Manipal, the university town is situated 5km east of Udupi, Karnataka. Administered by Udupi city municipality, the place is surrounded by rocks, rural farmlands, cascading hills, inland waterways with Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats ranges to the east. It is a progressive industrial, commercial and educational centre famous for its Medical college. The name 'Manipal' is derived from Mannu (means mud) Palla (means lake) in Tulu language. The lake which is still here, offers boating facilities.

The place was founded by Dr. T.M.A Pai in 1950. He established various educational and industrial enterprises of national significance and status in this town. Now Manipal has all the modern facilities of transport, communication and banking. The place at present is run by the Pai Family with the support of Manipal Group of Companies & Manipal Educational Trust. There is a planetarium located on the banks of the Manipal Lake dedicated to Dr. T.M.A Pai. Various programmes conducted here gives an awareness about astronomy and also inspires interest in stargazing. It is a part of the Manipal Heritage Park. This parks consists of various scientific and cultural attractions. Another attraction of the place is its small anatomy museum established by Vijayanath Shenoy, which exhibits his personal collection of artifacts.

The other attractions of Manipal are Brindavan Garden, Hasta Shilpa, End Point, Venugopala temples and Yakshgana Institute of MGM college. The Institute of Yakshgana is famous for Yakshagana performances held during the night. The artists dressed in stunning consumes and elaborate make-up with their quick movements to the drumbeats and song recital by the Bhagavatar, is very attractive to watch.