Tag Archives: Nagendra Prasad

Kodagu road reconstruction, health sector receive boost in state budget

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The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Madikeri :

Road connectivity and the health sector in Kodagu have received a boost in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Congress members termed it a progressive budget, BJP leaders criticised it as a “useless budget” with no special consideration for the district.

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Developmental projects for the Kodava Development Board, funds for the welfare of tribes who form a significant population in the district, and the health sector have also received support in the budget.

Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. (File photo)

While Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. Ponnampet will also get a new community hospital.

However, stakeholders in the tourism sector said the budget does not mention any special funds for tourism development.

Nagendra Prasad, president of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, said that although Kodagu generates increased revenue for the state through tourism and liquor sales, no funds have been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure in the district.

“From property tax of hospitality facilities to GST, the tourism sector contributes immensely to the state revenue. But unfortunately, this revenue is not being invested back to further improve the sector,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former BJP MLA K. G. Bopaiah criticised the budget as a “useless” one and a “record budget of complete failure”. He said the budget is not people friendly and added that for the 17th time the Chief Minister has made “only promises, declarations and vague plans without any absolute focus”.

He recalled that the BJP government had sanctioned special funds to the district as per the Nanjundappa report due to heavy rainfall and said, “We used to sanction up to Rs 100 crore as a special package for the district. But for the past three years, the state has neglected Kodagu,” he alleged.

He further alleged that there is no plan or precision in the sanctioning of funds for mitigation projects to curb wildlife conflict.

Dharmaja Uthappa, district president of the Congress party, said the budget is progressive and that the Kodava Development Board, road connectivity and the health sector have received a boost.

“Even the issue of wildlife conflict is addressed and it is overall a pro development budget,” he opined.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 06th, 2026

‘Many stakeholders are keen to build glass skywalk bridges in Kodagu’

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Detailed project report is being prepared for developing key tourist facilities in the coffee land.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja at the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri on Tuesday, January 30. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A master plan is being prepared to provide facilities at Raja Seat in Madikeri, Chelavara Waterfalls, Dubare elephant camp in Dubare, and Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar which are among the prominent tourist sites in Kodagu.

The detailed project report of the sites was being prepared, said Anita Bhaskar, Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Madikeri.

At the tourism committee meeting in Madikeri which was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Ventakaraja, the Assistant Director sought the Deputy Commissioner’s permission to develop a website to provide information on the tariff of homestays that are registered with the Tourism Department besides information on the tourist facilities in the district.

The DC said tourists must get complete information on the homestays online as it will help them make advance bookings.

He suggested displaying taluk-wise information on the homestays in a website is being planned.

Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad suggested developing websites for promoting spiritual tourism and common tourist sites.

On the occasion, the assistant director told the meeting that many stakeholders have come forward to build a glass skywalk bridge in Kodagu, which has one such bridge near Madikeri that has become a tourist attraction.

In response, the DC said those wishing to construct glass bridges should have their land. Moreover, parking space was a must. The area should not come under eco-tourism zones and forest zones. All guidelines must be strictly followed.

Out of 4,000 homestays in Kodagu, only 1,900 are registered with the Tourism Department. The meeting was told that proposals are also being submitted for launching river rafting facilities.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India > Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 31st, 2024

Karnataka’s Kodagu district ranks 7th in global tourist searches

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In 2023, the district claimed the 3rd spot among the most searched tourist destinations by Indians, with Goa securing 2nd place and Kashmir at 6th.

Karnataka's Kodagu district ranks 7th in global tourist searches
Waterfalls in Kodagu.

Kodagu: 

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Kodagu district in Karnataka continues to enchant tourists globally, securing the 7th position among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

The recognition comes as a testament to the district’s breathtaking natural beauty and popular attractions, making it a sought-after destination for millions.

Kodagu’s captivating scenery, including verdant hills adorned with lush green forests and glistening streams, transforms into a winter wonderland during the cold and rainy seasons, drawing visitors from far and wide.

In 2023, the district claimed the 3rd spot among the most searched tourist destinations by Indians, with Goa securing 2nd place and Kashmir at 6th.

Home to over 18 prominent tourist spots, such as Madikeri Rajaseet, Abbifalls, Cauvery Nisarga Dhama, Dubare elephant Camp, Abbifalls, and Irpufalls, Kodagu witnesses a substantial influx of tourists, with more than 1 lakh visitors on weekends and 30 thousand on weekdays.

The district boasts over 4 thousand homestays and 1000 resorts, all bustling with activity during the year-end.

Nagendra Prasad, President of the Hotel and Resort Owners Association, noted that the surge in tourists during the year-end festivities emphasizes the district’s growing popularity.

The 7th global ranking positions Kodagu alongside renowned destinations like Goa, Bali, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar, Italy, and Switzerland.

Lush greenery, waterfalls

The lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and meandering rivers of Kodagu leave an indelible mark on visitors, contributing to its rising fame.

The Tourism Department of Kodagu acknowledges the significance of Rajaseeti in Madikeri, the nature reserve, and Dubare as prime attractions. Plans are underway to develop user-friendly websites for tourists, enhancing accessibility to information about these sites.

Speaking to Siasat.com Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, expressed joy at Kodagu consistently captivating the world’s attention in terms of tourism.

The surge in Google searches for Kodagu’s tourist destinations reflects the district’s universal appeal and marks a significant milestone in its tourism development.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> India / by Diganth Kengeri / December 15th, 2023