
Karnataka Tourism Dept. to soon launch waterfall tours
'We have some hidden gems in our tourist destinations, including nature trails and waterfalls apart from the already well-known ones like Jog Falls and Gokak Falls. We have already identified such destinations, and we want to create a circuit around the same,' K.V. Rajendra, director, Tourism Department and managing director of KSTDC told The Hindu.
The destinations have been identified in the districts of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Kodagu, and Belagavi. Tourists can choose to either integrate these destinations into the already existing packages of KSTDC or get a customised waterfalls itinerary.
Those who would like to travel in bigger groups can utilise KSTDC buses for these tours. The services of local guides and naturalists will also be included in the packages.
While there is currently no direct option available to book the tours, interested travellers can book them by sending an email found on the enquiry section of KSTDC website, officials said.
Weather caused delay
The officials of the Tourism Department said that many who tried to explore unknown destinations during this year's monsoon got stuck in remote areas as weather conditions worsened.
'We decided to postpone the launch of these tours while we wait for the intensity of monsoons to reduce. Places like Dakshina Kannada and Sakleshpura in Hassan district are prone to landslides, and it will be dangerous to travel during those times. Our goal is to promote responsible tourism and ensure the safety of tourists,' Mr. Rajendra said.
'The destinations we have selected will have an after-rain effect in the upcoming months, providing beautiful scenery to tourists. Our waterfalls are usually full until December–January. That is why we did not want to conduct the tours at a time when the monsoon is heavy, nor during times when the water bodies are dry,' he noted.
KSTDC currently conducts similar tours to popular destinations. This includes the Krishnagiri Dam – Hogenakkal Falls Tour, Shivanasamudra – Talakadu and Sigandhur – Jog Falls Tour.
Online vehicular slots
To regulate the number of visitors and vehicles that ply in the area around Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, located in Chikkamagaluru district, the district administration will introduce an online vehicular slot system in the upcoming week. Although the system was announced last year, it will be launched in a few days.
A total of 1,200 vehicles will be allowed in two slots (600 vehicles in each slot) — 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day, for which prior booking has to be made online. The parking facilities for these vehicles will be provided near Seethalayyanagiri, and from there, those who wish to proceed to the peak can take pre-approved vehicles or go on foot.
'If this model works, then we will replicate it in all the other hill stations that come under the Tourism Department, including Nandi Hills,' said Salma Fahim, principal secretary, Tourism Department.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Government aims to redefine tourism
The Government of Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to celebrate the World Tourism Day on September 27, 2025 on a grand scale and plans are under way to develop a unique tagline and a compelling theme for the State's tourism sector, which would be unveiled by the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on that day. Andhra Pradesh will be the best bet for investors from UAE, CM Chandrababu Naidu gives assurance To provide tourists visiting Andhra Pradesh with an unforgettable experience through diverse tourism initiatives and to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary stories, the Tourism Department held a two-day workshop attended by the top brass of Mastercard's 'Priceless Experiences' programme. Mastercard's 'Priceless Experiences' programme is a global initiative that offers exclusive, curated experiences to Mastercard cardholders. Under its 'Priceless' programme, Mastercard provides exclusive access to culturally rich, gastronomical and wellness experiences to its cardholders in cities such as Delhi, Agra, Jodhpur, Dehradun and Pune. The company currently offers 40 priceless experiences in India and plans to expand its operations. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu leading a high-level team to Singapore from July 26 The workshop held at the Tourism office in Vijayawada focussed on devising strategies and guidelines for tourism development in the State, creating frameworks to offer invaluable experiences through varied tourism initiatives, and understanding the Mastercard cardholders' preferences. The discussion also included identifying opportunities for access to world-class events. Officials also deliberated on steps to simplify coordination with cultural and other Ministry departments, support social media promotions through government-run channels, develop immersive experiences for tourists and give special priority to heritage sites. Naidu releases report of Task Force on Economic Development for Swarna Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Amrapali Kata said the idea was to transform the State into a major tourism destination in South Asia. She said to create unforgettable experiences for visitors, the State was divided into four tourism circuits, each offering unique experience. They included Araku-Vizag circuit designed to introduce tourists to tribal culture, encourage them to interact with tribal communities and local artists; Godavari circuit - focus on the scenic backwaters of the Godavari River, boat journeys amidst coconut groves and serene river experiences; Suryalanka-Chirala Coastal circuit - offering insights into coastal life, fishing communities and the handloom heritage of the region and Tirupati circuit - designed to provide spiritual experiences, explore the lives of local weavers and connect with nature in pristine environments. The department is working on a marketing strategy to utilise all branding opportunities. The officials requested cooperation and partnership of the Mastercard cardholders in this endeavour.


New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- New Indian Express
AP partners with MasterCard to boost tourism experience in state
VIJAYAWADA: In a move to elevate Andhra Pradesh's appeal as a premier tourist destination, the Tourism Department, in collaboration with MasterCard, organised a strategic workshop at its office in Vijayawada. The session focused on designing immersive, world-class tourism experiences tailored to MasterCard holders and global travellers. Tourism officials, MasterCard representatives, and key stakeholders participated in discussions on developing innovative tourism circuits, strengthening branding, and improving digital outreach. The aim is to transform routine visits into enriching journeys aligned with international expectations. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Managing Director Amrapali Kata said that under the guidance of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh, and Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain, efforts are underway to position Andhra Pradesh as a top tourism hub in South Asia. A central focus of the workshop was the creation of a unique tourism tagline and thematic brand identity for the state. Officials proposed launching the new brand on World Tourism Day in September, with support from MasterCard's global expertise in marketing and digital integration. Discussions included sustainable tourism models that involve local communities and promote cultural exchange. MasterCard delegates appreciated the department's vision and expressed their willingness to collaborate further. Calling the session insightful, they affirmed confidence in Andhra Pradesh's potential to offer diverse experiences.


Hans India
21 hours ago
- Hans India
At upcoming UPITS 2025 event, UP to showcase its tourism potential to the world
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Tourism department has set in motion large-scale preparations for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2025, set to take place from September 25 to 29, at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The five-day mega event will see Uttar Pradesh projecting its tourism potential to the world by showcasing its rich cultural heritage and also its unique local products, traditional handicrafts. The move reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's goal and objective to establish Uttar Pradesh as a global tourism hub. The UPITS-2025 is the flagship trade event of the Uttar Pradesh government, bringing together policymakers, global business leaders, trade representatives, and industry experts under one roof. The event will play a vital role in the state's journey towards achieving its one trillion-dollar economy target, with tourism being identified as a key growth sector. As part of the preparations, the Tourism Department is setting up an expansive stall that will showcase the state's heritage sites, temple architecture, thematic tourism circuits, and PPP-based tourism projects, alongside highlighting local crafts and One District One Product (ODOP) items. To enhance visitor engagement, the department will also introduce and promote digital tourism tools such as mobile applications, websites, and QR codes, allowing easy access to information and seamless travel planning. To attract visitors, the stall will include auto-navigation screens that showcase popular tourist destinations in UP. There will also be an Augmented Reality (AR) based digital touch panel where visitors can click selfies with images of at least six famous tourist sites. Preparations are also underway to host traditional dances like Mayur Nritya (from Braj region), tribal dance forms (from Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur), Bundeli Folk Dance (from Jhansi), and Kathak (Lucknow Gharana). Each day, there will be six short performances, each lasting around five minutes, with opportunities for visitors to click selfies with the artists. The Tourism department will also set up registration counters for event planning, B2B meetings, and 20 co-exhibitors. The Tourism department is working in mission mode to make UPITS 2025 a huge success. The goal is not only to present Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural diversity to the world, but also to boost the tourism sector and strengthen the economy. The event promises to be a memorable experience for millions of visitors and a significant milestone in promoting Uttar Pradesh as a top tourist destination.