Dakshina Kannada (ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕನ್ನಡ) is a coastal district in southwestern Karnataka, India, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats region, with Kerala - Keralam to its south. Mangaluru is its district headquarters. The district is known for its beaches, monsoon landscape, educational institutions and maritime trade.
Tulu, Kannada, Konkani and Beary reflect its linguistic diversity. Yakshagana performances, coastal cuisine and religious festivals shape local culture. Trade, fishing, agriculture, banking, healthcare and education support the economy, alongside port-related industries. Notable landmarks include New Mangalore Port, major temples and churches, and beaches around Mangaluru. Coconut and arecanut cultivation are prominent in rural areas.
Common civic concerns include road safety, traffic congestion, public transport, waste management and reliable water supplies. Heavy monsoon rainfall brings attention to flooding, drainage and landslide risks. Residents also debate coastal erosion, environmental protection, employment opportunities, communal harmony and how to balance industrial growth with fishing livelihoods and public health.