I was there from 2007 to 11, and it was definitely the best time of my life.
Yes, MIT Manipal is good, rather great. For someone who leaves his home for the first time after school, Manipal offers everything. MIT is not IIT or NIT or even BITS, hence competition within classes isn’t that intense. There would be toppers, acing exams, and their would be free souls sitting in the back, playing poker, reading ‘Shantaram’, sketching or just being themselves. There would be few who would dedicate themselves to cool projects/clubs like Formula Manipal (building a Formula-1 car), RedX (Adventure activities), various technical societies, Dramatics, and many other things.
I believe you feel much free while at Manipal than other higher ranked colleges of India. It is not overwhelming and gives you the opportunity to try what you want and be what you want.
MIT faculty staff is good, but more importantly humble and accommodating. They’ll teach you all about IC engines, algorithms, structural engineering and what not, but also inspire you by their simplicity. They’ll invite you on festivals and come and see you when you aren’t well.
Acads are not difficult. You can easily get passing grades and move along. But there’s opportunity to get deeper and learn as much as you want.