Pilikula-Zoo

A significant Biological Park is established in Pilikula Nisarga Dhama has major focus on the wildlife species of Western Ghats. The park is named as Dr. Shivaram Karnath Biological Park. The park consists of an area of 82 hectares.
In accordance with prevailing laws, the central Zoo Authority of India has recognized the park. As per modern Zoological practices, the animal enclosures have been designed to closely resemble its natural habitat.




The park has a Veterinary hospital with operation theatre, diagnostic lab and other facilities like treatment squeezers, close observation cages, and hand raring facilities for young ones, tranquilising guns and drugs, Proper underground drainage facility is provided for enclosures.

Pilikula-Heritage Village

Being primarily an agrarian community, the economy of Dakshina Kannada has been highly dependent on Nature. Moreover the region is well endowed with natural splendour. Hence various forms of Nature worship have prevailed in rural Dakshina Kannada. The landscape, customs and rituals of Dakshina Kannada are filled with homage and elaborate tributes to Mother Earth.


At Pilikula Nisarga Dahama, we have developed a Heritage Village / Artisan Village Complex, where we have recreated the typical rural atmosphere of Dakshina Kannada. It includes exhibits like Guttu House, Nagabana (Serpert shrine), Kambala (Buffalo Race) Track, Arecanut and Coconut gardens etc.


The Heritage Village / Artisan Village Complex is constructed at a specially demarcated site spread over 35 acres. Every effort has been made to put up an authentic presentation based on extensive research with the help of scholars and experts in the field. The minute attention to detail is clearly visible in the retention of original design and use of genuine tools, implements, equipment and artifacts by traditional hereditary artists and artisans.

Pilikula- Golf Course

Golf is an international sport having widespread appeal. Unfortunately, in India, this game is played mainly in the metropolitan cities. One of the key objectives of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is to promote tourism and having a golf course would be a major attraction for foreign and corporate visitors to plan their holidays.


As there is no other golf course in or around Mangalore, Pilikula Nisargadhama has developed its own Golf Club to facilitate the sport as an added attraction. The 9 Hole Golf course is a facility that allows Members and Tourist to tee off amidst the undulating greens.

Pilikula-Arboretum

An arboretum (= garden comprising of woody species of plants i.e. trees and shrubs) extending over an area of 35 ha has been established at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama where about 60,000 seedlings belonging to 236 taxa of flowering plants of Western Ghats, spread over 60 families have been planted randomly as well as family clusters. They include 70 taxa endemic to the Western Ghats region.

Pilikula- Manasa Amusement and Water Park

The Pilikula Nisarga Dhama includes the Manasa Amusement and Water Park which is developed as an ultimate destination for fun and leisure.


This is only such facility in coastal Karnataka and aims to please the adults and children alike with its wide assortment of joy rides, water slides and other attractions.

Manasa Amusement & Water Park has a spacious Landing pool where adults and teenagers can enjoy their maximum. There are many slides set around the Landing Pool. 108" River ride, 27" Crazy Cruise Wave and Body Slide are some of the slides to name a few.

Pilikula Lake garden and boating

Pilikula’ derives its name from ‘Pilikula Lake’ which is today one of the major attractions of the pilikula project.

According to local legend, the lake was once a haunt of tigers. Hence it got to be called ‘Pilikula’ which means ‘Tiger Pond’.

Prior to the Pilikula project, the Pilikula Lake, which was once a large water body, had degenerated into becoming a small pond and was on the verge of being lost completely. However after being adopted for restoration under Pilikula project, it has been desilted and retrieved to its original glory; now having water spread area of 5.00 acres and a depth of 30 feet.

Pilikula

Pilikula literally means Tiger's lake. In olden days, tigers used to come to this lake to drink water. Henceforth, this lake came to be known as Pilikula.



The Mangalore City Corporation has developed this area & has now become the hotspot for people who are looking forward to enjoy scenic beauty & peace. Pilikula has a huge lake & a beautifully laid gardens encircling the entire lake. One can see swans & ducks moving around in the lake & sometimes they even move into the gardens. Boating facilities are available in the lake. One can either use pedalling boats (mostly preferred by couples) or bigger boats carry about 10to 15 persons.



Pilikula Nisarga Dhama (Pilikula) is a major eco-education and tourism development project promoted by the District Administration of Dakshina Kannada in the beautiful city of Mangalore in Karnataka State, India.
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, a Lake Park with Boating Centre, a Water Amusement Park and a Golf Course. Other features which are currently being developed include a Heritage Village, an Ayurveda Health Therapy Centre and Tourist Cottages.

Holy Rosary Church or Rosario Cathedral

Holy Rosary Church or Rosario Cathedral is one of the oldest churches situated near Hampankatta. It was built in the year 1568 by the Portuguese and reconstructed in year 1910. Diego de Silveira the Portuguese King his stone emblem here marked the landing of the Portuguese in Mangalore can be seen at the entrance of this church.It is known for its magnificent dome which resembles St Peter's in Rome. There are as many as 8 bishops, including one archbishop interred.

Idgah Maidan Mosque

Idgah Maidan Mosque built by Tipu Sultan has an elaborate stone wall built as the place for worship. The local administration did not give permission to build the mosque so the local Muslim community settled for a temporary structure itself.

Juma Masjid

Juma Masjid located on JM Road may have been built around 644 AD by early Arab traders who came in search of the famous Malabar spices. Tipu Sultan the famous ruler of Mysore is credited to have renovated in 18th century. The mosque has carved intricately wooden roof. The prayer hall is the main attraction which is a rectangular platform which is 3 ft above the ground.
This mosque also marks the arrival of Islam in this region. It is also called Masjid Zeenath Baksh.

Gokarnath Temple

Gokarnath Temple was first built by Sri Narayana Guru in 1912 and is dedicated to Shiva as Gokarnatheshwara. Kerala temple architecture is followed, later it was renovated in Chola style. It is located 3 Kms away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand.

Srimanthi Bai Memorial Museum

City's only museum, which links modern Indian history with the 16th century objects. Col VR Mirajkar Mangalorean by birth during one of his posting in pre-Independence India, had stayed in a bungalow he liked it so much that he built an almost exact replica of it at Bejai. Later the State Archaeological Department converted the bungalow into a museum.

Lighthouse Hill Park

Also know as Tagore Park is a beautiful park and a favorite hangout for the youngsters. It is located in the heart of the city. The view of the sea from here is marvelous, you can also get to see the ships sailing and watch the sunset from here. The garden also surrounds a old light house with full of huge trees and flowering plants.

There is also a small artificial stream that flows down a rock strewn channel. There is a public library at the base of the light house with a reading room named after Karnad Sadashiv Rao, a renowned freedom fighter.

Milagres Church

Milagres Church was built in the year 1680 by Vicar Thomas de Castro he was a Theatine Priest of Salsette. It is one of the oldest churches in South Canara. The piece of land to build the church was gifted by Keladi Queen Chennama. The present structure dates from 1911.Some parts of the church is believed to have been destroyed by Tippu Sultan and the stones were used to build the Idgah on Lighthouse Hill. Milagres Church has a great altar and is considered one of the best prayer house in Mangalore. The Church also houses the paintings of St Monica and St Augustine which is a wonderful piece of work is a worth watch.

Sulthan Battery

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.

Surathkal Beach

The Surathkal Beach is one of the most commonly visited places that are located in the Mangalore city in Karnataka. The people who come to visit the city from the other parts of the country as well as abroad to spend a vacation often travel to this beach, as it offers a lot of serenity.

One of the reasons for which the Surathkal Beach is quite popular among the tourists is the beautiful natural surroundings that the place offers. It is an ideal halt for the visitors who want to spend some time away from the crowded and busy city life. One of the major attractions of the Surathkal Beach at Mangalore is the beautiful scenic view that it offers at the time of sunset.

Aloyseum (St Aloysius College Museum)

Aloyseum (St Aloysius College Museum) is a small museum with a large eclectic collection which includes mounted skeletons of wild animals (tiger, panther, antelope and wild boar). You can also see animal bones, skin of animals, skulls and a clutch of ostrich eggs. The first generator which was used in the city of Mangalore is also seen here. There is a vast collection of vessels and utensils used by Mangaloreans in the past is also visible here.

St. Aloysious Chapel

St. Aloysius Church is situated 1 km away from the city's main center. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Antony Moshaini of Italy. The church was built in the year 1899-1900. St. Aloysius College Chapel, an architectural gem, comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome, is situated on lighthouse hill.

New Mangalore Port

The New Mangalore Port was declared as the 9th Major Port on 4th May 1974 and was formally inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 11th January 1975
Till 31st March 1980, the Government of India centrally administered the port

Bengre Headland

Bengre Headland is a natural breakwater protecting downtown Mangalore from the vagaries of the sea. It is a 8 Km long piece of land and 1/2 Km wide, with Gurupur River on one side and Arabian Sea on the other.The natural beauty of this place attracts thousands of tourists.

Shri Mangaladevi Temple:

Veerabahu was the king of Tulunadu. When he became old he handed over his kingdom to Bangaraja with the approval of his master sage Bharadharaja. Veerabahu had no children and after relieving himself of the responsibilities of the king became a recluse.

Bangaraja proved a worthy successor to Veerabahu. He ruled his kingdom well and brought more glory and fame to his kingdom. On a certain night while he was sleeping Goddess Mangaladevi appeared in his dream and revealed to him that at the spot where Netravathi and Phalguni rivers converge there is a mound under which lay the remains of a shrine. Mother Goddess bade him to relieve from the remains the Shivashakthi Linga and the Dharapatra and install them in a shrine newly built. Then, she further said arrangements be made for the regular worship in the temple. She promised him that these services would bring him glory and happiness.

The king, not being able to decide as to what he should do consults sage Bharadhwaja.

Kadri Park:

Kadri Park is a oval shaped sprawling green park on Kadri Hills. It is 5 Kms away from the city near Air studios. The park is green all round the year. There is also a 18 inch railway track along which chugs a toy train.

Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple

Kadri is another ancient historic spot in Mangalore. The Kadri Temple dating back to about 1068 A.D. with its nine tanks, its square temple, nestling at the foot of the highest hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors annually. The Lokeshwara bronze statue of the Kadri Manjunatha with 3 faces and six ams is tipped to be the best bronze statue in India. On top of the hill King Kundavarma Bhupendra built a mutt, which came to be called 'Jogimutt'. There are some stone caves on top of the hill, which are known as the caves of the Pandavas. There is a natural spring at an elevataed location on the backside of the temple. It is called as Gomukha.The water from this spring is let into 7 ponds of different sizes adjacent to it.

Tourist places:

Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple:







Kudroli Gokarnath Temple is situated 3km away from main city area. Recently, this temple has been renovated and now it is one of the tourist attraction places in Mangalore. The Temple was then renovated under the leadership of Central Finance Minister Sri B. Janardhana Poojary in 1989 and was completed within two years in 1991. The renovated Sri Gokarnanatha Kshethra was inaugrated by the Prime Minister of India Sri Rajiv Gandhi under the Presidentship of Sri B. Janardhan Poojary in 1991. The temple is famous for Mangalore Dasara - an annual 10-day elaborate festival celebrating Dasara.

Mythological associations

According to Hindu mythology, the region covering Mangalore was a part of the Parashurama Shristi, the coastal belt reclaimed from the sea by the legendary sage Parashurama. As for other mythological associations, Rama was the Lord of Tulu Nadu during the days of the Ramayana. Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandavas, was the Governor of this place during the days of the Mahabharatha. The Pandavas lived in Banavasi during their exile visiting Sarapady near Mangalore. Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata also appears to have visited this place when he travelled from Gokarna to Adur near Kasargod. It was the land of enchantment of Sahyadri mountains, where the great sages Kanva, Vysa,Vashista, Vishvamitra and others spent their days of meditation.

The Sultan Battery in Mangalore built in 1784 by Tippu Sultan to prevent English warships from entering the Gurupura River. It is situated in Boloor, 6 Km. away from Mangalore City Bus Stand. It was built in Black Stones. The remaining part of the fort is called as Tippu's well.

Mangalore history

Mangalore derives its name from goddess Mangaladevi. Mangaladevi temple is situated in Bolar in the city of Mangalore. Mangalore is translates as Mangala-Ooru which means Mangala's town.In 19th century the temple was built by kundavarma in guidence of 2 holy saints Machendranatha and Gorakanatha who had come from Nepal. Gorakdandi is a place where these two saints had crossed the river Netravathi to come to Mangalapura

General

Mangalore is a reminder of the good times of life. The district offers a wide range of interesting places like Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri for both pilgrimage and pleasure. Though developed as a business and commercial centres Mangalore still retains its old charm with old tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats, sea food served in spicy coconut curries.
The city is well connected by road to the rest of the state. This fishing town is also known for its coffee, beedi and cashew nut industry. Mangalore is also known for its Panambur port, which is India's ninth largest in terms of handling cargo.