Mangaluru: From exploring fishing communities and traditional coastal livelihoods to visiting centuries-old temples and basadis, tourism operators in Mangaluru are looking at ways to offer visitors experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing.

The Mangaluru Horse Riding Academy, founded by Avinand Achanahally, is developing a range of experiential tourism activities that connect visitors with the region’s rural landscapes, traditional communities and heritage.

One of the experiences takes visitors through coconut groves, mangroves, backwaters and other coastal landscapes, offering a glimpse into the environment and everyday life beyond the city’s better-known tourist spots.

A key part of the experience is a visit to a fisherman’s house, where visitors can interact with the family and learn about traditional coastal life. Demonstrations of activities such as beedi rolling and traditional ganas, or oil mills, are also included.

The initiative also has a heritage component, taking visitors to old temples and basadis and introducing them to the historical character of the coastal region.

According to Avinand, the objective is to create tourism experiences that allow visitors to engage with local communities, landscapes and heritage rather than simply visit individual attractions.

The academy has also been exploring ways to combine different tourism activities. It has partnered with Surf’s Up in Mulki, enabling visitors to combine surfing lessons with other experiences.

“Water sports like surfing and kayaking have picked up in a big way in Mangaluru,” Avinand said, adding that the region has potential to develop a wider range of adventure and experiential tourism activities.

The academy also operates tourism experiences in Sakleshpur, where visitors can explore coffee plantations and the area’s natural landscapes.

Avinand said discussions had been held with the deputy commissioner regarding the tourism initiative. The academy is also hoping to showcase its broader vision to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar during his proposed visit to Mangaluru for the cabinet meeting on September 18.

He said the long-term objective was to build a diverse tourism ecosystem around the coastal region by bringing together nature, adventure, local culture, heritage and community-based experiences.

The initiative comes as Mangaluru and the coastal districts seek to expand their tourism potential beyond beaches, with the region offering a combination of coastline, rivers, backwaters, forests, plantations, historic sites and distinctive local traditions.