
Cultural Highlights of Tulunadu
Discover the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu, from traditional festivals to unique art forms that have been passed down through generations.
Kambala Buffalo Racing
The traditional buffalo race is an annual ritual conducted in the coastal districts of Karnataka, a cherished tradition of Tulunadu.
Know MoreYakshagana
A traditional theater form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, makeup, and stage techniques with a unique style and form.
Know MoreBhuta Kola
A ritual dance performed to appease the spirits, showcasing elaborate costumes and masks that represent deities and ancestral spirits.
Know MoreTulu Language
One of the five Dravidian languages, Tulu has a rich oral tradition with a history dating back centuries, preserving the region's heritage.
Know MorePilivesha (Tiger Dance)
A folk dance where performers paint themselves as tigers and perform acrobatic movements, commonly seen during Dasara celebrations.
Know MoreAati Kalenja
A ritual performed during the month of Aati (July-August) to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity to the village.
Know MorePlaces to Visit in Mangaluru
Explore the best tourist attractions in Mangaluru with our curated roadmap. From pristine beaches to cultural landmarks, experience the beauty of coastal Karnataka.

Tannirbhavi Beach
A serene beach with golden sands and blue waters, perfect for watching spectacular sunsets and enjoying boat rides in the backwaters.
Panambur Beach
Famous for its stunning sunsets, clean shores, and the annual international kite festival. Also home to the major port of New Mangalore.
Pilikula Nisargadhama
A comprehensive nature park featuring a zoo, botanical garden, lake, science center, and heritage village showcasing traditional Tulu culture and biodiversity.
Ullal Beach
A secluded beach with pristine waters and golden sands, perfect for a quiet retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle. Enjoy fishing boats dotting the horizon and spectacular sunsets.
Flavors of Mangalore
Dive into the unique culinary traditions of Mangalore, where coastal flavors meet aromatic spices to create dishes that tell the story of this vibrant region.
Neer Dosa & Ghee Roast
The journey of Mangalorean cuisine begins with the humble yet exquisite Neer Dosa - a delicate, lacy rice pancake whose name translates to "water dosa." This cloud-like creation pairs perfectly with the fiery ghee roast, a spicy preparation typically made with chicken or prawns, slowly cooked in a blend of roasted spices and generous amounts of ghee.
Kori Rotti
A traditional Mangalorean dish featuring crispy rice wafers (rotti) served with a spicy chicken curry (kori). The rotti absorbs the flavors of the curry, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Did You Know?
Mangalorean cuisine is heavily influenced by the 400-year Portuguese colonization, which introduced chilies, potatoes, tomatoes, and even vinegar-based preparations that are now staples in the local culinary tradition.
Mangalore Buns
Despite the name, these are not buns but deep-fried, fluffy puris made from mashed ripe bananas and flour. Slightly sweet with a hint of cumin, they're a popular breakfast item served with coconut chutney.
Mangalorean Fish Curry
Being a coastal region, seafood is central to Mangalorean cuisine. The iconic fish curry features kokum for tanginess, fresh coconut, and a blend of aromatic spices that create a perfect balance of flavors.
Food Heritage
Each community in Mangalore—Bunts, Saraswat Brahmins, Catholics, and Muslims—has contributed unique dishes to the local cuisine, making it one of the most diverse regional cuisines in India, with distinctive preparation methods for similar ingredients.
Gadbad Ice Cream
Originating from a small ice cream parlor in Mangalore, this beloved dessert is a colorful medley of ice cream flavors, nuts, jelly, and fresh fruits—truly living up to its name, which means "confusion" or "mixture."
The Story of Mangaluru Through Time
Explore the rich historical tapestry of Mangaluru, from ancient trading port to modern coastal city, through this chronological journey of significant events.
Ancient Origins
Mentioned by the Greek geographer Ptolemy as 'Nitrias', Mangalore was already a significant port for Arabian Sea trade, connecting South India with Middle Eastern civilizations.
Alupa Dynasty Rule
The region was governed by the Alupa dynasty as feudatories of major dynasties like the Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas, establishing early political structures.
Portuguese Arrival
The Portuguese established their presence in Mangalore, building the St. Sebastian Church and significantly influencing local culture, cuisine, and architecture.
Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan Era
Mangalore came under the control of Mysore rulers Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, who developed the city as a major shipbuilding center and trading port.
British Colonial Period
Following Tipu Sultan's defeat, Mangalore became part of the Madras Presidency under British rule, seeing significant development in infrastructure, education, and commerce.
Formation of Karnataka
After India's independence, the States Reorganisation Act incorporated Mangalore into the newly formed Mysore State, later renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Modern Development
Mangalore has emerged as an educational, commercial, and industrial hub of Karnataka, with major developments in IT, port activities, and becoming a multi-cultural coastal urban center.
Plan Your Visit to Mangaluru Today
Discover the beauty, culture, and heritage of Tulunadu. From pristine beaches to historic temples, from vibrant festivals to delicious cuisine, an unforgettable experience awaits you.
Start Your JourneyExplore our travel guides and plan the perfect itinerary.