Cover , Preface,Dedication,Acknowledgements, About the Author & Index.

 

The Manipal Story – An Accidental Paradise.

Preface

This book is not a traditional travelogue; it is an accidental memoir born from a sudden relocation. My journey began with a single corporate directive: "You're moving to Udupi." What started as an unexpected assignment in a seemingly rustic town quickly transformed into a profound exploration of self, nature, and adventure.

After years spent in the predictable rhythm of metropolitan life, Manipal and Udupi offered a powerful antidote. Here, I traded the drone of traffic for the calls of the Malabar Hornbill, the stress of deadlines for the discipline of the gym, and the comfort of certainty for the thrill of the unknown. This collection of essays tracks that transformation—from appreciating the legendary hospitality and cuisine of the Krishna Temple town to conquering fears through paragliding, surfing, and launching an aero-sports venture.

It is a record of discovery: observing the fierce loyalty of the Hornbill, the architectural genius of the Baya Weaver Bird, and the vital role of elephants in the forests. It is an invitation to listen to the "ghostly whispers" of the jungle and to find inspiration in the sheer, unadulterated biodiversity of the Western Ghats meeting the Arabian Sea.

This is the story of how an accidental posting became an essential awakening—a testament to the idea that true freedom often waits just outside our comfort zone.

 

Dedication

To the accidental travellers who find home in unexpected places.

And to the vibrant spirit of Manipal—for the silence of the lockdown, the roar of the ocean, and the friends who turned a posting into an adventure.

Acknowledgements

My journey in this coastal town would not have been the same without a host of individuals and institutions that coloured my experience.

First, I must thank my boss, whose surprise posting order forced me out of my comfort zone in Mangalore and led me to this discovery.

I am deeply grateful to the community at Falcon Fitness, especially the owner and my friend Suraj. You pushed me past my limits, dragged me out for treks, and introduced me to the magic of bioluminescence. To the peers who ran alongside me at Manipal Lake—thank you for the motivation (and for the protection against stray dogs!).

A special mention to the staff at the Yoga Hospital in SDM Parkala for the gruelling but necessary reset, and to the guides at the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village for opening my eyes to the architectural soul of this region.

I must also acknowledge the adventurous spirits at Mantra Surf Club, Shaka Surf Club, and Kadal Surf School. You taught a man over fifty that it is never too late to catch a wave or paddle through the mangroves.

Finally, to the people of Udupi and Manipal— specially my friend Vismay Hegde who helped me understand the history, from the legacy of T.M.A. Pai to the culinary traditions of the Temple—providing the perfect backdrop for this story.

 

About the Author

The author is a former corporate professional whose career spanned the misty tea plantations of Assam and the high-stakes world of Telecom. For years, he navigated the predictable channels of routine, initially finding solace only in the rich gastronomy of his new post—from the generous langars of the Krishna Temple to the fiery coastal Chicken Sukka.

But the coastal air of Manipal held more than just culinary promise; it offered an escape. This accidental posting became the stage for a profound mid-life transformation. Now well past the age of fifty, the author didn't just retire from his old life—he re-wired it. Defying age barriers, he embraced a life of rigorous fitness, intense bird watching, and high adventure.

He seeks growth in extremes: conquering fear through paragliding in Kamshet and surfing at Delta Point, and pursuing inner stillness through a ten-day silence course. The man who once lived by deadlines now lives by the wind, embodying the philosophy that curiosity has no expiration date.

He currently resides in Manipal, where he lives in joyful communion with the forest's birds and finds his ultimate freedom flying his paramotor high above the stunning Udupi Coastline. His story is a powerful testament to the fact that the greatest adventures often begin when we least expect them.

 

Index (Table of Contents)

1.    The Manipal Story: A Manipal Chronicle (Relocation, Food, Fitness, Adventure)

2.   Hornbill Story: A Lesson in Loyalty (The Monogamous Hornbill)

3.   The Architect of the Paddy Fields (The Polygamous Baya Weaver Bird)

4.   The Jurassic Mangroves (Kayaking, Spoonbills, and Aquatic Life)

5.   The Elephant Story (Conservation at Sakrebyle Camp)

6.   Unveiling the Mysteries: Ghostly Whispers at Seethanadi Nature Camp (Demystifying Jungle Sounds)

7.   Chasing the Wind: The Story of Manipal Aerosports (Entrepreneurship and Paramotoring)