Mangalore

Enchanting forests, lush green fields, palm-fringed beaches sheltered by the soaring Western Ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian Sea on the west are the setting of the ancient town Magalore. Named after the goddess of fortune- Magaladevi, this coastal town is a major commercial centre. A major seaport and ship building center of Hyder Ali's kingdom, Mangalore serves as a potential trading port till date. Coffee and cashews are exported from this small town located near the backwaters formed by converging Netravati and Gurpur rivers.

The National Highway No 17 running parallel to the sea for over 95 kms in the district is considered to be its lifeline as no highway is distanced from the sea for more than a few kilometers. The people here earn their living through small scale home based industries like beedi making, tiles, coffee curing and fishing.

Spread over a sprawling area of 8,441 sq. kms, the town is also known for several pilgrimage centers it has. The celebration of one of the major festivals of the town namely the Aati Festival is characterized by a ritualistic folk dance performed by the Nalke community. Celebrated to commemorate the advent of rainy season, the festival is marked by a minor spirit- Kalanja who is in charge of the protection of the village folk during the month of July-August. Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Duessehra are alos celebrated with a great fanfare at Mangalore.

357 kms from Bangalore, the city is well connected by rail, road and air from/to Bangalore. This historic town has although been developed as a major business and commercial center, Mangalore still retains its old world charm in the form of its tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in rich catch of fish and the sea food served in spicy coconut curries.

Some of the pleasure and pilgrimage centers near the district include Dharmasthala, Subramanya, Kollur, Udupi, Karkala, Venoor and Moodabidri.