Karnataka’s Kodagu Welcomes 95 Lakh Tourists in Two Years

Rapid Summary

• Over 95 lakh tourists visited Kodagu district in Karnataka over the last two and a half years, with 43.69 lakh tourists recorded in 2023 and 45.72 lakh in 2024.
• Kodagu accounts for 23 out of Karnataka’s identified 778 tourist destinations under the Karnataka Tourism Policy (2020-26). Notable attractions include Raja Seat, Madikeri Fort, Abbey Falls, Harangi Reservoir, Nagarhole National Park, among others.
• Talacauvery-Bhagamandala temples may soon be shifted from the list of tourist sites to spiritual destinations.
• Infrastructure progress projects:

– Mandalpatti peaks selected for development under PPP schemes with ₹50 lakh allocated by Galibeedu Gram Panchayat; cooperation sought from the Forest Department for road repairs and other works.
– Water sports added at Harangi Reservoir via jungle Lodges and Resorts; rafting licenses issued for Dubare (Kushalnagar) and Barpuhole (Ponnampet).
– Plans underway for activities like kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing at Honnamana Kere after lake Development Authority approval is granted.

• Tourism accommodation:

– Kodagu has registered 2,300 homestays online and certified them alongside operational hotels/resorts-150 total with only 53 officially listed on the Tourism Department portal.

• South Western Railways has inspected Raja Seat as part of plans to start a children’s mini train project.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The significant influx of tourism signals strong interest in Kodagu’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while boosting local economic opportunities through registered homestays and resorts. Proposed infrastructure developments like water sports facilities at Harangi Reservoir or PPP-driven advancements at Mandalpatti offer potential growth but will require careful coordination between departments such as Forestry for environmental compliance.

With strategic movements to designate Talacauvery-Bhagamandala as spiritual sites rather than purely tourism hubs further emphasizes prioritizing cultural integrity alongside commercial interests. Such balanced policies can promote sustainable tourism without eroding environmental or spiritual importance.

Lastly, incorporating activities like children’s mini trains aligns well with diversifying entertainment aspects aimed toward families-a subtle indication toward making Kodagu an all-inclusive tourist-pleasant zone. Overall planning appears robust but hinges on effective execution within departmental cooperations essential across infrastructure demands.Read more: Source Article