Manipal is a university town situated in the state of Karnataka in India. It is located in the rocky hinterland of the Malabar Coast of south west India, about 8 km (5 mi) from the Arabian Sea. From its location on a plateau, it commands a stunning view of the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats range to the east.
It is situated 3 kilometres from the temple city of Udupi, and is 60 km (37 mi) north of Mangalore. Parkala is one of its residential areas. Manipal was previously under Shivalli village panchayat. The name is derived from Mannu palla Anglicised to Manipal. Mannu means mud and Palla means lake in Tulu Language.This lake due to which Manipal owes it's name still has a pride of place in this university town and it offers boating facilities.