MangaloreMangaluru

Mangaluru, officially named Mangaluru in Kannada and commonly known in English as Mangalore, is a major port city on the west coast of India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka and forms part of the Tulu Nadu region along the Arabian Sea. The name Mangaluru is connected to the historic Mangaladevi Temple, while Mangalore remains the traditional English rendering of the city’s name.

Historically, the port city has been a center of maritime trade, with exchanges in spices, textiles, and other goods dating back to medieval times. European colonial influence, including Portuguese contact, left architectural and cultural traces, and the city later developed under various regional sovereignties before becoming part of the modern state of Karnataka.

Economy: The New Mangalore Port (NMPT) is a major commercial port that handles containerized freight, bulk cargo, and coastal trade. Local industries include fishing and seafood processing, cashew, and allied services, while education and information technology have grown in surrounding areas.

Transport and geography: Mangaluru lies along National Highway 66 and has two railway stations, Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction. The city is served by Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe. The regional climate is tropical wet and dry, with heavy monsoon rainfall and mild winters.

Demographics and culture: The city hosts a multilingual population with Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, and Beary communities. It is known for its coastal cuisine, religious diversity, and educational institutions, including nearby NIT Karnataka at Surathkal and other colleges. The port and educational sectors remain central to its contemporary identity.