Dakshina Kannada District

About Dakshina Kannada District

Dakshina Kannada is a land of culture, tradition and rituals. The district has many temples of Hindu gods and goddess, which lend an aura of spiritualism to the place. The people of Dakshina Kannada worship the serpent god ( Subramanya ). As a legend goes, Parashurama from sea reclaimed the district. Many native rituals like nagaradhane and Bhuta Kola are performed here. Kambla is a form of buffalo race organized on the muddy track in the paddy field. Moreover, cockfights are also held.

Dakshin Kannada’s population is estimated to be 1,897,730. With its District Headquarters located at Mangalore is at the forefront of commerce and industry.
The Dakshina Kannada district has an area 4866 square kilometre. Density of human population is 390 persons per square kilometre.Dakshina Kannada, also called as South Canara is a coastal district of Karnataka state.

The district can be divided into two agro-climatic regions as coastal region and Malnad region. The coastal region consists of Mangalore and the Malnad region consists of Belthangady, Puttur, Sullia and Buntwal taluks. It used to include three northern taluks, Udupi, Kundapur and Karkala, but these were separated in August 1997 to form Udupi district.

Mangalore is the district head quarters of Dakshina Kannada, has been a trading centre for several centuries.The important rivers of Dakshina Kannada District are Suvarnanadi, Shambavi (Mulki), Gurpur River, Nethravathi, Pavanje, Nandini besides there there are many other rivers with perennial flow of water and a number of streams, all running from east to west.

History

Before 1860, Dakshina Kannada was part of a district called Kanara, which was under a single administration in the Madras Presidency.

In 1860, the British split the area into South Kanara and North Kanara, the former being retained in the Madras Presidency, while the later was made a part of Bombay Province in 1862. Kundapura taluk was earlier included in North Kanara, but was re-included in South Kanara later.

During the Reorganisation of States in 1956, Kasaragod was split and transferred to the newly created Kerala state and Dakshina Kannada was transferred to Mysore state (present day Karnataka).

Later, the Karnataka Government, for the purpose of administration, split the greater Dakshina Kannada district into Udupi and present day Dakshina Kannada districts on 15 August 1997. Three taluks of former DK district namely Udupi,Karkala and Kundapura were made into new Udupi district.

Educational Institutions

Medical Colleges in Daksin Kannada

• Alvas Ayurveda Medical College
• AJ Institute Of Medical Sciences
• Fr Muller S Medical College
• KVG Medical College
• KS Hegde Medical Academy
• Yenepoya Medical College
• Fr Mullers Homoeopathic Medical College
• Dr MV Shetty College Of Medical Lab
• Nitte Institute Of Medical Laboratory Sc
• Alvas College Of Medical Lab Technology
• Mangalore Medical Research & Diagnostic
• Dr MV Shetty College Of Medical Lab
• Nitte Institute of medical Laboratory Science

Dental Colleges in Daksin Kannada

• AB Shetty Memorial Institute Of Dental
• KVG Dental College And Hospital
• Yenepoya Dental College Zulakha Complex

Engineering Colleges in Daksin Kannada,

• Karnataka Regional Engineering College
• Saint Joseph College Of Engg & Tech

Other Institutions

• Institute Of Health Science,

• Dr. M. V. Shetty Memorial Educational Society

• Shree Devi Education Trust

• K. Pandyaraj Balla College Of

• N. G. S. M. Institute Of Pharmaceutical Sc

• K. Venkataramana Gowda College Of

• P. A. College Of Engineering Nadupadav

• Vivekananda College Of Engg & Tech

• Canara Engineering College

• Institute Of Professional Sciences

• Capitanio T T I For Women

• Dist Instit Of Educ & Train Govt TTI

• Govt T T I , For Women

• Rosa Mystica T T

• St Ann S College Of Education

• College Of Teacher Education

• Canara College

• Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College Of

• Dhavala College

• Durga Parameshwari Temple First Grade

• Dr. N S A M First Grade College

• Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha

• Govt First Grade College, Bettampati

• Govt First Grade College, Haleangady

• Govt First Grade College, Vamanapadavu

• Government College,

• Govinda Dasa College

• Mangalore Institute Of Fashion

• Mulky Sunderram Shetty College

• Nehru Memorial College

• Pompie College

• Sacred Heart College

• School Of Social Work

• Shree Narayana Guru College

• Shree Niranjan Swamy College

• Sri Gokarnantheshwara College

• Sri Mahaveera College

• Sri Venkitramana Swamy College

• St Agnes College

• University College

• Vijaya College

• Vivekananda College

• St Aloysius College

• Govinda Dasa College

• Durga Parameshwari Pu College

• Gokarnnatheshwara College

• Besant Girls Pu College

• Srinarayanaguru College

• St Agnes College, Bendoor

• S. D. M College, Ujire

Culture

The district is famous for red clay roof tiles (Mangalore tiles), cashew nut & its products, banking, education (professional and non professional) and of course for its exotic cuisine.

Dakshina Kannada can be said as land of culture, tradition and rituals. Today in the 21st century most people of the district follow traditions, customs and rituals, even after receiving a British-implemented modern education. The district has many temples of Hindu gods and goddess, which are ancient and have deep spiritualism attached to them. The people of Dakshina Kannada worship the serpent god ( Subramanya ). According to legend, the district was reclaimed by Parashurama from the sea. Hence worship of serpent is done to original inhabitats. Nagaradhane or Snake worship is practised according to the popular belief of the Naga Devatha to go underground and guard the species on the top.Worship of spirits is prevalent in these areas. Rituals like Bhuta Kola are done to satisfy the spirits. Kambla, a form of buffalo race on muddy track in the paddy field, is organised. Cock fight ( Kori Katta in Tulu) is another pastime of rural agarian people, but unfortunately has turned in to gambling.

Tourist Attraction

**Jamalabad Fort:**65 kms. from Mangalore, 8 Kms from Belthangadi, the Jamalabad Fort was built in 1794 by Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, in memory of his mother Jamalabee. A good place for trekkers.

Sultan Batheri :It is situated in Boloor, 6 Kms away from Mangalore city bus stand. it was built in Black stones by Tippu sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurupur river. The 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.

Donhole Waterfalls, on the Dharmasthala-Ujire Road, is located near Netravathi Bridge, about 10 km from Ujire in Dakshina Kannada District. Donhole plummets from a height of 50 ft.Alekhan Waterfalls and Bandaje Arabi Falls are among the points of interest nearby. Dondole can be reached from Dharmasthala.

Venoor - Gommateshwara:Venoor is 19 Kms from Belthangady and about 54 Kms from Mangalore. The chief objects of interest here are the colossal Monolithic statue of Gommata of 38ft in height and a few basadis. This staute sculpted by Janakacharya was set up in 1604 AD by Veera Thimanna Ajila IV .

Biladwara is a sacred cave near Kukke Sri Subramanya Temple at Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada District. According to Hindu mythology, the serpent Vasuki took shelter from the pursuing Garuda in this cave. The cave is 10 m long and has an entrance and exit.

Bendre Theertha is a tourist spot developed by the Karnataka State Tourism Department. Situated on the banks of the river Seerehole, it is a natural hot water spring with healing powers.Bendre Theertha is approximately 65 km south of Mangalore and 15 km from the training centre of Puttur. Puttur Railway Station is the nearest railway station.

1000 Pillar Shrine:Located in Moodabidri, 35 Kms North East of Mangalore, the Holy shrine of the Jains, Thousand Pillar Basadi is dedicated to Shri Chandranath, a Jain saint. The temple is intricately carved and has Nepalese style of architecture. The 1000 pillar temple is around 560 years old and was build over century. The history of the temple is carved on the walls and pillars of the Temple. No two pillars in the temple are alike. The Basadi is treasure house of art and architecture. No where in Karnataka a Basadi of so much grandeur and so much magnificence as this could be found.

St. Aloysius Church:Situated just 1 Kms from the heart of the city. The walls and ceilings of the church are covered by paintings of Antonio Moscheni of Italy. The church was built in the year1899-1900.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.

Mangalore Beach is situated at Mangalore. Mangalore is close to the backwaters formed by the convergence of the Netravati and Gurupur rivers.

Tanirbhavi Beach, one of Karnataka’s finest beaches, is located at Mangalore and is in close proximity to the Mangalore Port. This long and beautiful coastline comprises of long stretches of sand dotted with palms and offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea.

Ullal Darga:The Darga of Sayed Mohammed Shereful Madani, who is said to have come to Ullal from Madina 400 years ago is a famous darga in this region. Thousands of people from various states visit the mosque to participate in the Urus festival which is celebrated once in every 5 years.

Narahari Parvatha Sadashiva Temple, Bantval taluk: Loacted at 28 Kms away from Mangalore city. Placed near Pane-mangalore city of Mangalore Taluk.

Mangala Devi Temple:Mangalore has the ancient, 10th century Mangala Devi temple that has given the town its name. Situated Just 2 Kms from the heart of the city.This temple was built by the Ballal family of Attavar in memory of a Princess of Kerala.

**Surathkal Beach:**This picturesque beach is known for it’s clean surrounding and it’s light house. This beach is a few minutes away from Karnataka Regional Engineering College (K.R.E.C)

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.

**Kadri Manjunatha Temple:**The Kadri Hill is famous for the 11th century Kadri Manjunatha Temple, with the surrounding tanks with natural springs and laterite caves, also knows as the Pandava Caves. The bronze image of Lokeshawara and Guatama Buddha in the Dhyani posture point to its Buddhist origins. The Kadri Kambala(Buffalo race) takes place here in December. Situated Just 2 Kms from the heart of the city.On top of the hill King Kundavarma Bupendra 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

It is situated 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian Temples. The seven sacred ponds, Jogi Mutt and caves of Pandavas are the pilgrim attractions here.

**Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple:**Kudroli Gokarnatheshwara Temple is set by Shri Narayana Guru, the great Philosopher, Saint and social reformer from Kerala. The temple is built in the Chola Gopuram Style. The main deity of this temple is Shiva.Situated Just 1 Kms from the heart of the city.

Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Mulki:Placed at 29 KMs away from north of Mangalore and 29 KMs away from south of Udupi near NH 17. Placed at south coast of Shambhavi river.

**Mayasandra Jain Temple:**Constructed of stone and bricks in 1992, Mayasandra Jain Temple is devoted to Bhagvan Sri Ananthanatha. The deity made of metal is seen in the kayotsarga posture. Located in the Magadi taluk of Bangalore district, the temple is well-connected to Magadi and Bangalore.

Venur Bahubali Temple is located on the banks of river Phalguni in Mangalore. The idol of Bahubali was installed in 1605 by an Anjila prince, Veera Thimanna Ajila V (1558-1616). Apart from the Bahubali statues which are situated on the top of the hill, the 35 ft idol of Bahubali is seen in a flat area in sylvan surroundings. Mahamasthakabhisheka is held here every twelve years.

Bahubali Temple,Manjunath Temple in Dharmasthala Situated near the famous Manjunath Temple in Dharmasthala, Bahubali Temple enshrines the monolithic statue of Bhagvan Bahubali. The statue epitomizes renunciation, self control and subjugation of ego. The monolithic statue, 39 ft tall, is carved from a single stone with a pedestal 13 ft high.

Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple :Mangalore is known as a pilgrim center and boasts of many sacred temples like Sharavu, Kadri, Mangaladevi, Kudroli etc. Out of these Sri Sharavu Sharabeshwara - Sri Mahaganapathy Kshetra is an outstanding, pious center of great illustrious history of marathon 800 years

Light House Hill-Garden: It is situated 1 Km. away from Bus Stand. One can see the beautiful sea view, sunset view and also the sailing ships and boats on the sea. Now the renovated garden looks more beautiful.

Seemanthi Bai Government Museum: It is situated in Bejai 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan city Bus Stand. One can see the idols, materials of historical importance here.

Kadri Park : It is situated 5 Km. away from main City Bus Stand. Snakes & Animals Zoo, Toy Train and the beautiful garden are the tourist attractions .

**Someshwar Beach:**It is situated 11 Km. away from main City Bus Stand. The great rock lying on this beach is a great attraction fro Tourists.
Ullal Darga:Known for the “Uroos Fair”. This is one the main mosques in the region. Built in 1958, thousands of people from various states visit the mosque to participate in the Uroos festival which is celebrated once in every five years.

Kotepur: It is situated in Ullal, 12 Km. away from main City Bus stand. One can see the Fort of the Rani Abbakka Devi.

**Boat Riding Centre:**It is in Kulur 10 Km. away fom main City Bus Stand.

Karkal Teerth is located in Karkal Village in {Dakshina Kannada District} of Karnataka. This Jain temple is dedicated to the Jain god Neminath Bhagwan. This is an ancient temple. There is a measuring pillar, almost 2 m high, made of a single stone in front of the temple.

Guru Basadi is the oldest of all Jain basadies in Moodabidri. It is also famous as Siddantha Basadi and Hale (old) Basadi. The temple is built of stone with its exterior covered completely with copper. Legend says that a Jain ascetic came here in the 8th century and he saw a tiger and a cow drinking water from the same trough.

Aanadka Waterfalls:Located near Ujire, Aanadka Waterfalls is a pristine fall amidst the mist-capped mountains of Western Ghats, little known to the world outside. The waterfall takes birth in Maidhadi in the Western Ghats. Surrounded by huge rocks, it falls from a height of 120 ft.When compared to other waterfalls in the Western Ghats, there are no chances of drowning in this waterfall. It does not dry up even in summer.

Valambara Water Falls is situated at Naravi village in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada District. It is one of the most amazing natural sights in the lush green forests of Naravi.Naravi is about 24 km to the north-east of Belthangady. It can also be approached from Udupi by bus.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Abhiman Residency (ph:+91-824-2446304)
• Hotel Srinivas (ph:+91-824-2440061)
• Hotel Maharaj Regency (ph:+91-824-2444841)
• Hotel Mangalore International (ph:91-824-444860)
• Hotel Mayura Netravati (ph:+91-824-2223900)
• Hotel Moti Mahal (ph:+91-824-2441413)
• Hotel Navaratna Palace (ph:91-824-2441108)
• Hotel Pentagon (ph:+91-824-2249203)
• Hotel Poonja International (ph:+91-824-2440171)

Panambur is the site of New Mangalore Port. It is located in Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara ) district of Karnataka state, India, north of the Gurupura river.There is a Nandaneshwara temple in Panambur…..more

Location info

Located 347 Kms. from Bangalore on the coast, Mangalore, the district head quarters of Dakshina Kannada, has been a trading centre for several centuries

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Dakshina Kannada District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Dakshina Kannada District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Dakshina Kannada District

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