Mangalore: A Celebration of Landscape, Culture and Cuisine
A long history and a vibrant culture are some of the reasons why Mangalore is always a delightful place to visit. From sandy beaches to spicy dishes, the city is a gift that keeps on giving and a stage for many adventures. The city’s public transport can be spotty at best, a reason that informed travelers are choosing self drive cab services in Mangalore to have an authentic experience of traveling around.
Beaches Galore
Mangalore is close to many secluded and pristine beaches. Getting there involves enchanting drives through the picturesque countryside. Located close to the temple town of Udupi, Kaup Beach features ruins of an old fort along with a lighthouse offering magnificent views. The palm tree lined Malpe Beach is a well-kept secret just 70 kms from the main town. One can enjoy some boating and fishing here. The waters off the Tannirbhavi Beach are rough and this shoreline is known for its shade-offering trees where one can literally spend hours staring at the choppy waves. The sunset views here are quite an attraction. The Someshwar Beach is another famous coastal spot and many also come here to visit the Somnath Temple.
City Landmarks
There are many old temples dotted across the city of Mangalore. Some of the most famous ones are the Mangaladevi Temple and the Gokarnanatheshwara Temple. The Rosario Cathedral has an imposing architectural presence, known for its tall arches and metal reinforcements.
Just 4 kms from the city, the Sultan Watchtower rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The Pilikula Botanical Garden provides a serene spot for nature walks and the adjoining zoo houses rare species like tigers, leopards and bears.
Mangalore has many buzzing marketplaces for those who are looking for some bargains. Hampankatta is the main commercial area, situated in the center of the town. The Central Market is a pulsating confluence of human activity and enterprise.
Exploring Mangalore’s Food Joints
Mangalorean cuisine blends inland elements with distinctive coastal flavours. Some of the trademarks dishes a foodie can enjoy here include neer dosa, chicken ghee roast, dukra maas, sorpotel and patrode, a Konkani special. Pallkhi Restaurant is one of the most famous in the town, a place with a rooftop view and menu loaded with local favourites. Patrons of Hotel Narayana, close to the old port area, swear by the taste of the fish dishes here. Giri Manja’s is another hub for seafood lovers. Vegetarians can drive over to Janatha Deluxe, an establishment famous for its thalis.
Those who are looking for a self drive taxi service in Mangalore can use Zoomcar’s app-based platform. A wide range of cars along with assurances like 24/7 on-road support make it the ideal choice. Rentals are the best way to discover the many attractions of the coast – offering intrepid travelers complete privacy and total freedom.
Author: Archana Permi