Running in Manipal is a surreal experience. It is very different from running in a city, away from the pollution, away from the crazy traffic, and away from the crowd (relatively). You can really enjoy some peace while running in Manipal. We list out 9 routes to run in and around Manipal, and these are just a few of our favourite ones. There are many more yet to be discovered.
1. End Point Road
Distance: 1.8kms
Start/Finish: Stretches from Syndicate circle to DC’s office.
Toughness: Easy
Navigation: Easy
This route is best for easy runs, and also for tempo runs. The route does not have any inclines, and is completely level. It’s easy on the legs for a recovery run, and at the same time the flat road makes for a good tempo run. One loop of the entire stretch makes for a distance of just over three and a half kilometers.
2. End Point Trail
Distance: 2kms road + 1.5kms trail
Start/Finish: DC office gate
Toughness: Moderate
Navigation: Easy
End point is a runner’s paradise, with no vehicles. There’s a small incline which challenges you, and adds spice to the run. The highlight of this route is a small trail that starts from the left of the incline. There’s a board marked “1.5km jogging track” – just head in the direction it points to and you’ll land up on a challenging yet beautiful trail. The trail is sprinkled with low to moderate gradients. You’ll get a view of the Swarna River ahead on your left, and a loop of the trail will lead you back to the road.
3. Manipal Lake
Distance: 1.8kms
Start/Finish: Manipal Lake
Toughness: Easy
Navigation: Easy
Manipal lake is another easy route to run on. The route is a loop of the lake. The route is good for a quick run, and is the closest to MIT. The only problem is you’ll encounter a lot of walkers and making way around them is tough. Monsoon is the best season to run there, as the lake is almost full with water, which makes it even more beautiful.
4. Swarna River
Distance: 5kms
Start/Finish: China Valley
Toughness: Challenging
Navigation: Moderate
Now this is a route that will challenge your legs. From China Valley Restaurant, you need to go downhill along the Perampally Nekkar Krishnadasa marga, and turn right on to the Vinayaka Temple road. from Chinal Valley, it’s 3.5kms to one of the banks of Swarna river, and then on the way back, the ascent is moderate to very high gradient. The total elevation gain is 97 m. The route is good for hill training.
5. Railway Bridge
Distance: 9kms
Start/Finish: China Valley
Toughness: Moderate
Navigation: Easy
Every true Manipalite knows the famous railway bridge. It is a popular spot to hangout with friends. But running to the railway bridge? Never thought about it? Well you wanna give this a try. The route runs through the Perampalli road, through the Gothic church, and cuts to the right just after the railway over-bridge. After this it’s a fun run through a tiny village, up to one of the Swarna riverbanks. A flight of stairs takes you up to the railway bride. Make sure you run this route with your running friends and click loads of photos there.
6. Manipal to Malpe
Distance: 11kms
Start/Finish: Tiger circle to Malpe beach
Toughness: Moderate
Navigation: Easy
Another favourite route among the more regular runners of Manipal, this 11km route takes you from Manipal, through Udupi, along the national highway, and then enters a village which resembles the villages of (south) Goa. Smell of fish welcomes you into Malpe beach. The route is good for a long run with friends.
7. Malpe to Delta
Distance: 10kms
Start/Finish: Malpe beach to Delta point
Toughness: Moderate
Navigation: Easy
This route isn’t really within the borders of Manipal, but it’s worth all your money to go and try it once. No words can describe its beauty; check the photo above and do try this out.
8. TAPMI Route
Distance: 10kms
Start/finish: VGT
Toughness: Challenging
Navigation: Moderate
Mesmerizing, Enchanting, Dazzling, Fascinating, Charming, Bewitching. Well no adjective can describe this route. This is a loop around the TAPMI campus, and is one hell of a joyride. The runners abode, this route tops our list of favourites. It has rolling hills, which makes it challenging. Getting lost on this route is easy as it runs through a forest and the beauty will definitely make you lose track of the road. Beware of the stray dogs though.
The TAPMI route has an extension that leads to Arbi falls. Though the navigation for Arbi falls is tough and the route has a killer uphill, every aching muscle is worth this route. A must visit if you fancy trails and green cover for a run.
9. Manipal to Hoode
Distance: 14kms
Start/Finish: China valley up to Hoode beach
Toughness: Moderate
Navigation: Moderate
This one is ideal for a long run. The route runs through Perampalli road, crossing the National highway and snaking its way into the small town of Kemmannu and leading to hoode beach. Your joy will definitely know no bounds after reaching the beach. The feeling is like unlocking a treasure chest. The beach is lined with coconut trees. There are frequent buses from the beach to Manipal, so no need to run all the way back (Unless you forgot to bring cash for the ticket).
P.S.: The beach also has a wine shop. 😉
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