Plan a CruiseThe New Mangalore port is situated in Panambur, approximately 10 kilometers from the main city center. The terminal offers modern facilities for cruise passengers, including an immigration counter, foreign exchange services, duty-free shops, and a handicraft boutique. A shuttle bus service is available from the port, which drops passengers at a shopping mall in the city center. It's important for visitors to note that malaria is endemic in Mangalore, and regular tap water is not safe for drinking. The city is also known for its large population of eagles.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon disembarking, a shuttle bus will transport you from the port directly to a shopping mall in Mangalore's city center, a common hub for taxis and tuk-tuks. If you prefer to arrange transport independently, taxis and tuk-tuks are available at the port entrance; expect to pay around 12 USD for a ride to the city center, but be prepared to negotiate the fare. The main city is 10 km from the port. For getting around the city, autorickshaws (tuk-tuks) in Mangalore are notable for using meters, with a starting fare of 25 rupees. For a full day of sightseeing, sharing a taxi can be an efficient option, typically costing around $80 for the day.
Attractions and Activities
Mangalore offers a mix of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions. Many can be combined into a shared taxi tour.
- Religious Sites:
- Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple: Located just 3 km from the city, this is an important spiritual landmark.
- Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple: Dating back to 1086 AD, this temple is situated on the highest foothill and is home to what is considered India's finest bronze statue of the God Lokeshwara. Nearby, you can explore the stone caves on top of the hill, known as the Caves of the Pandavas.
- Mangaladevi Temple: This temple is significant as the city itself is named in memory of the princess it honors.
- St. Aloysius Chapel: Perched atop Lighthouse Hill, this chapel built between the 18th and 19th centuries is renowned for its beautiful wall paintings.
- Kudroli Mosque: A significant mosque also worth a visit.
- Historical Landmark:
- Sultan Battery: Approximately 6 km from the city in Boloor, this structure was built by Tippu Sultan using black stone. While it resembles a fort, it originally served as a watchtower.
- Family & Nature:
- Pilikula Nisarga Dhama: Located about 12 km from the city, this expansive tourist spot offers a variety of activities including the "Manasa" water theme park, an animal park, boating facilities, a science center, an arboretum, and a golf course.
- Local Beaches: Mangalore is home to several clean and scenic beaches. Consider comparing cruise line excursions with options from independent providers like GetYourGuide and Viator for best value.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping, explore the many malls and bazaars found along M G Road, Hampankatta, Balmatta, Kankannady, and Falnir. Mangalore is famous for its local cuisine, which includes typical Udipi dishes as well as spicy, coconut-based seafood and non-vegetarian curries. The city also provides a cosmopolitan array of restaurants. When dining, it is highly recommended to carry water-free hand sanitizer, as using it before eating with your hands can be more hygienic than using silverware potentially washed with unsafe local water.
Safety
Mangalore is an area where malaria is endemic, so take appropriate precautions. It is crucial to avoid drinking regular tap water, as it is not safe. When using public internet kiosks, be wary of entering credit card details online due to reported cases of theft via keyloggers. Always carry water-free hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While major credit cards are accepted in larger retail chain stores and Westernized restaurants in the big cities, smaller businesses and family-run shops typically operate on a cash-only basis. It's advisable to carry a moderate amount of cash for smaller purchases and local transport. The primary local language spoken is Kannada, a member of the Dravidian language family.