Puttur is also known as pearl city of India is located at a distance of 53 Km from Mangalore city in a hilly region between the coast and Western Ghats. Puttur is the second biggest town of the Dakshina Kannada district and also rewarded as the rich town of the district.
The name pearl city comes from a mythological story that there was a draught at this place, and priests were performing rituals offering rice as prasadam in the Holy pond of Mahalingeshwara temple, suddenly the water started coming from all the corners and those rice turned into the pearls, Thus the name “PEARL CITY”.
Top attractions
Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple: This is an ancient temple said to be built in 11-12th Century. In the premises of this temple we find a unique pond on the western side. It is said that in olden days’ pearls were found to be growing in the pond. During the month of April, the car festival is celebrated for 10 days. The town is at its colorful best with the dazzling, light and marvelous display of fire crackers. More than a lakh people visit Puttur during the festival.
Beeramale Hill: This is an attractive tourism spot of Puttur. The height of the hill is around 1000 feet from the Sea Level. This also houses an open auditorium and a library that is open to public. A beautiful view of Puttur town can be seen from the peak of this hill.
Aithal Snake Park: Dr. Ravindranath Aithal is well known as the "Snake Doctor". His live specimens home 'SarpaLoka'. With 24 species of snakes. Breeding rare and endangered species are the primary motives of 'SarpaLoka'.
Campco Chocolate Factory: It is the biggest Factory of its kind in the Asian continent. The different varieties of Chocolate produced here are having indigenous market and some portion is exported. You can visit the factory and enjoy the chocolates.
Bendru Theertha (Hot Spring): About 15 km from Puttur there is a natural hot water spring. It is believed by the local people that the water is said to be auspicious and a dip in the lake drives away all skin diseases like eczema, allergic rashes and many more ailments. It is situated in a scenic spot by the side of river Seerehole which flows west ward and merges with Arabian Sea.
Dr. Shivarama Karanth Balavana: K. Shivaram Karanth, Jnanpith Award recipient stayed here for about 40 years. Dr. Karanth made most of his literary contributions and cultural endeavors at Balavana. A library of his literary works and an attractive museum is established and is open to the public.
Mai De Deus Church: One of the ancient church built in 1830 by the Roman Catholic missionaries from Goa in Gothic style. This holy church is renovated with elegant architectural beauty.
Sahasralingeshwara Temple: is one of the oldest temples of Dakshina Kannada district and it is also referred as Dakshina Kashi. The Sahasralingeshwara Temple is located in Uppinangady where the two sacred rivers Netravathi and Kumaradhara confluence.
Shree Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple: It is one of the famous Hanuman temple situated at Puttur District. The origin of this temple is said to be related to the mythic period of Ramayan.
How to get here:
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe (57 Km)
Nearest Railway Station: Puttur railway station is just 1 Km away from Puttur.
