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Popping a chill pill

Beaches, ice-creams, multiplexes, hill stations... Mangaloreans are checking out every chill-out option to beat the heat, reports AMRITA NAYAK

ROLLICKING TIME No place like the beach on a hot day PHOTO: S. GOPA KUMAR

Come summer and the world and his wife have a one-point agenda — to get away to cooler climes. A couple of weeks far from the madding crowd with family and friends is just what the doctor ordered for all of us with our super stressed lifestyles. Getaways refresh the mind and senses and instil renewed energy. For Anirudh, a software professional, a perfect getaway would be one where he "can enjoy moments of privacy with family and friends".

Most Mangaloreans feel an unplanned holiday is the best way to beat the heat. And where would one go for such a holiday? "There is no dearth of such places in and around Mangalore!" say a group of MBA students who have just finished their exams. Badly in need of a break, they are headed for Pilikula and Hanumangundi. While youngsters prefer places where they can have fun spiced with a touch of adventure, families would prefer a locale where there is something for everyone.

Bonding with family

Rajeshwari, for instance, prefers to go to Coorg, especially Madikeri, with the family. "Soaking in the splendour of the majestic Jog Falls or sipping coffee prepared from freshly powdered coffee beans or strolling in the city and enjoying the cool weather are perfect ways to bond with family as well as have a good time," she says. Kemmanagundi, Kudremukh and Nandi Hills are also fairly high up on the preferred family holiday destinations.

The die-hard city folk, however, feel there are tons of holiday spots in the city. "We go to the beach every Sunday. It is very pleasant by the seaside in the evenings and a good way to spend time with the family in summer," says Sharath, a regular beach-goer. For Shruthi, a beautician, a perfect holiday with husband and children would be going for a movie in the morning, followed by lunch at one of the many eateries. Then there would be some shopping, a visit to one of the famous ice-cream parlours, capped by a trip to the beach.

With the dawn of the multiplex and lounge bars, people's idea of a holiday is rapidly changing. Chilling out with friends at a lounge bar or indulging in movie marathons has become accepted summer occupations.

Mangalore has its share of out of town visitors as well. Greeshma, a homemaker, and her family visit Mangalore from Karkala. "Mangalore is famous for beaches, ice-cream and temples," she says. "When we come here, we go to the sea, eat ice-cream and go to the temple. Of course there is Pilikula and St. Mary's Island, but they are out of the city and it is not possible to cover them in a day's visit."

Apart from families, Mangalore is quite the happening destination for youngsters from out of town. Students from Suratkal and Manipal often drop by for a holiday. Now with the coming of the multiplex, the influx of youngsters during weekends is increasing. A staffer at Adlabs Cinemas says: "There is a huge rush during weekends and holidays comprising mostly youngsters. It is a new concept and is gaining popularity with the youth."

Temples, beaches, ice creams, multiplexes, the list is endless. How you beat the heat depends on what you are looking at. You could do the accepted stuff or you could go totally creative and indulge in original ways to chill out. The choice is yours.

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