Dressed in serene green, vibrant with bustle of life, the town of Kinnigoli sits 5 KM off the Arabian coast of Mulki. Located at about 30 KM from Mangalore city it is arguably the most rapidly growing town in Mangalore Taluk. With expanses dotted by Coconut, Mango, Cashew and Jackfruit trees and (slowly depleting) paddy fields it is clean and charming place to be. A long narrow street lined by shops on both side, a bus stand straining to hold buses that enter it from every side and a church yard surrounded with educational & health care facilities are the most notable landmarks of this place. Not less noticeable is the human fare in the shops and the market which makes it a wonderful place for people watch.
Not so long ago, it was known to be an agrarian centre, famed for areca nut and beetle trade. Today Kinnigoli has transformed quite unexpectedly into a preferred residential destination and retirement haven. Rapid growth in economic stature of people in and around Kinnigoli has made multitude of them choose to live nearer to the heart of the town. Rapid influx has affected considerable changes on the place and its facets.
Amenities and commercial services have improved leaps and bounds over the last decade. There is a wide choice for food and grocery items. You get everything from happala to burger. Fish market spoils you by choice and fresh vegetables are amply available. Weekly market held on Wednesday still retains its significance in this era of malls by offering those precious items which Kinnigolians are used to and no malls are capable of serving. For a town of its size, Kinnigoli has amazing number of Banks/ Bakeries/ Bars and Barbers . This says a lot about the growing economic power of Kinnigoli and demand for services of all kinds.
Kinnigoli now has all the prominent telecom companies providing their services. Every major nationalized bank has a branch here. There are four ATM’s and number is only growing, private banks too have set up their ATM’s here. There is a Hospital and good number of doctors. There are of Ayurvedic and Homeopathic practioners, labs and physiotherapists. Decent educational facilities are another plus point of Kinnigoli. Half a dozen schools with four of them offering CBSE, one prominent graduation college and a ITI are also there in Kinnigoli. There are also financial consultancies, vehicle dealers, stock brokers and shops of all kind.
Kinnigoli has lately emerged as a rapidly growing real estate hub. Land prices have sky rocketed here over the last three years and half a dozen construction projects of residential flats are in conceptual stage. Couple of, highly ambitious projects launched this year have propelled Kinnigoli into major league of real estate. The bleak side of this development is struggle of the middle class to find a decent living place. The stark and visible economic disparity of the people is somewhat hidden in the flourishes of the heart of the town. Increased number of cars and no parking space are another area of concern not less troubling is the sharp decrease in the ground water table.
The most prominent virtue of Kinnigoli is untainted and unparalleled communal harmony that it enjoys to this day. Despite the recent discomforting and nauseating developments across the twin districts, Kinnigoli, thanks to prudence and high mindedness of its residents, retains its name as most peaceful place in South Canara.
All major religions and communities have a presence in Kinnigoli and have contributed to their might to the development of the place. However heart of the town is occupied by two of them, GSB traders who have immensely helped in developing Kinnigoli as a trading centre mostly stay in the main street. Sizable catholic community which is scattered everywhere in Kinnigoli have their religious/social and cultural life revolving around Immaculate conception church which is the most prominent landmark. Church has contributed to the all-round healthiness of society by running schools, hospitals, school for special children and other charitable activities. Konkani cultural activities are also promoted by the local associations under its patronage.
The Yugapurusha hall serves as the nerve centre of social/cultural/literary and religious activities for the entire neighborhood. Role of Yugapurusha in encouraging talents and preserving traditions is reckoned by all.
Kateel Temple, Pompei college and Concetta Hospital are prominent institutions in around it. International service associations have found unrivalled patronage in Kinnigoli. Their Kinnigoli branches have given thrown up for them leaders par excellence at the district level. Eminent personalities form all wakes of life and spheres of profession call it their birth place and the list is endless. Kinnigoli is also made famous by one of the longest surviving Kannada monthly “Yugapurursha”. ( We shall attempt to name a few of the eminent people and institutions in separate articles).
In last decade Kinnigoli has emerged as a real happening place and is aptly dubbed “Little heaven”.
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