Romantic Places to Visit in Mangalore

If you are looking for a coastal getaway, your next destination should be Mangalore. It offers numerous romantic spots perfect for couples seeking a memorable vacation. From pristine beaches and lush gardens to historical landmarks and serene temples, Mangalore has something special for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Mangalore for couples in 2024.

Places to visit in Mangalore for couples

To explore the coastal city to the fullest, rent a two-wheeler from Royal Brothers, India's leading bike rental company. Smart, safe, affordable & convenient! 

There are so many romantic places in Mangalore for an unforgettable outing. Below is a list of places to visit with your loved one.

1. Panambur Beach
2. Tannirbhavi Beach
3. Ullal Beach
4. Surathkal Beach
5. Someshwara Beach
6. Sasihithlu Beach
7. Kodi Bengre Beach
8. Kadri Hill Park
9. Pilikula Biological Park
10. Tannirbhavi tree Park
11. Tagore Park/Lighthouse Hill Garden
12. Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park
13. Snow Fantasy
14. Manasa Amusement & Water Park
15. Sultan Battery
16. Bekal Fort
17. Jamalabad Fort
18. Kadri Manjunatha Temple
19. Mangaladevi Temple
20. Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple
21. Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple
22. Thousand Pillar Temple
23. Kudroli Gokarnath Temple
24. Kukke Subrahmanya Temple
25. Bahubali Temple
26. Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple
27. St Aloysius Chapel
28. Rosario Cathedral
29. Milagres Church
30. Pilikula Regional Science Center
31. Swami Vivekananda Planetarium

Note: Do not miss the bonus points we have curated just for you! Make sure to read till the end of the blog to find it out.

i). Beaches

#1 Panambur Beach

Credits: TheManojBirhade, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

This is one of the cleanest, safest and most neatly maintained beaches in Mangalore city. Plan for a sunset stroll at Panambur Beach. We bet you will be mesmerised seeing the big orange-yellow-ish ball diving deep into the ocean dramatically. You can enjoy jet ski rides, boating, dolphin viewing, food stalls, etc., at the beach. There are also boat races, beach sports and sand sculpture contests happening every now and then. 

#2 Tannirbhavi Beach

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It is a beach known for its unique aspect- greenery. A beach with lots of trees? For real?- Yes! There is a tree park at Tannirbhavi Beach, which you can explore after relaxing at the shore. There is also plenty of seating area to take shade when the sun is too hot. You can enjoy water sports, like boating, surfing, jet skiing, motorboats, kayaking, etc., at the beach. 

#3 Ullal Beach

Credits: Mohammed Nisar A, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are having a rough day and are looking for places to unwind yourself, then Ullal Beach should be your next stop. Ullal is a small fishermen's village where you can find a lot of palm trees. Known for its scenic atmosphere, this beach will calm you down no matter how tense you are. There are also options for water sports. It’s one of the best places to visit in Mangalore for couples. 

#4 Surathkal Beach

Credits: Pranavjee, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It is a less crowded beach with a view of an alluring Konkon coast. At Surathkal Beach, you can find Sadashiv temple with a Shiva Lingam (Lord Shiva), from which the name of the beach is derived. There is also a lighthouse at the beach which enhances its beauty. Since this beach is not popular among tourists, it’s a secret and perfect spot to hang out for couples.

#5 Someshwara Beach

Credits: Raghavan2010, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Do not miss this rock beach when in Mangalore. Someshwara Beach is a unique place with large rocks and boulders called Rudra Shile. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Someshwar, a form of Lord Shiva, from which the beach got its name. It is the best place to watch the sunset, sitting on the rocks along with your better half.

Note: Because of the strong currents, the water is not ideal to get into and swim. Make sure you stay safe. 

#6 Sasihithlu Beach

This should be a must-visit place in your itinerary to Mangalore because the backwaters of two rivers, Nandini and Shambavi meet at this beach. Sasihithlu Beach has white sand and is clean, safe, gorgeous and best suitable for couples and families. 

#7 Kodi Bengre Beach

Also known as Delta Beach, Kodi Bengre Beach is a commercial beach located in a fishing village. When you visit here in the evenings, you can see so many food stalls and also people selling toddy for refreshments. It is a perfect place for one-day picnics with your partner. There is also a mangrove plantation nearby. 

ii). Parks & Gardens

#8 Kadri Hill Park

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you have kids with you, make sure you take them to Kadri Hill Park. It is the largest park and has a toy train, a water fountain with lighting and a laser light show. It is most crowded during the weekends in the peak time. So make sure to visit the park in the early mornings and evenings. It is best for morning walks, jogging, meditation, etc. You can also find food stalls around the park. It is also one of the best places to visit in Mangalore for couples. 

#9 Pilikula Biological Park

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It is sprawled across 150 acres and is one of the finest zoos in Mangalore. Pilikula Biological Park is a part of the Pilikula Nisargadhama, a major eco-education and tourism development project which includes a science centre, a botanical garden, a zoo and a lake. The park houses about 1200 animals, including, mammals, reptiles and birds. It also takes pride in being the only zoo to breed King Cobra. It is one of the most popular places in Mangalore. 

#10 Tannirbhavi Tree Park

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, your guess is right! Tannirbhavi Tree Park lies next to Tannirbhavi Beach and is a must-visit when in Mangalore for couples. Sprawled across 15 hectares, this park is home to plenty of herbal and medicinal plants. It also has a children’s park and an information centre inside. Students come here for picnics. 

#11 Tagore Park/Lighthouse Hill Garden

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Light House Hill Garden, Tagore Park is a beautiful park built in the 18th century by Haider Ali & majestic Tipu Sultan. From the lighthouse, you will be able to see the stunning views of the ocean. The cool breeze on your face and hair will want you to stay there for an entire day! The park has an artificial stream which adds more beauty to it. It's one of the major tourist attractions and a great place to spend time with your loved one.

#12 Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park

Credits: Vinay bhat, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats near Moodabidri, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park is loved by both adults and children. Since the park has no dome or enclosure to respect the freedom of the butterflies they are free to fly out whenever needed. Maybe that’s why over 153 butterfly species have chosen this park as their natural habitat. The park was set up in 2011 by Sammilan Shetty, a nature lover and butterfly enthusiast.

Note: Prior booking is needed to visit this park

Best months to visit: June to November

iii). Entertainment

#13 Snow Fantasy

Play in the snow, make snowballs, and build igloos- if you think you should go to the North or North East to do all these things, no, you don’t need to. With Snow Fantasy in Mangalore, you can now experience and play with real snow (-10ºC). Go as a couple and enjoy the quality time spent! 

#14 Manasa Amusement & Water Park

Image for reference purposes only

Who doesn’t like to play in water parks? When in Mangalore, make sure to visit the Manasa Amusement Park. The rides and slides, like the tubular slide, the river slide, the open slide, the mushroom waterfall, etc., are worth trying. 

iv). Historical  Sites

#15 Sultan Battery

Credits: Ms Sarah Welch, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1784 by the eminent Tipu Sultan, this is a watch tower to oversee and prevent the entry of enemies and warships into the Gurpur River. Sultan Battery though being an observatory,  looks more like a fort and is surrounded by canyons. During his reign, the gunpowder for these canyons was stored in the underground basement. When you head to the top of the watchtower, you get to witness the most fantastic views of the Arabian Sea. 

#16 Bekal Fort

Credits: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Located in Kasaragod, Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala. Built by the ancient rules of the Kadampa Dynasty, it t is situated just 65 km from Mangalore and is the best place to visit as a couple. When you stand at the top of the fort, it offers panoramic views of the towns of Kanhangad, Pallikkara, Bekal, Mavval, Kottikkulam, and Uduma.

#17 Jamalabad Fort

View from the fort

Credits: By Sheki nitk - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4908071

Built by Tipu Sultan, the Jamalabad Fort has been named after his mother ‘Jamalabee’. Originally it was just a mud fort and was known as the Narasimha Ghada. In 1794 Tipu Sultan reconstructed this fort over the mud fort ruins. It is also said that Tipu brings people who are not favourable to him to this fort and puts them to death. It's one of the top attractions in Mangalore. 

v). Religious Sites

#18 Kadri Manjunatha Temple

Credits: via Wikimedia Commons

Dedicated to lord Shiva, Kadri Manjunatha Temple is one of the ancient temples in Mangalore, located on hillocks. Here, the chief deity, Lord Manjunatha’s idol is made of a mix of five elements (Pancha Loha). 

Down the lane, in the 11th century, the Buddhist monks from North India who came to Mangalore made Kadri their base centre. After the declination of Buddhism, in the 12th century, a temple complex was built by the devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Jogis with the help of the landlords and rulers. It was once again reconstructed with granite stones in the 14th century. It is one of the best places to visit in Mangalore for couples

Note: 

• Follow the dress code.

• • For men: Shirt/Kurta & Pant/Dhoti
  • For women: Saree/half-saree with a blouse, salwar/churidar with dupatta

• Behind the temple, there is a Kashi Bhageerathi Theerth. Spray the water on yourself from the theerth before entering the temple. 

#19 Mangaladevi Temple

Credits: Nyk9z, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, Mangaladevi temple was built in the 9th century. You can spot the chief deity, Goddess Mangaladevi in a seated posture, inside the temple premises, gracing the devotees. It is one of the historical temples in Mangalore. 

There are two theories on how the temple was erected. One- it was built by King Kundavarman of the Alupa Dynasty under the patronage of Matsyendranath. Two- it was built by one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu, Parashurama.

#20 Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganapati, Sharavu Maha Ganapati Temple in Mangalore has an interesting history. 8 centuries ago, a Tuluva King, Maharaja Veerabahu went hunting and shot a cow with his arrow by mistake instead of a tiger standing beside the poor soul. To wash away his sin, he erected a ‘Shiva Linga’, as per the suggestion of Sri Bharadhwaja.

The Maharaja worshipped the Shiv Ling as ‘Sharabeshwara’, and so the temple got its name as ‘Sharavu’, meaning arrow. The Lord Ganesha of this temple is said to relieve devotees’ troubles and miseries. You can plan a visit to this temple with your partner. Ganesh Chaturthi is grandly celebrated here. 

#21 Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari, this temple was built by King Suratha in the 8th century. The Maharaj offered his precious stone-studded crown to the Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple. The presiding chief deity, a form of Goddess Sri Lalita Tripurasundari, is made of clay holding special medical properties. Located on the banks of River Phalguni, this temple has been referred to in many ancient inscriptions like Markandeya Purana, Ashoka Inscriptions, etc. The temple architecture is fantastic. 

#22 Thousand Pillar Temple

Credits: Vaikoovery, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as Saavira Kambada Basadi, the ‘Thousand Pillar Temple’ is a Jain Temple in Mangalore. Though there are various temples, this is one of the best Jain temples in the city (in total- 18). The temple is also known as ‘Chandranantha Temple’ because it honours the Tirthankara Chandraprabha and has an 8-foot idol of him. What attracts people to this temple is that no two pillars present here are identical. The temple is a three-storey construction- 1st floor is made of black stones and the upper two floors are made of wood. It is a spacious temple complex. 

Note: The 50-foot-tall manastambha pillar, erected by Karkala Bhairava Queen Nagala Devi is a must-see. 

#23 Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

Credits: Tanuja R Y, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Dedicated to Gokarnatha, a form of Lord Shiva, the Kudroli Gokarnanatheshwara Temple was built in 1912. The Bilava leader Adhyaksha Koragappa and others of the Billava community wanted to offer their spiritual homage to Lord Shiva in their tradition. They found the guide/messiah, Narayana Guru, and he guided them in their spiritual quest to build a temple.  

#24 Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

Credits: Lnvsagar, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you and your partner interested in mythology? Then this temple should be on your must-visit list when in Mangalore. Kukke Subramanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (Lord Murugan) who is known here as the lord of all snakes. The divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents are said to have found refuge under Subramanya when they faced a threat by the Garuda. It is one of the oldest temples in Mangalore. 

#25 Bahubali Temple/Karkala Shri Gommateshwara Statue

Credits: RajuBabannavar, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If the word ‘Bahubali’ had triggered the memories of the movie, it is in no way related to it, for your information. The Gomateshwara statue is a 58-foot-tall idol of Lord Bahubali carved out of a single granite hill rock in 998 AD. The statue will be visible to your sight from a distance of 30 km away from it. 

The history goes like this- two brothers, Bharata and his younger brother Bahubali (known as Gomatheshwara) fought with each other to succeed the throne. Bharata lost the fight and Bahubali won. But on seeing the futility of the war, Bahubali handed over the kingdom to his brother and began his atonement by standing naked until he acquired enlightenment.

#26 Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple

Credits: Gunvante, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Dedicated to Goddess Durga Parameshwari, this temple has an interesting history. It goes like this- the demon Arunasura acquired special powers from Lord Brahma that no two or four-legged creature can kill him. When he starts to create havoc on Earth, Goddess Durga steps down to kill him. She turns herself into a rock and when the demon tries to crush it, a swarm of bees stings him to death. 

#27 St Aloysius Chapel

Credits: Vinay bhat, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

This chapel holds a place of significance for people following Christianity. St Aloysius Chapel is a part of St Aloysius college campus and an initiative to serve the healthcare, education and social welfare needs of the community. You can find oil paintings of the life events of Jesus Christ, including his birth, baptism, the famous wedding feast at Cana and his crucifixion.

#28 Rosario Cathedral

Credits: Vijaylaxmi R, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Also known as the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, this was the first and oldest Roman Catholic church in the Canara region of Mangalore. Initially, Rosario Cathedral was reserved only for the high-caste Mangalorean Catholics. In 1784, Tipu Sultan destroyed the church which was once again constructed in 1910. 

#29 Milagres Church

Credits: Krishna Mohan, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It is one of the oldest churches in Mangalore dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles. Milagres Church was constructed in the 16th century by Bishop Thomas De Castro. It was built on the land donated by the Queen of Keladi, Rani Chennamma. During the reign of Tipu Sultan, many churches including this were destroyed since he believed Christians in Mangalore joined hands with the British to defeat him. After his defeat, Milagres Church was rebuilt again. 

vi). Science Centres

#30 Pilikula Regional Science Center

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you and your partner are a science fanatic, you should visit the Pilikula Science Centre. Established in 2014, this science centre has 3 exhibition galleries, a dome planetarium, a 3D theatre and a Dinosaur park. 

#31 Swami Vivekananda Planetarium

Credits: Aviator423, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

It is part of the Pilikula Science Centre. Swami Vivekananda Planetarium is India’s first 3D planetarium. The shows include about the space and the mysteries of the unseen world. It is exciting for both adults and children.

Bonus Points:

vii). Romantic Places near Mangalore

#32 Sakleshpur

Credits: Iamg, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are having a day or two days, you should visit Sakleshpur with your partner. You will be mesmerized by the stunning and enthralling views of the Bisle Ghat viewpoint, where you get to spot the sight of three mountain ranges- Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri, and Dodda Betta. You should also not miss the Mookana Mane Abbi Falls, that’s pure and peaceful to watch and experience. 

#33 Mulki

Credits: Glany Saldanha, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to surf your heart out? Then you should plan your trip to Mulki, the hotspot for surfing. Other activities include kayaking at the Shambhavi River, where you can spot bioluminescence between June and September months. With water sports activities, slow living and a calm ambience, it is worth visiting. It‘s one of the best places to visit in Mangalore for couples. 

#34 Agumbe

Credits: Shyam siddarth, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are extending your vacation in Mangalore, plan a two-day trip to Agumbe. We bet you won’t regret it. Known as the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’, Agumbe receives 7000+ mm of rainfall every year. It is a paradise with rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. Plan your visit between November and February months with your better half to enjoy nature at its fullest. It's a haven for nature lovers. 

#35 Malpe

Credits: S N Barid, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for a one-day trip near Mangalore, you should head to Malpe. Major attractions include St. Mary’s Island and Malpe Beach. 

Wrapping Up

Here you have- 35 romantic places to visit in Mangalore for couples. The city’s romantic destinations provide the perfect setting to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand along the serene beaches, exploring the rich cultural heritage, or simply enjoying each other’s company in the lush parks, Mangalore promises an unforgettable romantic escape. 

Explore Mangalore by renting a bike!

Exploring Mangalore can be a delightful experience, but renting a cab can quickly become expensive, making it challenging to fully enjoy your vacation without worrying about costs. The fear of overspending might even cut your trip short.

That's where renting a two-wheeler comes in. With a two-wheeler, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace, linger at your favourite spots, and even extend your trip without spending much. It's an affordable, convenient, and safe way to travel.

For the best two-wheeler rental experience in Mangalore, look no further than Royal Brothers. As India’s leading bike rental company, we offer over 90 models to choose from, including scooters and KTM Dukes. With a 4+ star rating and the trust of thousands of satisfied customers, Royal Brothers is your go-to choice for bike rentals.

Explore from our vast collection of fleets and book your ride now. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1). What is famous in Mangalore?

Mangalore is famous for its beautiful beaches like Panambur and Tannirbhavi, the historic St. Aloysius Chapel, and the vibrant Kadri Manjunath Temple. The city's unique cuisine, especially Mangalorean seafood, is also a highlight.

2). Is Mangalore good for honeymoon?

Yes, Mangalore is great for a honeymoon. Its natural beauty, pristine beaches, lush parks, and cultural sites offer a romantic setting. Couples can enjoy peaceful walks, delicious food, and scenic views.

3). Which beach is best for couples in Mangalore? 

Tannirbhavi Beach is the best for couples. It's serene, less crowded, and perfect for romantic sunsets. The quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for spending quality time together.

4). Is 2 days enough for Mangalore exploration?

Yes, 2 days are enough to explore Mangalore. You can visit key attractions like the beaches, parks, and temples. Plan well to enjoy the city's highlights without feeling rushed.

5). What is the famous thing to buy in Mangalore?

In Mangalore, you should buy cashew nuts. They are fresh and of high quality. You can also shop for Mangalore sarees and local spices.

6). What is the best time to visit Mangalore?

The best time to visit Mangalore is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.