Karnataka to develop forts, temples into world-class tourist spots

Karnataka is going all out to develop varied tourist spots and attractions, including heritage sites, and those connected with historical personalities. The State’s budget has allocated Rs.5 crore each for development of the birthplace of Saint Sevalal as well as Shahaji Maharaj’s tomb. These two sites are located in Davanagere district’s Hodigere and Suragondanakoppa areas.

Similarly, plans are afoot to construct Chennabhairadevi Memorial Park at Honnavar which will in remembrance Rani Chennabhairadevi – the 16th Century Jain queen who is considered as the longest ruling one in India. Apart from this, well-known sites around Talikote, Rakkasagi and Tangadagi will be developed with the objective of making children and youngsters aware of the Battle of Talikota fought between Vijayanagara Empire and alliance of the Deccan Sultanates in 1565.

The budget also envisages a tourist circuit of heritage sites of the State and under this the complexes of Sannati Chandralamba Temple and Ganagapura Dattatreya Temple in Kalaburagi and Madhukeshwara Temple of Banavasi will be developed. Other sites on the list include Vijayapura’s Gol Gumbaz, Vijaya Vittala temple, Purandaradasa Mantapa of Hampi, forts of Bidar and Kittur and Badami caves.

The sites to be developed will have 3D projection mapping, sound and light shows and modern light facilities.

To encourage the tourist guides to boost tourism, the incentive of 398 registered ones has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000.

Besides heritage sites, the Government will also construct a state exhibition and art gallery near Chamundi Vihar Stadium at a cost of Rs.10 crores.

Initiatives will also be taken to construct lodges, resorts in forests while coastal tourism will also be encouraged.