Mangaluru could soon have a new landmark on its skyline — one designed not merely to dominate the cityscape, but to give visitors a spectacular new vantage point over the coast, rivers and urban landscape.

The Karnataka government has given the go-ahead in principle for the proposed ‘Mangaluru Eye’, a 200-metre, 42-storey tower planned at Kadri, with tourism at the heart of the ambitious project.

The proposed landmark is envisaged as a major visitor attraction, offering panoramic views of Mangaluru and its coastline while bringing together observation spaces, dining, entertainment and public facilities in a single destination.

A five-acre plot belonging to the Horticulture Department near Kadri Park has been identified for the project. According to the concept plan submitted to the Tourism Department, the tower is expected to involve an investment of around Rs 350 crore.

A new vantage point over Mangaluru

The centrepiece of the project will be its observation facilities. A two-level gallery is proposed to provide visitors with a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding coastal landscape.

The tower is also planned to include observation decks, an open terrace and a skywalk, creating multiple viewing experiences at different levels.

A lighthouse at the top of the tower is among the features proposed for the 42nd floor, adding a distinctive coastal identity to the structure.

For visitors, the attraction could offer a perspective of Mangaluru that is difficult to experience from ground level — taking in the city, its greenery, waterways and coastline from a height of about 200 metres.

Tourism destination, not just a tower

The project is being conceived as a broader tourism and leisure destination rather than simply an observation tower.

Plans include a revolving restaurant, food court and community halls, allowing the facility to function throughout the day and potentially attract both tourists and local visitors.

The revolving restaurant, in particular, could become one of the project’s signature experiences, combining dining with constantly changing views of the city and coast.

The government hopes the landmark will strengthen Mangaluru’s position as a tourism destination and encourage visitors to spend more time in the city rather than treating it merely as a transit point to other coastal attractions.

PPP model proposed

The Mangaluru Eye is proposed to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the government considering viability gap funding to make the project attractive to private investors.

The horticulture department land near Kadri Park is being considered for transfer for the project, while the proposed private participation is expected to follow a revenue-sharing arrangement.

The concept was unveiled during an event held in connection with the Karnataka Cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, with Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Dakshina Kannada district minister in-charge UT Khader and Minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Vijayanand S Kashappanavar among those present.

Khader said the concept was inspired by prominent landmark towers in other parts of the world. The blueprint for the project was prepared around 18 months ago with the assistance of an architect.

Three years once construction begins

If the project progresses according to plan, construction is expected to take at least three years after work begins.

The government has positioned the proposed tower as a project that could generate employment while creating opportunities for tourism, trade and allied businesses.

For Mangaluru, the larger question is whether the proposed landmark can become a gateway to the city’s wider tourism potential.

The city already offers beaches, rivers, heritage sites, the old port, religious landmarks and a distinctive coastal culture. A major observation and leisure attraction at Kadri could add another layer to that tourism circuit by giving visitors a single elevated view of the landscape that connects many of these experiences.

Questions remain

While the project has generated interest, it has also faced questions over priorities. Artist and environmentalist Dinesh Holla has raised concerns over the need for such a large landmark while the city continues to face challenges related to roads, drainage, waste management, water supply and rising temperatures.

The proposed Mangaluru Eye therefore remains an ambitious plan whose eventual impact will depend not only on the tower itself, but on how effectively it is integrated with the city’s broader tourism infrastructure and urban development.

For now, the vision is clear: to create a new symbol for Mangaluru where visitors can look beyond the city and see its coastal landscape from an entirely different height.

Mangaluru Eye at a glance

• Location: Kadri, Mangaluru

• Land: Around 5 acres

• Height: 200 metres

• Structure: 42-storey tower

• Estimated investment: Rs 350 crore

• Development model: PPP with proposed viability gap funding

• Key attractions: 360-degree observation gallery, observation decks, skywalk, lighthouse, open terrace, revolving restaurant and food court

• Expected construction period: At least three years