Mangalore derives its name from the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi. It developed as a port on the Arabian Sea – remaining, to this day, a major port of India. Lying on the backwaters of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, Mangalore is often used as a staging point for sea traffic along the Malabar Coast.

 

The city has a tropical climate and lies on the path of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoons. Mangalore's port handles 75% of India's coffee exports and the bulk of the nation's cashew exports. Mangalore was ruled by several major powers, including the Kadambas, Vijayanagar dynasty, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and the Portuguese.

 

The city was a source of contention between the British and the Mysore rulers, Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan. Eventually annexed by the British in 1799, Mangalore remained part of the Madras Presidency until India's independence in 1947. The city was unified with the state of Mysore (now called Karnataka) in 1956.

 

Mangalore is demographically diverse with several languages, including Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary commonly spoken and understood. The city's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, coconut palms, freshwater streams, and hard red-clay tiled-roof buildings.

As one of the major cities of Karnataka, Mangalore enjoys good connectivity with the rest of the state. National Highways 48 and 17 connect Mangalore to other major towns in the country. Both KSRTC and private buses ply frequently from and to Mangalore.

Rail connectivity to Mangalore is available courtesy the Konkan Railways, Kerala -Mangalore Railways and Hassan Mangalore Railways.

The Air port at Bajpe, just 16 kms from Mangalore city could connect the district with other major cities and other countries. Major airways services have been flying here.

Situated 35 kms from Mangalore, Moodabidire is famous for its Jain temples known as Basti's. There are 18 Bastis, the oldest and the largest is the Chandranatha Basti (1429) famous for its 1000 pillared hall. 'The Jain Matha' near the entrance has an important collection of manuscripts. Other shrines worthy of mention are Shantinatha, Settara, Derama Setti Basti, Guru Basti, Kote and Vikrama Setti Basti.

50 kms from Mangalore and 20 kms from North of Moodabidire, is Karkala, an important centre of Jainism. There are several important temples and a 13metres high statue of Bahubali (Gomateswara), situated on a small hill. The statue is a naked figure reached by a flight of rock-cut steps. Some of the temples are Chaturmukha Basti (1587), Neminatha Basti, Anatapadmanabha Temple(1567) dedicated to Vishnu, and Venkataramana temple

Situated 50 kms NE of Mangalore, has eight Bastis and ruins of a Mahadeva temple. The largest of them is the 17C Kalli Basti, dedicated to Shantinatha. There is a Gommanteswara Monolith, 11metres high dating back to 1604 in Venur.

Situated 66 kms north of Mangalore, near Manipal. The peaceful surroundings, makes this beach a favourite holiday spot. The uninhibited St. Mary's Island, just a boat ride away has a beach and an impressive geological formation of basalt rock pillars into the sea.

Spectacularly situated by the Arabian Sea, Gokarna has now become a favourite destination of visitors in search of sun, sea and sand. A charming little town with two principal streets and clusters of traditional tile - roofed brick houses, Gokarna is also an important centre of Sanskrit learning.

The ancient Mahabaleshvara Temple, at the western end of the main street, was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1714 and then rebuilt later in the 18th century. In the sanctuary is a stone linga, encased in brass, placed on a coiled stone serpent. The floor of the hall in front has an intricate engraving of a giant tortoise. Shiva's birthday (Feb / Mar) is celebrated here with great fanfare

It is situated at 71 km from Mangalore. The Coastal Town of Barkur was a flourishing port in the 15th and 16th centuries until its river silted up. Today, the town's main attractions are its many temples with their typical sloping terracotta - tiled roofs. The largest is the Panchalingeshvara Temple, situated at the southern end of the town. Devotees gather at the stepped tank near the temple for a ritual bath before worshipping at the two east - facing linga shrines. The other temples include one dedicated to both Shiva and Ganesha, and the smaller Someshvara and Somanatheshvara temples

All Roads in Udipi lead to the large open square in the city centre where the krishna Temple is located. This is the focal point of all activity, spirtual and commercial, in this bustling pilgrim town.

The famous 13th - century Vaishnava teacher, Madhava, is believed to have founded the temple by installing an image of Krishna he had rescued from a shipwreck. Parked outside the temple are the festival chariots with dome - like towers made of bamboo and covered with colourful textiles.

Surrounding the square are other temples and the eight mathas associated with the Krishna Temple, built in the typical Kanara style with wooden verandahs and sloping roofs. The distance between from Mangalore to Udipi is 58 km (36 miles)