Latest news with #KarnatakaStateTourismDevelopmentCorporation


The Hindu
07-07-2025
- The Hindu
Tourists throng monsoon destinations to enjoy rainfall, take part in adventures
With reservoirs and waterfalls flowing full, tourists in Karnataka are thronging monsoon destinations like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Sakleshpur in Hassan district to catch a glimpse of the water bodies and enjoy the rainfall. Many waterfalls in the State including the famous Gaganachukki – Bharachukki falls in Chamarajanagara, Jog falls in Shivamogga, and Abbey Falls in Kodagu are all flowing in full strength and attracting tourists. 'Monsoon tourism has definitely picked up this year. The demand has almost doubled for our Madikeri, Jog Falls and Gaganachukki – Bharachukki packages,' said an official from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Private tour operators also reported similar trends and said that early monsoons have had a role to play in people planning their travels. 'Karnataka continues to shine as one of the most popular monsoon tourism destinations in India, known for its lush landscapes and serene getaways. This year, we've observed approximately 23% growth in hotel bookings across key locations reflecting the growing interest in exploring the State during the rains,' said Manjari Singhal, Chief Growth and Business Officer, Cleartrip, an online travel agency. She also said, 'Additionally, flights to Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Mysuru have seen an 8% spike in bookings, further highlighting the region's appeal.' Apart from enjoying the monsoons, adventure activities are also seeing more takers in these destinations. 'The online tickets for the Tadiandamol trek, which is the highest trek in Kodagu, were sold out the last three weekends despite there being heavy rainfall alerts. We are seeing heightened demand for trekking and even rafting among tourists. When compared to last year, there has been around 30% increase in the arrival of tourists,' said Sagar Ganapathy, treasurer of Coorg Hotels and Resorts Association. Inflated prices With increased demand, the prices in hotels and resorts have also gone up, much to the dismay of travellers. 'I wanted to travel for a weekend to enjoy the monsoons and look up properties in both Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru. The prices of all good properties start from almost ₹3,000 per night and go up to ₹25,000 per night. I finally settled for a resort in Chikkamagaluru for ₹5,000 per night. I thought this would be off season as summer vacations ended, but was surprised looking at the prices,' said Architha Reddy, a traveller from Bengaluru. Hotel and resort owners say that they have to impose a marginal increase on the tariffs during weekends as the properties stay vacant through the weekdays. Demand expected to continue till Dasara The demand for tourist destinations is expected to continue across the State until the beginning of October this year. 'We are expecting monsoon tourism to pick up further in the coming weeks. Moreover, Dasara begins in September itself this year and the government is also willing to celebrate it in a grander manner this year. By September, the demand will peak with even foreign tourists arriving for Dasara,' said K. Syama Raju, president, Karnataka Tourism Society.


Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Nandi Hills to get new glass-walled restaurant as tourist numbers climb: Report
The iconic Nandi Hills, one of Karnataka's most visited weekend getaways, is set to welcome a brand-new restaurant offering panoramic views and modern amenities, The Hindu reported. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is developing a new 200-seater facility. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is developing a new 200-seater facility, Mayura Sunrise, to meet the growing demands of tourism at the hilltop in Chikkaballapur district. According to the report, the project was officially launched when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah laid its foundation stone during a recent Cabinet session held on the hill itself, a symbolic gesture underscoring the government's focus on improving tourism infrastructure in the region. (Also Read: 'We are growing backwards': This viral 1980s Bengaluru photo leaves residents lamenting a lost city) The new restaurant is being built on the site of an older KSTDC structure that has now been demolished. The tourism body already operates the Mayura Pine Top hotel and restaurant nearby, but officials say the rising footfall has far outpaced its capacity, the report added. 'The existing facility can no longer handle the crowd. We're now building a modern restaurant with transparent glass windows that will allow visitors to enjoy the sunrise and valley views while dining,' said a senior KSTDC official according to the publication. According to data from the KSTDC, tourist numbers have surged in recent years. Around 19.48 lakh people visited Nandi Hills in 2023, and the number climbed to 21.32 lakh in 2024. Projections show the footfall could reach 23.35 lakh in 2025 and continue to rise to 31.98 lakh by 2028, growing at an estimated 9% annually, The Hindu reported. The restaurant is one of several key upgrades planned. A long-awaited ropeway project is expected to begin construction soon, and authorities are considering traffic curbs to protect the fragile hilltop. District in-charge Minister MC Sudhakar has proposed restricting private vehicle access, especially as part of the hilltop parking area is set to become a terminal for the ropeway. Tourist traffic to Nandi Hills has reached significant volumes during peak weekends. In December 2024 alone, over 12,700 vehicles and 21,000 two-wheelers made their way up the hill on weekends, raising concerns about congestion and environmental degradation.


The Hindu
01-06-2025
- The Hindu
102 visitors take guided tour of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on opening day
A total of 102 visitors took the guided tour as Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru opened its gates for a Guided Walking Tour on Sunday and will happen every Sunday and second and fourth Saturdays in a month. Two tours were conducted in Kannada while two more were conducted in English. Bookings were open on the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) website for four slots with a maximum capacity of 30 members per slot. While 67 men and 53 women (120 in total) had initially booked the slots, only 102 participated in the tour on Sunday. The guided tour, which is a joint initiative of the Department of Tourism in association with the Speaker's Office – Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) and Vidhana Soudha Security Division, will take place every Sunday and second and fourth Saturdays of the month in designated time slots between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The entry fee for the tour is ₹50 per person and free for children under the age of 16 years.


New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Vidhana Soudha opens doors to public for guided tours from June 1
BENGALURU: For the first time, the public will get a guided tour of Karnataka's iconic seat of power — the Vidhana Soudha. Starting June 1, visitors can explore the grandeur of the State's legislative building by paying an entry fee of Rs 50. However, students up to Class 10 or under the age of 15 will get free entry, but registration is mandatory. Visitors can tour the building on all Sundays, as well as on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month, as part of the initiative by the Department of Tourism, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) in coordination with Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speakers Office (KLASO) and others. Approximately 300 visitors will be allowed per day, divided into slots of 30 participants each. The guided tour, in Kannada and English, will begin at 8am and go on till 5pm. However, carrying and using single-use plastic items is strictly banned within the complex premises. Tickets for the guided tour that covers a distance of 1.5km are available at The organisers informed that the tour will not operate on days when the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council is in session, or when security advisories are in place. Inaugurating the guided tour on Sunday, Speaker UT Khader called the initiative unique, where the citizens can immerse themselves in the rich legacy of the state's democratic heritage. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said, 'Vidhana Soudha is the very heart of our democracy. By opening its halls and corridors for guided walks, we are giving the public a chance to witness history, architecture and governance.' The visitors will also need to carry a physical copy of their original Aadhaar card, while students will need a valid school ID along with Aadhaar. Foreigners should produce their original passports for verification. 'Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the architect of the majestic Vidhana Soudha, wanted to build something that reflected Indian identity — a building with Indian composition which did not carry the colonial imprint,' said tourist guide Septhar.