Mangalore or Mangaluru, is a pleasing tourist destination dotted with coconut palms, temples, beaches, hills and streams. Lying amidst the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangalore is one of the cleanest cities of India. People, culture and festivals form an important part of the city. This scenic land has much to offer in terms of heritage sites as well as natural beauty.
The picturesque city derives its name from the presiding deity of the town, Mangaladevi, the goddess of fortune. As per the legends, Parimala or Premaladevi, a princess of Malabar renounced her kingdom and became a staunch follower of Matsyendranath, the creator of the Nath tradition. Matsyendranath converted Premaladevi to the Nath sect and renamed her as Mangaladevi. Mangaladevi arrived to the town along with Matsyendranath. On the way, she fell ill and settled near Bolar in Mangalore. After her death, the Mangaladevi temple was consecrated the local people in order to honor her. Thus, the city got its name from the temple. The Mangaladevi temple is visited lakhs of pilgrims every year from all across the country.
In ancient times, Mangalore was occupied and ruled various dynasties and empires such as Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijaynagar Empire, as well as the Portuguese in the mid16th century. Hyder Ali occupied the region in the year 1763 and later it came under the rule of British. In 1794, Tippu Sultan took control of this area again. After the death of Tippu Sultan, the city was re-conquered the British and was under British administration till 1947.
The sultans of Mangalore built the city as a strategic ship building base but today, it is one of the major ports involved in cashew and coffee export. Apart from the famous Mangaladevi temple, other places that have given Mangalore its charm include the Kadri Manjunatha temple, the Rosario Cathedral, St Aloysius Chapel and the Jama Masjid. This beautiful city will fascinate you with its vivacious culture, festivals, handicrafts, cuisine, history, art, rural sports, shopping and so much more!!