Things To Do
Mangaluru’s lush greenery, punctuated by swaying coconut palms and vibrant gardens, creates a tranquil escape.
Incredible Mangaluru
Things To Do in Mangaluru
Mangaluru’s lush greenery, punctuated by swaying coconut palms and vibrant gardens, creates a tranquil escape. The historic St. Aloysius Chapel and the majestic Kadri Manjunath Temple showcase the city’s rich architectural heritage.
Stand-up Paddling
Paddling in Mangaluru offers a serene escape through the calm backwaters of the Arabian Sea, where one can glide through lush mangrove forests and coconut groves, experiencing the tranquility of the local ecosystem while kayaking or stand-up paddling. The city has gained prominence as a hub for water sports, especially with the “India Paddle Festival” held at Sasihithlu Beach, attracting international paddlers to compete in stand-up paddleboarding events. Whether a leisurely paddle or a competitive race, Mangaluru’s waters provide a unique paddling experience.
Surfing
Surfing in Mangalore is a thrilling experience set against stunning coastal scenery. The city’s beaches, like Tannirbhavi and Panambur, offer consistent waves perfect for all skill levels. Novice surfers can enjoy gentle, manageable swells, while more experienced riders will find challenging breaks. Mangalore boasts trained surfing instructors who provide expert guidance, ensuring safety and technique improvement. These professionals offer lessons tailored to individual needs, making it easy for beginners to catch their first wave and for advanced surfers to refine their skills. With warm waters and picturesque views, surfing in Mangalore is a must-try for anyone seeking adventure by the sea.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Mangalore offers an exhilarating experience through serene backwaters and vibrant coastal waters. The lush scenery, gentle waves, and unique wildlife make it an ideal adventure for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Glide past mangroves and enjoy breathtaking views, all while soaking in the region’s natural beauty.
Trekking
Trekking in Mangaluru offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and lush Western Ghats landscapes, easily accessible within a short drive from the city. Explore serene forests, spot diverse wildlife, and witness breathtaking views as you ascend the nearby hills. Popular trails include treks to the MM Hills, known for their scenic beauty and the Mahadeshwara Temple, where you can encounter rich flora and fauna while navigating through the dense greenery.
Camping
Camping in Mangaluru offers a unique blend of coastal serenity and lush greenery, with the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east providing stunning landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular spots like Mulki allow for both beachside camping and tranquil riverbank stays, perfect for disconnecting from city life and immersing oneself in nature’s beauty. Whether it’s watching a vibrant sunset over the waves or exploring the lush backwaters, camping near Mangaluru promises a rejuvenating experience.
Bioluminescence kayaking
Bioluminescence kayaking at Mulki, Karnataka is a unique and unforgettable experience. As the sun sets and the night sky takes over, the water comes alive with glowing blue-green lights. With each stroke of the paddle, the water glimmers and sparkles, creating a magical atmosphere. As you glide through the water, you’ll feel like you’re paddling through the stars. The experience is not only beautiful, but also fascinating as you learn about the science behind the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. This is a must-try activity for anyone visiting Mulki, Karnataka.
Incredible Mangaluru
Cultural Experiences
Mangaluru offers a vibrant cultural tapestry, deeply rooted in the Tulu tradition, where highlights include the energetic folk dance “Piliyesa” (tiger dance), the “Karadi Vesha” (bear dance) performed during Dasara, and the unique “Kambala” buffalo race held in paddy fields. The city’s diverse religious landscape is visible in its temples, churches, and mosques, while the local cuisine, a blend of coastal flavors, is a must-try experience.
Kambla (bull racing)
Kambala, a vibrant buffalo race held in Mangalore, Karnataka, is a traditional festival celebrated with great enthusiasm along the coastal belt, particularly during the months of November to March. This age-old tradition sees pairs of well-groomed buffaloes racing through muddy paddy fields, with skilled farmers guiding them using only ropes and whips. Considered a celebration of the bountiful harvest, Kambala draws large crowds who cheer on their favorite buffalo teams, making it a unique spectacle of local culture and athleticism.
Tiger Dance (Piliyesa)
The “Tiger Dance,” also known as “Huli Vesha,” is a vibrant folk dance tradition in Mangaluru, Karnataka, performed during Navaratri celebrations, where dancers adorn themselves with tiger-like body paint and costumes, mimicking the fierce movements of a tiger to pay homage to Goddess Durga, the tiger’s rider; This energetic dance, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats, showcases intricate body movements and often includes acrobatic stunts, highlighting the raw power and grace of the animal while deeply rooted in the region’s cultural heritage.
Cock Fight
In Mangaluru, cockfighting, locally called “Korikatta,” is a deeply entrenched tradition, often held after temple festivals, where specially bred roosters with razor-sharp blades attached to their legs fight until one is severely injured or dies; this practice, though illegal, remains popular among locals due to the thrill of the competition and substantial betting involved, raising concerns about animal cruelty despite its cultural significance.
Kola
“Kola,” also known as “Bhoota Kola,” is a significant ritualistic dance performed in Mangaluru, Karnataka, primarily by the Tulu-speaking community, where people worship local deities or “Bhootas” through a highly stylized dance performance. This traditional practice involves a designated performer believed to temporarily embody the spirit of the deity, often including elaborate costumes and dramatic movements, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the coastal region.
Yakshagana
Yakshagana, a vibrant folk dance-drama deeply rooted in Mangaluru, Karnataka, is a captivating blend of music, dance, and dialogue, primarily drawing stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Performed in open-air stages, the art form features elaborate costumes, vibrant makeup, and skilled actors enacting tales through song and dance, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the chende and maddale, making it a cherished cultural spectacle in the region.