
Bunder Old Port
Bunder Old Port: A historic trade hub where rivers meet the sea, alive with fishing boats and cargo operations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the fishing boats return

Bunder Old Port
Best Time
See the fishing boats return
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bunder Old Port: A historic trade hub where rivers meet the sea, alive with fishing boats and cargo operations.
"Experience the authentic pulse of Mangalore at its historic Old Port, a vibrant hub of fishing and trade."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The port area can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🌅 Visit Early for Authenticity
Catch the real action as fishing boats unload their catch. A true slice of local life.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bustling Fishing Harbor
Mangalore Dhakke
Witness the daily rhythm of fishermen bringing in their catch. A true spectacle of local livelihood.

Historic Trade Post
Along the river banks
Explore the remnants of a port that once facilitated trade with the Middle East and Lakshadweep.

Floating Restaurant Experience
Cruise & Dine
Enjoy a unique dining experience on the water, especially lively on weekends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Bunder Old Port
Navigating Bunder Old Port
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The port area can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🌅 Visit Early for Authenticity
Catch the real action as fishing boats unload their catch. A true slice of local life.
🍽️ Dine on the Water
Experience the unique floating restaurant, especially lively on weekends.
📸 Capture the Activity
The port offers great photo opportunities of boats, cargo, and daily life.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The port area can be uneven. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring safely.
🌅 Visit Early for Authenticity
Catch the real action as fishing boats unload their catch. A true slice of local life.
🍽️ Dine on the Water
Experience the unique floating restaurant, especially lively on weekends.
📸 Capture the Activity
The port offers great photo opportunities of boats, cargo, and daily life.
🚢 Observe Cargo Operations
Witness the manual loading and unloading of goods onto various vessels.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bunder Old Port for its authentic portrayal of local life, vibrant fishing activity, and historical significance. The unique dining experience at the floating restaurant is a notable highlight. Some find the port's activities limited to small-scale operations, but its charm lies in its raw, working-harbor atmosphere.
"An amazing place to observe small cargo ships and country crafts, coastal ships, fishing boats and the load / discharge operations (manual)
The Old Mangalore Port (Mangalore DAKKE in Tulu) is located to south of New Mangalore Port. It is popularly known by name of Bunder. The port was used to ferry goods and passengers to Lakshadweep island and Middle East countries. Now fishing has become main activity of this harbor."
Raghunandan Ramachandran
"This is an old port of Mangalore where Netravati and Gurupura rivers meet and then join the Arabian sea. From historical times foreigners used this location to trade with the locals. Being on the river side the boats were protected from sea waves. The Britishers also used this trade post even before they had established their supremacy over India."
Alphonse Crasta
"Nice"
abhishek samuel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bunder Old Port is located in the heart of Mangalore, easily accessible by local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. It's situated near the confluence of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers. For those arriving by car, parking might be limited, so consider public transport.
Yes, Bunder Old Port is located to the south of the New Mangalore Port. While they are distinct entities, their proximity makes it possible to visit both if you have ample time.
Exploring on foot is ideal to soak in the atmosphere. You can also opt for a bike ride to enjoy the riverside views.
Yes, the Taj Vivanta hotel is located on Bunder Old Port Road. The port itself is a landmark, representing the historical trade route of Mangalore.
While the port is a hub for boats, arriving by boat directly to the port area for general visitors isn't a common mode of transport. Access is primarily by road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry tickets required to visit the general areas of Bunder Old Port. It's a public, working harbor.
As a working port, Bunder Old Port is active throughout the day and night. However, for the best experience observing activities, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The floating restaurant has specific timings, usually from 12 PM to 11 PM.
Yes, the boat ride at the floating restaurant is typically an additional charge, around Rs 200 per head without food, and is usually available only on weekends.
While you can explore the general areas, certain operational zones might be restricted for safety and security reasons. Be mindful of signage and port personnel.
Official guided tours are not widely advertised. However, you can often strike up conversations with locals or boat operators for insights into the port's history and daily life.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can observe small cargo ships, country crafts, coastal ships, and fishing boats. The manual loading and unloading of goods are a key activity.
Absolutely! The vibrant activity, diverse vessels, and riverside setting make it a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Historically, it was a crucial trade post for goods and passengers to Lakshadweep and the Middle East, and was utilized by the British. It's where the Netravati and Gurupura rivers meet the Arabian Sea.
As a working port, be aware of your surroundings, especially around moving vessels and cargo. Wear appropriate footwear and avoid restricted areas.
'Mangalore Dhakke' is the local Tulu name for the fishing harbor area within Bunder Old Port, highlighting its importance for the fishing community.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Thalassery Kitchen, located opposite Badaria Masjid on Old Port Road, is a popular spot for authentic flavors. The 'Cruise & Dine' floating restaurant offers meals and seafood.
The floating restaurant offers meals and seafood items for lunch, and Neer dosa and Chinese dishes for dinner.
While specific budget eateries aren't highlighted, the general area around a bustling port often has local food stalls or small eateries offering affordable options.
Yes, as it's a major fishing harbor, you can find fresh seafood. The floating restaurant is a prime spot to enjoy it.
The floating restaurant is open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM, but the boat ride experience is typically only available on weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverbanks offer great vantage points to capture the boats, cargo operations, and the confluence of rivers. The area around the fishing boats is particularly photogenic.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with the added bonus of witnessing peak activity.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, avoid photographing sensitive operational zones or personnel without permission.
Focus on the diverse range of boats, the process of loading and unloading cargo, the fishermen at work, and the scenic river views.
Drone usage is typically restricted in port areas due to security and air traffic regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to see the fishing boats return, or in the late afternoon to observe cargo operations. The 'Cruise & Dine' floating restaurant offers a unique dining experience that can be a highlight for children, especially if you visit on a weekend when the boat ride is available. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and keep a close eye on children around the active port areas.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
The best times for photography are undoubtedly the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon. These times offer soft, flattering light and coincide with the most active periods at the port. Experiment with different angles, from wide shots of the harbor to close-ups of the details that tell the story of this historic place.
🚢 Maritime Enthusiasts
Learn about its historical significance as a trading post for the Middle East and Lakshadweep, and its role during the British era. The confluence of rivers meeting the sea adds a unique geographical element to its maritime importance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Heartbeat of Mangalore
The port's historical role in ferrying goods and passengers is evident in its enduring charm. While modern ports have emerged, Bunder retains its authentic character, showcasing traditional wooden vessels alongside smaller cargo ships and bustling fishing boats. It’s a place where the echoes of past trade still resonate with the daily rhythm of the sea.
Exploring Bunder offers a unique opportunity to connect with this heritage. You can witness the manual loading and unloading operations, a practice that has likely been in place for generations, providing a tangible link to the port's historical significance.
A Day in the Life: Fishing and Cargo
Beyond fishing, the port also handles various cargo operations. Small cargo ships and country crafts are regularly seen loading and unloading goods, a process often carried out manually. This provides a fascinating glimpse into the logistics of local trade and the resilience of traditional methods.
For visitors, observing these operations offers an authentic experience of the port's working nature. It’s a chance to see the dedication and hard work that sustains this vital part of Mangalore’s economy and culture.
Culinary Delights at the Waterfront
Beyond the floating restaurant, the area around the port also hosts eateries that cater to local tastes. Thalassery Kitchen, situated on Old Port Road, is recommended for those seeking authentic flavors, highlighting the diverse culinary landscape accessible from the port.
For seafood enthusiasts, the proximity to the fishing harbor means access to incredibly fresh catches. Whether you choose the unique ambiance of the floating restaurant or explore other local dining spots, Bunder Old Port promises a flavorful experience connected to the sea.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit