I came across this guys frustration with Mangalore and chose to write down my experiences.
I had been to Mangalore long back in the late nineties, but had stayed there for a quite a stretch. I liked the place, though a little laid back. I had no problems whatsoever, though I am from North India.
It is a beautiful place undoubtedly and walking along the pristine beaches one does have a feeling of solitude and absolute peace. Watching the dolphins was a favorite pastime those days. The sunset over the sea was glorious. I also enjoyed the pollution free atmosphere and fresh food.
I remember a place named Hampankatta where there was an ice-cream parlor that served varieties of ice-creams and combos. I was a frequent visitor there. There were some small but good eateries that served somewhat coarse but very tasteful rice and spicy mackerel curry. I loved that too. Good seafood was available in many restaurants and at one place I had tasted delicious lobster preparations, the taste of which still lingers even after so many years.
Mangalore was a peaceful town then, but I think later on there were some troubles. Those days there were no lack of entertainment either. Booze was easily available and there were cabaret shows in many of the bars. Though watching topless fat and dark Malayali women was not tantalizing at all to say the least, but the music and the ambience let one to pass time easily over some booze and chicken tikka.
Mangalore may not be a hip place like Mumbai or as happening as Goa, but overall I believe it’s still a nice place to live.