The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka Govt sets apart Rs 5.3 cr for Kodagu tourism promotion

THE Karnataka Government has earmarked Rs 5.3 crore for the development of tourism in Kodagu, according to Mr B.N. Aradhya, Joint Director, Karnataka State Tourism Department.

Participating in the concluding session of a seminar on `Emerging trends in tourism sector', organised by the Srinivas College of Hotel Management, he said that all efforts would be made for tourism development in Kodagu.

Apart from this, the Government has evinced interest in developing a rose garden at the hill station of Kemmangundi.

Considering the potential of religious tourism, the Government has decided to promote the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremonies of the Gomateshwara statue at Sravanabelagola in Hassan district in a big way.

The event, which will be held in 2006, is likely to attract a large number of tourists from across the globe, he said.

The State Government, in association with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is planning to develop a theme park on Lord Krishna in Bangalore. An amount of Rs 50 crore is likely to be spent on this project.

Mr Aradhya said that beach tourism is lagging behind in the State because of the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) norms.

However, the Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) has set up a beach resort at Devabagh at Karwar in Uttara Kannada district. The proposal for setting up 30 cottages near the `Om Beach' at Gokarna in Uttara Kannada district has received environment clearances, he said.

The Government has coined a slogan - `Karnataka: India's Theatre of Inspiration' - to highlight the diverse tourism potential of the State.

Aspects such as promotion of heritage sites, hill stations, adventure tourism and various art forms are included in this.

Mr Aradhya said that Hampi has world's largest open air museum, spanning over 14 sq. miles.

The `whispering gallery' of Gol Gumbaz in Biajpur district is attracting a good number of tourists. The dome of Gol Gumbaz is considered the second largest in the world, he added.

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