Tonse

Tonse is an enchanting village, situated about 13 Kilometers from Udupi on the western coast of South India, juxtaposed between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats. Tonse village is about 72 Kilometers to the north of Mangalore.

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Tonse
official_name = Tonse
skyline = Tonse HangingBridge.jpg
skyline_caption = Hanging Bridge at Tonse

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locator_position = left
map_caption = Tonse Location
subdivision_type = Classification
subdivision_name = Village Panchayat
state_name = Karnataka
district = Udupi
language = Tulu, Kannada, Konkani, Urdu
latd=13.40 |longd=74.72
area_telephone = 0820
postal_code = 576115
vehicle_code_range = KA-20
nearest_airport = Bajpe
nearest_railstation = Indrali
nearest_harbour = Malpe
max_temperature = 37.0
min_temperature = 22.0
footnotes = ¹ "Tonse - The Village Town"

Location

On its western side the Arabian Sea stretches with its grandeur of roaring waves pounding the sandy beaches while on the eastern side the Suvarna river runs from the magnificent mountains on the eastern horizon, creating a number of islands in its delta before it finally merges (sangam) with the sea at Kodibengre.

Tourist

Just three miles off the seacoast are the St. Mary’s Islands, a tourist spot, (locally known as ‘Tonse-Par’ meaning, ‘beyond Tonse’), reachable from the port town of Malpe, by powerboat or country craft. In the delta of Suvarna, a group of about a dozen islands, covered with lush green coconut palms surrounded by clear blue waters adds to the natural beauty to the village. An impressive looking hanging bridge, which attracts curious visitors from far and wide connects one of the better-known islands, Thimmankudru to the mainland.

People and Occupation

There are many from this village employed abroad, mainly in the Gulf countries. The western part of Tonse boasts of many educational institutions providing literacy and career opportunities, as a result of which people of this rural place are found in all the parts of the world. Incidentally, Tonse Village happens to be the original native place of the well-known Pai Family of Manipal --- the founders of Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Syndicate Bank etc. Agriculture, fishing, lime-shell mining and coir industry are the main source of livelihood of people in this region. Rice is the staple food of the population, whereas coconut is the commercial crop

Transport

Kemmannu and Kallianpur are the two main towns of the village and the National Highway 17 passes through Kallianpur. On the west coast of the village, running along the seashore is a road, which links Hoode-Bengre in the north to Malpe port in the south. Udupi-Manipal is the commercial and educational hub for the people of Tonse.

Language

Tulu is the most widely spoken language in Tonse. Other significant languages include Kannada,Konkani, Urdu.

Religion

Tonse is a secular place where people of all religion live with peace and harmony. Though primarily followers of Hinduism, there are sizable followers of Christianity, and Islam. Tonse has many Temples, Churches and Mosques.

Governance

Tonse has a village panchayat based at Kemmannu Village

References

# http://www.udupipages.com/home/culture/culture.html
# http://www.udupipages.com/home/travel/beach.html

ee also

*Udupi district
*Kallianpur
*Mangalore

External links

* [http://www.prithvibhat.com Comprehensive information on Udupi]
* [http://www.kemmannu.com/ Information on Kemmannu]
* [http://manipal.info/placestovisit.html Places around Manipal]
* [http://www.udupicity.gov.in Udupi City Municipality Official Website]