About Mangaluru

Mangalore officially known as Mangaluru (Kudla in Tulu, Kodial in Konkani, Mangaluru in Kannada, Maikala in Beary), is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is located about 350 kilometres (220 mi) west of the state capital, Bangalore. Mangalore lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, and is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara) district in south western Karnataka. Mangalore ranked India's 13th place in top business destination.

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 in the path of the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West monsoons. Mangalore's port handles 75 per cent of India's coffee exports and the bulk of the nation's cashew exports.

History

Mangalore was ruled by several major powers, including the Kadambas, Alupas, Vijayanagar Empire, Keladi Nayaks, and the Portuguese. The city was a source of contention between the British and the Mysore rulers, Hyder Ali and Tipu 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 is the largest city in Dakshina Kannada district. The city's landscape is characterised by rolling hills, coconut palms, freshwater streams, and hard red-clay tiled-roof buildings.With its pristine beaches, broad roads and calm localities, Mangalore was declared the eighth cleanest city in India. Mangalore's historical importance is highlighted by the many references to the city by foreign travellers. During the first century CE, Pliny the Elder, a Roman historian, made references to a place called Nitrias, as a very undesirable place for disembarkation, on account of the pirates which frequent its vicinity, while Greek historian Ptolemy in the second century CE referred to a place called Nitra. Ptolemy's and Pliny the Elder's references were probably made to the Netravati River, which flows through Mangalore. Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek monk, in his 6th century work Christian Topography mentions Malabar as the chief seat of the pepper trade, and Mangarouth (port of Mangalore) as one of the five pepper marts which exported pepper.

Mangalore is the heart of a distinct multilinguistic—cultural region: Tulu Nadu, the homeland of the Tulu-speaking people, which was nearly coterminous with the modern district of South Canara. In the third century BCE, the town formed part of the Maurya Empire, ruled by the Buddhist emperor, Ashoka of Magadha. From the third century CE to sixth century CE, the Kadamba dynasty, whose capital was based in Banavasi in North Canara, ruled over the entire Canara region as independent rulers.From the middle of the seventh century to the end of the 14th century, the South Canara region was ruled by its own native Alupa rulers. The Alupas ruled over the region as feudatories of major regional dynasties like the Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, Chalukyas of Kalyani, and Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra. During the reign of the Alupa king Kavi Alupendra (c. 1110 - c.1160), the city was visited by the Tunisian Jewish merchant Abraham Ben Yiju, who travelled between the Middle East and India during the 12th century. The Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, who had visited the town in 1342, referred to it as Manjarur, and stated that the town was situated on a large estuary, called the "estuary of the wolf," and was the greatest estuary in the country of Malabar. By 1345, the Vijayanagara rulers brought the region under their control. During the Vijayanagara period (1345-1550), South Canara was divided into Mangalore and Barkur rajyas (provinces), and two governors were appointed to look after each of them from Mangalore and Barkur. But many times only one governor ruled over both Mangalore and Barkur rajyas, and when the authority passed into the hands of Keladi rulers (c. 1550-1763), they had a governor at Barkur alone.The Italian traveler, Ludovico di Varthema, who visited India in 1506 says that he witnessed nearly sixty ships laden with rice ready for sail in the port of Mangalore.

Geography

Mangalore is located at 12.87°N 74.88°E in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.It has an average elevation of 22 metres (72 ft) above mean sea level.It is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district, the largest urban coastal center of Karnataka, and the fourth largest city in the state. Mangalore is situated on the west coast of India, and is bounded by the Arabian Sea to its west and the Western Ghats to its east. Mangalore city, as a municipal entity, spans an area of 200 km2 (77.22 sq mi).Mangalore experiences moderate to gusty winds during day time and gentle winds at night. The topography of the city is plain up to 30 km (18.64 mi) inside the coast and changes to undulating hilly terrain sharply towards the east in Western Ghats.There are four hilly regions with natural valleys within the city. The geology of the city is characterised by hard laterite in hilly tracts and sandy soil along the seashore.The Geological Survey of India has identified Mangalore as a moderately earthquake-prone urban centre and categorised the city in the Seismic III Zone.

Mangalore has a tropical monsoon climate and is under the direct influence of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon. It receives about 95 per cent of its total annual rainfall within a period of about six months from May to October, while remaining extremely dry from December to March.The average annual precipitation in Mangalore is 3,796.9 millimetres (149 in).Humidity is approximately 75 per cent on average, and peaks during May, June and July.The maximum average humidity is 93 per cent in July and average minimum humidity is 56 per cent in January.

The most pleasant months in Mangalore are from December to February, during which time the humidity and heat are at their lowest. During this period, temperatures during the day stay below 30 °C (86 °F) and drop to about 19 °C (66 °F) at night. The lowest recorded temperature at Panambur is 15.6 °C (60 °F) on January 8, 1992, and at Bajpe it is 15.9 °C (61 °F) on November 19, 1974. This season is soon followed by a hot and humid summer, from March to May. The highest ever recorded temperature in Mangalore is 39.8 °C (104 °F) on March 13, 1985 at Bajpe. The summer gives way to the monsoon season, when the city experiences more precipitation than most urban centres in India, due to the Western Ghats.Rainfall up to 4,000 millimetres (157 in) could be recorded during the period from June to September. The rains subside in September, with the occasional rainfall in October. In the year 1994, Mangalore received very heavy rainfall of 5,083.5 millimetres (200 in). This is the highest recorded annual rainfall for an Indian city.

Culture

Many classical dance forms and folk art are practised in the city. The Yakshagana, a night-long dance and drama performance, is held in Mangalore, while Pilivesha (literally, tiger dance), a folk dance unique to the city, is performed during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami.[109] Karadi Vesha (bear dance) is another well known dance performed during Dasara. Paddanas (Ballad-like epics passed on through generations by word of mouth) are sung by a community of impersonators in Tulu and are usually accompanied by the rhythmic drum beats. The Bearys' unique traditions are reflected in such folk songs as kolkai (sung during kolata, a valour folk-dance during which sticks used as props), unjal pat (traditional lullaby), moilanji pat, and oppune pat (sung at weddings). The Evkaristik Purshanv (Konkani: Eucharistic procession) is an annual Catholic religious procession led on the first Sunday of each New Year. The Shreemanti Bai Memorial Government Museum in Bejai is the only museum of Mangalore.

Most of the popular Indian festivals are celebrated in the city, the most important being Dasara, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Eid, and Ganesh Chaturthi. Kodial Theru, also known as Mangaluru Rathotsava (Mangalore Car Festival) is a festival unique to the Goud Saraswat Brahmin community, and is celebrated at the Sri Venkatramana Temple. The Mangalorean Catholics community's unique festivals include Monti Fest (Mother Mary's feast), which celebrates the Nativity feast and the blessing of new harvests. The Jain Milan, a committee comprising Jain families of Mangalore, organises the Jain food festival annually, while festivals such as Mosaru Kudike, which is part of Krishna Janmashtami festival, is celebrated by the whole community. Aati, a festival worshiping Kalanja, a patron spirit of the city, occurs during the Aashaadha month of Hindu calendar. Festivals such as Karavali Utsav and Kudlostava are highlighted by national and state-level performances in dance, drama and music. Bhuta Kola (spirit worship), is usually performed by the Tuluva community at night. Nagaradhane (snake worship) is performed in the city in praise of Naga Devatha (the serpent king), who is said to be the protector of all snakes. An ancient ritual associated with the 'daivasthanams' (temples) in rural areas, Hindu kori katta,a religious and spiritual cockfight, is held at the temples and also allowed if organised as part of religious or cultural events.

Cuisine

Mangalorean cuisine is largely influenced by the South Indian cuisine, with several cuisines being unique to the diverse communities of the city. Coconut and curry leaves are common ingredients to most Mangalorean Curry, as are ginger, garlic and chili. Mangalorean Fish Curry is a popular dish in Kanara.

The Tuluva community's well-known dishes include Kori Rotti (dry rice flakes dipped in gravy), Bangude Pulimunchi (silver-grey mackerels), Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Neer dosa (lacy rice-crêpes), Boothai Gasi, Kadubu, and Patrode. The Konkani community's specialities include Daali thoy, beebe-upkari (cashew based), val val, avnas ambe sasam, Kadgi chakko, paagila podi, and chana gashi. Vegetarian cuisine in Mangalore, also known as Udupi cuisine, is known and liked throughout the state and region. Since Mangalore is a coastal town, fish forms the staple diet of most people. Mangalorean Catholics' Sanna-Dukra Maas (Sanna—idli fluffed with toddy or yeast; Dukra Maas—Pork), Pork Bafat, Sorpotel and the Mutton Biryani of the Muslims are well-known dishes. Pickles such as happala, sandige and puli munchi are unique to Mangalore. Shendi (toddy), a country liquor prepared from coconut flower sap, is popular.

City Administration

The Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) is the municipal corporation in charge of the civic and infrastructural assets of the city. Municipal limits begin with Mukka in the north, to Netravati river bridge in the south and western sea shore to Vamanjoor in the east. The MCC council comprises 60 elected representatives, called corporators, one from each of the 60 wards (localities) of the city. Elections to the council are held once every five years, with results being decided by popular vote. A corporator from the majority party is selected as a Mayor. The headquarters of Mangalore City Corporation is at Lalbagh. Its sub-offices are at Surathkal and Bikarnakatta. As of 2001, the Mangalore municipality covered an area of 73.71 km2 (28.46 sq mi). Mangalore City Corporation headquarters at Lalbagh.

Until the revision of Lok Sabha and the legislative constituencies by the Delimitation commission, Mangalore contributed two members to the Lok Sabha, one for the southern part of the city which fell under the Mangalore Lok Sabha Constituency, and another for the northern part of the city which fell under the Udupi Lok Sabha Constituency. Additionally, Mangalore sent three members to the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly. With the revision, the entire Mangalore taluk now falls under the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, resulting in Mangalore contributing only one Member of Parliament (MP). The Mangalore City Police is responsible for the law and order maintenance in Mangalore. The department is headed by a Commissioner of Police. Mangalore is also the headquarters of the Western Range Police, covering the western districts of Karnataka, which is headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Click here for its official Governement Website.

24 Hours Help Line Service - Dial 0824-2220306

The list of Chief Managing Community is as follows :

Holy and Most Visited Places

KADRI MANJUNATH TEMPLE

Situated at the foot of the highest hill of Mangalore, this 11th century Kadri Temple is square in shape, ha nine tanks and boasts of the best bronze statue in India of Lokeshwara.

St.ALOYSIUS CHURCH

Situated 1 km away from the Nehru Maidan Bus Stand in Mangalore, the walls of this church are covered with paintings of the Italian artist Antony Moshaini. Built between 1899-1900 the St. Aloysius Church has been described as an architectural gem and has even been compared to the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

ULLAL DARGAH

Popular for the "Uroos Fair", this is one of the main mosques in the region. Built in 1958 thousands of people from across the country visit the mosque to participate in the Uroos festival, that is celebrated once in every five years.

LIGHT HOUSE HILL GARDEN

This 18th century light house is believed to have been built by Hyder Ali. There is a garden near the light house from where visitors get a beautiful view of the sea with sailing ships and boats.

CITY CENTRE

City Centre is fifth largest mall in Karnataka, located at the K S Rao road in Mangalore. It was opened to the public on April, 2010. It provides shopping, dining, entertainment and leisure activities.

FORUM FIZA MALL

The Forum is a popular shopping mall located in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India developed by Prestige Group. The Forum was Mangaluru's Second full-fledged mall with a multi-story book store, 4 cinema halls and other entertainment facilities. The mall is popular among the youth in Mangaluru and is an attraction to those coming to Mangaluru.

Famous Hotels

The list of one of the best and finest 7 star and 5 star hotels are listed below :

GOLDFINCH HOTELS PVT. LTD.

THE GATEWAY HOTEL

Old Port Road
Mangalore - 575001
Phone : 0824-6660420
Fax : 0824-6660585
Email : gateway.mangalore@tajhotels.com

MOTI MAHAL HOTEL

THE OCEAN PEARL

GINGER HOTEL

Hospitals

KMC HOSPITAL

Ambedkar (Jyothi) Circle, Mangalore – 575001
Karnataka, India
E-mail : info@kmchospitalsmangalore.com
Phone Number : 0824-2444590
Fax : 0824 2421140

A.J.HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE

Kuntikana,NH-66,Mangalore - 575004
Karnataka, India
E-mail : director@ajhospital.in
Phone Number : 0824-2225533
Fax : 0824-2225541

INDIANA HOSPITAL & HEART INSTITUTE LTD.

Indiana Hospital Pumpwell, Kankanady Post, Mangalore - 575002
Karnataka, India
E-mail : info@indianahospital.in
Phone Number : 0824-2880880
Fax : 0824-2247777

FATHER MULLER CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS

Father Mullers Road, Kankanady, Mangalore - 575002
Karnataka, India
E-mail : muller@fathermuller.in
Phone Number : 0824-2238134
Fax : 0824-2433125/2437402

YENEPOYA SPECIALITY HOSPITAL

Kodialbail, Mangalore - 575003
Karnataka, India
E-mail : hospital@yenepoya.org
Phone Number : 0824-4238855
Fax : 0824-42496800

UNITY HEALTH COMPLEX

P.B No.535, Highlands, Mangalore - 575002
Karnataka, India
E-mail : info@unityhospital.in
Phone Number : 0824-4245555
Fax : 0824-2432691

Economy

Mangalore's economy is dominated by the agricultural processing and port-related activities. The New Mangalore Port is India's eighth largest port, in terms of cargo handling. It handles 75 per cent of India's coffee exports and the bulk of its cashew nuts.During 2000–01, Mangalore generated a revenue of INR33.47 crore (US$5.25 million) to the state. The city's major enterprises include Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. (MCF), Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL), Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. (MRPL), BASF, Bharati Shipyard Limited and Total Oil India Limited (ELF Gas)

Major information technology (IT) and outsourcing companies like Infosys , Cognizant Technology Solutions , Thomson Reuters have established a presence in Mangalore.Plans to create three dedicated I.T. parks are underway, with two parks (Export Promotion Industrial park (EPIP) at Ganjimutt and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) near Mangalore University ) currently under construction. A third IT SEZ is being proposed at Ganjimutt. Another IT SEZ, sponsored by the BA group, is under construction at Thumbe and spans 2 million square feet (180,000 m²).

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) plans to invest over INR35000 crore (US$5.50 billion) in a new 15 million tonne refinery, petrochemical plant and power, as well as LNG plants at the Mangalore Special Economic Zone. Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd, a special purpose vehicle under the Oil Industry Development Board, is developing strategic crude oil reserves in Mangalore and two other places in India. Out of the proposed 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) storage, 1.5 MMT would be at Mangalore. According to an International edition of India Today (28 November – 4 December 2006), Mangalore is the fastest growing non-metro in South India

Corporation Bank , Canara Bank , and Vijaya Bank were the three nationalised banks established in Mangalore during the first half of the 20th century. Karnataka Bank, founded in Mangalore, was one of the largest banks to have not been taken over by the Government. The Mangalore Catholic Co-operative Bank (MCC Bank) Ltd. and SCDCC Bank were the scheduled banks established in Mangalore.

Famous Personalities

• 1. Sharukh Khan - was born on 2 November 1965 and brought up in Mangalore till the age of five. he is an Indian film actor. Referred to in the media as "Badshah of Bollywood", "King Khan" and "King of Romance", Khan has acted in 75 Hindi films in genres ranging from romantic dramas to action thrillers.His grandfather was the Karnataka State chief engineer of Mangalore Port and was the first Oxford-educated engineer, who was highly respected. He designed and built the Mangalore Port.


• 2. Margaret Alva - Born to P.A. Nazareth and Elizabeth Nazareth in Mangalore, in April 14, 1942 she is the Governor of Indian state of Uttarakhand from July 2009. She hails from the Mangalorean Catholic community.She is Uttarakhand's first woman governor. She is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and was the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee.


• 3. Sanjay Manjrekar - Born on 12 July, 1965, in Mangalore, Karnataka , is an Indian cricketer who never quite lived up to the expectations at the highest level, averaging 37.14 in his 37 Tests between 1987/88 and 1996/97, as opposed to an overall first-class average of 55. He is the son of Vijay Manjrekar.


• 4. Anant Pai - as Uncle Pai (the creator of Tinkle Comics ) (17 September 1929 – 24 February 2011), Born in Karkala- Mangalore, Karnataka to Venkataraya and Susheela Pai, he lost his parents at the age of two.Anant Pai popularly known as Uncle Pai, was an Indian educationalist and creator of Indian comics, in particular the Amar Chitra Katha series in 1967, along with the India Book House publishers, and which retold traditional Indian folk tales, mythological stories, and biographies of historical characters.


• 5. Daya Nayak - (A Super Cop) was a sub-inspector with the Mumbai police force. He is said to have eliminated more than eighty gangsters of the Mumbai underworld, acting on tip-offs from a well-developed intelligence gathering network. He is often referred as an “Encounter Specialist” for this reason.


• 6. U.R Ananthamurthy - Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy was a contemporary writer and critic in the Kannada language and is considered as one of the pioneers of the Navya movement. He is the sixth writer to be honored with the Jnanpith Award for the Kannada language, the highest literary honour conferred in India.


• 7. Deepika Padukone - is an Indian film actress and model. She has established a career in Bollywood films, and is cited in the media as one of the most popular Indian celebrities.


• 8. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Aishwarya Rai, known as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan after her marriage, is an Indian actress and the winner of the Miss World pageant of 1994.


• 9. Manmohan Shetty - widely accepted as a visionary in the Indian film industry. In 1978 along with Vasanji Mamania, he started Adlabs a small film processing unit that catered to ad films. Adlabs entered the multiplex business by the launching India's first IMAX theatre in Wadala, Mumbai