Mangalapuram, as Mangalore was known earlier, is scenic with lush green surroundings and virginal beaches that lend a peaceful nature to the city. This eternally blessed land of enchantment in the Sahyadri ranges, where the great sages Kanva, Vysa, Vashista and Vishwamitra spent their days of meditation, has bountiful rivers meandering down the mountains and nature clothed in bewitching green.

Narrow winding streets, lofty coconut trees, quaint gable-roofed houses, beatific beaches, temples and churches, the heady fragrance of the Mangalore Mallige, the aroma of spicy coconut curries, all this and more make Mangalore a city of vivid contrasts. Most residents of Mangalore speak at least three languages (Kannada, Konkani, and Tulu) and the local life reflects this inherent diversity.