Mangalore :

Mangalore district is a panorama of palm-fringed beaches,lush green fields and enchanting forests. It is sheltered by the soaring western ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea roaring along its western shores. With an important port, this coastal town is a major commercial centre.

It is a beautiful strip of land situated between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea in the west coast. The city is a centre for business, trade, banking, education and healthcare. The culturally rich town has rich scenic beauty in the suburbs and attracts the visitors by its beaches, temples, Islands, resorts, hotels, backwaters, water falls etc. The old tile roofed buildings, coconut groves and ocean breeze with the sweet smell of Mangalore Jasmine create a wonderful combination.

Mangalore, the district headquarters, has a long history of maritime trade. Though developed as a business and commercial centre, Mangalore still retains its old world charm-old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish, sea food served in spicy coconut curries. Mangalore is a remainder of the good times of life. The district offers a wide range of interesting places for both pilgrimage and pleasure tourists such as Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri.

Mangalore is called by different names - Kudla, Kudaala, Kodiyala in local Tulu language. The word means the meeting place of Netravathi and Gurupura rivers because the city has developed at the confluence of these two rivers that merge with the sea at alivekodi here.

It is said that the Mangaluru has got its name due to the historical Mangaladevi temple situated in the townThe ancient history proved that Mangalore had been the capital of Alupa dynasty till 14th century. For sight seeing and picnic one can go to the picturesque Ullal beach just 10 Kms from the heart of Mangalore city.

Facts

Population : About 500,000 inhabitants.
Climate : Tropical and hot.
Language : Kannada

Sights

Kadri Manjunath Temple :  

Kadri is another ancient historic spot in Mangalore. The Kadri Temple dating back to about 1068 A.D. with its nine tanks, its square temple, nestling at thefoot of the highest hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors annually.The Lokeshwara bronze statue of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple is tipped to be the best bronze statue in India. On top of the hill King Kundavarma Bupendra built a mutt which came to be called 'Jogimutt'. There are some stone caves on top of the hill which are known as the caves of the Pandavas The temple of Manjunatheshwara on the hills of Kadri is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore

St. Aloysius Church  

It is situated 1 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand.  The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Antony Moshaini of Italy.  The Church was built in the year 1899-1900.  St. Aloysius College Chapel, an architectural gem, comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome, is situated on lighthouse hill. The special beauty of the chapel is the wonderful series of paintings that virtually cover every inch of the interior roof and walls executed by Bro. Moscheni trained in Italy.

MangalaDevi Temple

The word Mangalore is derived from Goddess Mangaladevi, the main deity of the temple. The temple built in memory of the princess of Malabar Mangale in the 10th century. The Goddess Mangale is worshiped as Shakti.

The place name Mangalapura owes its origin to the temple of Mangaladevi. The pious people even today believe that worship of Mangaladevi brings them prosperity and happiness. The temple has a special significance for the maidens. Maidens who observe Mangala Parvati Vrata will have their wish of having a suitable match, fulfilled. Those who celebrate their wedding in this holy place will have a happy married life.

Sultan Battery  

It is situated 6 Km. away from Mangalore City Bus Stand.  It was built in Black Stones by Tippu Sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurpur river.  Now the remaining part of the fort is called as Tippu's well.  It is today a deserted spot but its construction is bafflingly exquisite. Although it is a watchtower, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round. 

External links :

www.mangalore.com/
www.karnatakatourism.com/coastal/mlore/index.htm
www.mangalorecity.com/
www.travelmasti.com/domestic/karnataka/mangalore.htm www.udupipages.com/home/travel/mlore.html
www.mangaloredelicacy.netfirms.com/
www.mangalore-karnataka.com/
www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/2280/mang1.htm
www.holidaymakers.in/destination/beaches/mangalore.html
www.ourkarnataka.com/states/SK/kar_tour_mlore.htm