Mangalore

1652 Sanson Map of India - Geographicus - India-sanson-1652

Lopo Vaz de Sampaio (Archaeological Survey of India, Goa)

Mangalorefort1783

Light House at Tagore park

Ullal Bridge Mangalore

Mangalore is a port city and the headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district in the coastal region of Karnataka, India. It is located about 352 km west of the state capital, Bangalore, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. Mangalore is named after the deity Mangaladevi, the goddess of fortune, with the city's historical roots tracing back to the 6th century CE when it was a part of the Aihole and Pattadakal temple complex.

History

The history of Mangalore dates back to the Mauryan empire when it was a significant port city for the export of spices and other goods. Over the centuries, it was ruled by various dynasties such as the Kadambas, Alupas, Vijayanagara Empire, and the Portuguese. The city was a major port on the Arabian Sea routes during the times of the Vijayanagara Empire and later came under the control of the Portuguese in the 16th century. In the 18th century, Mangalore was conquered by Hyder Ali and then by his son Tipu Sultan, before falling into the hands of the British Empire after the defeat of Tipu Sultan.

Geography

Mangalore is situated at the confluence of the Netravati River and the Gurupura River, on the west coast of India. It has a tropical monsoon climate, heavily influenced by the monsoon winds. The city's landscape is characterized by rolling hills, coconut palms, rivers, and hard laterite soil, making it fertile for agriculture, especially for growing rice and coconut.

Economy

The economy of Mangalore is diverse, with major contributions from industrial, commercial, agricultural, and port-related activities. The New Mangalore Port is one of the major ports of India, handling a significant portion of the country's coffee and cashew exports. The city is also known for its petrochemical industry, including the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), and for information technology (IT) services, with several IT parks and companies establishing their presence.

Culture

Mangalore is rich in cultural heritage, with a blend of traditional Indian and colonial European influences. The city celebrates various festivals such as Dasara, Diwali, and Christmas with great fervor. It is also known for its distinctive cuisine, which includes seafood and coconut-based dishes, reflecting the coastal lifestyle. The traditional dance forms of Yakshagana and Pili Vesha (Tiger Dance) are popular cultural expressions.

Education

The city is an educational hub in the region, with several prestigious institutions for higher education, including Mangalore University, Kasturba Medical College, and National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. These institutions attract students from across the country and abroad.

Transport

Mangalore is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Mangalore International Airport offers domestic and international flights, making it an important gateway for travelers. The city is also served by the Konkan Railway, which runs along the west coast of India, and by national highways that connect it to major cities.

Tourism

Tourists are attracted to Mangalore for its beautiful beaches, such as Panambur Beach and Tannirbhavi Beach, historical sites like the Mangaladevi Temple and St. Aloysius Chapel, and for its natural beauty. The city serves as a starting point for visits to the Western Ghats, with popular destinations like Kudremukh and Agumbe nearby.

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