ASME Manipal Students’ Chapter organized Providentia, where MIT’s top technical clubs were showcased to freshers to help them choose the right clubs for themselves. The event was streamed live on YouTube, and seven clubs presented their exciting work and the opportunities they offer. The clubs talked about the various departments which students could apply for, the projects they’ve worked on so far, the events they’ve organized and the accolades they’ve won.

The event started with a hearty welcome to the freshers by Ritu Kartik, the President of ASME. “Technical clubs are an integral part of a student’s life in Manipal”, she said, highlighting how one gets to learn technical and non-technical skills as well as a member of any club.

MIT Gaming, the official and only gaming club in Manipal, was the first to present, marking themselves as any enthusiastic gamer’s paradise. Next up was ESOM—Economics and Finance Society of Manipal, which strives to make people financially literate, and discover the wonders of economics and the financial world. Following this was ASCE—American Society of Civil Engineers, Manipal Chapter, a society that represents over one lakh and fifty thousand civil engineers from all over the world, giving its members a chance to be a part of an international community and making them industry ready. IEEE Enginering in Medicine and Biology Society, Manipal Chapter followed next, showcasing itself as the place to be for those who want to combine engineering and biology and learn how to apply technical concepts in the field of medicine. After this, The Astronomy Club captured every space-geeks attention as they presented a plethora of opportunities for its members to learn more about the wonder that is space. Next up was IE Aerospace, Students’ Chapter, the perfect place for people who are piqued by developments in space travel and flying technology. The last to come was ASME Manipal itself, the local chapter of a global organization representing over one lakh twenty thousand mechanical engineers.

A live Q&A session with the clubs followed the presentations for the freshers to clear up any remaining doubts they might have had. The representatives of all the clubs joined the meet one by one as they talked more about their respective clubs, the events conducted by them, the roles and duties of the students as a part of the working committee of the clubs and how the club would help them expand their knowledge and skills. Nikhil Bhargav, General Secretary of ASME, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

Q&A session with ASCE Manipal Chapter

Providentia was a huge success, garnering over nine hundred views on the YouTube live stream. It provided the freshers of ’21 a concise and valuable insight into the workings of the major technical clubs, guiding them in their choice of the club that’s the best fit for them.

To become a part of ASME and know more about their upcoming events, follow their Instagram, ASME Manipal Student Chapter.

Featured Image Credits: ASME Manipal Student Chapter

Apprehensions and questions hound a potential fresher right before admission, counselling, and even before class. In this article, we try our best to alleviate the suspense. If the answers below don’t cover what you need or you’re looking for any more information, join the official freshers’ group for any queries. You can also check out our Fresher’s Corner for a better insight into life at MIT Manipal.

Updates regarding counselling procedures will be given here.
The counselling schedule for 2022 is given here.
The counselling information brochure is given here.

The admissions and counselling process for the incoming freshers batch of 2022 will be entirely online. Information pertaining to on-campus lifestyle may not be applicable as the situation might be different once students are back on campus.

What are the cut-offs for each stream? Is it possible to get a certain stream even if I do not make the cut?

The cut-offs for the years 2017 and 2018 (at the end of the fifth round of counselling),  2020 (after the first round),  2021 (after the first round), and 2022 (after the second round) in the main campus (Manipal) are as follows. There are five rounds of counselling followed by an intra-institute sliding round and then a spot round as well. Once the branch preferences order is chosen, they can only be changed again in the intra-institute sliding round. Students can apply for a branch change at the end of freshman year on the basis of their CGPA and availability of seats.

Cutoffs for 2021 – Round 1

Cutoffs for 2020 – Round 1

Cutoffs for 2018

Cutoffs for 2017

Which campus do I go for—Manipal, Jaipur, or Sikkim?

Each campus is quite well-built and is competent when it comes to education. The Manipal campus (being the oldest) is preferred and has better placement statistics than others. If a prospective student’s rank qualifies them for taking admission in the Manipal campus and there are no personal issues, then the Manipal campus itself is preferred. If one does not get the desired branch, a branch change after the first year is an option. Branch changes, are, however, dependent on vacancies and have a minimum CGPA requirement.

What are the cutoffs like after the first round of seat allotment?

The ranks do see a slight drop in each round and tend to fall considerably by the sixth round. Following this, there will be an intra-institute sliding round for students who have already been admitted at the beginning of the semester. During this time, one can change their branch within the institute they have been admitted to, and ranks will see a further drop. The final round is the spot round which is extremely risky to partake in. This is the last opportunity for changing one’s branch through counselling. After this, the branch can be changed only at the end of the 1st year based on your 1st year CGPA.

For an overview of all courses on offer and other details, download the prospectus here.

What is intra-institute sliding, spot round, and branch change?

As the counselling rounds progress, seats end up being vacant in the preferred branches as some students opt-out or do not turn up. These seats are passed on to other students, according to their rank and branch priority. As a result, vacancies are created in other branches too, so the seats are further given to students. The first six rounds of counselling occur before a student starts classes.

The intra-institute sliding happens once college beings. In the spot round, if you fail to get any one of your preferred branches then you’ll have to give up your existing seat in the college. It is advised that students already have other options open before applying for the spot round. The final chance to change your branch, the branch upgrade, is after the 1st year and is based upon your 1st year CGPA.

Is branch change after the first year common? What are the cut-offs?

Students often try for branch change. When the session begins, seats end up vacant in some branches as some students opt out of the course. These seats are given to other students, with the allotment according to their CGPA. To change a branch after the first year a student has to apply to the administrative section at the end of the first year before the end of semester exams. The cutoffs vary each year depending on the number of students who applied for a particular branch and their CGPA. Sometimes, there are very few or no seats available, and the CGPA cutoff can also be quite high. Usually, the branch upgrade cut-offs for CSE, IT, and CCE are above 9, and ECE is above 8.5.

What are the documents I’ll need to bring for the counselling round? Which campus ought I go to for the same?

The counselling rounds for 2022 will be done online. The documents mentioned need to be uploaded via the portal. Prospective students need not visit any campus for the counselling process. The procedure is as given in the information brochure. You can also take a look over here. 

Registration for the B.Tech (General Category) counselling process will tentatively start on July 13th according to the Admissions Office. The conduction of the counselling process will be online. Further instructions for the counselling and admission process will be made available to the students and parents shortly.

For further details on the counselling and admission procedure, click here.

How is one eligible for a scholarship at MIT?

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers scholarship opportunities as well as fee waivers based on the parents’ annual income and the student’s academic performance. A detailed run-down of the scholarships offered by MAHE can be accessed here.

What are the laptop requirements?

Students will be required to purchase their own laptop. The following specifications are recommended, based on information provided to the freshers batch of 2019.

How are the campus placements?

The campus placement statistics vary slightly every year. In general, the placement rate is moderately high and the packages are good. MIT has a well-organized placement team comprising faculty and student coordinators from each department. If you wish to know more about the placement procedure, click here. Companies come for campus placements in the 7th semester, and for summer internships in the 5th semester which might also turn into a placement offer.

How many holidays do we get in the entire semester? 

The academic calendar for the odd semester of 2022 has not been formulated yet and will be considerably different as compared to previous years. The holiday list will be updated shortly. 

We usually have very limited holidays in a semester. The third Saturday of every month is a holiday. There are semester breaks after every semester though. After the odd semester, students get about a month’s vacation while the even semesters are followed by almost a three-month-long holiday. The list of holidays will be given in the academic calendar.

When do club and project recruitments start? How will the students be notified?

Students can register for club events and recruitment via the events portal or through The MIT Post app. Students can browse through the events portal where each event has a basic registration form to be filled and after which, the respective club will get in touch with the student regarding further details.

There will be no interaction ban while the semester is being conducted online. There will be an orientation conducted by the Student Council followed by a clubs expo. Club recruitment will commence in October or November depending upon the updated academic calendar. Students are encouraged to follow clubs of their interest on social media to get a better insight into their activities and work.

Freshers are usually not allowed to interact with the seniors in the first half of the semester, to allow the first years to settle in without inhibitions. Also, before and during exams, no club activities are allowed to make sure that students focus only on academics during those periods.

However, after this ban, students can start applying for the various student bodies at MIT, Manipal. These clubs will advertise their recruitments and events, so keep your eyes open. You can read about all the different student bodies in our comprehensive database here. Further, you can join the Official Freshers’ Group where we will have a round of club introductions later on.

The following questions are pertaining to the on-campus Manipal life. 

I hope there is no ragging in Manipal. What rules have been set in order to prevent it?

MIT has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to ragging. The rules are quite strict and implemented well. The students are required to fill an anti-ragging undertaking and ragging here is dealt with as a criminal offence—as it should be. Seniors have a ban on interaction with freshers until before the technical fest, TechTatva, which plays a vital role in keeping a safer senior-fresher dynamic.

Is the infamous drug culture of Manipal a reality?

Manipal is no more immune or prone to the drug problem than other places. Contrary to the myth, drug consumption is not the norm here. Indulging in these activities is a choice, and a student is not going to face any pressure to do so. Drugs are not easily available to students unless they actively seek them out. From the college’s end, there is an Anti-Substance Abuse Declaration that is signed by every fresher. If found using any of the drugs mentioned in the undertaking, strict action will be taken against the student by the college as well as legal authorities.

How are the hostels? Are the messes/food courts close by?

Hostel allotment for 2022 will be done at a later date. 

The hostels are well-maintained and make for comfortable living for their price. You can choose the hostel of your preference in your first year—the block as well as type (AC/non-AC, Single/Double/Triple occupancy, Private/Common bathrooms). It is mandatory for all first-years, except for Udupi district residents, to reside in hostels and avail the mess facilities. The messes are close to most hostels with some hostels having their own mess. Otherwise, there are two common Food Courts, one nearly at the centre of the campus, and the other located close to the boys’ hostels.

How are the messes? Is the food healthy and tasty, and is it rationed?

There are various messes on the campus catering to nearly every Indian palate. The messes provide the students with four meals a day—breakfast, lunch, hi-tea, and dinner. The timings and menu vary depending upon the mess. While everything else is unlimited, the refreshments served in the evening, as well as non-veg items are rationed. If you do need a break from mess food there is no shortage of places to tantalize your taste buds.

What are the curfew timings here?

The rules and curfew timings in Manipal are quite reasonable compared to other colleges. As of now, the first years have to reach their hostels by 9:30 PM and the curfew timing for seniors is 10:30 PM.  The curfew timings are usually extended up to 11 PM for all students during festivals, college fests, and exams. Entry into campus closes at 11 PM.

Please note: The curfew timings are subject to change in light of the pandemic.

What all should I pack with me? Is everything available in Manipal itself?

Manipal has well-established markets with stores such as More and other local businesses. You can find most necessities such as toiletries and umbrellas within the campus itself. In general, a student needs to pack clothes, a sturdy umbrella, and (if desired) goods unique to their native place.

For further details on what to pack, click here.

What is the climate in Manipal like?

The climate in Manipal is mostly humid, with the months of March to May being the hottest. Monsoon rains start around June and last till August—so don’t forget to carry that umbrella when you’re joining in July. Umbrellas are a precious commodity in the odd semester and have a tendency to get lost (or more likely stolen), so keep it within sight at all times especially near the messes or food courts.

How is mobile connectivity? Is there a specific network provider I should stick to?

Manipal is not as obscure a town as it may seem! Every service provider is as good as any. Students can choose JIO, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, etc.

Is the internet provided by the college in our rooms and classes or is it advisable to buy a dongle?

MIT offers every student an iON wifi connection, with a 60-gigabyte limit per month. Hostels have good internet connectivity, especially with a LAN cable. The speed, if not amazing, is sufficient for most needs. You can also choose to pay to get better speeds and more data.

The Students Teaching Students Program (STSP) is a new initiative started by the Student Council of 2019-20. The goal is to encourage the students of the institute to take advantage of the ‘Peer-to-Peer’ learning process and increase interaction between the students and their seniors. The program has helped the learners improve on subjects they found complex or difficult to cope with on their own.

Many students often find it difficult to raise questions to the teacher during class, which results in a lack of understanding of the subject. This may be due to multiple reasons—whether it be the pace with which they are being taught, or the reluctance to speak up in front of a crowded classroom. Some may also have fallen behind because of the classes they have missed. The STSP ensures that the academics of these students are not compromised because of these factors.

The STSP currently has 98 students and 44 tutors. It caters to the first-year students and has six subjects being taught by the tutors. The program has an edge over classroom teaching for the struggling students, who are now able to learn at their own pace, approach the tutoring faction at their convenience, and receive advice about the college. The feedback received by the Student Council about the program has been extremely positive, with the students saying they now find the subjects easier to follow and have less trouble understanding them. “The STSP offers good support for students who are weak in any particular subject(s). The student teachers are very caring towards us, have a flexible schedule, and are very good at helping us out with all the topics we struggle with”, says Neeraj D Nair, a student enrolled into the program.

The tutors for this programme are picked after a series of interviews. The interested candidates, both tutors and students, fill out the recruitment form sent out twice in a semester. The candidates applying for the position of a tutor are interviewed based on two criteria—the subjects they have picked and their teaching skills. These interviews for the tutors are conducted by the junior council members who ensure that quality is maintained.

The Council then draws up a list where each tutor is assigned three students on an average. The students can then contact them and chalk out a suitable schedule. The tutors help their respective peers out with a particular subject with face-to-face classes to explain concepts or via online tools. Classes are also being conducted online by the teachers for the students during the COVID – 19 pandemic, using Hangouts and other suitable platforms. The Council is still actively trying to reach out to more students and spread awareness about the program so that the maximum amount of students can use this to their advantage.

Online platforms are proving to be a beneficial source for the tutors in the STSP to help the students during the quarantine. (Source:https://englishteaching.online/palfish-official-kids-course/)

The Student Council intends to limit the program to first-year subjects for another semester before deciding to expand into branch-wise subjects of the second year. “Most of the students are yet to know about this program, so we intend to reach more people. If we have positive feedback, we definitely intend to expand this to the second years as well”, says Nikita Agrawal, the Joint Secretary of the Student Council.

The initiative helps students improve their academics and eliminate problems they face in catching up with their studies due to external factors. The tutors enrolled in the program are awarded a certificate for their work. “While managing the workload of the higher semesters and the classes for the juniors can be challenging, it is surprisingly rewarding to be able to teach someone and see them score better marks. The program has helped me keep my basics strong and has helped me grow my soft skills and communication. The certificate will help me gain a teaching assistantship for my masters as well”, says Kavya Bannerjee, a teacher for the STSP currently in the sixth semester. The STSP aims at making life easier for the students at MIT Manipal and is an excellent tool to improve the overall college experience for the students.

Featured Image Credits: gse.harvard.edu/uk/blog/students-teachers

If you have any questions, head over to the official Freshers’ Group 2021 on Facebook to have them answered!

A thorough analysis of placement statistics at MIT can be found here.

A form containing information on the current placement scenario can be found here. It is accessible only to fourth years.

The uncomfortable pacing and the vexingly unintelligible look on the interviewer’s face as he scrutinises a sheet of paper can make anyone wonder if they have done enough in life. The images that come to mind when thinking of placements, cemented by the countless film portrayals, tend to scare most prospective engineers. Thankfully, the college, with a carefully designed preparation system, eases the process of seeking a job considerably.

The grooming process at MIT starts early. With an environment supporting growth and all-round development, MIT pass-outs are amongst some of the best-trained and equipped in the industry. This is especially due to the unique curriculum followed which provides students with the opportunity to actively spend time in various industries through internship programs, amongst other schemes.

Lasting four to six months, these internships (or research programs) are usually left for assessment of students in their eighth semester. These help students gain both technical proficiency and skills in management and communication. They also help students learn how to deal with a competitive environment as well as to handle unprecedented work pressure.

Many major companies find this initiative fruitful and hence, have increasingly opened their doors for internships to MIT students. Many also go on to then place the interns into their coveted ranks. Some of the major companies that offered internships to students of the college include Airbus, Amazon, Bosch, CIPLA, Cisco, DRDO (DIPR, INMAS), Ericsson, GE, Hyundai CE, IISc (Bengaluru), IITs (all over the nation), Intel, ISRO, Tech Mahindra, TUM (Germany), University of Bremen (Germany), University of Stuttgart (Germany), VM Ware, Wipro, Yokogawa, and Oracle, among many more.

The college continually makes efforts towards exposing students to work environments right from the beginning. Encouraging internships, the college has partnered with various reputable internship and scholarship providers around the globe—amongst those are student bodies such as AIESEC and IAESTE. The institute also has collaborations with various noteworthy colleges, both nationally as well as internationally, promoting exchange and semester abroad programs.

The primary concern for most students in the country is the lingering belief that they aren’t doing enough, or have certain underdeveloped skills that could hugely affect their employment opportunities. However, that is not true. Although some companies might have a particular set of requirements for certain job profiles, maintaining good grades and having a reasonable amount of expertise is more than sufficient for landing most of the available placement opportunities. A strong curriculum vitae (CV) in terms of off-campus internships during vacations, experience in the field of research, volunteer work, or noteworthy achievements in other fields such as sports, music, dance, etc. also help to increase the candidate’s chances. Soft skills too, like good communication, high enthusiasm, team spirit or negotiation skills, can come in handy during a job interview.

For a basic summer internship program, the process usually starts at the beginning of the fifth semester—whereas the placement/eighth-semester internship procedure starts at the beginning of the seventh semester. Although the process varies from company to company, the general procedure followed includes taking a written qualifying test, followed by a series of eliminatory rounds—be it group discussions, technical interviews, or HR interviews. Each subsequent round is designed to test a specific skill so as to find the perfect candidate for each position.

Being one of the leading private institutes in the country, MIT has always relished a certain amount of respect in the corporate world. This can be seen translated into the domain of placements as well. The college hosts approximately 200+ recruiting teams each year for undergraduate and postgraduate campus placements. Yet, it manages to provide quality placements to almost a thousand students each year. Furthermore, the average and median CTC for B.Tech students was Rs. 7.24 lakhs and Rs. 6.52 lakhs respectively. Some of the top recruiters in the year 2017 included companies like:

Amazon: 21 students

Honeywell:  32 students

Maruti Suzuki: 10 students

Mercedes-Benz: 25 students

Microsoft: 13 students

Oracle: 17 students

Philips Innovation: 17 students

Reliance: 35 students

Siemens Tech: 14 students

Vodafone: 16 students

Wipro: 57 students

So fret not, you’re in able hands that will not only see you through your degree, but will also act as a gateway to a secure job that does justice to that degree, and caters to your field of interest.

If you have any questions, head over to the official Freshers’ Group 2021 on Facebook to have them answered!

An interaction ban is imposed on the incoming first years for a certain duration of time during which, no club or organization other than the student council is permitted to interact with first-year students, online or offline.

One of the most awaited aspects of student life is the opportunity to become a part of a fraternity on campus. However, the dizzying number of student bodies at MIT might seem overwhelming for a fresher. Confusion is bound to arise about which clubs are best, how one goes about joining a club, and what the process of club recruitment entails. This article aims to bring some clarity by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about clubs at MIT.

The Virtual Club Expo 2020 will take place in a three-part process in October. The first part will be a webinar to be held on 10th and 11th October, where the Student Council will inform the freshers about the various student bodies. The presentations shall be split into technical, cultural, and sports, and each presentation shall include information about the respective clubs under the specified domains.

For the second part of the Expo, clubs will have to prepare an introductory video containing all relevant information that will be uploaded on an online platform. This platform shall be open to all students at all times, and they can view it at their discretion. The clubs will be required to submit their video by 15th October, and they shall be made available for viewing sometime in the subsequent weeks. A question-answer feature shall be introduced on the events portal, and the most frequently asked question can be marked as an FAQ by the club.

The third and final part of the Expo will follow a pre-defined schedule from 9th to 12th November, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The clubs will be given a slot in alphabetical order. On the first day, 9th November, the Student Council associated bodies, along with the first half of the cultural clubs will be presenting. The second day is reserved for remaining cultural clubs and the first half of the technical clubs.  On the third day, the remaining technical clubs will be presenting, and on the fourth and final day, the student projects and sports clubs will be given a slot.

A separate team will be created per domain. Every club will be provided with a channel on MS Teams, akin to an info desk, which will run parallelly and will be open for the freshers to join anytime. Clubs may conduct small presentations or activities to engage the freshers, which can be repeated after a specific time period once a new group of freshers join the channel. Freshers can also enquire about the club’s recruitment process, their events, or about the club itself, and interact with club members.

Another endeavour undertaken by The Student Council of MIT is the events portal. As stated by Samyukhta Raj, the Joint Technical Secretary, “The idea behind the portal was to make an interactive platform for students to participate in club events, especially since it’s a major part of every semester. Although it cannot replace the whole offline feel of being part of an event we hoped to at least bring back a sense of the campus through this. As of now, clubs can register their events on the portal and put up a poster and brief description about the same and go ahead with the registration for event as usual.”

Clubs are provided with separate admin access and once their events are approved they can start registering their events on the portal. Students can browse through events domain wise, that is, cultural clubs, technical clubs, student projects, and sports. If they seeking any particular event, date, or club they also have the option of searching for it. The events have a basic registration form to be filled out by the student and after which, the respective club will get in touch with the student regarding further details.

Students can register for club events and recruitment via the events portal or through The MIT Post app.

Which clubs should I join at MIT?

You can join almost any club that you want to! MIT has a vibrant student club culture that caters to a wide range of interests and skills. More importantly, all these clubs are eager to recruit a new crop of talented and enthusiastic freshers to take their legacy forward.

For those wishing to put their engineering skills to the test, there are several technical clubs that will help you further your knowledge of engineering subjects. From computer science and IT-focused clubs to the various branch-specific clubs—there are numerous opportunities to learn.

The Student Projects take it a notch further and allow you to fully immerse yourself in hands-on engineering.  Although the amount of effort and hours required to be put into these projects may seem taxing, you can rest assured that the results are rewarding. A lot of these clubs have participated in national and international-level competitions and brought many laurels home.

For the more artistically or culturally-inclined, there is music, art, drama, dance, writing, debate, designing, film, manga, fashion clubs, and more. With such a profusion of options to select from, there is a high probability that you will find your corner in at least one of them.  In addition to this, there are also a few public-speaking clubs and social welfare clubs. MIT also houses local chapters of international organisations that offer global exposure to students on campus.

There is no limit to the number of clubs you can apply for—therefore, you have the freedom to explore your interests through any of the clubs on campus. To get a head start, you can take a look at this handy guide about the clubs at MIT.

What is the ‘interaction ban’?

For the Freshers batch of 2020, the interaction ban will be in place until 15th November 2020. Apart from the Student Council, no club or organisation is permitted to interact with first-year students, online or offline.

To prevent any instances of ragging, and to allow first-years to settle into college life, formal interactions between seniors and first years are prohibited. This does not mean you cannot talk to seniors. However, most events will not be open to freshers for participation and attendance. The interaction ban lasts until the end of the first sessional test, i.e. 9th September.

When can I join the clubs? 

For the Freshers batch of 2020, club recruitment will commence after 15th November.

Most clubs hold recruitments after the first Sessional Test, that is, after the end of the interaction ban, in September. Clubs publicise their recruitment details through social media, class-to-class publicity, and posters. Some clubs may also hold events specially tailored for freshers in the week following the first Sessionals, where more details about their recruitments can be communicated. Student Projects, however, carry out their recruitments at different times around the academic year, and publicise them well, to make sure you don’t miss them.

It may be a good idea to keep a note of the recruitment dates and venues of the clubs that you are interested in, so as to avoid missing the recruitment since many clubs hold recruitments only once a year. Most clubs do, however, hold recruitments on multiple days so that you don’t miss out on any opportunity.

How many clubs can I be a member of? 

There is no limit to the number of clubs that you can be a part of. However, by the end of their first year, most people find it possible to be active, contributing members of at most three clubs, while maintaining good academic performance and a healthy lifestyle.

What happens at club recruitments? 

This mainly depends on the type of club whose recruitment is being considered. A large number of clubs require you to take a written test followed by a round of interviews. On the other hand, certain clubs may hold rigorous interviews, group discussions, and tasks for applicants. The performing arts clubs will, in most cases, require you to give an audition on the basis of your skill. As a general rule of thumb, most Student Projects conduct a written test and successive interview, followed by a long-term ‘task phase’—which involves conducting research or doing projects based on the chosen sub-system and submitting the reports. Success or failure in such recruitments, to a large extent, depends mostly on your knowledge of the topic that is being tested, and your willingness to contribute to the club.

The Student Council has initiated a new event this year—The Fresher’s Fair—to familiarise first-years with the various clubs on campus. 

The Fresher’s Fair will be conducted after class hours from 31st July to 5th August and will give clubs the opportunity to present themselves to first years.  The first event of its kind in MIT, it is being conducted under the AICTE Student Induction Program and forms a part of the orientation for first-years.

The clubs have been divided into three categories—Sports and Cultural Clubs, Technical Clubs, and Student Projects, for the convenience of students. Twelve sections will participate in the Fair per day with four sections attending the slots for each category. In this way, the students will have plenty of time to learn about all the clubs that they are interested in.

Clubs participating in the Fair will each have their own stall and may also stage performances to publicise themselves. Students can explore the stalls and interact with the clubs in between performances as well as during them. They can also look forward to games and enjoyable activities as clubs put their best face forward to vie for the attention of freshers. This fair may also give them a chance to see demonstrations of the Student Projects for themselves. If they want to look back on the details of each club, students can refer to the Student Council’s website about student clubs at MIT.

In addition to this, students can also join the official freshers’ group on Facebook. There will soon be a round of posts with representatives of various clubs introducing themselves on the group. Students can use this opportunity to acquaint themselves with the activities of the clubs and take a first step towards deciding which club they eventually want to be a part of.

Aaina Dramatics hosted their annual event, Spotlight, to showcase the theatrical talent of this year’s batch of freshers. Held on 22nd September at the MIT Library auditorium, the audience was shown a concocted display of various chord-striking themes across eight plays that alternated between Hindi and English. The cast and crew comprised almost entirely of first years, while the task of directing the show was taken up by second years. The judges for the program were Prabhakar Sashtri and Sharmila Shaligram.  

The first play Asmanjas, meaning dilemma, revolved around a conversation between a teenage boy and his 42-year-old employer. Through his thoughts on politics and religion, the young boy shook his employer’s views on society and the varied experiences that they had as a part of it.

The next play was a humorous take on a former student working hard to defraud his teachers in an effort to recover his tuition. The Refund depicts a man dedicated to proving that he’s uneducated, fighting his equally conniving teachers who worked the contrary to ensure that they wouldn’t have to pay a dime. The skit’s hilarious battle of wit and unpredictable mesh of tomfoolery made for a thrilling and light-hearted performance. 

Astrologer’s Day began with a humorous rapport between an astrologer and his wife. The plot was centred around the Astrologer’s supposed ability to predict the future. However, it was his revelation of the past that was the show-stopping moment. Abhinav Raj who played the Astrologer won the title of Best Actor for his performance. The award for Best Director went to the directors of Astrologer’s Day, Ambika Maheshwari and Siddhant Pandey.

The Monkey’s Paw told the story of an ideal family’s journey down a sinister path as they come to possess a wish-granting foot from a cautioning old friend. Yielding to curiosity’s call, the father wishes for a sum of money, only to have it shockingly arrive as compensation for the horrific death of his son the next day. Wishing him back to life, the mother soon rushes to the door upon hearing knocks, only to let out a blood-curdling shriek off-screen that forces the father to ultimately wish his son dead. With a premise of warning against impertinence towards fate, the play made out to be the evening’s serving of horror and mysticism. 

A mockery of all star-crossed love stories, Khudhkhushi delved into the story of a young girl Zoya. She had been forbidden from marrying her lover, by her down to earth Chacha Jaan which led to her decision to commit suicide. The efforts made to dissuade her from this decision was portrayed in an amusing manner. Zoya, played by Nandini Jotwani, went on to win the award for Best Actress. Khudkhushi also went on to bag the title of Best Play. 

Murder by Midnight saw a brash hotel detective being tasked by a towel-clad woman to investigate her husband’s murder—precisely what doesn’t happen for much of the story once flirtation takes centre-stage. Tote with sexual tension and frequent twists, the play juxtaposed a bold display of violence and desire with a warm tone of humour. 

Reed Ki Haddi put forth a powerful depiction of the misogyny that women of this country face. The distinctive mannerisms of the prospective groom and his father added a comedic element to the dialogue, despite their bigoted comments.  The awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress went to Piyush Pandey and Khushi Gupta respectively.

The concluding performance for the evening was 3 AM Wake Up Call, which heavily reigned in on dark humour and the evening’s recurrent usage of surprise. A man is summoned late at night by his delirious friend, only to soon be caught up in a racket involving a double murder, and eventually succumbs to a mental breakdown. With him regaining consciousness under a different identity, the audience was shocked to learn that the men were the split personas of a single man. 

The music and lighting played an enormous role in setting the ideal tone for each scene. The back-stage crew worked swiftly and flawlessly between plays to set the stage. During such intervals, the hosts, Varun Kapoor and Gaurav Chatterjee, kept the audience entertained while introducing each consecutive play. “The first years have just come to Manipal and we hope that AAINA has helped boost their confidence. Given that they only had a week to prepare for this entire production, we seniors are incredibly proud of our juniors”, commented Rakshit Yaduvanshi, the President of AAINA Dramatics. 

The culmination of days of hard work put in by the cast, crew, directors, and event coordinators paid off in spades. Once again, AAINA Dramatics enthralled the crowd for an entire evening, putting forth an event worthy of the spotlight. 

Images by: AAINA Dramatics

Lecture halls at NLH were filled to the brim as hordes of students made their way inside for Cambiar 2019 on 10^th September. Playing the role of a platform for clubs and student projects across Manipal to introduce themselves to freshers, it heralded the recruitment season that was to follow in the next few days. The event witnessed twenty organisations compete with each other for student attention. Most clubs made use of surreal promotional videos or performances to accompany speakers as they voiced out the visions of their respective clubs.

Delighting students with a wide variety of options—be it clubs rich with activities, technical clubs or more cultural ones—students were made privy to all the choices available to them before they made an informed decision. “It was instrumental in helping me learn about a lot of clubs that I hadn’t even heard about earlier”, said Vaibhav Raj, a first-year student at MIT.

“It was a record-breaking event and was one of the first major events for freshers this semester. The response was simply incredible—we had originally booked out six halls but had to expand it to nine to accommodate the overwhelming crowd,” noted Mohit Lal, an organiser from Leaders of Tomorrow. A new addition to this edition of Cambiar was that students could register for some club recruitments at the event itself.

With over 1480 attendees, Cambiar 2019 was the most successful edition of the annual event. However, its scale and length were a little too overwhelming for some. “It was nice and informative but could’ve been a little more relaxed—it was hard to keep track of at times,” said Anushka, a first-year student at MIT. “Plus, the strong crowds and long duration made it a little exhausting”, added Avanti, another first-year student at MIT.

With recruitment for various clubs and students projects taking place over the next few days, it is crucial to keep an eye out for the clubs that appeal to one’s own interests. For those who may have missed out on Cambiar, this guide for the various student bodies in Manipal may prove to be useful while making a decision about which clubs to join.

Image Credits: The Photography Club, Manipal

Manipal was familiar territory for me, with my sister graduating from MIT the same year I joined. As I reached Manipal, I assumed I knew plenty about the town already. I was pleasantly surprised, however, as my first year here was not only fresh and invigorating but also a transformative experience like no other.

The first couple of days in Manipal went by in a flurry of activity as I attended the numerous orientation sessions organised for us, and did some last-minute shopping with my parents. Early on, I realised that an umbrella is a valuable possession to be guarded fiercely, having lost two in my very first month here. The classes began after the end of the orientation week with students from all branches mixed up in twenty-four sections. There was a natural awkwardness in the first few classes, but that was soon forgotten as we got to know each other through the icebreaker sessions.

Rumbling clouds and downpours are constants in the odd semesters. (Credits: Rahul Manshani, The Photography Club, Manipal)

The absence of a freshers’ party was a vehement complaint among us first-years. The Student Council, however,  had something more exciting in store for us—the Talent Night. A few first-year sections assembled in the MV Seminar Hall where everyone got an opportunity to showcase their talents. Never having been shy of speaking in public, I got on stage and decided to deliver a famous speech by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. While that was all I had planned, my friends persuaded me to sing before I got off the stage. It was the first time I had sung in front of an audience, and that performance is now one of my fondest memories of the first year. The experience of letting loose in front of others kindled a feeling of comfort and camaraderie towards my fellow first-years. A few of my classmates even staged a group dance while the rest of us hooted and cheered in support. These are the people with whom I eventually developed a deep friendship, and whose company I enjoyed as I set out to explore the town of Manipal.

A fascinating thing I observed about Manipal was how the whole town had become student-oriented. A majority of the population here consists of students, and the place has developed with the university at its heart. It is no wonder that when you google ‘Manipal’, most links lead to MAHE websites. Having lived a fast-paced life in Delhi NCR, I was captivated by the peace and tranquillity of Manipal. Getting around in Manipal was never a problem. In the rare case where I couldn’t walk to my destination, there was almost always a long line of auto-rickshaws waiting to ferry passengers around the town. For travelling to Udupi, or the beautiful beaches nearby, my friends and I chose the local buses because of their reasonable prices and comfort. Manipal never felt lacking in options—from fast-food joints such as McDonald’s to fine dining restaurants, and from multiplexes to supermarkets—it has almost everything you would look for in a modern town. 

The road leading to Kamath Circle.

While the town of Manipal is pleasing and peaceful, it is the bustling campus of MIT that most students fall in love with. The greenery surrounding the well-trodden path from the hostels to the academic blocks offered much respite to dreary walks to 8 AM classes in the rain. The imposing structure of the Student Plaza comes alive and turns into the centre of student activity in the evenings. Students mill around the Plaza catching up with their friends, grabbing a bite at Just Bake or a sip at the Juice Centre.  There’s also almost always an event or publicity work for upcoming events in progress at the Student Plaza.  However, the best time to witness MIT in its true glory is, undoubtedly, during TechTatva and Revels.

Tech Tatva, the technical fest of the college, was one of the first instances in the year where we transitioned from being participants in events to volunteers and club members who contributed to the working of the fest. Wearing The MIT Post tag around our necks, my fellow writers and I ran around the campus covering events and at the end of the day, burnt the midnight oil with the staff of The Post to prepare the daily newsletters. The Manipal Conclave, held on the last two days of the fest, proved to be a star-studded event with its excellent speaker line-up featuring popular YouTubers like Jitendra Kumar and Shivankit Singh Parihar, and actors such as Radhika Apte and Jatin Sarna of Sacred Games fame.

Even more vibrant and exciting, however, is the college’s cultural fest, Revels, that is organised during the even semester. It was accompanied by another round of covering events, preparing newsletters, and participating in competitions. While the days were filled with an assortment of events and the joy of eating from the food stalls, the Pro-Show performances in the evenings provided a perfect conclusion to each day of the fest. It was only after a long and busy day that I would enter my comforting hostel room.

The Local Train performed during Revels 2019, for the third time in Manipal. (Courtesy: PAV, Revels’19)

Each student’s hostel experience is a distinct story in itself. From late-night birthday celebrations to waking each other up on Sunday for the special breakfast, the hostel life has been a journey with countless ups and downs. Small music sessions, a few games of cards, and a game of mini-militia after a long day of classes proved to be our source of relaxation. There were evenings when everyone on the floor would assemble in one room, with their laptops and phones, only to watch an IPL super-over together. Adding to the experience was the beautiful view from my room. Waking up to the scenic beauty of the valley was divine, and it made my first year of hostel life truly breathtaking.

The valley, as seen from Hostel Block 16.

Despite the comforts of my hostel, however, most of my time was spent in the college library. This wasn’t because I was solely fixated on academics, but was rather due to the fact that the well-equipped library gave me a peaceful workspace to finish all my tasks. With multiple study rooms in the building, finding a place in the library is not difficult, unless it’s during exams. On the day of an exam, the library is so crowded that at times I had to request my friends to reserve seats for me, provided they managed to get seats for themselves. With the group study room having more desks available than chairs, I’ve even sat beside the staircase to complete my last-minute revisions.

Looking back to the time I bid adieu to my parents, before the start of the year, I remember my excitement being coupled with apprehensions. Since I had never stayed away from them before, I had no idea what to expect thereon. However, as the year progressed, I realised that my time in Manipal had shaped me into a more responsible adult—one who’s capable enough of making his own decisions, instead of depending on others. Manipal provided me with ample opportunities to build upon my skills and personality and do something new and innovative.

Credits: Harsh Kumar Singh (The Photography Club, Manipal)

As I began writing this article, it dawned on me that despite having lived every moment of these two semesters, my first year of college appears to have passed by like a running train—with the assignments, exams, fests, parties, and outings being different stops on this journey. Continuing on the same track, it is time for me to get onto the next train in line, with fresh energy, added responsibilities and the new role of being the immediate seniors to the new freshers’ batch of the college.

Featured Image Credits: Rishi Raj

There is no dearth of choice regarding engineering colleges in India. Every year over a hundred thousand confused freshers seek admission into the best possible colleges. For the lucky few who end up in Manipal, this place proves to be unlike any other. After much deliberation and enquiries, the one thing that eventually persuaded me to come to MIT was a rather grand claim made by a school senior, who is currently an alumnus of the college. He said that coming to Manipal was the best decision of his life, and as my first year here comes to a close, I think I can wholeheartedly back that claim.

While I made countless memories in my eight and a half months at the college, the first few days that I spent in Manipal remain the most cherished. From staying up late with my hostel-mates playing bluff, exploring MFC (that’s Manipal Frizzled Chicken, for the uninitiated) and TC (Tiger Circle), to waking each other up for those early morning classes, we did it all. It would be unfair if I did not mention that like most other freshers, my early days in Manipal were marked with the infamously unpredictable monsoons, so carrying an umbrella at all times was a must.

My first experience in an MIT classroom came during the orientations and through my TG (Teacher Guardian); a concept which is novel in MIT. The classrooms themselves threw me back a year as they bore an uncanny and uninvited resemblance to all my previous coaching classes. Nonetheless, we went on to make some insane memories in these rooms in the months to come. The many positives about the college are often left undiscussed among the more sensationalist and scandalous rumours surrounding the town. What makes the town of Manipal unique, however, is its culture and its people.

The MAHE Administrative Building.

Being a university town, a majority of Manipal’s population is comprised of students and is a true melting pot of cultures from all around the country. One meets and interacts with people from all over India and even the world, and lives the fabled college life to its fullest. The hostels are far better than what one expects from an engineering college. A little pro-tip for boys would be to opt for the seventeenth block over the sixteenth, as the majority of MIT students reside in the former whereas the latter also has a few of the DOC and FOA students. Another helpful advice would be to opt for the x15/x16 rooms as they are significantly more spacious than the others. The caretakers at sixteenth block can be a bit strict with the freshers but they hardly ever give anyone a difficult time aside from imposing the perm. The seventeenth block, however, has the most relaxed and friendly caretakers. While an ‘in-time’ might seem like a frustrating rule, especially with the freedom allowed in all other aspects of the college, it is there for a reason and only serves to safeguard the student populace.

The view from Block 16.

Aside from the mess, people mostly eat out at various local eateries, which are all hardly ten minutes away from the campus. Manna Roll, MFC, Red Kitchen, and Hit and Run are relatively inexpensive and sustained me through an entire semester during my abstinence-for-the-mess phase. Shawarmas are perhaps the most consumed item on the menu and are present at every corner of the town. A growing trend has been ordering food online, with Manipal attaining the highest order frequency in all of India, through Zomato (keep an eye out for the 50% off offers). Despite the various offers one comes across while ordering online, the restaurants in Manipal are relatively much cheaper than in other cities across the country.

What makes Manipal unique is it’s geography, with many beaches and hills at an easily accessible distance. Weekend getaways are typical in the even semester with multiple bike rental services also available. It isn’t advisable to venture near the coast during the odd semester, however, as the weather is less forgiving with a six-month onslaught of unpredictable monsoons.

The road leading to the Student Plaza through the Academic Area.

As a piece of parting advice, I’d like to say that it’s the people that make a place truly memorable and some of my cherished memories are not around the town itself, but all the friends I made. I remember one unfateful morning when a close friend had to rush uphill to the academic block in a record 8 minutes to make it in time for a lecture, failing which, he would have had to drop the course. We had stayed up late into the night (morning, rather) playing Fifa, and the sorry soul had to brush in the lecture hall’s washroom the next day. A video of him caught in the act made rounds on Whatsapp all through the following week. My roommate and I were conspirators of another such marvellous display when we made the climb to the Academic Block in under twelve minutes to save our semester. Needless to say, we were both in our pyjamas and were fresh out of our beds. Neither of us remembers what lecture we had that morning, nor do we recall what was taught that week; but the image of us trying to scramble up Temple Run in our slippers will be with us for a long time.

Ritviz performing at Revels ’19.

All this still doesn’t quite encapsulate all that Manipal has to offer. Liberating and welcoming, Manipal embraces one and all and is a feeling one has to experience for themselves to truly understand it. With the vacations coming to a close, MIT prepares to welcome a new batch of freshers to this chaotic yet serene lifestyle, as I prepare to survive another semester of barely reaching class on time in my slippers.

Featured Image Credits: Rishi Raj

This article is current as of 2019 and will be updated with new information shortly. Until then, if you have any questions, head over to the official Freshers’ Group 2020 on Facebook to have them answered!

To the average freshman, college life—especially at a university town may be expected to be quite monotonous. However, one of the plus points of studying in Manipal is its very location. Nestled between the towering Western Ghats and the shimmering Arabian Sea, this quaint town offers much more than meets the eye at first glance. Be it the scenic hills and forests or the beautiful beaches—there’s plenty to keep the humdrum of academic life at bay.

Here are a few getaways:

HOODE HANGING BRIDGE

Located just 14 kilometres away, this suspension bridge is something every student is bound to enjoy and is a must-visit for every cycling enthusiast. Located on a backwater stream, the Hanging Bridge is the perfect spot for one to admire their surroundings’ scenic beauty and experience the cool evening breeze, which is a soothing balm to ward off the summer heat.

Also, worth visiting is the little island on the other end of the bridge where you arguably get the best coconut water in Manipal.

KARKALA

Just 40 kilometres from Manipal is Karkala, a historical and religious place of pilgrimage for the Jain community. Its significant feature is the forty-two feet tall statue of Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali), carved out of a single slab of rock and weighing a mammoth eighty tons. This statue was erected in 1432 by a Jain king in honour of the first Jain Tirthankara, Bahubali, who renounced the material world at the peak of his glory. Facing the statue is a Jain Basadi, called the Chaturmukha (four-facing) Basadi, exclusively constructed of granite. Another tourist attraction is the intricately carved fifty-foot tall pillar called the Manasthambha, one of eleven such pillars. Karkala is also home to a whopping eighteen temples, each with its own unique backstory.

MURDESHWAR

Around 100 kilometres from Manipal, Murdeshwar is famous for the colossal statue of Lord Shiva which can be found here. This gargantuan statue is an astounding 123 feet tall and is the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. This temple has a pretty impressive history, dating back to a few centuries. It is also the origin of three major rivers, the Tunga, the Bhadra, and the Nethravathi. This temple is surrounded by the sea on three sides and is located atop a hill called Kandukagiri. One cannot just shake off the feeling of awe they are beset by on visiting this place.

KUDREMUKH

Kudremukh is located around 60 kilometres from Manipal. It is a hilly region located around 1900 meters above sea-level. ‘Kudremukh’, which translates to ‘horse-face’ in Kannada, gets its name because the mountain range looks like a horse when viewed from a certain angle. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and the sea.

It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and is the largest tropical evergreen forest in Karnataka.

AGUMBE

Just like the Hanging Bridge, Agumbe is another must-visit for cycling enthusiasts. Located at 830 meters above sea-level and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the 45-km ride to Agumbe is a feast for the eyes with lush green forests on either side for most of the journey. This route, dotted with numerous waterfalls provides a breathtaking vista of the beauty of nature. The ride is made a lot more exciting by the lion-tailed macaques which keep popping up. For the more adventurous at heart, the nearby Sita river also offers rafting facilities.

ARBI FALLS

Bandaje falls (now known as Arbi Falls) are a set of waterfalls located in the Charmadi ghat section of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. The waterfalls can be reached only by undertaking a trek through thick evergreen forests and grasslands with local guides’ help, and in summer the waterfalls go dry. Formed by a tributary of the Netravathi river, the Bandaje falls almost 200 feet high. 

The path to Bandaje falls from Valambra goes through thick evergreen forest ending in grasslands. Locally these falls are called the Bandaje Arbi, where Arbi means ‘waterfall’ in Tulu. The name is shortened to Arbi Falls to promote tourism.

KAVELADURG

Credits: The Better India

Kaveladurg, located just 18 km from Thirthahalli, Shimoga is every trekker’s dream come true. This 9th-century fort, which was renovated in the 14th century was the stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi.

Surrounded by lush forests on all four sides, this ruined fort which consists of five different fortifications layered one on top of another proves to be a great 5 km uphill trek that leads up to a breathtakingly beautiful view. Proper trekking shoes and an umbrella or a hat is a must if the trek is being undertaken during the day as the temperatures are known to soar by mid-afternoon. The ruined palace and the temple that the fort complex houses, are definitely worth visiting for their historical importance and aesthetic value.

The entire hike up could take about three to four hours, but the view from the top is simply spectacular and will surely bring relief to your worn-out legs. The place is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Fridays. Visitors have to make sure to carry things to eat since there are no restaurants or hotels nearby.

KUDLU FALLS

Credits: Trawell. in

This place is a true testament to the saying, “The climb is hard, but the view is great”. Owing to bad roads and slightly steep steps it might not be easy to get to these waterfalls but let me assure you, once your eyes feast on the majesty of the water as it gushes down the rocks and collects into the little pool at the bottom, you will feel rejuvenated.

This waterfall, located 42 km from Udupi, is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and awakened. The Kudlu Theertha Falls is situated within the Western Ghats’ lush green forests and is the first waterfall arising from the river Sita as it flows downstream into Karnataka.

Though there is a waterfall called Manga Theertha right above Kudlu Falls, it is out of human reach and accessible only to monkeys, hence Monkey Falls. Carry lots of food as the trek can be exhausting and travel light. Carry bread with you if you want to see and feed the little fish that inhabit the pond. Also, make sure you have an extra pair of clothes as jumping into the cold pool of water is the best way to re-energise yourself after a long road trip.

MALPE BEACH

Located just 10 kilometres from Manipal, Malpe is famous for its scenic beach, which is popular among locals and tourists. The beach also houses a beach resort, which caters to the culinary needs of visitors. It also has a variety of adventure sports including parasailing and jet-skiing. It is also the first beach in India to be Wi-Fi enabled, with each visitor is given half an hour of free Wi-Fi (enough to post a new status update). Just off the shore, is St. Mary’s Island, which can be visited by a frequent ferry.

ST MARY’S ISLAND

A gentle reminder of every avid Enid Blyton reader’s secret hideaway, St. Mary’s Island is an equivalent of Kirrin Island. Located right off the coast of Malpe beach, it can be accessed by ferry for Rs 200 on weekdays and Rs 300 on weekends, from 9 AM to 4 PM. While one cannot visit the island during and right after the monsoon (due to choppy waters), summertime here is an entirely different story.  It is declared one of India’s 26 Geological Monuments, complete with unique hexagonal volcanic rock pillars, the white sand, and clear waters. It is—literally and figuratively—one of the hottest places to visit. Additionally, transit to the island often requires wading through shallow waters, so avoiding shoes is a wonderful idea- unless, of course, squishy sneakers appeal to you.


MANIPAL LAKE

Mannapalla (Manipal Lake) is one of Manipal’s prominent tourist attractions. The boating facilities at the lake attract the tourists flocking to the lake. The boat ride provides one with the opportunities to snap several photographs of the breathtaking vista around them and the numerous birds found there. Owing to the abundant rainfall in the area, the lake occupies nearly 55 acres of water, with plenty of water in the summer.

The lake also has a two-kilometre jogging track surrounding it, where one can breathe in the cool air when jogging in the morning. The lake also has numerous amenities near the jogging track like stainless steel garbage bins, solar-powered streetlights, and benches for the elderly.

SRI KRISHNA MATHA

For a more spiritual experience, Udupi’s famous Sri Krishna Matha is a must-visit. The temple is unique in that Lord Krishna’s idol is worshipped and viewed through a silver-plated window with nine windows, called Navagraha Kindi.  The temple is open from 5:30 AM to 9 PM. However, most pujas are held between 6 AM and 10 PM, with another puja at 7 PM, which is worth witnessing. After your time in the temple, try to have food at Anna Brahma Bhojana Shale—which, despite being crowded, it is the perfect conclusion to a visit to the temple.

INOX CINEMAS

Located on the Udupi-Manipal road, better known as Central Cinemas, the movies here are released in sync with the rest of the country.

BURNOUT

Located on the road adjacent to AB5 back gate, is this (literally) underground gaming paradise. Armed with PS3s and Xbox 360s, it costs 80 rupees to rent a controller for an hour. Ever populated with an array of college students, seated on beanbags that several posteriors have been acquainted with over the years, burnout is any video game aficionado’s place to be.

Timings: 9:30 AM – 11 PM

TRIGGER

Trigger is completely similar to Burnout, except that it is also equipped with pool tables and a foosball table. Also, the not-very-beany beanbags that are the norm at Burnout are substituted by far more superior couches. It is also slightly pricier- with the rent being 100 rupees per controller per hour- but justifiably so since the controllers and the general ambience are in brand new condition. It is located on End Point road, near Crumbs Café, on a lane to the left.

MUSEUM OF ANATOMY AND PATHOLOGY (MAP)

Touted to be one of the largest of its kind in Asia, the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology (MAP) is the brainchild of Dr SS Godbole, the first Anatomy Professor of Kasturba Medical College. From a modest collection of 650 specimens during its inception, the Museum has burgeoned to include over 3000 specimens and samples including the skulls of an elephant, a whale, and even a King Cobra.

Located directly opposite the main administrative complex (also called the EDU building), the Anatomy section houses well-preserved specimens of the human body from head to toe. The Pathology museum also houses a section dedicated to the human body including displays of well-preserved organs of the body, both diseased and healthy (not for the faint-hearted). It also has a section dedicated to inculcating awareness among the general public, regarding various lifestyle-related diseases and their impact on the body.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 6 PM on all days, except public holidays to all public members. While the Manipal university staff, students, and guests’ entrance are free, a nominal fee is collected from the public. A visit to this enthralling museum can be aptly expressed by the words of Dr RJ Last, former Anatomical Curator of the Royal College of Surgeons, London: “It’s one of the best.”

HASTASHILPA HERITAGE VILLAGE

Located just a few minutes away from the campus, the Heritage Village is a collection of heritage homes, traditional artworks and a repository of cultural wealth. A retired bank employee undertook this project, the late Dr Vijayanath Shenoy, who was deeply troubled by the razing of ancestral homes and heritage buildings by people. This led to his conviction that preserving our art, craft, and architectural traditions is of utmost significance.

The Heritage Village, comprising 26 buildings, restored at the cost of much money, time and effort stand mute testimony to the hard work and meticulous effort which went into this noble undertaking. The Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is open to the public with tours being conducted in two sessions from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 5 PM.

KODACHADRI

Covered by lush forests and a commanding view of the Western Ghats, Kodachadri is not just a tourist spot. Still, it is also an area of considerable historical and religious significance. Several monolithic structures or menhirs were built here in prehistoric times, some of these built using rocks greater than 12 feet in height. A temple dedicated to the Ancient Mother Goddess Mookambika is located near the top of the peak. The temple is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims, and it is said to stand where thousands of years ago Mookambika fought and killed the demon Mookasura. Kodachadri, which is the 10th highest peak in the state, is also a Natural Heritage site, as declared by the Government of Karnataka.

Apart from its aesthetic and historical significance, Kodachadri is also a destination for trekking enthusiasts with most expeditions starting from the village of Nagodi, located at the mountain’s base. However, as of January 2015, tented overnight camping is prohibited on the mountain. However, if one wishes to spend the night on the summit, there is a bungalow maintained by the State Government, which has to be booked in advance.

END POINT

A tranquil getaway that has become increasingly popular over the years, End Point has the added advantage of a well-maintained, manicured garden. It also boasts wonderful views of the sunrise and sunset in the valley and the river Tunga, with a conveniently placed gazebo along the path.

However, entry closes at 6:30, after which the omnipresent security guards usher visitors out.

GOKARNA

One of the best ways to savour your scarce long weekends over the academic calendar is by catching the first train to Gokarna from the nearby Udupi Station. Courtesy of the picturesque views and pleasant company of peers sans the college humdrum, it might seem only minutes before you reach the temple town.

Gokarna, widely famous for the Mahabaleshwara Temple and an array of five beaches, is at the confluence of two rivers shaped like an ear. Mahabaleshwar Temple holds its prestige for housing one of the Shiva Lingas, known as ‘Atmalinga’. The temple complex stands out for its intricate design and architecture.

The beaches at Gokarna have a lot to offer. The Gokarna beach charms oneself with its absolute beauty even though it might get a bit crowded during peak season. A short trek will lead one to Kudle beach circumscribed by hillocks and rocks. The place can easily set your appetite with its scattered shacks and small inns. Once in Gokarna, never miss out the pristine lands of Om beach. The waves are sparkling blue, the tides like to play about both gentle and rough, and it is perfect for plunging into the secluded waters. Namaste Cafe is a go-to place for some tasty delicacies and a calming ambience. Well, if you want the beaches all to yourself, Paradise and Half-Moon are where one should hit for some quality self-time.

All in all, Gokarna could hold an extraordinary place in your travel diaries and photo albums, rejuvenating souls with the soothing touch of nature in its most unadulterated form.

NETRANI ISLAND

One might have to dig deep into their pockets to pay a visit to this fascinating place, but it’s undoubtedly worth it, for the once in a lifetime opportunity. Situated 19 kilometres from Murudeshwara, Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island, appears to be in the shape of a heart from an aerial view. It takes a total of ninety minutes or less, on a thrilling boat ride from Murudeshwara, to reach this ultimate zone of tranquillity. The crystal clear, azure waters of the Arabian Sea offer euphoric experiences of scuba diving. A few of the divers claim it to be better than Goa.

With visibility of as far as 15 meters, the scuba divers can soothe their nerves with the delightful views of the various life forms and corals underwater. It has a coral reef housing many corals, butterflyfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, eels, shrimps, etc. The dive shops in Murudeshwara and Goa schedule frequent trips to the island. The place is great for hiking too, making it a favourite picnic spot by the sea.

KURINJAL PEAK

Located in the hearts of the Kudremukh National Park, Kurinjal Peak offers a 14-kilometre trek (both ways) in some of the lushest greens and breath-taking views discovered so far. The lofty hills, the rich forests, and the once-in-a-while caves combine, stirring your emotions to feel alive and rejuvenated at its sheer beauty. The lush green grasslands and the streams at the start of the trek add pearls to the experience. It is acclaimed as the third highest peak in Karnataka.

Although the distance might seem daunting at first, the trek can easily be finished by a first-timer. The huge rocks and the sound of the waterfall at the peak keeps one going. An exhilarating feel sets in at the summit as the cool breeze slaps your cheeks.  A few kilometres away from the base camp are the coffee and tree plantations where one can buy the purest of the products both for family and self.

The trek requires a grant of permission from the Forest Department since it is in a National Park. It is advisable to request for the grant a few days before the scheduled trip.

MARAVANTHE BEACH

Credits: Ganesh Prabhu, The Hindu

On a lazy Sunday morning, catch up with your friends with driving licenses by renting scooters and embarking on one of the best rides you can experience. Maravanthe Beach spans about 2 kilometres parallel to the national highway. The beach is not the only attraction, for what lies on the other side of the road is another water body—Sowparnika River. The view is lovely and has been gaining more attention among the tourists in Karnataka.

The vivid beach seems to be like heaven on Earth with its soft, white sand and sun-kissed rocks. The water is generally rough, and the terrain might even take steep dips. About an hour’s journey to Maravanthe will take you to a different land altogether.

SMRITI BHAVAN—DR. T.M.A. PAI MUSEUM

Credits: Asmita Hajra, MIT

Located adjacent to Hotel Madhuvan Serai, Smriti Bhavan is an easily missed museum by passers-by. It is the humble bungalow of the legendary Late Dr T. M. A. Pai, who is the founder and carver of the educational town of Manipal. It’s a museum based on his life and how Manipal came to be across Dr Pai’s lifespan. The museum contains his belongings, framed photographs, and many achievements. The house also has Dr Pai’s clinic and his medical instruments from that era.

The entry for the museum is free for all. It is closed on Sundays and is open from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. One can imagine the growth of this education town vividly while observing the place.

HAMPI

Credits: Shresth Raj, MIT

The city of ruins, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Hospet Town. The ruins belong to the erstwhile medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijaynagar. The land’s architecture is a mirror to the kingdom’s splendour and the fine quality of the sculptures.

There are two primary tourist attractions—the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal centre near Kamalapuram. Virupaksha Temple, one of the oldest monuments in the country, dates back to the 15th century. It is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva and rises 50 meters above the ground level. Another breathtaking sight is the  Hemakuta Hill which contains early ruins, Jain temples, and a monolithic sculpture of Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Hemakuta Hill offers an excellent view of Hampi Bazaar. On the east of Hampi Bazaar, a World Heritage site, Vittal temple, is an excellent specimen of the 16th-century architectural splendour and wall carvings.  All in all, Hampi leaves you in awe with its ruins and excellent craftsmanship. It is one of the prioritised items in the bucket list of heritage lovers.

The town is well connected by roads from the Hospet Junction Railway Station which is about 13 kilometres from Hampi. Hospet town also has a bus station with long-distance and interstate connections.  It is advisable to carry enough cash for the stay as there are only a few ATMs one can find in the area.

Picture Credits: The Photography Club, Manipal

Cover Image: Vipul Mone