Karnataka government eyes global tourism status for Hampi, Mysuru, and Lakkundi Tourism Minister K.J. George called for more private sector involvement and better transport links to unlock state's tourism potential during a workshop near Hampi.
State has nominated these three heritage sites for a national program targeting 50 top tourist spots across India. Hampi,a UNESCO World Heritage Site,will top the list for development as a tourism hub. Mysuru,Karnataka’s cultural capital,will get modern infrastructure upgrades. Lakkundi,known for Kalyana Chalukya heritage and archaeological digs, will be a key heritage tourism site.
Karnataka is negotiating with the Centre to form a Destination Management Organisation (DMO). This body would align efforts among local authorities, the State Archaeology Department,and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for smoother operations and a unified contact point for investors and tourists.
Connectivity upgrades are priority. Plans include extending the runway at Jindal Airport near Ballari-Hosapete and urging Ministry of Railways to boost train links from major cities to northern and coastal Karnataka sites. George said achieving growth needs private and government collaboration,involving Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
Local MLA H.R. Gaviyappa proposed a 15.4-kilometer heritage circuit with over 1,200 monuments in Hampi to enhance visitor engagement with the city’s history. There's also a plan for scientific documentation and digital preservation of Hampi’s monuments with ASI.
Redevelopment plans include transforming Hampi and Ballari railway stations into heritage stations,with Hampi station reflecting Virupaksha Temple architecture. Proposals for an international-standard interpretation center,tourism college, and projects around Kamalapura Lake aim to create a full tourism circuit.
MLA N.T. Srinivas pushed for administrative reforms,including a single-window clearance for tourism investments. He also suggested a skill development center to train locals for tourism jobs, plus improvements in sanitation,water,and amenities in over 30 villages near Hampi.
Former Minister Anand Singh, Tourism Secretary K.V. Trilok Chandra,Joint Secretary Subhasish Das,Tourism Commissioner V. Ram Prasath Manohar,and senior district officials were at workshop, all key to initiative's success.
