Mangalore

Mangalore, also known by its official Kannada name Mangaluru, is a major port city in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is situated on the Arabian Sea coast, bounded by the Western Ghats to the east and the sea to the west. The Netravati River flows near the city. The name Mangaluru is derived from the historic Mangaladevi Temple; the English exonym Mangalore has been widely used since colonial times.

Historically a trading hub for merchants from the Konkan and Malabar coasts, Mangalore developed as a strategic harbor under various dynasties and colonial powers. In the modern era, the city hosts the New Mangalore Port at Panambur, established in the late 20th century, which handles bulk and container cargo and is one of Karnataka's principal ports. The port and related industries support shipbuilding and fisheries.

Beyond the port, the economy includes cashew processing, spice and oil industries, education, and IT services in surrounding areas. The region is known for shipbuilding, fish processing, and agro-based industries. The area hosts major educational institutions such as National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal, and Mangalore University at Konaje, alongside St. Aloysius College and other colleges.

The city hosts a diverse population speaking Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary as common languages. The cultural landscape reflects Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities, including Tuluva and Beary cultures. Cultural events include Bhoota Kola and Karavali Utsav, as well as the religious feasts associated with the Mangaladevi Temple, Kadri Manjunath Temple, and Milagres Church. Local cuisine emphasizes seafood, coconut, and rice, with dishes such as kori rotti, fish curries, and neer dosa.

Transport links include National Highway 66, the Konkan Railway, and Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe). The city serves as a commercial and educational hub for the region.