Tourist Places of D.K. (OTHER THAN TEMPLES )

Karkala

50 kms from Mangalore and 20 kms from North of Moodabidire, is Karkala, an important centre of Jainism. There are several important temples and a 13metres high statue of Bahubali (Gomateswara), situated on a small hill. The statue is a naked figure reached by a flight of rock-cut steps. Some of the temples are Chaturmukha Basti (1587), Neminatha Basti, Anatapadmanabha Temple (1567) dedicated to Vishnu, and Venkataramana temple.

Situated 50 kms NE of Mangalore, has eight Bastis and ruins of a Mahadeva temple. The largest of them is the 17C Kalli Basti, dedicated to Shantinatha. There is a Gommanteswara Monolith, 11metres high dating back to 1604 in Venur.

Thousand Pillars Basadi - Situated at Moodabidri - 35 Km. from Mangalore known ass 'Kashi of Jains' these Jain Basadis were built between the 14th and 16th century. The Guru Basadi and Tribuvana Tilaka Choodamani Basadi  are the architectural delights. Tribuvana Tilaka Choodamani Basadi is well known as 'Thousand Pillar basadi.The pillars of this Basadi are thick set and solid in construction. They are normally around twelve feet in height and none of the pillars seem to be alike and are fantastically ornated.

Kaup Light House

A hamlet of Padu village about l2 kms south of Udupi Kaup is situated on the coastal belt, which passes through the West Coast National Highway . Marda Heggade, a chieftain, rose to power here during the Vijayanagara days. It has an old lighthouse, the guiding star of navigators who are warned of the presence of dangerous rocks in the sea. This Tower of light not only guides the ships but also has a monumental significance. Positioned all alone it spreads light on the shore of darkness. It was most probably begun in 1906 on the rocks and in about 1935 the tower was all set. The man made tower is at the height of about 34 meters and its light spreads over a distance of about 34 miles and can be seen from a distance of about 100 miles. The lantern has a burner of 55 meter P. V. burner comprising of 30 pieces, 5 panels and 3.6 diameter glass. The surrounding glass has a height of 1.83 meters. It has a spiral staircase. The fuel used for the lamp is kerosene Recently the electricity supply is also provided at the light tower.

There is also an old ruined fort. The place is known for its temples of goddess Mariamma. The Jaina Basadi there is in ruins and so also an old Janardhana shrine.

Hastashilpa

Hastashilpa is a fusion of disparate architectural elements recapturing the style of the traditional homes of the region on a hillock in Manipal.

Vijayanath Shenoy, previously a bank employee with a fixation for elegant structures chased a dream. With assortment of wooden artifacts and other remnants he had salvaged from the ruins of old structures in Dakshina Kannada and neighboring districts, 'Hastashilpa' was created. Hastashilpa is a fusion of disparate architectural elements recapturing the style of the traditional homes of the region on a hillock in Manipal.

The home built true to vasthu shastra, has rare utensils, containers in which rice stays fresh for five years and a 280-year-old bell metal vessel which keeps curd and buttermilk unspoiled for over a week. The house is now managed by the Hastashilpa Trust, which was established with a Norwegian government aid. Shenoy's another dream to build an entire village on six acres allotted by the government in Manipal is taking shape in the ' Heritage Village '. He is busy restoring the early l9th century Kunjur Chowkimane, both in traditional Kerala style.

A Hungarcutta Bandsale Mane, a wood-rich house, which served as a trading center and warehouse in the early part of the century from coastal Hungarcutta, is also in the pipeline. The oldest structure that will come up in the village is the grand, Jungama Mutt Puchamoaru in Karkala taluk, which is over 600 years. It is also the most elaborate among the 15 mutts surviving out of 64 veerashiva mutts.

"What we salvaged were some of the most precious and rare materials never seen anywhere else in the country." He hopes to substitute the lost structural components of the Jungama mutt with similar materials acquired from the other mutts. Three more buildings which are going to be reconstructed in the village are the 400-year-old Harkur.

Olaginamane

A Bunt household; the three - centuries old Sringeri house, with elaborate interiors reflecting the Vedic traditions and the century-old Vidyamandira, the residence of the pontiff of Ramachandrapura Mutt at Haniya in Shimoga district.

In Shenoy's musty storehouse centuries co-exist. A beam of flashlight which illuminates the huge wooden doors, period furniture, Cast - iron grills, ritual metal articles and terracotta artifacts. In an adjoining room there is a cluster of folk-idols, epic heroines Kanthabare and Budabare of the Billava community. To avoid accidents, there is no power supply in the storehouse. Major portions of a Mangalore Catholic house, a Bhatkal Muslim house and a Bunt house rest in the storehouse waiting to be reborn in the heritage village.

Over the years Shenoy has built a formidable 'intelligence' network across the district. Thus, every time an interesting piece of architecture is to be pulled down he is there coaxing the owners to let it remain. In occasions when he fails to convince the owners the materials are transported for a new lease of life to his village. A temple in Ulepadi was restored and added to the collection which included 400-year-old Bhoota Manchas (seats where deities are placed for worship). Another time he used the services of seasoned fishermen to salvage two 18 inch wooden idols of Ganesha and Shanmuga which another temple had immersed in a river. Shenoy has played a major role in persuading the State Archaeology Department to take interest in restoring the unique 450 year-old mud palace at Sural, 20 km from Udupi. The palace was built by the Tulu Jain Royal family of the Tolahas who ruled parts of the district from the medieval times to the 11^thcentury.

In the early 70s. the existence of this palace was unknown to the outside world. Even the locals ignored its gloomy sight. Shenoy saw in its fissured facade a distinctive stamp of the local architecture. "Not one of the 30-odd surviving heirs to the property was interested in providing for its upkeep," says Shenoy. "The Archaeological Survey of lndia, the Ford Foundation... no one came up with a concrete proposal in order to mobilize public opinion, I took my celebrity friends to the palace."

Finally the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums declared it a protected monument and started restoration work. Shenoy is also planning to establish a similar heritage village in Mysore and land has already been donated to the trust. Another Heritage Village will be set up in south Kerala.

The heritage village will have eight museums which will display the traditional arts, crafts, paintings and textiles of the region. There will also be galleries depicting the life and works of cultural luminaries of the district, an arts and crafts production-cum training centre, a performing arts centre with a well-equipped experimental theatre, a recording studio to preserve video and audio tapes of the various vanishing folk art forms. A literary center to help literature find its cultural moorings and an elaborate documentation center.

Maravanthe Beach

This scenic beauty is situated 105 Km. away from Mangalore, this is a unique place where the Arabian sea and the river is separated by a narrow road.

A drive along the NH-17 towards the north, to Maravanthe proves to be truly memorable. The gurgle of the waves, the soft gentle breeze kissing your cheeks and a round ball of crimson in the horizon transforms Maravanthe into a breathtaking fairyland.

Maravanthe (Kundapura taluk), about nine kms east of Kundapura is one of the most beautiful spots of South Kanara along the east coast. It is an enchanting place, where on the western side, the Arabian Sea is stretching, while on the eastern side, runs the Saurpanika River and in between them passes the west coast road. Thus only a road divides the sea and the river. Though the river has come down very near to the sea as near as 40-50 feet, it does not join the sea there. It looks as though the sea is higher in level than the river, which joins the sea at Gangolli about eight kms south of this site

On the eastern side, is a fascinating panorama of coconut palm, green fields and evergreen forest of undulating countryside with the backward of the Kodachadri peak on the Western Ghat present itself with varied scenic beauty. There is a good scope and facility for boating both in sea and in river. Just on the bank of Saurpanika River , there is a Varahaswami temple with three cells which have Varaha, Narasimha, and Janardhana. The place has also a temple of Brahmalingeshwara . There is a proposal to develop Maravanthe as a major tourist spot.

St. Mary's Isles

St. Mary's Isles are a group of small islands to the north of Malpe. They are just a few scattered projections of rock raising out of the western or Arabian Sea a round Malpe. Boats are available to go the island from Malpe. It is  65 Km. from Mangalore.

Malpe Beach

Situated 66 kms north of Mangalore, near Manipal the peaceful surroundings, makes this beach a favourite holiday spot. The uninhibited St. Mary's Island , just a boat ride away has a beach and an impressive geological formation of basalt rock pillars into the sea

Surathkal Beach

This picturesque beach is known for its clean surroundings and the lighthouse. This beach is a few minutes away from Karnataka Regional Engineering College (K.R.E.C)  Surathkal beach is situated 20 Kms. away from Mangalore towards Udupi. This beautiful beach is among the cleanest bits of Coastline on the Karavali. Near the beach, the temple of Lord Sadashiva and the huge lighthouse on the rock overlooking the Arabian Sea are other tourist attractions.

Panambur Beach

The most dazzling, aggressive and popular outing spot, Panambur beach attracts a large number of tourists during the  summer vacation and holidays. This picturesque beach is situated on the Mangalore - Udupi highway and is around 13 Kms. from the heart of Mangalore city. This beach stretches all the way to Surathkal and one can have a view of the Light House and splendid ships sailing on the waves of Arabian Sea .

Mangalore Port

It is situated 10 Km. away from main City Bus Stand.  It is the ninth biggest port of India .  One can visit the port by getting the permission from the proper authority. 

Tannirbavi Beach

This is one of the best beaches of Dakshina Kannada.  One can enjoy the sunset view here.  It is about  12 Km. away from Bus Stand. 

Ullal Beach

12 Kms. South of city center lies Ullal beach. The beach with a stretch of Coconut trees and the fishermen's lane make it picturesque, creating a lovely coastal experience. The ruined fort of Abbakka Devi, Jain temples of 16th century and Sayyed Mohammed Sharifulla Madani Darga are other attractions for tourists.

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Someshwar Beach

The most pristine and rocky beach facing the Kanara region is 13 Kms. south of Mangalore. The beach covering the sides of huge rock on which stands the Someshwara temple is Someshwaras main draw. The Sea is violent here but blue waters nibbling at your feet and the wind in your hair will be a veritable paradise. Try to avoid swimming in this beach.

Kadri Park

 Kadri, about 5 kms from the Mangalore city bus stand, is an ancient religious spot in Mangalore. Among the places of interest in Mangalore, the temple at Kadri stands foremost. This temple dedicated to Lord Manjunatha, dating back to about 1068 A.D., and nestling at the foot of the Kadri hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors. Some of the images and idols found here are indeed priceless for beauty and antiquity. The Lokeshwara bronze statue of this Temple is tipped to be the best bronze statue in India .

Snakes & Animals Zoo, Toy Train and the beautiful garden are the tourist attractions here.

Tagore Park ( P.V.S Park ): In the hill near St. Aloysius College there stands an abandoned century old Light House over looking the Harbor and commanding magnificent view of the Sea. Earlier this Light House used to guide the Ships, Vessels and Fisherman towards the right direction.

St. Aloysius College Chapel

St. Aloysius College Chapel is situated in the heart of the city on the lighthouse hill about a kilometer away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand. It is well connected by all kinds of surface transport. This architectural gem is a 'must see' for anybody visiting Mangalore.

The Church was built in the year 1899-1900. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Anthony Moscheni of Italy . It is comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome . The special beauty of the chapel is the wonderful series of paintings that virtually cover every inch of the interior roof and walls executed by Bro. Moscheni trained in Italy .

The central row of paintings on the ceiling depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom this College and Chapel is dedicated. This young man who gave his life in the service of others is given as a model to the 5,000 young people studying on this campus. Aloysius had everything that a young man of his age desires. He had wealth, power and influence. But he gave them up in order to serve others, especially the most needy.

Syed Madani Dargah

Ullal has the well-known dargah of saint Syed Mohammed Sheriful Madani. It is said that he came to Ullal from Medina about 400 years ago and camped in the mosque at Melangady of Ullal village and later married a local girl residing at Holakere of the village. He is credited with having performed several miracles and won admiration of the people.

The month-long 'urus' festival is held to commemorate him, at his tomb in Ullal once in five years. This is continued even now and attracts a large number of people of various castes, class, creed and communities.

The dargah, which was originally built shortly after the saint's death, was renovated and expanded four times. The present magnificent structure was constructed in 1970 and was designed by architect Fiazuddin Ahmed of Hyderabad .

An Arabic College with an attached hostel and an Arabic High School at Ullal and eleven other Arabic schools at different places are being run by the management of the Syed Madani Dargah

Sultan Bathery

It is situated in Boloor 6 Km. away from Mangalore City Bus Stand.  It was built in Black Stones by Tippu Sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurpur river. Now the remaining part of the fort is called as Tippu's Well. It is today a deserted spot but its construction is bafflingly exquisite. Although it is a watchtower, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round.

Pilikula -  Pilikula is located in Mudushedde spread over sprawling 350 acres of land. Pilikula Nisargadhama as it is known has a Zoo, Botanical Garden and Manasa, a lake. Govt. of Karnataka has plans to build a resort near by.

With nature resort, water resort, sanctuary, Snake Park , Pilikula is a loved spot for travel freaks. An Ayurveda centre is also being planned. Legend has it that there was a place in Dakshina Kannnada where tigers used to play. It is at this mythical spot that Pilikula Nisargadhama is situated. 'Pilikula' literally means 'Pond of Tigers' in Tulu and is located at Mudushedde, just 12 Kms. away from Mangalore-Karkala highway. Pilikula Nisargadhama is an integrated Nature Park that will offer delightful varieties of attractions to the Eco tourist and Nature lovers, perhaps the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the country. The 350 acres park located amidst thick tropical forest, offers a panoramic view to the aesthetic eyes. While the various Wild life Safaris promise the opportunity to observe the animals in their natural habitat, the botanical park will be a rare treat for those who love plants and flowers. For the Aquarium enthusiasts, the park will showcase a wild variety of marine and fresh water species. And for the casual visitors, there is plenty of recreation and amusement in store too, such as the cable car, musical fountain, the toy train, fast food eateries, boating, elephant rides, Manasa water and Amusement park, science museum etc.

Anatomy Museum - Various kinds of collections related to the human body are preserved here. 65 Km from Mangalore.

Jomlu Teertha - On Ellu amavasya (an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar) day, people come to this place and bathe in the waterfalls. This year, more than 10,000 people bathed on the holy day. Having natural beauty, this place is a well-known picnic spot.

Birumale Betta, Puttur: Birumale: It is a small hill 52 Kms. South East of Mangalore is a favorite picnic spot in Puttur. The children's park and an open-air auditorium are the other attractions in this Nisargadhama.

Bendre Theertha, Puttur: A natural Hot Water Spring on the banks of the river Seerehole is 65 Kms. South East of Mangalore and 15 Kms. from the prosperous trading center of Puttur. The word 'Bendre Theertha' in local 'Tulu' Language means Hot Holy Water. The Hot Water in the spring is believed to cure all types of Skin Diseases.

Shreemanthi Bai Memorial Museum , Bejai, Mangalore: At Bejai Circle, V.R Mirajkar's donation of a Bungalow and rare collections that the Doctor grouped together in several years is established into Shreemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum . This Museum houses objects of Art, Archeology, Ethnology and Natural history.

Balavana, Puttur: Dr. Shivaram Karanth Balavana is situated at Parladka, Puttur Taluk. Its scenically covered locations extend over an area of nearly 6 acres, surrounded by varieties of Trees in an undulating terrain. The great Kannada author and Jnanapeetha award winner Dr. Kota Shivaram Karanth, whose contributions towards the field of literature, dance, immortalized this place, drama and play are tremendous. He made this place his experimental ground for various activities and rightly named it as 'Balavana', which reflected his affection towards the children. Various attractions for the visitors in this place are: Swimming pool, which is short course International Standard Swimming pool; Children's play area with number of short rides, slides, automated toys etc.; Children's library especially stacked with collection of books written by Dr. Shivaram Karanth; a Museum dedicated to Dr. Shivaram Karanth and his works; an open air theatre with a seating capacity of around 2000 people.

Kumara Hills, Sullia: Kumara hills is one of the highest hills in the Western Ghats and the river 'Dhara' originates here and gets its name 'Kumaradhara'. A beautiful hill best known for trekking is always chosen by youngsters and students of surrounding districts. Its height is 4000 feet from the Sea level and has lush green vegetation and is also a heaven for various animals. The best time to visit is from February to May. It comprises three mountains - Bhatta Rashi, Siddha and Shesha. Guides are available on the spot to guide through the adventure.

Kudremukh: Trekker's paradise, Kudremukh is 6,214 feet above Sea level and is located in the beautiful Malnad region just 95 Kms. South West of Chickmagalur bordering Dakshin Kannada district. There is a rich Flora and Fauna here waiting to be discovered, caves asking to be explored, ruins and traces of old civilization and inviting lovely unspoilt places to camp. The drive ends in the pretty town of Kudremukh , developed entirely by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL). Other places of tourist interest in that region are - Kudremukh National Park, Hanumangundi falls, Gangamula and Lakya Dam.

Jumma Masjid Zeenath Baksh

The Jumma Masjid Zeenath Baksh situated in the Bunder area is a notable mosque. It is said to have been originally built several centuries back by early Arabian visitors who had landed on the west coast under the leadership of a saint named Malik Deenar. The mosque must have undergone several structural alterations in the course of subsequent centuries. It is stated that this place of worship was given the present form at the instance of Tipu Sultan towards the end of the eighteenth century. The wooden pillars, pulpits etc. in this mosque have exquisite and delicate ornamental carvings which are worth-seeing.

The Idgah Mosque on the Light-House Hill near the St. Aloysius College is a quadrangular structure where the Muslims of Mangalore offer the Idgah prayers after a mass procession which begins from the Jumma Masjid, Bunder. The Idgah Mosque is said to have been got constructed by Tipu Sultan towards the close of the eighteenth century. The Shamir Mosque in Dongarakery, which appears to be about two centuries old, has a dargah attached to it where the mortal remains of saint Shah Amir lay buried.