Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple

One of the oldest temples in Mangalore (9th century CE), built by the Alupa dynasty. Houses the largest bronze idol of Lokeshwara (Avalokitesvara) in India — a 5-foot Buddhist bronze from the 10th century CE, indicating the temple's Buddhist origins. The Nath Panth tradition of tantra yoga has its roots here.

One of the most important temples in Mangalore, built by social reformer Narayana Guru in 1912 to provide a temple for all castes. Lord Gokarnanatha (a form of Shiva as Lord of Gokarna) is the presiding deity. The nine-day Navaratri festival here includes spectacular cultural events and draws 5 lakh visitors.

A major Devi temple 18 km from Mangalore, dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari (the supreme form of Devi who rules the cosmos). The temple's Navaratri festival draws 5 lakh devotees. Known for the unique tradition of 'Tuluva' rituals blending Hindu and local folk traditions.

A celebrated Vaishnava temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, founded by the 13th-century philosopher-saint Madhvacharya, who is said to have installed an idol that arrived from Dwaraka by ship. Devotees view the deity only through a carved silver window (Kanakana Kindi), and the temple's kitchen — run by hereditary priests on a strict rotation — is credited with originating Udupi's famous vegetarian cuisine.