A proposal of Rs 7.80 crore has been submitted to Cauvery Tourism Development Authority towards the development of tourist spots in the district, Tourism department Assistant Director V Phanish said.

The points in the new proposal are as follows: Rs 10 lakh towards the development of Kalkandur Doddakallu Betta beauty spot in Somvarpet taluk, Rs 50 lakh for the development of Kanive Sri Ramalingeshwara temple near Koodige, Rs 15 for the construction of toilets near Sri Mrithyunjaya temple in Badagakeri village in Virajpet taluk, Rs 25 lakh for the development of Sri Nanjundeshwara Gadduge and Sri Kshetra Kallumutt in Doddakodli in Somvarpet taluk, Rs 25 lakh for the development of Hattihole falls and Rs 50 lakh for the development of tourist facilities, Rs 75 lakh to development the catchment area of Chiklihole reservoir as a tourist spot, Rs 50 lakh to provide parking, toilets and drinking water facilities at Talacauvery,Rs 25 lakh for providing basic facilities near Chelavara falls in Virajpet taluk, Rs 20 lakh to provide flood light and basic facilities at Sri Omkareshwara temple, Rs one crore to provide basic facilities at Tadiyandmol Kote Betta and Pushpagiri Betta and to develop adventure tourism, Rs 20 lakh for the development of Keerthi stream in Thomar in Kedamullur village in Virajpet taluk, Rs 25 lakh for the development of beauty spot at Bhattada Rashi Betta near Somvarpet, Rs 25 lakh for the development of Chiklihole falls, landscaping, children’s park, coffee kiosk, toilet and drinking water facilities and Rs two crore for the development of three km road leading to Mandalpatti, he said.

Tourist taxis
V Phanish said tourist taxis have been provided, along with Rs two lakh, to 38 youth belonging to scheduled caste and 18 youth belonging to scheduled tribes so far, under SCTSP scheme.

He added that efforts are on to provide Wi-fi facility at tourist spots, multilevel parking facility in Madikeri city and installation of information touch screen at tourist spots.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS / June 19th, 2015

More than a decade after homestays became a part of Kodagu’s tourism circuit, the state government is looking at a slice of the pie by introducing a steep fee and regulating them.

This is a direct fallout of the increasing tourist flow to the district, which has led to the brisk growth of homestays. Tourism department officials said the government decided to issue guidelines and regulate them not just for revenue, but also to curtail illegal activities and fleecing of tourists in some illegal holiday homes. Not long ago, a homestay owner too was attacked and robbed near Gonikoppal in Kodagu by a gang posing as tourists.

Welcoming the new guidelines, Shashi Monappa, a homestay owner, said the de partment of tourism should also undertake a survey to identify homestays and bring everyone under its ambit in the interest of tourism in Kodagu.

While the average number of tourists visiting Kodagu hovered around 4-5 lakh a year in 2005, it has now touched around 25 lakh a year. “Of these, at least 70% opt for homestays,” a tourism department official in Kodagu said.

Tourists have little choice because the Karnataka government has been not able to match the unprecedented footfalls in terms of infrastructural facilities and there aren’t many budget hotels available in Madikeri to meet the growing rush. So homestays have come to the rescue of people looking for budget accommodation.

While 249 homestays are registered, another 300 are waiting for registration.”Besides, there are more than 1,500 unregistered homestays doing good business,” officials added. They have been classified as `silver’ and `gold’ depending on the ambience, type of facilities and range of services offered.

Tata Coffee Ltd, the largest coffee plantation company in Asia, has not remained immune to the business opportunity . It has already converted a few mansions under its ownership into holiday homes. The expansion of homestays in Kodagu has been attributed to the progressively declin ing returns from coffee cultivation, which has nudged many marginal coffee estate owners to promote homestays that need minimum investment.

Many traditional coffee growers who own traditional bungalows, especially those built in the colonial style of architecture, have transformed it into an affordable hospitality zone.

Shashi Monappa of Maithili Home Comforts at Madikeri said the concept of homestays gained momentum in 2005.

Asha Sagar, who started Nest 15 years ago at Gonikoppal, said such homes offer tourists an affordable choice. While a oneroom facility in a decent hotel in Madikeri costs Rs 1,500-3,000 for 24 hours, homestays offer a two-room, four-bed family facility , including breakfast, for Rs 1500-5,000 per day.

Interestingly , there is no dull season for the homestay business in Kodagu. “Even during peak monsoon, people love to spend time here and enjoy nature’s bounty . But tourism is more vibrant during weekends, holidays and long vacations,” said Karumbaiah of Ajantha Homestay at Madikeri.

However, those in the business are not amused with the new tourism guidelines.”It’s wrong to say we have year-long business. There are certain seasons and each season doesn’t last more than a few weeks,” said Ajith Devaiah, a home stay owner in Pollibetta.

TIMES VIEW

With homestays turning into the preferred option for lakhs of tourists in Kodagu, it is high time the government stepped in and regulated the business. Rampant commercialization has led to peak-season fleecing and shortchanging of tourists.In such a scenario, rules should rein in such informal setups which offer a perfect solution between a home and a resort. The tourism department should ensure safety measures and records, but not misuse the regulations to exploit this budding sector. Regulation will work to the advantage of all stakeholders: the tourist, the homestay operator and the government.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru> Namma Metro / by Manu Aiyappa, TNN / June 10th, 2015

Sole Sisters has launched its latest collection in khadi and kolhapuri at Amethyst Room. The one-year-old brand, founded by Mumbai-based Chondamma Cariappa, is showcasing its latest line that combines earth-friendly khadi and leather, and the contemporary versions of the traditional kolhapuris.

Talking to CE, a self-taught shoe designer, Chondamma says, “The collection comprises khadi in its earth-friendly avatar, combined with leather. The line will also offer a contemporary twist to Kolhapuris that are often seen in a traditional form,” she says.

Sole Sisters, which won the Grazia Young Fashion Awards 2015, was launched more than a year ago by Chondamma, who maintained a blog with pictures about different kinds of footwear. The blog later grew as a community with a large network of women across boundaries sharing their pictures of footwear, with the brand and price details.

The advertising professional eventually began her own footwear line, the first collection in ikat. The debut collection turned out to be a huge hit and sold fast among a range of consumers.

Chondamma says that she doesn’t have customers who belong to a specific age-group. “I have had youngsters picking up the footwear and even women in their 40s going for the same,” she says.

Sole Sisters is showcasing its latest range at The Amethyst Room, New #106, Old #79, Chamiers Road. The collection is priced from Rs 3000.The exhibition will continue till June 2.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express Features / May 28th, 2015