Manipal

Wondering if Manipal is worth visiting as a tourist? If you think Manipal is just a small university-based town, you are wrong. There are numerous places to visit in Manipal to keep you engaged and entertained in the destination. Manipal enjoys a comfortable climate and ideal location. It is nestled between the western coast and the Western Ghats. The beautiful Manipal lake is a retreat for a stressed soul. And the green meadows of Manipal End Point Park are a delight to the eyes. It boasts of the best educational institutes in India. You would enjoy visiting the MIT Campus and the KMC. Temples, waterfalls and museums make up more places to visit in Manipal.

Manipal Overview

When to Visit Manipal?

Manipal temperature in summer can soar up to 40 degrees. This along with high humidity can leave travellers exhausted when touring places to visit in Manipal. The town faces heavy rainfall during monsoons. Manipal weather sees wet days and chill nights. The small waterfalls gain cascading force and it is a good time to witness them. Remember, staying clear of slippery rocks and reptiles is advisable. The best time to visit Manipal is the wintertime, between October and February. The Manipal temperature is around 25 degrees. Humidity is much less and Manipal weather has warm days and cool nights. You can also enjoy various religious and social festivals in this peak season.

How to Reach Manipal?

The Manipal town and all the places to visit in Manipal are well-connected by road. Buses from Udupi, Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Davanagere, Hubli, Raichur etc. can be easily availed. The nearest Railway station is Udupi, about 5 km away. This is very convenient since it takes you 15 min to reach Manipal from Udupi Railway Station by cab or autorickshaw. Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport to Manipal, about 65 km away. Take a bus or taxi to reach all the places to visit in Manipal.

What are the Things to See & Do in Manipal?

Places to visit in Manipal include inside tours of educational institute campuses such as the MIT campus. Stroll on the roads and lanes, and taste the appetising food available in its numerous restaurants and street stalls. You can go boating in Manipal lake or visit the waterfalls. Go for a picnic beside the lake or in End Point Park. Enjoy water sports on the nearby beaches or take a ferry ride to St Marys Isles. Trek to the hanging bridge, temples and other scenic parts of the town.

Places to Visit in Manipal

Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) Campus - Visit the Manipal Institute of Technology Campus and get awed by its grandeur. The vibrant atmosphere and impressive architecture of the various buildings are eye-pleasing, to say the least. The Student Plaza with its Roman Colosseum-like architecture is a visual treat. The inviting restaurants, clean lanes and lively vibes make this destination stand out among places to visit in Manipal.

Venugopala Temple - Take a break from the crowded roads of the city and walk into the Venugopala Temple. Standing on a peaceful corner inside the MIT Campus, this is a serene place to be. You can worship the deity, offer prayers, explore the temple area or laze on the emerald lawns nearby. The gala festivity during Janmashtami makes this temple one of the most delightful places to visit in Manipal.

Manipal End Point Park - Among the relaxing places to visit in Manipal, this location attracts both visitors and residents. Popular with students and adults alike, Manipal End Point Park is a charming expanse of greenery. The jade green lawns are offset by the Swarna River flowing below and the changing colours of the sky above. Sit on the cliff overlooking the river at sunset to catch the best view of this place.

Manipal Lake - Do not miss this picturesque location while touring the places to visit in Manipal. Manipal lake, also called Mannu Palla Lake, is a clean stretch of waterbody with a man-made island in the centre. The Western Ghats surround it on three sides while smooth paths line its boundary. Enjoy a picnic, boat rides, water sports or relaxed long strolls along its edge. This is a great place to indulge in photography.

Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village - If you are a history and culture enthusiast, this is the right place for you. Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is built with the sole purpose of preserving the local architecture and heritage. 13 museums and art galleries showcase royal artefacts, authentic local textile fabric, ancient art, foreign influences and other cultural variety. Reserve 2 hours from your tour of places to visit in Manipal for this destination.

Dr TMA Pai Planetarium - A delight for an astronomy enthusiast, Dr TMA Pai Planetarium showcases findings and related information on the universe through shows in English and Kannada. Besides the mesmerising shows in the sky dome theatre, check out the exhibition lobby, the auditorium and the 12-inch telescope. This is a must-see among the places to visit in Manipal.

St. Marys Isles - St Marys Isles, a cluster of islands, are popular as coconut islands thanks to swaying coconut trees in the island forest. A boat ride can take you to this location where you can relax on the beach sands while sipping sweet coconut water. Its fame as the first place where Vasco da Gama docked in India makes it one of the coveted places to visit in Manipal.

Kaup Beach - The less-crowded beach and the historical lighthouse are two major attractions of Kaup beach. Plan a relaxing evening here after a day of exploring places to visit in Manipal. Climb the lighthouse to get an amazing view of the Arabian Sea. Stretch out on the beach to witness the sun setting behind the frothy waves.

Malpe Beach - When you are on a sightseeing spree among places to visit in Manipal, you must include the favourite beach of students. Malpe beach is the closest beach to Manipal town and offers a variety of activities. There are various water sports to enjoy and food stalls to dig in. The famous Sea Walk is another attraction on this beach.

Food to try in Manipal

Manipal food includes everything that a student might want to have. Various joints provide fresh Udupi fare round the clock idli, vada, dosa, upma etc. You will get simple thali meals near the places to visit in Manipal. Various restaurants serve lip-smacking Chinese and Continental cuisine. Manipal is an ice cream and chocolate lovers paradise with different varieties and combinations available all over the city. You will find exclusive cuisines such as Korean, Japanese, Rajasthani and Punjabi. When touring the places to visit in Manipal, do try chaat, panipuri from various stalls. Also, do not miss digging into the delicious ghee roast.

Things to Buy in Manipal

When you are exploring the places to visit in Manipal, you will find numerous shops selling all kinds of goods. Manipal has everything that contemporary living might need. You can buy necessities accordingly reasonably priced footwear, good quality rainwear, sturdy bags and wallets and clothes of all kinds. You will get a great variety of hoodie jackets, many can be customised. Buy religious articles and items needed for worship. You can also buy light jewellery for daily wear. Buy home décor items made of seashells and coconut shells. Buying cashews and local sweets is another great shopping option.

Conclusion

The university town of Manipal has much more to offer its visitors. There are many places to visit in Manipal that hold natural beauty. Knowledge gets priority in this town and you can visit museums and planetariums. Manipal food is a big attraction too. Sample delectable food at surprisingly low prices. See the Manipal Institute of Technology Campus from within. Laze on the nearby beaches. Shop for unusual souvenirs to your hearts content.

If you're craving for a great vacation, you should plan a trip to Manipal, where most of the travellers go in the months of October, November, December, January, February and March. And you will have perfect attractions to explore like Ride to St. Marys Isles, Enjoy nature at Manipal End Point Park and Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. Scheduling your trip around the moderate season in the months of June, July, August and September, you will cherish humid weather with heavy showers. If you wish to have a grasp of their culture and practices closely, travel around these months: (January, January, and March. You will be able to witness their grand festivals: Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and Ugadi. Take a break from your mundane routine and unwind in Manipal to make some lovely memories!