This week, The Musafir Stories speaks to Sampath Menon as he takes us around the coastal town of Mangaluru!Today's destination: Mangaluru, KarnatakaNearest Airport: Mangalore International airport (IXE)Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore Junction (MAJN)Prerequisites : n/aPacking : pack according to the weather, summers can be hot!Time of the year : Winter months from November to January is a good timeLength of the itinerary: 3-10 daysItinerary Highlights:- Sampath starts off by speaking about the rich history of Mangaluru and the various names it has been known as over time - Mangalore, Manjaran, Kudla, Kodial, Maikala- Sampath calls out the various temples in the city, starting from Mangala Devi temple, after which Mangaluru is named, Kadri temple, Gokarnatheshwar, Venkatramana temple, Saravu temple among others. In the vicinity are temples of Udupi, Kollur Mookambika temple, Dharmasthala, Ananthpura lake temple, Shringeri mutt and Jain Temples of Moodbidri and Karkala!- Along with the temples, some iconic churches are a must visit - Rosario church, Aloysious chapel, Milagres church- Beaches in Mangalore are quite unique and a popular tourist spot. The important beaches include Someshwar beach, Tannirbhavi beach, Kaup beach, Suratkal beach, Panambur beach, Padubidri beach and St. Mary's island.- Don't forget to catch up on the international kite festival if you are in town during the event. Another new addition is a cycling trail along the coast!- Once you are done with the beaches, you can catch up on the Pilikula wildlife sanctuary a well maintained zoo.- Mangalore is also famous for the tiles -the famous Mangalore tiles with Albuquerque tile factory a possible visit.- Coming to the food choices, Mangalore is a world in itself. From Bonda juice (tender coconut juice), Mangalore bajji, Mangalore buns, patrode, Gole bajje, patoli, neer dosa, ghee roast, kundapur chicken, fish fry and the lest we forget the popular Gudbud ice cream!- Mangalore is also rich in culture right from the Yakshagana form or dance/performance to the hulivesha and Karadivesha dances. Dusshera celebration is also one of the popular festivals that draws in large crowds.- Nearby places like Udupi, Bekal fort and Chikmagalur are great options for a short trip!Links:Links to the blogpost:Why visit Mangalore:https://sampathmk.com/great-destinations-mangalore-indiahttps://sampathmk.com/my-perfect-day-in-my-city-mangalore Pilikula Heritage Village:https://sampathmk.com/nikon-photo-walk-pilikula-heritage-villageThe vegetarian crocodile:https://sampathmk.com/in-search-of-the-vegetarian-crocSultan Battery:https://sampathmk.com/sultan-bateri-tipus-watch-towerMangalore Intl Kite festival:https://sampathmk.com/kite-festival-in-mangaloreMoodbidre Jain temple:https://sampathmk.com/a-jain-temple-and-a-giant-statueNearby Murudeshwar:https://sampathmk.com/that-trip-to-murudeshwarNearby Chikmagalorehttps://sampathmk.com/a-few-days-in-chikmagalurhttps://sampathmk.com/chikmagalur-into-the-rains (ChikNearby North Kerala:https://sampathmk.com/north-kerala-places-to-visitBakel Fort:https://sampathmk.com/amazing-bakelOdhens sea food:Kannur: https://sampathmk.com/dog-cafe-dosas-moreOyster Operahttps://sampathmk.com/oyster-opera-great-settings-good-food Nearby Dharmasthala:https://sampathmk.com/a-day-in-dharmasthalaLink to the blog:https://sampathmk.comIG: @sampathmkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sampath.menon.7Twitter: @sampathmenonFollow the Musafir stories on:Twitter : https://twitter.com/musafirstories?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/themusafirstories/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musafirstoriespodcast/?hl=enwebsite: www.themusafirstories.comemail: themusafirstories@gmail.comApple podcasts -  https://apple.co/2LPtTA3Google podcasts - http://bit.ly/2toY7ljwebsite - http://bit.ly/2xFZqOVSaavn - https://bit.ly/2J5rIqiSpotify - https://spoti.fi/2HLPSViGaana - http://bit.ly/2NClUYYpocketcasts - https://bit.ly/2xu3Ewgcastbox - https://bit.ly/2sqBDQiOvercast - https://bit.ly/2LN9wnfStitcher Radio - https://bit.ly/2JiBbhwTuneIn - https://bit.ly/2xyQH4aRadioPublic - https://bit.ly/2snY9u0iHeartradio - https://ihr.fm/2xvOG8RDeezer - https://bit.ly/2L7GmOo