If Kodagu’s tourism stakeholders collaborate on eco-friendly initiatives, the district’s tourism future will be bright, said Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja at the unveiling of the new website and logo of the Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association at Wilderness Resort, near Madikeri. He emphasized preserving Kodagu’s natural wealth, culture, and tourist safety. He suggested using private land along the Kushalnagar-Madikeri highway to develop toilets and mini-restaurants for travelers.
With the Mysuru-Kushalnagar four-lane highway nearing completion, he noted that traffic patterns may change, and parking facilities should be built at strategic points with shuttle services to attractions. He also mentioned plans for a multi-storey car park at Cauvery Kalakshetra, and improvements at Gandhi Maidan theatre for parking.
The DC called on stakeholders to prioritize responsible tourism and ensure quality Kodagu-branded products are sold to protect the district’s reputation from counterfeit goods. Association President Kundyolanda Dinesh Kayarappa shared tourism plans, stating that the District Collector has allowed the association to open an office in the Tourism Department premises. He encouraged resort owners to earn local trust and invest CSR funds in infrastructure.
Dinesh highlighted tourism opportunities: religious pilgrimage, coffee blossom, hockey, rally, and Dasara tourism. He confirmed a Kodagu Tourism Festival will soon be held in Madikeri and added that “every month, one or another tourism activity is carried out in Kodagu”. Founded in 1990 as the Hotel and Restaurant Association, led by Ganesh Ayyanna, J.V. Koti, and B.R. Nagendra Prasad, the body is now renamed the Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association.
Tourism experts offered suggestions:
- Chidvilas (Honorary Advisor) urged the revival of Kushalnagar railway project and suggested rejuvenating less-visited spots to ease congestion.
Kollira Dharmaja highlighted photography tourism potential and raised concerns about Nagarhole safari vehicles frequently breaking down.
Mohandas proposed coffee tourism as an eco-friendly attraction.
Jayachinnappa called for better waste management.
Jagadish addressed queries on gram panchayat tax rate variations, with the DC clarifying it’s a government-mandated rate.
The new website was designed by tourism expert Madan.
Municipal Commissioner Ramesh, Tourism Department Assistant Director Basappa, and Association Treasurer Sagar attended.
General Secretary Nazir Ahmed welcomed the gathering, Vice President Berera Manjunath delivered greetings, and G. Chidvilas presented the program.
Resort, hotel, and restaurant entrepreneurs from across Kodagu participated, and former President B.R. Nagendra Prasad was felicitated for his contributions.
