Overview
Mangalore, known locally as Mangaluru, is a lively port city on Karnataka's south-west coast, where the Arabian Sea meets historic temples, colonial-era churches and buzzing markets. It's a popular choice for travellers visiting family ties in the region, as well as those exploring the Malabar coast beyond. Flights to Mangalore from the UK are well served via convenient connecting hubs.
Best time to fly to Mangalore
The best time to fly to Mangalore is between October and March, once the monsoon clears and dry, sunny weather sets in — December and January are especially pleasant. April and May turn hot and humid ahead of the rains, while June to September brings heavy monsoon downpours, so it's best avoided if you can help it. Check the When to book chart above for the best fares by season.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Mangalore from the UK, so every journey involves a connection. The most popular option is via a Gulf hub — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Sharjah — with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Air India Express all serving Mangaluru International Airport, reflecting the strong ties between Mangalore and the Gulf's large expatriate community. Alternatively, fly via Mumbai, Bengaluru or Delhi with British Airways or Air India, connecting onto IndiGo, Air India Express or SpiceJet. Total journey time from London is typically 12 to 16 hours depending on the layover. Compare both routings on the price charts on this page to find what suits your dates.
Things to do in Mangalore
Mangalore rewards a few days' exploring, whether you're visiting family or touring coastal Karnataka:
- Kadri Manjunath Temple: a 10th-century hillside temple renowned for its bronze idols and tranquil setting.
- St Aloysius Chapel: a 19th-century Jesuit chapel with strikingly painted ceilings and walls.
- Panambur Beach: a popular golden-sand beach for sunset strolls, food stalls and watersports.
- Sultan Battery: an 18th-century riverside watchtower built by Tipu Sultan, with lovely views.
- Pilikula Nisarga Dhama: a relaxed eco-heritage park with a lake, biological park and science centre.
At Mangaluru International Airport (IXE)
Mangaluru International Airport sits around 15km north-east of the city centre at Bajpe. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs (Ola and Uber both operate locally) wait outside arrivals and take roughly 30-40 minutes into town, traffic permitting. Airport buses and shared shuttles offer a cheaper alternative, and pre-booking a private transfer is worth it if you're arriving after a long overnight connection.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mangalore
- Book ahead when you can — fares often rise closer to departure and around festive periods such as Diwali and Christmas, so use the When to book chart above to time your purchase.
- Fly midweek or in shoulder months like October, November, February or March for typically lower fares than peak December-January dates.
- Stay flexible with your travel dates and search a few days either side of your ideal departure, as connecting fares can vary noticeably.
- Compare Gulf-hub and Indian-hub routings side by side, since the cheapest option often depends on which airline has availability for your dates.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for India; the simplest route for most leisure trips is an e-Visa applied for online ahead of departure — check the latest requirements on India's official e-Visa website before you fly. The currency is the Indian Rupee; cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, though cash is useful for local transport and markets. No vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers, but check current NHS travel health advice before departure, and stick to bottled or filtered water during your stay.
