With Diwali preparations in full swing—LED lights, diyas, flowers, sparklers, and delicious poori and kheer all checked off—Mrs. A and I found ourselves with three free days and no concrete plans. As we decorated our home on the evening of October 31st, the idea of a spontaneous getaway popped into my mind. After discussing countless options like Coorg, Hampi, and Pondicherry, we settled on Mangalore for a food-centric trip. Having enjoyed the cuisine during a previous visit, we thought it would be the perfect chance to explore the beaches and savor some of the city’s famous dishes.
I booked a hotel for the next day at 5 PM and planned to leave early the following morning. Unfortunately, our start was delayed, and we left at 9 AM. We decided to take it slow, reaching A2B Udayapura by 11:40 AM for brunch before continuing our journey to Mangalore. The road work, diversions, and rain along the way meant slower speeds, but we took in the scenery, including waterfalls and the muddy Netravati River.
Arriving in Mangalore around 4:30 PM, we indulged in local snacks—banana pakoda, chai, and chicken cutlet—before checking into Vivanta Hotel. The evening meal introduced us to Mangalore Tawa chicken, prawn pullimunchi, and neer dosa—delicious and satisfying.
The next morning, we visited Tannirbhavi Beach, where we spotted fishing trawlers and various birds. Breakfast at Hotel Maharaja followed, where we discovered chicken green roast and anjal fish masala fry—both must-try dishes. We then spent time at Someshwara and Surathkal beaches, ending the day with a visit to Bharat Mall’s Pabbas for dessert. Though the Royal Falooda was disappointing, the Gudbud was a hit.
The return journey was slower, with heavy traffic and some frustrating delays. A near miss with a driver in a Creta added to the stress, but we kept cool and reached home by 9:30 PM after covering 910 kms. Despite the long travel and a few bumps along the way, the trip was a rewarding experience filled with good food, scenic beaches, and memories to cherish.
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