About three hundred and fifty kilometres from the capital, Bangalore, Mangalore lies nicely tucked between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Mangalore is the chief port city of Karnataka and handles about seventy five percent of India’s coffee export and a bulk of India’s cashew export. Demographically diverse, Mangaloreans speak many languages including Tulu, Konkani and Kannada.
Of tropical climate, Mangalore is a beautiful city, complete with rolling hills, winding roads, palm trees and tiled roof buildings. Throughout history, Mangalore has been ruled by many including the Kadambas, the Vijayanagar dynasty, the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Portuguese. A source of contention between the British and Tipu Sultan, Mangalore eventually was annexed to the Madras Presidency until India’s independence.
Mangalore is known for it’s lovely beaches, amazing food (particularly Mangalorean fish curry) and pretty women. Mangaloreans are warm, welcoming and open and will be happy to have you over to their home for a meal or a drink. Mangalore is a city with many homestays as well, and it comes as no surprise why. The city has a very strong culture of classical dance and folk art. One example of a dance and drama performance that is held in Mangalore is the Yakshagana, which is a night long performance. It is absolutely amazing to watch.
Mangalore is also very close to places like Manipal, Surathkal and Udupi (particularly Malpe beach), all weekend getaways from the city that is about an hour’s drive away. This is the coast along which you will find white sandy beaches and rough seas. It makes for great pictures, and of course, you will be able to absolutely relax by the beach. Manipal and Surathkal are better known as university towns or student towns, while Udupi is known world over for excellent south Indian food. Malpe beach has become popular as a hang out or party spot over the last few years. No matter what identity these cities take on, they remain beautiful. It’s worth the drive back and forth from Mangalore, just to explore these cities, relax and rejuvenate yourself.
The closest airport to most places around Mangalore is the Mangalore international airport or the Bajpe airport. The airport itself is a tricky one, as it’s located on the top of a hill with table top runways.Only two other airports in the country share this feature with the Bajpe airport. Taking a Mangalore flight is even more interesting for this reason; you literally land on a cliff edge. Mangalore and the cities around are definitely a must visit, and spend at least a day or a weekend at.