Major city · India
Mangaloreಮಂಗಳೂರು
Give Mangalore 2 nights: one for the temples and St Aloysius Chapel, one for a beach and a fish thali. Skip June–August, when 1,000 mm of rain falls in a month.
Mangalore (officially Mangaluru) is a working port and university city on the Karnataka coast, at the mouth of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers. Sights are split between the Hampankatta core and beaches 10–15 km out, so plan by cluster, not by list. It works as a 2-night stop between Goa and Kerala, or as a base for the temple towns inland.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Jun–Aug (southwest monsoon), Apr–May (humid)
- Airport
- IXE
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mangalore112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mangalore, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyMangalore is calm by Indian big-city standards; the real risks are monsoon flooding, beach currents and auto fares.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 108 ambulance · 1363 Tourist helpline (national, 24 h) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXE Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe) (About 20 km (12 mi) north of the centre; prepaid taxi to the city about ₹350–400 (≈ US$4–5).IXE Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe) (About 12 mi (20 km) north of the centre; prepaid taxi to the city about ₹350–400 (≈ US$4–5).
- Getting aroundPrivate city buses run from the State Bank stand behind the Town Hall; routes are numbered but signed in Kannada, so ask.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeFilter coffee or tea₹15–40 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Auto ride, 5 km (3.1 mi)Auto ride, 3.1 mi (5 km)Agree the fare first; app rides are usually cheaper.₹120–180 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12)
- Museum or sight ticketTemple or chapel entryFree; donations expected
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₹600 (≈ US$7)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹6,000 (≈ US$70)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXE Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe) (About 20 km (12 mi) north of the centre; prepaid taxi to the city about ₹350–400. Domestic flights to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi; some Gulf routes.)IXE Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe) (About 12 mi (20 km) north of the centre; prepaid taxi to the city about ₹350–400. Domestic flights to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi; some Gulf routes.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Apr–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C) low), wettest Jul (26 rain days), driest Feb (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mangalore: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
1 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
0 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
1 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
4 rd
May
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
23 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
26 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
22 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
4 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Private city buses run from the State Bank stand behind the Town Hall; routes are numbered but signed in Kannada, so ask. Minimum fare about ₹5. Autos start around ₹36 plus ₹18/km and rarely use the meter for outsiders — agree the fare first. Ola and Uber work in the city. For Panambur, Tannirbavi or Ullal, a bus plus a short auto is cheaper than a through taxi.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ullal and Someshwar Beach
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus or train from Mangalore Central to Ullal, then a short auto
Rocky beach, strong currents — sunset and the mosque, not swimming.
Surathkal
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Express bus north on NH 66, or a train to Surathkal station (SL)
Lighthouse and fine, powder-soft sand; a half-day.
Kinnigoli
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus north via Mulki, then a local auto
Quiet coastal village; go only if you have your own transport or patience for connections.
Dharmasthala
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
KSRTC bus from Bejai via BC Road, about 75 km (47 mi)KSRTC bus from Bejai via BC Road, about 47 mi (75 km)
Temple town with strict dress rules; a return day is rushed.
Moodbidre
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or train towards Bengaluru via BC Road
Karnataka's Jain temple town at Karkala is the draw nearby; check timings before you go.
Puttur
skipDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Bus from the State Bank stand, about 50 km (31 mi) eastBus from the State Bank stand, about 31 mi (50 km) east
A market town with no sight worth the return trip on its own.
Sullia
skipDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Bus east via Puttur, about 85 km (53 mi)Bus east via Puttur, about 53 mi (85 km)
Gateway to the Western Ghats; only useful if you are continuing to Madikeri.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hampankatta
City core: Mangalore Central station, Milagres Church, shops and cheap eats on foot. Best for a short stay without a car.
Kadri and Kankanady
Kadri temple and Kadri Park; Mangalore Junction (MAJN) is at Kankanady, about 5 km (3.1 mi) from the centre. Good mid-range hotel cluster.Kadri temple and Kadri Park; Mangalore Junction (MAJN) is at Kankanady, about 3.1 mi (5 km) from the centre. Good mid-range hotel cluster.
Panambur and Surathkal
North, near the port and beaches; Surathkal station (SL) is about 18 km (11 mi) out. Choose this only if the beach is the point.North, near the port and beaches; Surathkal station (SL) is about 11 mi (18 km) out. Choose this only if the beach is the point.
Ullal
South of the Netravati, near Someshwar Beach. Quiet, but you need a bus, train or auto for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–2,500 (≈ US$18–30) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,500–5,000 (≈ US$30–60) excl. bed
- High
- ₹5,000 (≈ US$60)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,500 | ₹14,000 |
| Airport prepaid taxi to the city, one way1 × ₹400 · check | ₹400 |
| City bus day of short hops2 × ₹60 · check | ₹120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,210 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,080 per person per day, bed included | ₹24,330≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and long-distance trains excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Filter coffee or tea | ₹15–40 (≈ under US$1) |
| Udupi-style thali (unlimited) | ₹120–250 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Fish thali or fish curry rice | ₹200–450 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Auto ride, 5 kmAgree the fare first; app rides are usually cheaper. | ₹120–180 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Temple or chapel entry | Free; donations expected |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- June to August is the monsoon: 1,000 mm in a single month, flooded roads and rough seas. Do not plan beach days then.
- Someshwar Beach is rocky and dangerous for swimming; watch the sunset from the sand instead.
- Auto drivers quote high to visitors. Fix the price before you get in, or use the app.
- Beaches near the port have currents and no lifeguards; swim only where locals do.
- Temple dress codes: cover shoulders and knees, and leave leather shoes outside.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Ambulance
- 108
- Tourist helpline (national, 24 h)
- 1363
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Mangaloreಮಂಗಳೂರು
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ಈ ವಿಳಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Ambulance108
- Tourist helpline (24 h)1363
Embassy
No embassies in Mangalore; most countries are represented in Bengaluru or New Delhi. The US consulate-general is in Chennai.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- IXE airport → city, prepaid taxi: about ₹350–400 (≈ US$4–5), 30–40 min
- Auto, city centre → Panambur Beach: ₹250–400 (≈ US$3–5), about 30 min
- Train Mangalore Central → Ullal: about ₹10–20 (≈ under US$1), 15 min
Say or show
- ನಮಸ್ಕಾರ — Hello / Namaste (namaskāra)
- ಧನ್ಯವಾದ — Thank you (dhanyavāda)
- ಎಷ್ಟು? — How much is it? (eṣṭu?)
- ಈ ವಿಳಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಿ — Please go to this address (ī viḷāsakke hōgi)
- ಶೌಚಾಲಯ ಎಲ್ಲಿದೆ? — Where is the toilet? (śaucālaya ellide?)
- ಖಾರ ಬೇಡ — No chilli, please (khāra bēḍa)
Temple towns nearby enforce dress codes; carry a scarf.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mangalore. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Jun–Aug (southwest monsoon), Apr–May (humid) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IXE: prepaid taxi rate, bus alternative, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Hampankatta, Kadri and Kankanady, Panambur and Surathkal, Ullal.
- Place pages with verified hours (St Aloysius Chapel, Kadri Manjunath, Mangaladevi) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.