Kodagu district welcomed 10.5 lakh tourists between January and June this year, according to Deputy Director of the Kodagu Tourism Department, Anita Bhaskar.
Speaking at the District Tourism Development Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, officials highlighted the growth in tourism and ongoing development initiatives.
23 Tourist Spots Identified in Kodagu
As part of Karnataka’s new tourism policy, 778 tourist destinations have been identified statewide, including 23 locations in Kodagu district. These include:
- Gadduge, Kote, Chetharunadu Palace, Abbi Falls, Mandalpatti, Bhagamandala, Talakaveri, Raja’s Seat, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Harangi Reservoir, Mallalli Falls, Nishani Motte, Chelavara Falls, Irpu Falls, Dubare, Chettalli Farm, Honnamana Kere, Makkalagudi Betta, Chikli Hole, Kundabetta, Barapole Rappelling, General Thimmaiah Museum, and Nagarahole National Park.
A request has also been made to reclassify the Talakaveri-Bhagamandala temples from tourist destinations to religious sites, to facilitate more appropriate development.
Major Tourism Projects and Investments
The Tourism Department is implementing 14 projects with a total grant of ?28.13 crore to enhance infrastructure across Kodagu’s tourist destinations.
Under the “One District, One Destination” scheme, Mandalpatti has been selected as Kodagu’s flagship destination. Galibidu Panchayat will develop basic amenities at the Mandalpatti junction at a cost of ?50 lakh. Since the area falls under the Forest Department, an additional Rs 3 crore has been earmarked for road repairs and infrastructure development by the Forest Department.
Kodava Heritage Centre and Other Developments
A proposal worth Rs5 crore has been submitted for the development of the Kodava Heritage Centre under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
At Abbey Falls, experts inspected the repaired suspension bridge and concluded that the soil conditions are unsuitable for new bridge construction. As an alternative, a proposal has been submitted for sound and light installations at the watchtower and Madikeri Fort.
The Horticulture Department has submitted a Rs 99.45 lakh proposal to develop a garden at the Gaddu tourist spot.
Additional projects under the Chief Minister’s Special Grant include:
- Rs 25 lakh for development of Irpu Falls in Ponnampet Taluk
- Rs 25 lakh for development of Male TirikeEshwara Temple in Virajpet Taluk
- Rs 25 lakh for development of Perumbadi Lake
- Rs 25 lakh for development of Barapole spot and river rafting activities
Gauri Lake and Other Proposals
A comprehensive Rs 8.70 crore proposal has been submitted for the development of Gauri Lake in Ponnampet Taluk. Overall, the Tourism Department has prepared projects worth Rs 25 crore for Kodagu, including:
- Rs1 crore each for Mandalpatti, Makkalagudi Yadadande Falls, Kumaradhara Water Rafting and Kayaking, Honnamana Kere, and Harangi Vriksha Udyanavana
- Rs 5 crore for Mandalpatti Tourist Facilities
- Rs 1.5 crore for basic amenities at Kotebetta and Garwale Waterfalls
- Rs1.5 crore for Doddakallu Betta development
- Rs 1.1 crore for Raja Seat development
- Rs 3 crore for Kodava Heritage Centre infrastructure
- Rs3.4 crore for roadside facilities near Belur Club Golf Course in Kusaburu village, Somwarpet Taluk
Other proposals include:
- Rs 1 crore for parking and bridge construction at Chelavara, Virajpet
- Rs 2 crore for roadside facilities near Mattigodu Elephant Camp
- Rs 3 crore for Kundabetta development
- Rs 2 crore for high-tech toilets at Irpu Falls
- Rs 1.5 crore for development of Kabbe Hills
Water Sports and Homestay Registration
Adventure water sports activities will soon be introduced at Honnamana Lake in Somwarpet, with tenders currently being processed. Local villagers have agreed to provide additional land for further development, including kitchens and basic amenities.
Thirteen applications for water sports ventures in different parts of Kodagu are under review, with decisions pending under the District Collector’s leadership.
So far, 2,300 homestays in Kodagu have registered online and received certifications.
CSR and Private Initiatives
A private resort in Somwarpet Taluk has committed to developing Gudibetta as a children’s tourist spot under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
A survey has also been completed regarding a proposed ropeway near Mallalli Falls.
Tourism Workforce and Plastic-Free Initiatives
Currently, nine “Tourist Mitras” have been deployed across major tourist destinations, and the government has received a proposal for appointing additional staff.
To support zero-waste tourism, tourist taxis in Kodagu will soon be provided with bags to prevent plastic littering. A formal launch of this program will be held at Polibetta on July 21.
Attendees
The meeting was attended by District Homestay Association President Monti Ganesh, Deputy Conservator of Forests Nehru, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture N.S. Panindra, Environment Officer Raghuram, Nirmiti Kendra Project Director Sachin, KRIDL Engineer Pramod, Kodagu District Tour and Travel President Vasant, Somwarpet Taluk Homestay Association President Rohit, Dubare River Rafting Association President Changappa, Barapole River Rafting Association President Ratan C.S., District Tourism Consultant Jatin, and others.
