Jog Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages. The Sharavathi River flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, 253 m deep and the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the huge waterfall. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet the Raja. A third falls, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, is a quiet fall over the mountainside.

A narrow path from viewpoint leads to the bottom of the falls. The view is amazing from the bottom and the showering sizzles of the falls at the bottom are really worth the effort. Unchalli Falls, Bennehole Falls, Yana and Banavasi are among the must include places in Jog Falls tour packages.

Distance from Mangalore: 216 Kms

Halebidu is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka. About 34 km from Chikmagalur, and 211 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages.

Halebidu is famous for the beautiful Hoysala Temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built in 1121 AD. These are the most important places to visit as part of Halebidu tour packages. Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Belur temple & Somnathpur temple. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Halebidu is one of best places to visit near Bangalore.

Another popular place to visit in Halebidu is the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by King Ballala II, it was decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style.

Distance from Mangalore: 169 Kms

Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka. About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages. Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi.

Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages.

Distance from Mangalore: 209 Kms

Earlier known as Cannanore, Kannur is one of the top beach destinations in Kerala as it is famed for its vibrant culture and pristine white beaches that are relatively undiscovered. It is about 113 km from Madikeri, 138 km from Mangalore, 270 km from Kochi, and 311 km from Bangalore. It is one of the famous places to visit in Kerala.

Cradled in the lap of nature, the beautiful town of Kannur has a plethora of sightseeing options in the form of beaches, historical monuments, and ancient temples. St. Angelos Fort, Thalassery Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Payyambalam Beach, & Valiyaparamba Island are the top tourist places in Kannur. Muzhappilangad Beach is the longest drive-in beach in Asia where tourists can get an opportunity to drive up to a length of 4 km on the beach during their Kannur tour.

Also, Kannur is well known for its handlooms and is often described as the land of 'loom and lore'. Besides, Kannur enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many colorful folk arts and folk music of Kerala. Apart from being culturally rich, Kannur is a valuable asset to the country as it is having Indian Naval Academy, Asia's largest Naval Academy. Kannur can be visited along with Coorg tour packages.

Distance from Mangalore: 144 Kms

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages. It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore.

Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur holiday packages. Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in tourist places in Sakleshpur. Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place.

Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

Distance from Mangalore: 131 Kms

At a distance of 179 km from Kochi, 124 km from Palakkad, 176 km from Coimbatore, 113 km from Thrissur, 158 km from Ooty, 241 km from Mangalore, 352 from Bangalore, 376 km from Trivandrum and 213 km from Mysore, Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) is a city in the state of Kerala. It is the 3rd largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode District.

The name Kozhikode is said to be derived from Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort). This is known by various names, for the Arabs it was Kalikat, for the Chinese it was Kalifo. Tipu Sultan, during the conquest of Malabar, unsuccessfully attempted to change the name of the city to Firozabad. Malayalis have always preferred to call it Kozhikode. With the Arabian Sea on the west and Wayanad Hills on the east, Kozhikode is a popular places to visit in Kerala.

According to history, Kozhikode was under the Chera rulers until 1122 AD. The city of Calicut came into existence in the 13th century when the Ernad King Udaiyavar conquered the area around Ponniankar and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, now known as Calicut. The Europeans called him Zamorin. Interestingly, the name Calicut is derived from 'calico,' the fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth said to have originated from this place. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men in 1498. A monument ...

Distance from Mangalore: 236 Kms

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka. About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore.

Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages. With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are importantplaces to visit in Shravanabelagola.

Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages.

Distance from Mangalore: 213 Kms

Kasargod is a coastal town in Kerala. About 48 km from Mangalore, 110 km from Coorg, and 369 km from Bangalore, it is one of the least explored tourist places in Kerala, and among the famous places to visit near Mangalore.

Kasaragod packages are a mix of majestic forts, lofty hills, meandering rivers, and golden beaches. Bekal Fort, among the popular places of heritage in Kerala, Bekal Fort Beach, Pallikere Beach, Kappil Beach, and Kanwatheertha Beach are the popular tourist places in Kasaragod.

Besides, Kasargod is also blessed with a dozen estuaries as 14 rivers crisscross the district that nourishing the verdant landscape. Kasaragod can also be visited along with Coorg tour packages.

Distance from Mangalore: 54 Kms

Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka.

Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages. This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi/a>.

Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

Distance from Mangalore: 261 Kms

Lies at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border, Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is about108 km from Panjim, and 517 km from Bangalore.

Karwar's tranquil ambiance had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting a large number of tourists. Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach, and Venkataramana Temple are the popular places to visit in Karwar.

Karwar can be visited along with Goa tour packages. The Karavali Utsav is the biggest cultural event held at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar for four days.

Distance from Mangalore: 274 Kms

Nestled in the thickly forested Malnadu region of the Western Ghats, Agumbe is one of the most mesmerizing offbeat tourist places in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 112 km from Mangalore and 342 km from Bangalore.

Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, the scenic village of Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats belt with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. The place is nicknamed 'The Cherrapunji of the South' as it receives the heaviest rainfall in the southern part which makes it a perfect home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. Prominent Agumbe tourist places are Sri Gopala Krishna temple, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Narsimha Parvatha trek, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It can be visited as part of Mangalore holiday packages.

Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only rainforest research station in India, and was established as a sanctuary for the King Cobra. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days.

Distance from Mangalore: 98 Kms

Hassan is a city and the district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. About 120 km from Mysore, 170 km from Mangalore, and 177 km from Bangalore, it is one of the must include places in Karnataka tour packages. It is considered the architectural capital of Karnataka.

Found by the chieftain Channa Krishnappa Naik in the 11th century, Hassan was the command center of the Hoysala Empire. Hassan is the base station for Haebidu, and Belur tour packages. Dotted with several religious spots as well as monuments, Hassan is an ideal place to explore for history lovers, pilgrims, as well as curious souls. Hasanamba Temple, Nuggehalli Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Shettyhalli Church, Mosale temples, Maharaja Park, Chandramouleswara Temple at Arasikere, Bucheshwara Temple at Koravangala, Lakshmidevi Temple at Doddagadduvalli, and Gorur Dam are the top places to visit in Hassan.

It is here where the plains begin to gently slope into the Western Ghats. Besides, Hassan is close to Belur, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpura, and Coorg.

Distance from Mangalore: 245 Kms

Shimoga, also known as Shivamogga is one of the popular places to visit near Hubli, and among the must-visit destinations as part of Karnataka tour packages. It is located about 97 km from Chikmagalur, 183 km from Hubli,and 298 km from Bangalore.

Shimoga city is famous for its landscapes, waterfalls, and historical places, which are the main attractions of Shimoga holiday packages. Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Karnataka, as well as India, is the major attraction of Shimoga. Shimoga can be visited along with Chikmagalur tour packages.

Jog Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Achakanya Falls, Onake Abbey Falls, Hidlumane Falls, and Dabbe Falls are some of the popular waterfalls in Shimoga. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Agumbe, Kodachadri, Keladi, Tunga dam, Linganmakki dam, Shivappa Naik Palace, the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi bird sanctuary, Tyarekoppa Lion Safari, and Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp are some of the important tourist place in Shimoga.

Distance from Mangalore: 207 Kms

About Mullayanagiri

At a distance of 20 km from Chikmagalur and 23 km from Baba Budangiri (by road), Mullayanagiri is a mountain peak located in Chikmagalur. With an altitude of 1950 m, it is the highest peak in Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Chikmagalur Packages. Known for its serene ambiance and nature's raw beauty, this peak is adorned with verdant grassland, rugged rocks, and a good trek path that is also quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Mullayanagiri is also known for coffee plantations that are situated nearby.

History of Mullayanagiri

Regarded as the highest peak between the Himalayas and Nilgiris, Mullayanagiri is one of the best places for trekking in Karnataka. The peak gets its name from a small temple at the summit, which is dedicated to a Tapasvi Mullappa Swamy, who is believed to have meditated at the cave near the summit.

Mullayanagiri Trek

For adventure enthusiasts, it is one of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur as it offers an opportunity to engage in activities like mountain biking, trekking, and road biking. Being the highest peak in Karnataka, it offers some very interesting trails. The trek route to the peak begins from Sarpadaari, which is about 15 km from Chikmagalur. This is a 4 km long moderate trek which is fairly steep ...

Distance from Mangalore: 165 Kms

At a distance of 12 km from Halebidu, 27 km from Belur, 64 km from Chikmagalur, and 82 km from Kemmangundi, Belavadi is a village situated in the Chikmagalur district. It is one of the popular places to visit in Halebidu.

Belavadi is famous for Sri Veera Narayana Temple built in Hoysala architectural style. The place is described as Ekachakranagara of Mahabharata and is said to be the place where Pandava prince Bheema killed the demon Bakasura and protected the village and its people. Belavadi Temple can be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

The Veera Narayana temple was built in the 13th century by the Hoysala King Veera Bhallala II. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in three different forms. While Belur and Halebid are famous for their intricate sculpture, this temple is one of the best examples of Hoysala architecture. The west side of the temple consists of a square garbhagriha, a sukanasi, Ranga mandapa and square maha mantapa. The whole structure has been constructed on a raised platform. The entire temple is built out of soapstone and is believed that this temple was constructed in two phases. The temple is in trikuta style (three vimanas) with Sri Veera Narayana in the center facing east, Sri Venugopala facing north and Sri Yoganarasimha facing south. The shrines ...

Distance from Mangalore: 173 Kms

At a distance of 12 km from Mallandur village, and 39 km from Chikmagalur, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area and a tiger reserve, situated amidst the Western Ghats in Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts of Karnataka. It is one of the most popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Spread over an area of 490 sq. km, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Chikmagalur. The region was declared as a natural reserve, known as the Jagara Valley Game Reserve, in 1951 by the Government of Mysore. In 1974, the reserve was named the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary boasts of a substantial tiger population and it was declared as the 25th Project Tiger of India in 1998.

The sanctuary is situated in the lush tropical forests of the Western Ghats and accommodates the tributaries of the Bhadra River. The sanctuary gets its name from the Bhadra River and a dam has been built on the river near Lakkavalli. The sanctuary has an elevation ranging from 750 m to 1875 m above sea level. Kallahathigiri is the highest peak in the sanctuary with a height of 1875 m. Lakkavalli village near Bhadra ...

Distance from Mangalore: 170 Kms

At a distance of 25 km from Udupi, 86 km from Mangalore & 70 km from Murudeswar, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kumbhashi between Udupi & Karwar. It is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in the region, and among the popular places to visit as part of Udupi Tour.

Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Anegudde is rewarded one of the seven 'Mukti Sthalas' of Karnataka or Parashurama kshetras, which are believed to be created by sage Parashurama. Anegudde is the combination of two words - 'Aane' meaning 'Elephant' and 'Gudde', which stands for 'hillock' as it is the abode of the elephant-headed god, Lord Vinayaka.

Anegudde is also popularly called Kumbashi. The name Kumbhashi is said to be derived from the demon Kumbhasura. According to the mythology, when drought hit this area, Sage Agasthya performed penance to appease the Rain, God. During the penance, demon Kumbhasura started troubling the sages. Bheemasena gets a weapon from Lord Ganesha to kill Kumbahasura and assassinate him at this place. The temple at Anegudde is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha).
According to Legend, Sage Agasthya arrived from heaven to perform Yagna (religious offering) to please the Devas for rain. Kumbasura, an Asura troubled the sages and disrupted the yagna. At this time Lord Ganesha blessed Bheema of Pandavas, with a sword. Bheema fought Kumbasura and slays him.

The main sanctum ...

Distance from Mangalore: 85 Kms

About Talakaveri

At a distance of 9 km from Bhagamandala & 44 km from Madikeri, Talacauvery is the origin of the Cauvery River in Karnataka. It is situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges near Bhagamandala at an altitude of 1276 m. It is one of the best places to visit in Coorg and is among prime place to visit on a Coorg trip.

At Talacauvery, there is a square tank called Cauvery Kundike or Brahma Kundike, which is considered to be the birth place of River Cauvery. Here, River Cauvery emerges as a perennial spring and disappears underground. River Cauvery again emerges at Nagathirtha near Bhagamandala and joins with Kannike and Sujyoti at Triveni Sangam. Bhagamandala is the meeting of three rivers and is also referred to as Triveni Sangam.

History of Talakaveri

According to legend, Cauvery was held captive by sage Agasthya in a Kamandala, a pot carrying sacred water. Lord Ganesha in the form of a crow made the Kamandala to topple at this hill when Sage Agasthya was meditating. There is a shrine dedicated to Kaveri Amman near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. The temple was renovated by the state government in 2007.

Talacauvery also consists of shrines dedicated to Lord Agastheeshwara and ...

Distance from Mangalore: 144 Kms

At a distance of 60 km from Murudeshwar, 73 km from Udupi, 90 km from Jog Falls and 133 km from Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama and the other places are Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna. It is a famous site of pilgrimage in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit near Murudeshwar.

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. According to Legend, Goddess Parvathi killed a demon called Kamsasuran who lived here and attempted to become powerful through his penance. Devi along with the help of Veerabadra, Ganesha and Shiva initially made him dumb and he came to be called Mookasuran (Mooka means dumb). Later the goddess killed him with her Chakra and called as Mookambika thereafter. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte.

The Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. Devi Mookambika has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmahasana ...

Distance from Mangalore: 130 Kms

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Lord Murugan), and among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Mangalore. This temple is famous for Sarpa Dosha. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the protector of all serpents. The epics mention that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refugee under Lord Subrahmanya when attacked by Garuda.

Pilgrims visiting the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in it before entering the temple. According to Mythology, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura in a war; and washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river (hence the river is named Kumaradhara). This is also one of the famous places of trekking in Karnataka.

Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Kukke Subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM

Distance from Mangalore: 106 Kms

At a distance of 16 km from Udupi, Kaup Beach is a beautiful beach situated close to NH17 between Udupi & Mangalore. It is one of the must include places in Udupi Tour Packages, and among the best beaches near Bangalore.

Kaup Beach is one of the famous beaches in Karnataka where tourists enjoy the beauty of the environment, the long stretches of golden sands, and the cool sea breeze. The beach is covered by palm groves. There is a lighthouse here, constructed in 1901, which is open every day for an hour from 5.30 AM. The delightful view of the entire seashore and the beach from the lighthouse is every photographer's dream.

Besides the lighthouse, Kaup also has ruins of Jain Basadis that line across the stretch of sand, and these are definitely worth a visit. Kaup is also known for the temple of Goddess Mariamman. There is also an ancient fort located in Kaup which is in ruins now.

This beach is also popular with students who come from Manipal, a student town. The beach also has small shacks and eateries where one can sample a bit of the local cuisine.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Distance from Mangalore: 43 Kms

At a distance of 14 km from Honavar, and 15 km from Murudeshwar, Ganapati Temple is a Hidu temple situated at Idagunji village near Murudeshwar. It is one of the famous temples in this region, and among the popular places to visit in Murudeshwar.

Located on the left bank of River Sharawati, the Idagunji Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. According to the legend, Lord Ganapati stayed in this place which was known as Kunjaranya. It is said to be a place of penance selected by ancient Rishis. The importance of Idagunji is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. This temple is one of the major pilgrimage centers in Karnataka and attracts more than 1 million devotees per year.

Lord Vinayaka can be seen here in a standing posture, which is a rare sight. Vinayaka Chathurthi is the major festival celebrated here. Idagunji can be reached by bus from Honavar or Manki.

Timings: 6AM - 1PM & 3PM - 8.30PM

Entry: Free

Distance from Mangalore: 172 Kms

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka, and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore Packages.

The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara, this temple dates back to 16th Century. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This place was known as Kuduma and was later renamed Dharmasthala in the 16th century by Vadiraja Swami of Udupi.

The shrines of four Dharma Daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari, and Kumaraswamy) are built well before Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala. Lakshadeepotsava celebrated in Kartheekamasa (Nov/Dec) is the main attraction of the temple.

This temple is involved in several social activities, especially, educational institutes for the poor.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM

Distance from Mangalore: 75 Kms

About Mallali Falls

At a distance of 54 km from Madikeri & 23 km from Somvarpet, Mallali Falls is a magnificent waterfall situated in the foothills of the Pushpagiri Mountains in the Coorg district of Karnataka. It is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the popular Coorg tourist places.

Height of Mallali Falls

Formed by the Kumaradhara River, Mallali Falls drops down from a height of 200 feet and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Coorg. The Kumaradhara River later flows through Kukke Subrahmanya and merges with the Netravati River at Uppinangadi, which then empties into the Arabian Sea at Mangalore. The surroundings of the waterfall provide a spectacular view of green forests, valleys, and mountain ranges.

Best Time to Visit Mallali Falls

The ideal time to visit Mallalli Falls is during the monsoons, from June to September when the water level is at its peak and flows at full speed. Even the greenery around is at its best during this time. During the summer season, the water of the fall almost dries down.

Mallali Falls Timings

Monday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 5.30 PM

Mallali Falls Entry Fee

Entry: Free

How to Reach Mallali ...

Distance from Mangalore: 134 Kms

At a distance of 7 km from Horanadu, 21 km from Kudremukh, 53 km from Sringeri, 86 km from Chikmagalur, and 93 km from Sakleshpura, Kalasa is a small town located in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Surrounded by the scenic Western Ghats, it is one of the popular pilgrimage towns in Karanataka, and among the must include places in Sringeri Tour Packages.

Located on the banks of the Bhadra River, Kalasa is home to the Kalaseshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, during the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi in the Himalayas the attendance of the entire pantheon of deities caused a change in the earth's rotation. Lord Shiva requested the great sage Agasthya to travel south and balance the shift of the earth, promising him that he would be able to witness the wedding from where he resides. Kalasa is believed to be the spot where Sage Agasthya resided during the wedding of Shiva and Parvathi. The marriage is celebrated by devotees to this date.

The Kalaseshwara Temple is located on a hillock, and its main features include a soapstone shrine was built in the Hoysala sculpture style. Meals are provided to pilgrims daily at the temple. Girija Kalyanam is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor at Kalasa. It begins on the new moon and continues to the full moon. The procession idol of the Kalaseshwara temple is taken out during the Car Festival or Rathotsava. Shivratri is another important festival of Kalasa.

Kalasa ...

Distance from Mangalore: 118 Kms

At a distance of 34 km from Belthangady and 57 km from Chikmagalur, Charmadi Ghat or Charmady is a Ghat in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada and Mudigere taluk of Chikmagalur. It is one of the popular ghat roads in Karnataka and among the must-visit places to visit as part of Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

Charmady Ghat is one of the most scenic and dangerous (to drive) Ghats of Karnataka. It is one of the points in Western ghats through which motorable road passes connecting Dakshina Kannada with Chikkamagaluru district. The 25 km stretch starting from Kottigehara and ends at Charmadi Village is awesome, calm, and peaceful. It lies on National Highway 73 that connects Mangaluru to Tumkuru. This ghat section has 12 Hairpin curves and receives very heavy rainfall of over 7000 mm during the monsoon.

Charmadi Ghat is known for its visual beauty as it is home to lush forests, evergreen shrubs, streams, and waterfalls. The roads in this ghat section are very narrow and very deep compared to the other Ghat sections of Karnataka. The Netravati River originates at Bangarabalike which lies between Charmadi and Kudremukh. One of the major attractions of Charmadi is Ballarayanadurga. It is an amazing fort located atop a hill at a distance of 10 km from Sunkasale, via the Kottigehara-Kalasa route. Charmadi Ghat is also blessed with a waterfall named Bandaje Arbi. It falls from a height of 200 feet creating a staggering sight to experience. On a usual note, Charmadi is always ...

Distance from Mangalore: 96 Kms

At a distance of 11 km from Kumta, 22 km from Gokarna, 31 km from Honavar, 59 km from Karwar and 56 km from Murudeshwar, Mirjan Fort is a beautiful fort located in the village of Mirjan near Gokarna. It is one of the most popular heritage places to visit in Gokarna.

Located on the banks of the Aganashini River, a tributary of Sharavathi River, the Mirjan Fort is known for its architectural elegance, and is one of the must include places in Gokarna Tour Packages. Built over an area of about 10 acres, the fort is approached through a series of wide steps that lead to the interiors of the fort. It is a double-walled fort built using laterite stones and has high walls and bastions with high turrets. The fort has four entrances and is surrounded by a moat with interconnected wells.

Mirjan Fort has a rich history and there are many versions of the origin of the fort. According to one version, the fort was built in the 16th century by Chennabhairav Devi, Queen of Gersoppa, a subordinate of Vijayanagar kings. Her reign was one of the longest in the history of female domination in Indian history, from 1552 - 1606. The stronghold of her territory was centered on North and South Kanara districts and South Goa. After the battle of Tallikota in 1565, the territory was attacked by Bijapur Sultans. ...

Distance from Mangalore: 211 Kms

At a distance of 19 Kms from Mangalore Railway Station, Surathkal Beach on the shores of Arabian Sea is a clean beach with tremendous scenic beauty. The beach offers wonderful views of the sunset and it's usually crowded during evenings. It is one of the popular beaches near Mangalore.

The historical Sadashiva Temple near the beach is an added attraction. According to mythology, when Lord Ganesha kept Ravana's shivalinga on the ground, Ravana tried to pick it up with force and some pieces are scattered. One such piece from the linga is said to have fallen in Suratkal.

There is a light house near the Sadashiva Temple, located on a small hillock. Suratkal houses the famed National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK).

Suratkal is connected by frequent bus service with Mangaluru.

Distance from Mangalore: 15 Kms

At a distance of 55 km from Kasaragod, 50 km from Bekal, 45 km from Kanhangad, 195 km from Kozhikode, 100 km from Mangalore & 80 km from Madikeri, Ranipuram is a hill station of Kerala located in Kasaragod district. It lies at an altitude of 750 m adjacent to Kottancheri-Talacauvery mountain range and sharing the border with Karnataka.

Ranipuram was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests of Madathumala merge with the forests of Karnataka. It is a beautiful mountain terrain covered with evergreen shola woods, rain forests and grasslands.

The prime attraction of Ranipuram is Ranipuram National Park. The 50 sq.km sanctuary is bordered with Talacauvery in Karnataka. The national park is home to a substantial population of elephants and many fauna like deer, leopard, porcupine, butterflies and giant Malabar squirrels. There are more than 200 species of birds. Safaris can be arranged in the park and this is the best way to explore the sanctuary.

Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation. There are two trekking trails available to explore the beauty of Western Ghats of Ranipuram. In order to reach the top of the Ranipuram hill which is called Mani, a 45 minutes' walk through the forest is needed. One can get a panoramic view of the landscape and large expanse of green valleys. The rocks on the trekking path are slippery and visitors have to be cautious. Since leeches are very common here travellers are advised to wear long socks ...

Distance from Mangalore: 110 Kms

At a distance of 85 km from Madikeri and 10 km from Irupu Falls, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka state and is part of the Western Ghats. It is situated on the border of Wayanad district of Kerala and Kodagu district in Karnataka. It is one of the famous sites for trekking in Karnataka and also one of the popular places of trekking in Coorg.

Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1974. Situated at an altitude of 5357 feet, the sanctuary is spread across 181 Sq. km. The sanctuary derives its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri Peak, which lies at an altitude of about 1607 m. The vegetation in the low-lying areas is predominantly evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, while shola grasslands cover the higher altitudes. The undulating terrain is dotted with several steep valleys and hillocks.

Elephant, gaur, tiger, jungle cat, leopard cat, wild dog, sloth bear, wild pig, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, Nilgiri marten, common otter, brown mongoose, civet, porcupine, and pangolin are the common wildlife spotted at the sanctuary. Python, cobra, king cobra, malabar pit viper are some of the reptiles found in the sanctuary. Birds in the sanctuary include emerald dove, black bulbul and Malabar trogon.

Brahmagiri Peak, towers over the sanctuary, is a major tourist attraction and is also ...

Distance from Mangalore: 121 Kms

At a distance of 48 Kms from Murudeshwar & 52 Kms from Udupi, Maravanthe is the place separated by Arabian Sea on one side and Souparnika River on the other. The Maravanthe Beach is a beautiful sight on the NH17 towards Udupi.

With a mountainous backdrop of Kodachadri Hills this is a picturesque virgin beach not unspoiled by tourists. The beach is also well lit up at night and the street lights reflect in the waters, making an attractive display. The water at Maravanthe beach is safe for swimming.

Distance from Mangalore: 105 Kms

At a distance of 43 Kms from Murudeshwar, 53 kms from Jog Falls, 93 Kms from Udupi & 17 Kms from Shiroor (on Udupi - Karwar road), Kudumari Waterfalls (also known as Chaktikal Falls) is a magnificent waterfall located in deep forest near Chaktikal village. The waterfall is 17 Kms from Shiroor via Toodalli (also known as Soodalli) and 3 Kms from Chaktikal village. Chaktikal is about 5 Kms from Koosalli and can be reached by driving 2-3 Kms from Toodalli towards Koosalli and taking diversion into Chaktikal village.

Kudumari Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall dropping from a height of 300 feet through a single step. One has to trek for about 3 Kms from Chaktikal through dense forest. The trek route is considered to be very dangerous and not usually recommended for regular visitors (about 2 Hrs trek two-way). Nov - Dec is the best time to trek this place. Chaktikal can be reached from Shiroor by Auto (very few buses are available till Toodalli - 5 Kms from before Chaktikal).

Distance from Mangalore: 174 Kms

At a distance of 45 Kms from Murudeshwar, 54 kms from Jog Falls, 95 Kms from Udupi & 20 Kms from Shiroor (on Udupi - Karwar road), Koosalli Waterfalls is a magnificent waterfall located in deep forest near Koosalli village. The waterfall is 20 Kms from Shiroor via Toodalli (also known as Soodalli) and 5 Kms from Koosalli village.

Koosalli Waterfalls is a 6 step cascading waterfall dropping from a height of 380 feet. One has to trek for 5 Kms from Koosalli through dense forest which also includes difficult rock climbing in order to reach the falls (2 Hrs trek from Koosalli village one-way). This place is highly dangerous during monsoons when the rocks become slippery. Nov - Dec is the best time to trek this place. Koosalli can be reached from Shiroor by Auto (very few buses are available till Toodalli - 5 Kms from before Koosalli).

First three falls are little smaller and remaining three falls are gorgeous. Especially, the sixth fall is awesome with a height of 150 feet.

Distance from Mangalore: 175 Kms

At a distance of 29 km from Kudremukh, 42 km from Sringeri, and 70 km from Chikmagalur, Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple is a famous temple situated in the thick forests of the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Sringeri tour packages.

Sri Annapoorneswari Temple is situated on the banks of River Bhadra and is also known as Sri Kshethra Horanadu. It is believed that this temple was established by Agasthya Maharishi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneswari, one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. A new idol of the main deity was installed at the temple in 1973. It can also be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages.

The temple is now known as Adi Shaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneswari Temple. The recently renovated sanctum of the temple is surrounded by Adi Sesha while the Padma Peetha is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma, and others. The main idol of the goddess is made of gold. The Goddess Annapoorneswari is seen standing on a peetha with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Gayathri Mantra. The name Annapoorneswari means feeding one and all. It is believed that a person who seeks Annapoorneswari's blessing will never face a shortage of food in life. It is believed that Lord ...

Distance from Mangalore: 125 Kms

At a distance of 67 Kms from Sringeri, 90 Kms from Chikmagalur and 26 Kms from Kudremukh Town, Kudremukh is one of the best trekking destinations in Karnataka. At an altitude of 1894m, it is one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats and among the top destinations for trekking in Karnataka.

Permission from RFO at Kudremukh town is necessary to do this trek. The trekking is performed inside the national park and camping is not allowed in specific seasons (check with RFO before planning the trek). Though there are several routes to trek Kudremukh peak, the Samse - Mullodi route is quite famous. Mullodi is 12 Kms from Kudremukh via Samse and can be reached by Jeep from Kudremukh. Though Mullodi is starting point of the trek, some people trek from Samse, which is 4 Kms before Mullodi.

The peak is about 14 Kms from Mullodi village and takes about 5 Hrs to trek. Incase the camping is not allowed on the peak, you will need to start early & return to Mullodi by evening (total 8-9 hrs trek) and stay at Mullodi (home stays available).

Distance from Mangalore: 98 Kms

At a distance of 27 km from Kasaragod, 72 km from Mangalore, 77 km from Kannur, Bekal Fort is an ancient fort situated at Bekal in Kerala. Along the shores of the Arabian Sea, it is one of the best-preserved places of heritage in Kerala, and among the must-include places in Kasaragod sightseeing packages.

Spreads over an area of 40 acres, Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala, and among the famous heritage sites near Mangalore. This fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built in the 1650s by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. There is also another belief that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and was captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort was occupied by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1763 AD and later by the British. Being the source of attraction for historians and tourists, the Bekal Fort was declared as a special tourism area by the Government of India in the year 1992.

Among the best Kasaragod tourist places, the Bekal Fort is a keyhole-shaped lofty structure that stands still against the rocky shores of the Arabian Sea. The fort has a zigzag entrance, strategically designed openings on the outer walls, and various underground passageways. The fort has no palaces inside and ...

Distance from Mangalore: 68 Kms

At a distance of 2 km from Bekal Fort, 28 km from Kasaragod, 62 km from Mangalore & 78 km from Kannur, Bekal Fort Beach is a beautiful sea beach on the Malabar Coastline of Kerala. Situated near Bekal Fort, it is one of the best beaches in Kerala, and among the top places of sightseeing in Kasaragod.

Bekal Beach is one of the best-maintained beaches in Kasaragod, and among the stunning beaches near Mangalore. Swaying palm trees along the ridges of the beach, its evergreen outlook, the turquoise water of the Arabian Sea, and the tranquility that exists in and around Bekal Beach make it a much sought-after beach in Kerala. Along with the historic Bekal Fort, this sandy retreat leaves an everlasting impression in the minds of its visitors who visit the fort during their Kasaragod trip.

There is a Bekal Beach Park with a fascinating walkway made for the visitors to view the scenic beauty of the coastal line and relish the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort. Bekal Beach Park is the extension of Bekal Beach on the other side of the fort. On the actual Bekal Beach swimming is not allowed but on this site, one can take a dip in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. There are Lifeguards on the beach appointed by the Department of Kerala Tourism.

The ...

Distance from Mangalore: 70 Kms

At a distance of 11 km from Thalassery, and 16 km from Kannur, Muzhappilangad Beach is a drive-in beach situated at Muzhappilangad village in the Kannur district of Kerala. Along the Arabian Sea coast, it is one of the best drive-in beaches in India, and among the must-visit Kannur tourist places.

Extending up to 6 km long, the Muzhappilangad Beach is the longest drive-in beach in Asia and the only drive-in beach in the entire Kerala where tourists can drive up to a length of 4 km that offers an open road with no traffic and a stunning view. It is also featured among the top 6 best beaches for driving in the world in the BBC article for Autos. Muzhappilangad is the only Asian beach featured in the list.

Located between Thalassery and Kannur, the sand of the beach is hard enough which allows vehicles to be driven on it. Driving a car or a bike has to be the highlight of this beach and it is a must-try for any tourist with a vehicle of their own as part of Kannur tour packages. The beach is bordered by black rocks, which protect it from the strong currents of the ocean. With mild waves and shallow pools, the beach is also ideal for swimming. It is also a preferred spot for treating yourself to some amazing views of the sunset. Despite a tourist destination, the beach is a bird-watching hotspot too ...

Distance from Mangalore: 157 Kms

At a distance of 3 km from Nileswaram, 38 km from Kasaragod and 58 km from Kannur, Kottappuram is a serene backwater destination situated in Kasaragod district of Kerala. It is one of the popular Kerala backwater destinations and among the must visit places in Kerala as part of Kannur Tour.

Being part of 'Valiyaparamba Backwaters', Kottappuram backwaters is a large body of scenic backwaters fed by four rivers. The River Tejaswini is one among them and a houseboat cruise through its waters with views of areca nut groves and coconut palms is a pure delight. It is different from other South Kerala backwater attractions regarding commercialization, sights, livelihood and houseboat culture.

Endowed with mangroves, backwaters, wildlife, coconut groves and a flourishing village life, Kottappuram draws large numbers of visitors. A trip to Kottappuram and a houseboat journey through the backwaters will redefine the flavours of the land. There are small boats modelled on the shikaras of Kashmir as well as grand and elaborate houseboats with air-conditioned rooms.

With over 20 houseboats plying on the backwaters, visitors can board the boats from the two terminals - one is at Kottappuram and the other one is at Achamthuruthy. Day trips on houseboats are the most in-demand while there are also overnight stays too. During the cruise on Kottappuram backwaters, one can also have a close-up view of village life on the green leafy banks and enjoy the picturesque beauty of ...

Distance from Mangalore: 89 Kms