375 kms west of Bangalore is the district headquarters of Dakshina Kannada-Mangalore. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial center. Mangalore could be your entry point to Beach Country with its virgin and unexplored beaches. While in Mangalore try and see a Yakshagana performance an elaborate dance form unique to Karnataka. The Kambala (buffalo race) is another exciting event.

Population : 480,000
Best Season : September-February.
Telephone Code : 0824
Language Spoken : Kannada, English, Tamil.

History:
At one point Mangalore was the major seaport and shipbuilding center of Hyder Ali's kingdom today it's a center for the export of coffee and cashew nuts. Mangalore is a city in Karnataka which is named after the goddess Mangaladevi, lying on the backwaters formed by the Netravati and Gurpur rivers, it has long been a roadstead along the Malabar Coast. It has several pilgrim centers. Lying in the Western coast and touching the Arabian Sea, Mangalore has been historically a ship building center.

Places Of Interest:

Sultan Battery
The main remnant of the past is the Sultan's Battery, four km from the centre, on the headland of the old port. It really doesn't rate as one of the not-to-be missed wonders of India.

Kadri Manjunath Temple
Kadri is another ancient historic spot in Mangalore. The Kadri Temple dating back to about 1068 A.D.

St. Aloysius Church
It is situated 1 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
Sri Sharavu Sharabeshwara - Sri Mahaganapathy Kshetra is an outstanding.

Light House Hill-Garden
It is situated 1 Km. away from Bus Stand. One can see the beautiful sea view, sunset view and also the sailing ships and boats on the sea. Now the renovated garden looks more beautiful.

Seemanthi Bai Government Museum
It is situated in Bejai 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan city Bus Stand. One can see the idols, materials of historical importance here.

How to reach there:

Air: Mangalore is connected by air with Bangalore and Mumbai.
Rail: Mangalore is connected by rail with cities all over India.
Road: Mangalore is connected by road with national highways throughout the country. All types of tourist buses are easily available on hire.