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Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Karnataka Tourism Wins Accolades for Best Themed Display at IITM Chennai 2025
BENGALURU, KARNATAKA, INDIA, July 22, 2025 / / -- Karnataka Tourism made a remarkable impact at the India International Travel Mart (IITM) Chennai 2025, held from 16 to 18 July at the Chennai Trade Centre, with its vibrant and immersive participation as the Partner State. Showcasing the state's diverse tourism offerings—from heritage and wildlife to culture and cuisine—the Karnataka Pavilion stood out for its creativity and concept-driven design, earning the prestigious 'Best Themed Display' award at the event. The Karnataka stall was thoughtfully curated to present the state as a year-round destination, seamlessly weaving together iconic attractions and immersive experiences. At the heart of the showcase were the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, and the newly inscribed Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura). These monumental sites offered a visual celebration of Karnataka's rich architectural and historical legacy. The pavilion also brought attention to Karnataka's ecological treasures with vibrant depictions of Kabini, Bandipur, and Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, alongside nature getaways like Jog Falls, Coorg, and Chikmagalur. Cultural and culinary traditions were highlighted through engaging displays of local festivals, art forms, and cuisine, while special attention was given to the role of KSTDC properties in enhancing tourist experiences. The Karnataka delegation, led by the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, along with key stakeholders, engaged in impactful B2B meetings with tour operators, travel agents, influencers, and media from across South India. A comprehensive range of brochures, trail maps, coffee trail guides, and digital content helped communicate Karnataka's appeal across themes such as heritage tourism, MICE, pilgrimage, adventure, and offbeat circuits. With over 220 exhibitors at IITM Chennai's 25th edition, Karnataka Tourism's award-winning presence reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its outreach in the South Indian travel market, fostering trade collaborations, and positioning the state as a holistic destination that truly embodies 'One State, Many Worlds.' ZM Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- The Hindu
Karnataka Tourism Dept. to soon launch waterfall tours
To encourage responsible and safe monsoon tourism, the State Department of Tourism and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) plans to curate 'waterfalls tour' packages. While the tours were initially planned to be launched in July, due to the high intensity of monsoon, it is likely to be launched by the end of August or beginning of September. '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.
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.
United News of India
14-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Nandi Hills gears up for cabinet meet, major decisions likely
Chikkaballapur, June 14 (UNI) The Karnataka Cabinet is set to convene atop the iconic Nandi Hills on June 19, with a major announcement on a Rs 150 crore fully government-funded international flower market expected to headline the meeting, giving a significant boost to Chikkaballapur district's agrarian economy. The market, long demanded by local stakeholders, is being developed without a public-private partnership, signalling direct State investment in strengthening the district's renowned flower and vegetable trade. 'The government has agreed to invest the full amount, and the announcement is likely to be made during the Cabinet session,' local MLA Pradeep Eshwar said. In preparation for the high-profile meet, Nandi Hills is undergoing a major facelift. From road repairs to ornamental landscaping, officials from the Public Works and Horticulture Departments are overseeing intensive civic work. The venue — the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation's (KSTDC) Mayura Pine Top restaurant — is being spruced up with new air-conditioning, upgraded restrooms, and boosted Wi-Fi bandwidth to support live streaming of the proceedings. 'This will be a milestone for KSTDC,' said Mayura Pine Top manager Manoj Kumar, adding that infrastructure upgrades were in full swing. The Cabinet hall, offering sweeping views of Chikkaballapur, will house Ministers, while separate arrangements are being made for supporting staff and officials. In view of the meeting, public access to Nandi Hills will be restricted from 6 pm on June 16 to 5 am on June 20. Officials also said that proposals under consideration include increasing the Jakkalamadagu reservoir's capacity, giving final approval for the Nandi Hills ropeway project, and recommending the historic Bhoga Nandishwara temple for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. UNI BDN PRS
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.
