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.

Dharmastala: Situated 75 kms from Mangalore, Dharmastala is an attractive site surrounded by forested hills, rice fields and by the river Netravati on all sides. The Manjunatha temple here is a famous pilgrim centre. A Monolithic statue of Bahubali 14metres high was erected here in 1973. Visitors are provided with free boarding and lodging by the temple authorities. There is a small museum, Manjusha Museum located opposite to the temple. There are two temple chariots covered in wooden figures and all types of religious objects including carved and painted panels, bronze sculptures and bells.

Kollur: Kollur is 147 kms from Mangalore. The famous temple of goddess Mookambika is located here on top of Kodachadri hill, at the foot of the Western Ghats. The goddess takes the form of a 'Jyotirlinga' incorporating the aspects of Shiva and Shakti. It is a famous pilgrimage centre attracting lot of devotees.

Krishna Temple (Udipi)

All Roads in Udipi lead to the large open square in the city centre where the krishna Temple is located. This is the focal point of all activity, spirtual and commercial, in this bustling pilgrim town. The famous 13th - century Vaishnava teacher, Madhava, is believed to have founded the temple by installing an image of Krishna he had rescued from a shipwreck. Parked outside the temple are the festival chariots with dome - like towers made of bamboo and covered with colourful textiles. After passing through the entrance gate, pilgrims bathe in the tank before entering the main sanctuary with its silver doors and viewing window. Surrounding the square are other temples and the eight mathas associated with the Krishna Temple, built in the typical Kanara style with wooden verandahs and sloping roofs. The distance between from Mangalore to Udipi is 58 km (36 miles).

Barkur

It is situated at 71 km from Mangalore. The Coastal Town of Barkur was a flourishing port in the 15th and 16th centuries until its river silted up. Today, the town's main attractions are its many temples with their typical sloping terracotta - tiled roofs. The largest is the Panchalingeshvara Temple, situated at the southern end of the town. Devotees gather at the stepped tank near the temple for a ritual bath before worshipping at the two east - facing linga shrines. The other temples include one dedicated to both Shiva and Ganesha, and the smaller Someshvara and Somanatheshvara temples.

Gokarna

Spectacularly situated by the Arabian Sea, Gokarna has now become a favourite destination of visitors in search of sun, sea and sand. A charming little town with two principal streets and clusters of traditional tile - roofed brick houses, Gokarna is also an important centre of Sanskrit learning.

The ancient Mahabaleshvara Temple, at the western end of the main street, was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1714 and then rebuilt later in the 18th century. In the sanctuary is a stone linga, encased in brass, placed on a coiled stone serpent. The floor of the hall in front has an intricate engraving of a giant tortoise. Shiva's birthday (Feb / Mar) is celebrated here with great fanfare. The two great temple chariots lead a procession through the town's narrow streets, while priests and pilgrims chant hymns in praise of Shiva.