Sunday, February 5, 2012

Mangalore

Mangalore is a small city for India with only half a million people or so, but it is the big city here and a 30-45 minute bus ride away.


Express buses that make only a few stops go from NITK to Mangalore.  The buses are privately owned and all charge the same and have the same route.  There is no schedule, purely supply and demand.  During the day there is a bus every 1-5 minutes.  During rush hour there is a bus every minute that is completely packed. I got bruised standing in the aisle of a packed bus.  Everyone is nice and lets me know when my exit is approaching.  These guys are in a hurry and don't like to stop so you have to get on and off fast, sometimes while the bus is still moving.  Often a Bollywood movie is playing on a TV screen.  No AC.   


A traffic circle.  Pedestrians do not have the right of way.  Drivers are on the left, which adds more confusion for American tourists.  I often follow close on the heels of a local to cross the street. I have seen only 2 maybe 3 traffic signals in Mangalore. 


To get around town there are many autorickshaws which have 3 wheels and room for 2 passengers in the back seat.  Yes, that car in the windshield is heading for us.  I am not sure whether walking or taking an autorickshaw is more dangerous.  It is an efficient transit system because these are everywhere.  The meter is on the left, Rs17 for the first km, Rs12 thereafter.  Rs1=$0.02. 


The street outside the central market. Motorcycles are popular.


 
One of many produce stalls.
 
Fish market.
 
The Hotel Narayana is a highly regarded and authentic restaurant that features the local specialty - Mangalorean fish fry.  You sit at a table with whomever and get a plate of rice, pickle, fish curry, and a veggy (delicious beets).  A server comes with a big platter of small whole fish perfectly fried in a spicy red chili paste for you to chose from.  Eating with your hand makes dealing with bones easy. 



Balli's Podi shop

Podi are delicious fried snacks.  Here are some different varieties that include lentil (7-9 o'clock), Mangalore buns (9-12), biscuit roti (1-2), spiced mashed potato (4-6), veg samosas (12 & 3), and cabbage (under potato).   The shop churns these out all day by the vat and is supposedly the best in Mangalore.  Read this article for many photos and details. 


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