Karavali

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Karavali (Tulu ಕರಾವಳಿ ) is the geographical area covered by sea-coast of Karnataka. This region is also called Canara. Karavali forms the southern part of the Konkan Coast. Three districts of Karnataka, namely Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada, are considered to be Karavali districts. The length of this region from north to south is around 300 km and width varies from 30 km to 110 km. The region is characterised by swaying palms and swift brooks running towards the Arabian sea.

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[edit] People

The main languages spoken in this area are Tulu and Konkani. The northern half is predominantly Konkani and the southern half is predominantly Tulu. The majority of the people follow Hinduism. Other religions practiced include Christanity and Islam. While the Tulu speakers are exclusively Hindus, Christians are almost exclusively Konkani speakers. This region has many sites of Hindu pilgrimage including Kollur, Dharmasthala, Udupi Krishna Matha, Kateel, Murdeshwar, Idagungi and Gokarna. The main occupation of the natives is farming and fishing. Fish is the staple diet of the people living in this region. Coconut is used generously in all the dishes.

The region has abundant rainfall, recording average annual rainfall among the highest in India.

[edit] Commerce

This region is also known as 'the cradle of Indian banking'. Konkan railway runs through the length of this region. The largest railway terminus in this region is at Mangalore. There are two major ports, New Mangalore Port and Karwar. The only airport in this region is Mangalore International Airport, with air connections to major cities in India and the Middle East. The southern part of this region is one of the more heavily industrialised regions in Karnataka, with Karnataka's only petroleum refinery, iron ore pelletisation plants, steel plants, and fertiliser plants.

[edit] Culture

The Karavali region is known for temples and beaches. The region is known for folk art at Yakshagana, Kambla and Bhuta Kola. The world-renowned Krishna Matha is situated at Udupi.

Important cities and towns in the region include Mangalore (the largest), Udupi, Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal, Surathkal, Karkala, Bantwal.

[edit] See also

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