Manipal: Science, Anatomy and Historic Houses

When looking for a hotel in Manipal, your interests can help shape your stay: astronomy, anatomy and pathology, or historic architecture. The city brings together a wide range of collections and attractions.

Planetarium and Anatomy: Different Perspectives

The lobby of the Dr. T. M. A. Pai Planetarium features exhibits on the vastness of the universe and a cross-section of a telescope. A broad subject and a close-up look at a telescope sit side by side in the same lobby.

The Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology displays specimens of normal human body parts and organs in its anatomy section, with each organ system presented as a separate topic. The pathology section focuses on diseased body parts and organs, as well as lifestyle-related diseases and their effects on the human body. The organization by organ system and the focus on disease thus represent different areas of study.

Hasta Shilpa Kala Village: Houses, Shrines and Art

Within the wider destination of Udupi, Hasta Shilpa Kala Village in Manipal is an unusual open-air museum of Indian heritage, artefacts and culture from a historic period of flourishing. It features 18 historic residential houses from Malnad, South Canara, North Canara and historic North Karnataka. The 18 houses were relocated and restored to nearly 80 percent of their original condition.

The collection also includes traditional shrines from various parts of Karnataka and tribal art from Bastar-Chattisgarh. The shrines include the 13th-century Harihara Mandir. The houses, shrines and art offer different ways of exploring the history and culture presented by the open-air museum.

According to an estimate, visitors should allow nearly two hours to visit the museum at Hasta Shilpa Kala Village. This provides a specific guide for planning a museum visit.

Landscape Nearby

Nearby, an artificial island with plants and birdlife lies in the middle of Mannapalla Lake. The island adds a landscape perspective to Manipal’s collections.

More Highlights in the Wider Destination of Udupi

In the wider destination of Udupi, the Sri Krishna Temple offers a distinctive cultural highlight. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is considered an important place of spirituality and culture, and was founded by Madhvacharya in the 13th century.

The festivals associated with the temple also differ in their rhythm and format: the Udupi Pariyaya Festival takes place every two years and marks the ceremonial transfer of temple administration between the eight Ashta Mathas. The annual Rathotsava is a chariot festival in which a decorated chariot carrying a statue of Lord Krishna is pulled through the streets of Udupi. Together, a recurring administrative ceremony and an annual procession represent distinct traditions.

Malpe is part of Udupi’s coastal setting: Malpe Fishing Harbour serves as the departure point for hundreds of fishing boats that land fresh catches daily. Malpe Beach lies between the fishing harbour and the mouth of the Udyavara River. At the Malpe Sea Walkway, sculptures, murals and sand art reflect Udupi’s maritime and spiritual heritage. The cuisine is also part of this regional context: Masala Dosa originated in the city of Udupi.

The wider destination of Udupi also includes Manipal End Point, with its landscaped gardens and sports facilities, including cricket and football stadiums. It is a pleasant place for quiet evenings, picnics or a relaxing walk in nature. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check their availability before visiting.

Explore more destinations: Karkala, Baindur, Kollur, Barkur, Malpe

View the wider travel guide: Udupi.