Anita Bhaskar, Kodagu Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, speaking in an interaction program organised by the Kodagu Journalists Association at the Madikeri Tourism Department auditorium, informedĀ that as per the new policy announced by the State Tourism Department, various development projects will be implemented in Kodagu district also.
She gave information about the growth of the tourism sector in Kodagu.Ā SheĀ also gaveĀ information regardingĀ the growth of the tourism sector in Kodagu. In 2023, 43.69 lakh tourists visited Kodagu district, and in 2024, 45.72 lakh tourists visited Kodagu, a record 24 lakh tourists, marking a golden time for Kodagu tourism. Kodagu district continues to be a favourite destination for tourists. In this regard, Anita Bhaskar said that more responsible tourism projects will be implemented as per the new policy implemented by the Tourism Department till 2029.
Various developmental projects are already being implemented in 23 major tourist destinations of Kodagu. 9 guides will be employed in various tourist destinations of the district under the Pravasi Mitra scheme. It is likely to getĀ 10 more Pravasi MitrasĀ for tourist destinations of Kodagu soon. Similarly, under the One District – One Destination scheme, the Mandalpatti destination has been identified in Kodagu and tourist facilities will be provided by the department in Mandalpatti as well. Anita Bhaskar also informed that this is the first time that Kodagu district is being included under the Pravasi Circuit scheme.
Speaking further Anita Bhaskar said that with the collaboration of the Orange Growers Cooperative Society of Gonikoppa plans to promote the delicious oranges of Kodagu in Coorg Village near Rajaseat in Madikeri. Coorg Village is a beautiful project and plans are being made to develop it with further promotion.Ā Since Kodagu Deputy Commissioner VenkatarajaĀ has taken special care of the development of tourist destinations in the district, Kodagu has now reached more visitors through digital media on social media and more touristsĀ are coming to Kodagu.
Anita Bhaskar also said that, it is estimated that there may be approximately 3,500 homestays in Kodagu district, out of which 2269 homestays have been registered with the Tourism Department so far. She also informedĀ that 30-50 new homestay owners are applying for registration every month. With the efforts of Ā Virajpet MLA A.S. PonnanaĀ the government has provided Rs 1 crore for the development of Malatirike Betta, Abbey Falls, Barapole, and Irpuu Falls in Virajpet.
Anita Bhaskar also suggested that if homestays, lodges, and resorts, with the aim of promoting responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Kodagu, shouldĀ display messages of concern for environmental protection along with their boards, such as “Plastic Ban in Kodagu,Ā Keep Kodagu Waste-Free,” Save forest, Save water, which will Ā have a significant impact on the minds of tourists, she added
She also informed that in the coming days, efforts will be made for adventure sports tourism, health-related tourism, and tourism that introduces local culture in the district.
SpeakingĀ on the occasion G. Chidvilas, Shakti EditorĀ suggested that Ā special bus serviceĀ is required for tourists,Ā to take them to tourist destinations in Madikeri town. The Nisargadam in KushalnagarĀ is nowĀ becoming a complete concrete jungle, and Chidvilas appealed to the Tourism and Forest Department to pay attention to this. Tourism needs to be revitalized by organizing a tourist festival in Kodagu. He also suggested that the Tourism Department pay attention to the resumption of the toy train servicesĀ at Rajaseat.
Kodagu Journalists Association director Ranjit Kavalapara suggested that development plans be taken up without destroying the naturalĀ habitat and not harming the ecologyĀ of any tourist spots in the district.
Association Director S.G. Umesh said that if the traffic on Rajaseat Road is not controlled, the locals are likely toĀ hate theĀ tourists near future. He suggested thatĀ if a multistory complex be built in the town and in that a proper arrangementsĀ for parking can be made.
Association Director B.G. Ananthashayana said that the sale of poor quality spices, chocolate and wine should be curbed. He expressed concern that the name of Kodagu is being tarnished due to the sale of poor quality products.Ā Association Director G.V. Ravikumar suggested that the number of vehicles should be fixed for Kodagu like Ooty and Kodaikanal.
Kushalnagar Taluk Association President VigneshĀ Bhutanakadu suggested that agro-related tourism be promoted in the district. Guddemane Vishukumar, Naveen, Arun Coorg, and others gave many suggestions for the development of tourism in the district during the interaction.
Kodagu Journalists Association President Anil H.T. spoke and praised the Kodagu Tourism Department for getting an active officer like Anita Bhaskar, since the post hasĀ been lying vacant for many years.
Suresh Biligeri, General Secretary of the Association, welcomed and thanked the guests. On this occasion, ShaktiĀ Daily Editor G. Chidvilas presented a congratulatory letter to Anita Bhaskar on behalf of the Kodagu Journalists Association. Jatin Bopanna, Consultant of the District Tourism Department, was present.
Anita Bhaskar said that,Ā many are suggesting to implement an e-pass system for daily entry of intercity vehicles on the Ooty and Kodaikanal models to control the thousands of tourists who come to Kodagu district every day. But this is technically impossible. Since the highway passes through Kushalnagar-Madikeri and Kutta-Makutta, daily passengers travel on these routes. Therefore, the pass system is difficult. Similarly, Kodagu has not only two entrances like Ooty and Kodaikanal, but also has to be entered from several routes. Due to all these reasons, e-pass cannot be implemented. Along with the development of tourist destinations, the Tourism Department aims to provide basic facilities like parks and toilets to tourists by entering into agreements with landowners near tourist centres. Anita Bhaskar said that by doing so, integrating the community into the tourism industry and seeing development in tourism is part of the tourism action plan.
‘Mandalpatti’, a famous tourist destination under the Galibeedu Gram Panchayat limits of Kodagu, comes under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. She said that development projects worth Rs. 1.62 crore are being prepared to support tourism near the junction leading there, and efforts are also being made to develop roads with the cooperation of the MLA of the constituency, Dr. Manthar Gowda.
She also said that amidst the efforts to develop tourist centres, it is intended to organize water sports at Honnamma Lake and adventure sports such as ‘kayaking’ in Ponnampet, keeping in mind the interest of tourists.
