Mangalore, India
On the south-west coast of India in the state of Karnataka, Mangalore remains one of India’s foremost ports and is renowned for its beaches and temples.
The city derives its name from Mangaladevi, the Hindu deity of fortune, and its strategic location in relation to the Persian Gulf has ensured its trading importance since the 14th century.
The surrounding landscape of Mangalore is scenically decorated with elegant coconut palms and undulating hillsides, while the attractions of the city provide a fascinating insight into the charm and history of the city.
From the impressive Manjunatha Temple, which dates from the 10th century, to the elegant frescoes decorating the interior of St Aloysius Chapel, the culture of Mangalore is certain to inspire.
Other places of interest around the city include nearby Karkala, a revered pilgrimage site for Jains and home to a magnificent 42-feet statue of Gomateshwara.
Below are examples of excursions that have previously been offered from this port of call. A fully detailed programme of the included and optional tours available during your cruise will be sent shortly before your departure.
Ethnic Mangalore
Discover the delights of rural India on this fascinating excursion revealing its traditions, art and cultures.
From the port you head first to the quiet town of Moodbidri where you visit a typical Mangalorean home, characterised by its elegantly tiled roof and wooden interior.
Next continue on to Dr Soans Farm for a journey around this family-run plantation specialising in a variety of fruits, spices and vegetables.
Here you will be able to experience at first hand the lifestyle of the villagers, witnessing the ploughing of the fields by buffalo, seeing how sari and dhotis are worn and watching a cookery demonstration before enjoying lunch.
During your meal you will be treated to performance of Dollu Kunita, a technical dance of sound and speed accompanied by an indigenous folk drum called dollu.
The dance is based on themes of mythology and history told by a narrator. Following a traditional lunch served on banana leaves, you return to the port and Spirit of Adventure.
Optional excursion
Duration: 6 hours and 30 minutes
Mangalore City Tour
Orientate yourself with Mangalore on this included excursion. Depart the pier by coach and head for a cashew factory.
Watch as the nuts are roasted and then removed from their kernel. After extracting the oil, the cashews are sorted, graded and packaged for export.
You then continue to Kadri Temple, one of the oldest in Mangalore and dating from 1068AD. Continue on to the 19th-century St Aloysius Chapel, situated on Lighthouse Hill.
Dedicated to Aloysius of Gonzaga, the Jesuit saint and missionary, the chapel is decorated with frescoes illustrating the saint’s life and mission to India that cover virtually every inch of the interior roof and walls.
Before returning to the pier visit Gokarnath Temple, a more modern structure, which was first built in 1912. The marble interior features silver icons of Shiva and other Hindu deities.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Temple and Farm Tour
Jainism is a non-theistic religion which teaches peacefulness, equality and harmony, and today you can discover some of the faith’s most revered and beautiful temples.
Begin by travelling to Karkala, an important pilgrimage centre for Jains. Here you can view the famous single-stone 42-feet statue of Gomateshwara, a Jainish ‘saint’, which dates to 1432.
Perched high on a rock, it has a spectacular setting. If you wish, you may ascend the 200 steps here for sweeping views of the countryside and Ramasamudra Lake.
Next, head for Dr Soans’ Farm, a spice and tropical fruit plantation where you enjoy a short tour. You then travel to Moodbidri, the sacred city of theJains, set amidst forest, hillsides and fertile fields.
Here you enter the 400-year-old Temple of a Thousand Pillars, another major pilgrimage site. As the name suggests, there are a thousand pillars inside, each one beautifully carved and no two the same.
Included excursion
Duration: 5 hours and 15 minutes