Mangaluru, Port city in Karnataka, India
Mangaluru is a port city in Karnataka state on the southwestern coast of India, where the Netravati and Gurupura rivers meet the Arabian Sea. The urban area stretches between coastal plains and forested hills that belong to the Western Ghats range.
The city served as an important port for the Vijayanagara Empire during the 14th century and attracted Arab and Persian traders who transported spices and textiles. Tipu Sultan fortified the harbor in the 18th century before British colonial authorities took over the region and built railway connections.
The city celebrates Dasara with decorated elephants and night processions that draw thousands of spectators through the streets. Local temple rituals and Yakshagana dance performances take place throughout the year in community halls and open spaces.
The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall from June through September that can make travel difficult, while the drier months offer cooler temperatures and better visibility. Auto rickshaws and local buses operate in all parts of the city, with main roads clearly marked.
Several beaches around the city show black sand of volcanic origin that stands apart from the usual pale coastlines. Fishing communities along the shore still use traditional nets and wooden boats built in small shipyards by the water.
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