We were planning a weekend holiday with our parents from a long time. We were contemplating some destination which is connected directly by flight from Mumbai and does not involve long road travel as our mother suffers from travel sickness. So we finally zeroed down on Mangalore as there we have direct flight from Mumbai to Mangalore. Also since we were visiting the same for 15th August long weekend, the weather there was suppose to be very nice given the monsoon in South.
We took an early morning flight and landed at Mangalore airport at 11 AM. Since this was a kind off season for visiting Mangalore we managed to get a good package deal with Taj Gateway hotel for 3 nights. So everyone in the family (Me, my husband, our kid and parents) was all very excited to have a fun filled and luxurious holiday at Taj Hotels). We stepped out of the hotel in evening to explore the city. Mangalore is the second largest city in Karnataka after Bangalore, known for its beautiful temples and stunning beaches. Mangalore developed as a port in the Arabian Sea during ancient times and became a major port of India. This port handles 75 per cent of India's coffee and cashew exports.
We visited the famous Shree Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple. Also just opposite to the temple is the very famous cafe “ Ideal Ice Cream Parlour” which is renowned all over South India for its “Gadbaad” Ice cream.
Day 2 we decided to explore the town and temples. We visited all the main temples in Mangalore including the Mangaladevi Temple , Kadri Manjunatha temple and Kudroli Gokarnath Temple ( pls check out the pics above). Mangaladevi temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi and the city of Mangalore is named after the presiding deity. The temple is built in Kerala style architecture . In later part of the day we stepped out to visit the beautiful Someshwar beach. Someshwara temple is in south of Mangalore just outside the city. Beach is just next to the temple. Sea was rough not suitable for swimming. However we enjoyed the pleasant evening there with the cup of tea.
Day 3 we planned to go to Bekal Fort and Bekal beach which is in North Kerela, some 100 Km away from Mangalore. We hired a cab and headed to our destination. Road in particular were not in great condition as Kerala was experiencing heavy rainfall that point of time however this area was safe to visit. Bekal Fort was built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD, at Bekal. It is the largest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres. It’s located in Kasaragod region of Kerala. We trekked up to the highest point of the Fort. The view from top was awesome.
On our away back we stopped at Taj Bekal for a splendid lunch. It was a truly amazing experience. By the time we reached hotel it was late night.
Day 4 was the last day at Mangalore with flight late evening. So we decided to make the best use of the morning by visiting Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. An integrated theme park with a wide variety of features, Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational and scientific interest. The park is spread over an area of 370 acres comprising of a tropical forest and the enchanting Pilikula Lake. The project presently includes a Biological Park, Arboretum, a Science Centre, and a Lake Park with Boating Centre, a Water Amusement Park and a Golf Course. We visited the Planetarium and Biological Park (which was a kind of Safari). We found both of them quite good.
Evening we departed from Mangalore with beautiful, fond memories and happy hearts.
Day 4 was the last day at Mangalore with flight late evening. So we decided to make the best use of the morning by visiting Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. An integrated theme park with a wide variety of features, Pilikula has many attractions of cultural, educational and scientific interest. The park is spread over an area of 370 acres comprising of a tropical forest and the enchanting Pilikula Lake. The project presently includes a Biological Park, Arboretum, a Science Centre, and a Lake Park with Boating Centre, a Water Amusement Park and a Golf Course. We visited the Planetarium and Biological Park (which was a kind of Safari). We found both of them quite good.
Evening we departed from Mangalore with beautiful, fond memories and happy hearts.
