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Karnataka Tourism & Hospitality : Photos & Updates
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‘Exciting offer’ for travellers
Shankar Bennur
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— PHOTO: M.A.SRIRAM
Unique: ‘Golf tourism’ may further propel the State’s image as a preferred destination.
MYSORE: Karnataka’s prime golf courses may soon be opened to travellers of Golden Chariot, the luxury train, with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) planning to introduce “golf tourism” to draw high-end tourists.
It is the first time that such an “exciting offer” has been extended to travellers of any luxury train in the country.
KSTDC, which runs the luxury train, came up with the idea of introducing golf tourism based on the feedback from Japanese and Korean tourists, who recently travelled by the train.
Mysore, Bangalore and Kodagu have been identified as prime locations for promoting golf tourism, besides Chikmagalur and Belgaum, which are emerging as golf centres. Goa has been included in the golf tourism circuit as the train’s journey ends there.
“We are in talks with managements of these golf courses. While some have agreed to support us, discussions are on with others. Soon, the concept will take a final shape and the Golden Chariot travellers can get to play golf,” said KSTDC Managing Director Vinay Luthra.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Luthra said golf tourism would be offered only to Golden Chariot travellers in the beginning and later extended to other tourists.
Basically, golf tourism would cater to high-end tourists. Such travellers, either from other States or abroad, would be encouraged to explore the circuit to promote tourism further, he said.
Mr. Luthra said the corporation was in touch with a professional agency to provide help for the project. “We are yet to finalise the agency. Talks are on with managements where there are gold courses,” he said.
“Travellers may have to pay a fee to avail themselves of the golf facility identified in the circuit. It will be decided later whether to include the fee in the tariff,” he said.
The major strength of Golden Chariot was its tourist circuit. The train takes its passengers across prime tourist destinations across the State, including Mysore, Kabini, Belur, Halebid, Hampi, Badami and Aihole, on a six-day and seven-night sojourn. The trip ends in Goa.
The luxury train has had 27 successful runs, carrying 825 passengers in the inaugural year. Despite the economic slowdown, the Golden Chariot, launched after Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels and Maharashtra’s Deccan Odyssey, managed to get 35 per cent of bookings on every trip. Among the travellers, 80 per cent were international tourists.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/26/stories/2009062657010400.htm
Shankar Bennur
— PHOTO: M.A.SRIRAM
Unique: ‘Golf tourism’ may further propel the State’s image as a preferred destination.
MYSORE: Karnataka’s prime golf courses may soon be opened to travellers of Golden Chariot, the luxury train, with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) planning to introduce “golf tourism” to draw high-end tourists.
It is the first time that such an “exciting offer” has been extended to travellers of any luxury train in the country.
KSTDC, which runs the luxury train, came up with the idea of introducing golf tourism based on the feedback from Japanese and Korean tourists, who recently travelled by the train.
Mysore, Bangalore and Kodagu have been identified as prime locations for promoting golf tourism, besides Chikmagalur and Belgaum, which are emerging as golf centres. Goa has been included in the golf tourism circuit as the train’s journey ends there.
“We are in talks with managements of these golf courses. While some have agreed to support us, discussions are on with others. Soon, the concept will take a final shape and the Golden Chariot travellers can get to play golf,” said KSTDC Managing Director Vinay Luthra.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Luthra said golf tourism would be offered only to Golden Chariot travellers in the beginning and later extended to other tourists.
Basically, golf tourism would cater to high-end tourists. Such travellers, either from other States or abroad, would be encouraged to explore the circuit to promote tourism further, he said.
Mr. Luthra said the corporation was in touch with a professional agency to provide help for the project. “We are yet to finalise the agency. Talks are on with managements where there are gold courses,” he said.
“Travellers may have to pay a fee to avail themselves of the golf facility identified in the circuit. It will be decided later whether to include the fee in the tariff,” he said.
The major strength of Golden Chariot was its tourist circuit. The train takes its passengers across prime tourist destinations across the State, including Mysore, Kabini, Belur, Halebid, Hampi, Badami and Aihole, on a six-day and seven-night sojourn. The trip ends in Goa.
The luxury train has had 27 successful runs, carrying 825 passengers in the inaugural year. Despite the economic slowdown, the Golden Chariot, launched after Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels and Maharashtra’s Deccan Odyssey, managed to get 35 per cent of bookings on every trip. Among the travellers, 80 per cent were international tourists.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/26/stories/2009062657010400.htm
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The Golden Chariot The new luxury Train in South India
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More details can be had here....The Golden Chariot
Here are the interiors of the luxury train......from the website...
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For Tour Details
Tariff Details
More details can be had here....The Golden Chariot
Here are the interiors of the luxury train......from the website...
For Tour Details
Tariff Details
Joined
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35,149 Posts
Kushal Nagar
Kushal Nagar
Distance from Mysore : 85 KMs,Lies on Mysore - Madikeri Road.
State Highway 88
Travel Time: 2hrs
Reach There: KSRTC buses.
Buses : Airavatha(Volvo),Rajhamsa Executive,Semi deluxe and Saarigae
I took a Rajhamsa executive from Mysore bus stand @ 8 AM.Fare: 84 Rs.
Reached Kushal Nagar at 10 AM.
Places Covered by me: Bylukuppae Golden temple>Buddhist settlement.
Cauvery Nisargadhama.
This the view of the small cozy town....
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I took an Auto from the town center to Buddhist monastery...he charged me 40 Rs....
thats the entrance
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the settlement.....Tibetan camps...
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Kushal Nagar
Distance from Mysore : 85 KMs,Lies on Mysore - Madikeri Road.
State Highway 88
Travel Time: 2hrs
Reach There: KSRTC buses.
Buses : Airavatha(Volvo),Rajhamsa Executive,Semi deluxe and Saarigae
I took a Rajhamsa executive from Mysore bus stand @ 8 AM.Fare: 84 Rs.
Reached Kushal Nagar at 10 AM.
Places Covered by me: Bylukuppae Golden temple>Buddhist settlement.
Cauvery Nisargadhama.
This the view of the small cozy town....
I took an Auto from the town center to Buddhist monastery...he charged me 40 Rs....
thats the entrance
the settlement.....Tibetan camps...
Joined
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35,149 Posts
Joined
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35,149 Posts
Joined
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35,149 Posts
Cauvery Nisargadhama...
There is a deer park an elephant camp...a river to chill out...a good restaurant....
took an Auto back to the town...caught a shuttle bus operated by KSRTC towards coorg...
Its 6 KM from the town center towards/on the way to coorg...
entrance fee 10 Rs....
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old abandoned bridge
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new hanging bridge...
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river side.....u can take bath....total privacy...:lol:
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There is a deer park an elephant camp...a river to chill out...a good restaurant....
took an Auto back to the town...caught a shuttle bus operated by KSRTC towards coorg...
Its 6 KM from the town center towards/on the way to coorg...
entrance fee 10 Rs....
old abandoned bridge
new hanging bridge...
river side.....u can take bath....total privacy...:lol:
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8,523 Posts
Good initiative Akash.
Joined
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35,149 Posts
NOT good at all............
Seeta Nadi now out of tourist circuit
* Forest department and police act jointly
By Team Mangalorean
HEBRI (UDUPI DISTRICT), June 28, 2009: Tourism circuit of Karnataka has lost another tourist spot. This time it is the Seeta Nadi and Kudlu Thirta falls that has been declared out of bounds for tourists.
It is not for environmental problems that this spot has been taken away from the tourist map but due to the menace of Naxalites. The Forest and Police departments have asked the forest guards and police personnel in Hebri and Someshwara to take immediate action if anybody found aimlessly roaming about in the vicinity at least fifty kilometers radius around Seeta Nadi.
According to sources in the police, their briefing was to stop anybody who is found there and ask questions and if they do not respond or submit to scrutiny they should use force and intercept them, if they act smart they should be immediately immobilised by using force.
On the other hand the Forest department also has its own methods. "We will not allow any human activities in these forests, We have had enough of these Naxalite guys and our orders are no different than that of police, "we will pounce on anybody who will roam freely without our permission in Seeta Nadi area". One official goes one step further to say "not even a twig can be broken without our permission."
For those who have "academic" reasons to go to the forest here will have to take our permission for which the department has few rules before they are issued permission passes. Those who seek entry into the forest should fulfill those conditions the official said.
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Seeta Nadi had been one of the favourite tourist spots for the common people as well as the hikers, according to a rough estimate over 10,000 people visited here annually before the Naxalite problem began in 2001. But after the stringent measures taken up by the departments it has trickled down to almost nil and only armed police and forest officials roam about under the line of duty.
It is estimated that there are about 30 naxalites active in Hebri-Someshwara-Shankarnarayana sector in Udupi and Kundapura sub divisions. After the encounters between 2005 and 07 their numbers have been brought down to 10-15, but one never knows when the new recruits join the naxal forces, says a high police official.
The picturesque Seeta Nadi has beauty spots like Onake Abbi, Kudlu Thirta falls and Barkana falls which are undisputedly the longest falls in Karnataka. The Barkana falls has a length of 364 feet.
But all that could only be seen in books and websites. The adventure schools and hikers groups are very disappointed and are now looking at other areas. Seeta Nadi is about 45 kilometers from Udupi and 115 kilometers from Mangalore.
SOURCE mangalorean
Seeta Nadi now out of tourist circuit
* Forest department and police act jointly
By Team Mangalorean
HEBRI (UDUPI DISTRICT), June 28, 2009: Tourism circuit of Karnataka has lost another tourist spot. This time it is the Seeta Nadi and Kudlu Thirta falls that has been declared out of bounds for tourists.
It is not for environmental problems that this spot has been taken away from the tourist map but due to the menace of Naxalites. The Forest and Police departments have asked the forest guards and police personnel in Hebri and Someshwara to take immediate action if anybody found aimlessly roaming about in the vicinity at least fifty kilometers radius around Seeta Nadi.
According to sources in the police, their briefing was to stop anybody who is found there and ask questions and if they do not respond or submit to scrutiny they should use force and intercept them, if they act smart they should be immediately immobilised by using force.
On the other hand the Forest department also has its own methods. "We will not allow any human activities in these forests, We have had enough of these Naxalite guys and our orders are no different than that of police, "we will pounce on anybody who will roam freely without our permission in Seeta Nadi area". One official goes one step further to say "not even a twig can be broken without our permission."
For those who have "academic" reasons to go to the forest here will have to take our permission for which the department has few rules before they are issued permission passes. Those who seek entry into the forest should fulfill those conditions the official said.
Seeta Nadi had been one of the favourite tourist spots for the common people as well as the hikers, according to a rough estimate over 10,000 people visited here annually before the Naxalite problem began in 2001. But after the stringent measures taken up by the departments it has trickled down to almost nil and only armed police and forest officials roam about under the line of duty.
It is estimated that there are about 30 naxalites active in Hebri-Someshwara-Shankarnarayana sector in Udupi and Kundapura sub divisions. After the encounters between 2005 and 07 their numbers have been brought down to 10-15, but one never knows when the new recruits join the naxal forces, says a high police official.
The picturesque Seeta Nadi has beauty spots like Onake Abbi, Kudlu Thirta falls and Barkana falls which are undisputedly the longest falls in Karnataka. The Barkana falls has a length of 364 feet.
But all that could only be seen in books and websites. The adventure schools and hikers groups are very disappointed and are now looking at other areas. Seeta Nadi is about 45 kilometers from Udupi and 115 kilometers from Mangalore.
SOURCE mangalorean
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35,149 Posts
Silent Valley - An awesome destination
By Team Mangalorean, Mangalore
Mangalore, May 18, 2009: Whether it's holiday makers, honeymooners, corporate executives or foreign tourists not many may be aware of an awesome destination, the eco-friendly Silent Valley Resort. A truly exotic getaway nestled cozily at the foothills of Kudremukh Reserve forests, situated at 2,400 feet above sea level. It is located between Kalasa and Kudremukh on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats of Karnataka. About 4 kms from Kalasa on Kudremukh road in Chikmagalur dist. Surrounded by vast stretches of lush green pastures, paddy fields and areca trees, Silent Valley Resort stands majestically against the backdrop of crystal clear waterfalls, lush green forests, and hazy mist-clad mountain. With a panoramic vista of hillocks, gushing rivers and rivulets, the air around here permeates with the aroma of rich coffee wafting in from the nearby coffee estates. It's a destination sure to blow a visitor's mind off with its enchanting and picturesque locale.
Completely blending and harmonizing with the environment, the cottages here are designed in traditional ethnic style. It has a quaint rustic charm, taking one back to the days wherein simplicity and harmony with nature were the hallmarks of any village home. The cottages are partially sunk into the ground to benefit from the thermal storage capacity of earth. Its walls are made of solid mud blocks, pillars from local waster timber while the roof is made of local Mangalore tiles. To give it the seal of approval, TERI (Tata Environmental Research Institute) in fact, has certified the cottages as one of the most Energy Efficient Buildings' in India. It has a sustainable habitat with a minimum environmental footprint, in a manner that it fuses modern demands with ecological balance. The icing on the cake is that it has even been approved by Govt. of India and Govt. of Karnataka.
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While Silent Valley may not be a STAR resort, it has been thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the fact that one may admire and enjoy nature's bounty without compromising or damaging it in any way. Similar to recycling done by universe, water harvesting is a key aspect done at the Silent Valley Resort. The lined channels around the cottages and the ponds guide the rainwater flow, so that it is not wasted and gets collected in a tank to be used for irrigation purpose. For nature lovers with a penchant for adventure there is a dense tropical forest close by, rich in its hidden treasures. Guests can take part in adventure sports such as trekking, rock climbing, kayaking and river rafting under the able guidance of skilled trainers. Other activities like swimming, fishing, campfire etc are organized at the guest's request. Management is also planning to add Ayurvedic Spa facility in the resort.
It's also an important corporate destination especially for companies who are on the look out for a suitable place for outbound training and experiential programs for their employees, as it provides an ideal atmosphere at a reasonable cost with special package for Corporate which would not pinch their pocket. For team outing, it is the perfect destination as it's far away from buzzing, crowded & congested cities and provides all the required facilities. There is a full-fledged conference cum training room that can accommodate 70 persons, with all the accessories like white board, flip chart, along-with personal computers with internet connectivity for the convenience of guests. It is also an ideal location for corporate meetings, dealer meets, training workshops, association programs, retreats, seminars and social get togethers.
For nature lovers wanting a novel lodging experience, the Resort offers a paradise beyond compare - The Tree House. This tree house is made fully with wood and bamboo, featuring a portico, a bedroom, an attached bath and a toilet. Without compromising on comfort, the tree house has electricity, an intercom, and back-up emergency lamps. It's built in such a way, that it gives a guest 360 degree view of the entire valley, the golden sunsets and fabulous view of the mountains right up to the Kudremukh peak, and the sunrays slowly peeping in from the fog at dawn, right from the bedroom. Due to it's location at the top it provides excellent privacy to any one who wants to have a secret rendezvous with their loved ones, in fact it is an ideal honeymoon getaway for newly married couples.
For families wanting a homely atmosphere, there are in all 15 well maintained and fully furnished cottages in ethnic style but having all the modern facilities like attached bath & toilet with continuous hot water and satellite T.V. Tents are also provided in case the guest wants to enjoy an outdoor experience deviating from the routine. While 60 persons can share 15 cottages under three/four sharing, around 40 people can utilize the dormitory which can accommodate nearly 100 people at a time. In addition to well maintained cottages there is an emerald swimming pool, quaint walkways, a terraced eatery and Indoor/ out door games. The resort has a 6000 ft well equipped three tier multi-cuisine restaurant serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The staff here also specializes in local ethnic food.
As part of recreation, various activities like zipline, jumering can be conducted on request by the professionals within the resort. There are good trekking path available for early morning joggers and exercisers. It can be great learning experience for all; especially for children as there exists large Tea and Coffee plantations close-by, with Tea and Coffee processing factories. Special group packages are arranged for those wanting to visit the tea estates, coffee and tea processing units and river side environmental study etc. Steep water falls; point of river origination, dam are other picnic and learning venues for kids. The resort also organizes host of fun activities like picnics, visit to water falls, pilgrimage spots, heritage temples, tribal villages which showcases its crafts, arts and artifacts etc.
Apart from the great panoramic view of nature in all its pristine glory, the feeling of clouds drifting towards one, a visitor here is sure to experience an amazing sense of dj vu, peace and serenity in the air. It is also an ideal way to get in touch with one's inner self especially for those leading hectic lives. It will be an opportunity to simply unwind and relax in completely rustic type surrounding. Truly a visit here will be cherished for a long time to come. Without a doubt it should be made a must stay on any visitor's itinerary.
SOURCE MANGALOREAN
By Team Mangalorean, Mangalore
Mangalore, May 18, 2009: Whether it's holiday makers, honeymooners, corporate executives or foreign tourists not many may be aware of an awesome destination, the eco-friendly Silent Valley Resort. A truly exotic getaway nestled cozily at the foothills of Kudremukh Reserve forests, situated at 2,400 feet above sea level. It is located between Kalasa and Kudremukh on the eastern slopes of Western Ghats of Karnataka. About 4 kms from Kalasa on Kudremukh road in Chikmagalur dist. Surrounded by vast stretches of lush green pastures, paddy fields and areca trees, Silent Valley Resort stands majestically against the backdrop of crystal clear waterfalls, lush green forests, and hazy mist-clad mountain. With a panoramic vista of hillocks, gushing rivers and rivulets, the air around here permeates with the aroma of rich coffee wafting in from the nearby coffee estates. It's a destination sure to blow a visitor's mind off with its enchanting and picturesque locale.
Completely blending and harmonizing with the environment, the cottages here are designed in traditional ethnic style. It has a quaint rustic charm, taking one back to the days wherein simplicity and harmony with nature were the hallmarks of any village home. The cottages are partially sunk into the ground to benefit from the thermal storage capacity of earth. Its walls are made of solid mud blocks, pillars from local waster timber while the roof is made of local Mangalore tiles. To give it the seal of approval, TERI (Tata Environmental Research Institute) in fact, has certified the cottages as one of the most Energy Efficient Buildings' in India. It has a sustainable habitat with a minimum environmental footprint, in a manner that it fuses modern demands with ecological balance. The icing on the cake is that it has even been approved by Govt. of India and Govt. of Karnataka.
While Silent Valley may not be a STAR resort, it has been thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the fact that one may admire and enjoy nature's bounty without compromising or damaging it in any way. Similar to recycling done by universe, water harvesting is a key aspect done at the Silent Valley Resort. The lined channels around the cottages and the ponds guide the rainwater flow, so that it is not wasted and gets collected in a tank to be used for irrigation purpose. For nature lovers with a penchant for adventure there is a dense tropical forest close by, rich in its hidden treasures. Guests can take part in adventure sports such as trekking, rock climbing, kayaking and river rafting under the able guidance of skilled trainers. Other activities like swimming, fishing, campfire etc are organized at the guest's request. Management is also planning to add Ayurvedic Spa facility in the resort.
It's also an important corporate destination especially for companies who are on the look out for a suitable place for outbound training and experiential programs for their employees, as it provides an ideal atmosphere at a reasonable cost with special package for Corporate which would not pinch their pocket. For team outing, it is the perfect destination as it's far away from buzzing, crowded & congested cities and provides all the required facilities. There is a full-fledged conference cum training room that can accommodate 70 persons, with all the accessories like white board, flip chart, along-with personal computers with internet connectivity for the convenience of guests. It is also an ideal location for corporate meetings, dealer meets, training workshops, association programs, retreats, seminars and social get togethers.
For nature lovers wanting a novel lodging experience, the Resort offers a paradise beyond compare - The Tree House. This tree house is made fully with wood and bamboo, featuring a portico, a bedroom, an attached bath and a toilet. Without compromising on comfort, the tree house has electricity, an intercom, and back-up emergency lamps. It's built in such a way, that it gives a guest 360 degree view of the entire valley, the golden sunsets and fabulous view of the mountains right up to the Kudremukh peak, and the sunrays slowly peeping in from the fog at dawn, right from the bedroom. Due to it's location at the top it provides excellent privacy to any one who wants to have a secret rendezvous with their loved ones, in fact it is an ideal honeymoon getaway for newly married couples.
For families wanting a homely atmosphere, there are in all 15 well maintained and fully furnished cottages in ethnic style but having all the modern facilities like attached bath & toilet with continuous hot water and satellite T.V. Tents are also provided in case the guest wants to enjoy an outdoor experience deviating from the routine. While 60 persons can share 15 cottages under three/four sharing, around 40 people can utilize the dormitory which can accommodate nearly 100 people at a time. In addition to well maintained cottages there is an emerald swimming pool, quaint walkways, a terraced eatery and Indoor/ out door games. The resort has a 6000 ft well equipped three tier multi-cuisine restaurant serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The staff here also specializes in local ethnic food.
As part of recreation, various activities like zipline, jumering can be conducted on request by the professionals within the resort. There are good trekking path available for early morning joggers and exercisers. It can be great learning experience for all; especially for children as there exists large Tea and Coffee plantations close-by, with Tea and Coffee processing factories. Special group packages are arranged for those wanting to visit the tea estates, coffee and tea processing units and river side environmental study etc. Steep water falls; point of river origination, dam are other picnic and learning venues for kids. The resort also organizes host of fun activities like picnics, visit to water falls, pilgrimage spots, heritage temples, tribal villages which showcases its crafts, arts and artifacts etc.
Apart from the great panoramic view of nature in all its pristine glory, the feeling of clouds drifting towards one, a visitor here is sure to experience an amazing sense of dj vu, peace and serenity in the air. It is also an ideal way to get in touch with one's inner self especially for those leading hectic lives. It will be an opportunity to simply unwind and relax in completely rustic type surrounding. Truly a visit here will be cherished for a long time to come. Without a doubt it should be made a must stay on any visitor's itinerary.
SOURCE MANGALOREAN
Joined
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35,149 Posts
New policy will give greater importance to private players, focus on wellness
State to promote health tourism
Bangalore,DH News Service :
The Department of Tourism in Karnataka will soon be unveiling a new tourism policy for the State. The policy will be taken up in the Cabinet meeting before August 1, 2009.
“We have a new tourism policy that will be presented to the Government in the next couple of weeks. The main focus among other things will be on Wellness and Health Tourism in the State. Destinations such as Dharmasthala and others will be projected in Karnataka for propagating tourism in the new policy,” said Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, K Jyothiramalingam.
He was addressing mediapersons here on Monday about the India Association of Tour Operators (IATO) convention to be held in Bangalore from September 3 to 5, 2009
The Principal Secretary said greater importance will be given to private players in tourism. Under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and Homeopathy) and the Board of Hospitals will be consulting with the respective State Governments to prepare guidelines for Wellness Tourism in the country.
Also on the agenda are talks between the Tourism and Transport Secretaries from eight Southern States and Union Territories to prepare a joint platform for promoting tourism in South India.
“We will be conducting a conference of Tourism Secretaries in Bangalore shortly before the beginning of the IATO convention to discuss on possibilities of a common platform for Southern States for tourism. The meeting will be followed by a Ministerial conference for discussing the possibilities of co-operation,” said Karnataka Tourism Director, Vishwanatha Reddy.
No growth
India Association of Tour Operators president, Vijay Thakur said although nationwide, the tourism sector did not see growth, there were signs to indicate a revival by the year-end. “Following the Mumbai terror attacks, there has been a fear among foreign tourists to come to India. While this was a temporary setback, owing to recession, there has been a downturn of almost 30 per cent in inbound traffic to the country,” said Thakur.
IOTA has said that in order to quell fears of terrorism, the apex body of tour operators had organised four to six road shows across 10 nations to present India as a safe destination.
“We are trying to market Bangalore as a BPO City to a Tourism destination,” said Vijay Thakur.
However, local tour operators said that till April this year there was a considerable demand for tourism in the State and it was only during the lean period since then till July that there has been a fall in revenues for the tour operators.
Addressing concerns of the Economic Slowdown, the association will be brainstorming at the convention to work out new packages and better tour operation.
source
State to promote health tourism
Bangalore,DH News Service :
The Department of Tourism in Karnataka will soon be unveiling a new tourism policy for the State. The policy will be taken up in the Cabinet meeting before August 1, 2009.
“We have a new tourism policy that will be presented to the Government in the next couple of weeks. The main focus among other things will be on Wellness and Health Tourism in the State. Destinations such as Dharmasthala and others will be projected in Karnataka for propagating tourism in the new policy,” said Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, K Jyothiramalingam.
He was addressing mediapersons here on Monday about the India Association of Tour Operators (IATO) convention to be held in Bangalore from September 3 to 5, 2009
The Principal Secretary said greater importance will be given to private players in tourism. Under the aegis of the Department of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani and Homeopathy) and the Board of Hospitals will be consulting with the respective State Governments to prepare guidelines for Wellness Tourism in the country.
Also on the agenda are talks between the Tourism and Transport Secretaries from eight Southern States and Union Territories to prepare a joint platform for promoting tourism in South India.
“We will be conducting a conference of Tourism Secretaries in Bangalore shortly before the beginning of the IATO convention to discuss on possibilities of a common platform for Southern States for tourism. The meeting will be followed by a Ministerial conference for discussing the possibilities of co-operation,” said Karnataka Tourism Director, Vishwanatha Reddy.
No growth
India Association of Tour Operators president, Vijay Thakur said although nationwide, the tourism sector did not see growth, there were signs to indicate a revival by the year-end. “Following the Mumbai terror attacks, there has been a fear among foreign tourists to come to India. While this was a temporary setback, owing to recession, there has been a downturn of almost 30 per cent in inbound traffic to the country,” said Thakur.
IOTA has said that in order to quell fears of terrorism, the apex body of tour operators had organised four to six road shows across 10 nations to present India as a safe destination.
“We are trying to market Bangalore as a BPO City to a Tourism destination,” said Vijay Thakur.
However, local tour operators said that till April this year there was a considerable demand for tourism in the State and it was only during the lean period since then till July that there has been a fall in revenues for the tour operators.
Addressing concerns of the Economic Slowdown, the association will be brainstorming at the convention to work out new packages and better tour operation.
source
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35,149 Posts
Golden Chariot to cover TN, Kerala from this October
Bangalore,DH News Service:
The Golden Chariot, which is rated as one of the top six trains catering to tourism worldwide by the UK-based Vanity Fair magazine, will now ply to Kerala and Tamil Nadu from October 2009.
The luxury train will go to the neighbouring States for a period of six weeks in a season. “The train will have three weeks of travel in Karnataka. At the end of each month, it will be tour Kerala and Tamil Nadu for a week,” said KSTDC MD, Vinay Luthra.
According to the destination route map prepared by the KSTDC, the tour will begin in Bangalore and move onto locations including Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai, and Kanyakumari (all in TN) before moving onto Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in Kerala. It will touch Coimbatore on its return journey to Bangalore.
The Chariot has been chartered out to The Luxury Trains, a company that charters luxury trains for tourists in India. “We have already got two weeks’ booking on the Chariot in advance, and will be expecting more booking for the other four weeks of tour into Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” said Luthra.
Under the charter system, KSTDC will be earning Rs 25 lakh per week as fee from Luxury Trains. This apart, the entire haulage cost to Railways and the tour visit costs will be borne by the Company. While the first two weeks have been booked by Luxury Trains, the remaining four are yet to be decided for this season.
“We are hoping that Luxury Trains will themselves take up the remaining four weeks too. But in case the Golden Chariot tour into Kerala and Tamil Nadu has to be conducted by us (KSTDC) then the cost per person per night has been placed at $ 400 to $ 450,” said Luthra.
Revamping KSTDC
In September 2009, KSTDC will brand its tourism packages under “KarnatakaHolidays.NET”. The project is aimed at providing better packaging of the tours and travels offered by the KSTDC in the State. “We will have a different look to attract the customers, and brand a new set of hotels and tourism packages,” said the Managing Director.
source
Bangalore,DH News Service:
The Golden Chariot, which is rated as one of the top six trains catering to tourism worldwide by the UK-based Vanity Fair magazine, will now ply to Kerala and Tamil Nadu from October 2009.
The luxury train will go to the neighbouring States for a period of six weeks in a season. “The train will have three weeks of travel in Karnataka. At the end of each month, it will be tour Kerala and Tamil Nadu for a week,” said KSTDC MD, Vinay Luthra.
According to the destination route map prepared by the KSTDC, the tour will begin in Bangalore and move onto locations including Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai, and Kanyakumari (all in TN) before moving onto Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in Kerala. It will touch Coimbatore on its return journey to Bangalore.
The Chariot has been chartered out to The Luxury Trains, a company that charters luxury trains for tourists in India. “We have already got two weeks’ booking on the Chariot in advance, and will be expecting more booking for the other four weeks of tour into Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” said Luthra.
Under the charter system, KSTDC will be earning Rs 25 lakh per week as fee from Luxury Trains. This apart, the entire haulage cost to Railways and the tour visit costs will be borne by the Company. While the first two weeks have been booked by Luxury Trains, the remaining four are yet to be decided for this season.
“We are hoping that Luxury Trains will themselves take up the remaining four weeks too. But in case the Golden Chariot tour into Kerala and Tamil Nadu has to be conducted by us (KSTDC) then the cost per person per night has been placed at $ 400 to $ 450,” said Luthra.
Revamping KSTDC
In September 2009, KSTDC will brand its tourism packages under “KarnatakaHolidays.NET”. The project is aimed at providing better packaging of the tours and travels offered by the KSTDC in the State. “We will have a different look to attract the customers, and brand a new set of hotels and tourism packages,” said the Managing Director.
source
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It wants to improve boarding and lodging facilities for tourists
KSTDC to lease properties across State to boost tourism
S Lalitha,DH News Service,Bangalore:
In a bid to improve boarding and lodging facilities for tourists, the Karnataka State Tourism Department Corporation (KSTDC) has decided to hand over 22 of its properties to private players for a 25-year period.
The properties, spread across the State, are not operational presently.
These vacant buildings, erstwhile hotels and wayside facilities, are scattered across 14 districts. The popular Big Banyan Tree in the outskirts of Bangalore, Hotel Mayura Samudra at Gokarna (Uttara Kannada district), wayside facilities at Lakkundi (Gadag), Gattigodi (Haveri), Kudligi (Bellary), Hungunda (Bagalkot), Lokapur and Thannikola (Belgaum), Yathri Nivas at Sirsi and a tourist complex at Shimoga figure among them.
Managing Director of KSTDC, Vinay Luthra, told Deccan Herald that the properties, which were handed to it by the State tourism department, would be privatised under the Repair, Operate, Manage and Transfer (ROMT) scheme. “Apart from an upfront payment of a licence fee, the parties have to pay an annual concessional fee, which will be renewed every five years. The property must be handed back to KSTDC after 25 years,” he said.
A couple of years ago, the Mangalore Refinery and Petroleum Limited was handed over 12 of the properties for the purpose of developing them but the group encountered other financial problems due to the hike in petroleum prices and returned the properties to KSTDC.
Manpower shortage
“Acute manpower shortage in the Corporation has prevented us from developing the properties. It is also difficult to monitor the properties spread across the State. Hence, the decision to hand them over to professional, private players at the local level, ” informed Luthra.
The move would also be in line with the recent trend of opting for Public Private Partnerships, he added.
The properties range from four to eight rooms, moderately sized. Some are in good shape while a few are in a dilapidated condition.
Tenders in this connection will be called for in a couple of days, the MD said. A few private parties have been evincing keen interest in taking over these spots already, he added.
KSTDC hoped to raise nearly Rs seven crore through this venture. The licence and annual fee charged would be quite nominal. “The properties could emerge as good and affordable lodging and food centres for tourists,” Luthra felt.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/13047/kstdc-lease-properties-across-state.html
KSTDC to lease properties across State to boost tourism
S Lalitha,DH News Service,Bangalore:
In a bid to improve boarding and lodging facilities for tourists, the Karnataka State Tourism Department Corporation (KSTDC) has decided to hand over 22 of its properties to private players for a 25-year period.
The properties, spread across the State, are not operational presently.
These vacant buildings, erstwhile hotels and wayside facilities, are scattered across 14 districts. The popular Big Banyan Tree in the outskirts of Bangalore, Hotel Mayura Samudra at Gokarna (Uttara Kannada district), wayside facilities at Lakkundi (Gadag), Gattigodi (Haveri), Kudligi (Bellary), Hungunda (Bagalkot), Lokapur and Thannikola (Belgaum), Yathri Nivas at Sirsi and a tourist complex at Shimoga figure among them.
Managing Director of KSTDC, Vinay Luthra, told Deccan Herald that the properties, which were handed to it by the State tourism department, would be privatised under the Repair, Operate, Manage and Transfer (ROMT) scheme. “Apart from an upfront payment of a licence fee, the parties have to pay an annual concessional fee, which will be renewed every five years. The property must be handed back to KSTDC after 25 years,” he said.
A couple of years ago, the Mangalore Refinery and Petroleum Limited was handed over 12 of the properties for the purpose of developing them but the group encountered other financial problems due to the hike in petroleum prices and returned the properties to KSTDC.
Manpower shortage
“Acute manpower shortage in the Corporation has prevented us from developing the properties. It is also difficult to monitor the properties spread across the State. Hence, the decision to hand them over to professional, private players at the local level, ” informed Luthra.
The move would also be in line with the recent trend of opting for Public Private Partnerships, he added.
The properties range from four to eight rooms, moderately sized. Some are in good shape while a few are in a dilapidated condition.
Tenders in this connection will be called for in a couple of days, the MD said. A few private parties have been evincing keen interest in taking over these spots already, he added.
KSTDC hoped to raise nearly Rs seven crore through this venture. The licence and annual fee charged would be quite nominal. “The properties could emerge as good and affordable lodging and food centres for tourists,” Luthra felt.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/13047/kstdc-lease-properties-across-state.html
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35,149 Posts
Abbey falls,Madikeri,Karnataka video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8vN.../user/akashbelgaum&feature=player_profilepage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8vN.../user/akashbelgaum&feature=player_profilepage
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35,149 Posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:18:41 PM (IST)
Rs 27 Cr for Infrastructure Facelift of Talakad `Panchalinga Darshan’
Rs 27 cr for infrastructure facelift of Talakad `panchalinga darshan’
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
BANGALORE, JUL 16: Karnataka’s BJP government headed by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is making all out efforts to ensure infrastructure facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims attending the famous `Panchalinga Darshan’ festivities at Talakad in T. Narasipur taluk, about 45 kms from Mysore, during November .
Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is in-charge of Mysore district, held a high-level meeting of officials for review of the infrastructure development activities and also renovation of the temples around Talakad.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, which was attended by Mysore district deputy commissioner P Manivannan and other senior officials, Karandlaje said Rs 27 crore would be released from different departments to the district administration to provide basic facilities to visiting pilgrims, including drinking water and laying roads around the temple.
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The minister directed the officials to execute all road works well before the commencement of festivities in November. Steps would be taken to provide accommodation facilities for pilgrims visiting the temples.
The temple town of Talakad is located on the left bank of the river Cauvery. It has gained prominence as a seat of power of Gangas, Kadambaas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas and Vijayanagar empire.
The glimpse of five Shiva Lingas, believed to be the five faces of Shiva, - Vaidyeshwara, Pataleshwara, Maruleshwara, Mallikarjuneshwara and Arakeshwara - is Panchalinga Darshana.
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The five temples used to be covered by sand dunes and the sites were excavated only during the Panchalinga Darshana festivities, the Department of Archaeology took up excavation work in the early 1970s and the temples and other historic sites have been protected with walls and other barricades that prevent the accumulation of sand that used to submerge the temples.
Though pilgrims visit the temples throughout the year, tradition has it that a glimpse of the Panchalingas is significant when the zodiacal constellation attains a specific combination and special poojas are offered at all the five temples simultaneously as part of the ancient tradition of seeking divine blessings for the rulers and people of the country.
Tradition has it that the solemn `panchalinga darshan’ festivals are held once in 12 years with 1993 and 2006 being the most recent occasions when the festivals were organised in a grand scale. In fact, the previous H D Kumaraswamy-led JD(S)-BJP government had spent Rs 42 crore in connection with the festivities held during November 2006, when H D Revanna was the public works minister.
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=62729
Rs 27 Cr for Infrastructure Facelift of Talakad `Panchalinga Darshan’
Rs 27 cr for infrastructure facelift of Talakad `panchalinga darshan’
From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
BANGALORE, JUL 16: Karnataka’s BJP government headed by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa is making all out efforts to ensure infrastructure facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims attending the famous `Panchalinga Darshan’ festivities at Talakad in T. Narasipur taluk, about 45 kms from Mysore, during November .
Rural Development Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who is in-charge of Mysore district, held a high-level meeting of officials for review of the infrastructure development activities and also renovation of the temples around Talakad.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, which was attended by Mysore district deputy commissioner P Manivannan and other senior officials, Karandlaje said Rs 27 crore would be released from different departments to the district administration to provide basic facilities to visiting pilgrims, including drinking water and laying roads around the temple.
The minister directed the officials to execute all road works well before the commencement of festivities in November. Steps would be taken to provide accommodation facilities for pilgrims visiting the temples.
The temple town of Talakad is located on the left bank of the river Cauvery. It has gained prominence as a seat of power of Gangas, Kadambaas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas and Vijayanagar empire.
The glimpse of five Shiva Lingas, believed to be the five faces of Shiva, - Vaidyeshwara, Pataleshwara, Maruleshwara, Mallikarjuneshwara and Arakeshwara - is Panchalinga Darshana.
The five temples used to be covered by sand dunes and the sites were excavated only during the Panchalinga Darshana festivities, the Department of Archaeology took up excavation work in the early 1970s and the temples and other historic sites have been protected with walls and other barricades that prevent the accumulation of sand that used to submerge the temples.
Though pilgrims visit the temples throughout the year, tradition has it that a glimpse of the Panchalingas is significant when the zodiacal constellation attains a specific combination and special poojas are offered at all the five temples simultaneously as part of the ancient tradition of seeking divine blessings for the rulers and people of the country.
Tradition has it that the solemn `panchalinga darshan’ festivals are held once in 12 years with 1993 and 2006 being the most recent occasions when the festivals were organised in a grand scale. In fact, the previous H D Kumaraswamy-led JD(S)-BJP government had spent Rs 42 crore in connection with the festivities held during November 2006, when H D Revanna was the public works minister.
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=62729
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35,149 Posts
Moodbidri: Kadalakere is enchanting- Gilda Peters nature walk too!
By Team Mangalorean, Moodbidri
MOODBIDRI July 17, 2009: With the monsoon fully in flow the fears of less rains has vanished into thin cold air and it is time to enjoy the bounty of nature, but not for those with running noses and allergic to humus. This town which is now in the midst of heavy monsoon has successfully revived an ancient lake -Kadalakere and the lake turned out to be a beauty spot not just for Moodbidri but for the entire state.
The Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama Society headed by Dr. L.C. Soans has expressed happiness over the developments happening around the Kadalakere. The lake is the central theme and around it there are a large number of activities including boating, Kambla, heritage village, green walks, nature walks, bird watching and leisure tourism. The 37 acres, including the lake, the cultural village and other areas around the lake, is now ready for the use of tourists.
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Thanks to the copious rains the lake has filled to the brim, the surrounding perimeter of the lake has also grown lush green cover which adds a forest look to the Kadalakere. The various types of birds have started nestling in the trees and a few small types of wildlife is also seen around, reports Assistant Conservator of Forest Moodbidri range Manjunath Shetty.
The cynosure of all eyes is the island in the middle of the lake. The island was created from the soil dredged from the lake bed when the lake was subjected to deepening. The island which is now 3.2 acres has fully grown with different types of trees including the ubiquitous bidiru -bamboo.
There was a proposal to introduce motorboats, but it was shelved because it would disturb the birds that had started nesting in the naturally re-generated forest at the centre of the lake. Several types of waterfowls, egrets, cranes and, occasionally, pelicans were sighted. The society had decided to allow only paddle boats and row boats, Mr. Shetty said these boats will be introduced from August 1.
The Gilda Peters nature walk is one of the most picturesque feature of the Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama. The 1.2 kilometers long nature walk is a special feature created out of a fund donated by a German nature lover Gilda Peters and has been named after her.
MLA of Moodbidri Mr.Abhayachandra Jain said there were plans to create tourist facilities such as cottages, a swimming pool, a watchtower, gardens and a musical fountain at a cost of Rs. 125 lakh.
http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=135760
By Team Mangalorean, Moodbidri
MOODBIDRI July 17, 2009: With the monsoon fully in flow the fears of less rains has vanished into thin cold air and it is time to enjoy the bounty of nature, but not for those with running noses and allergic to humus. This town which is now in the midst of heavy monsoon has successfully revived an ancient lake -Kadalakere and the lake turned out to be a beauty spot not just for Moodbidri but for the entire state.
The Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama Society headed by Dr. L.C. Soans has expressed happiness over the developments happening around the Kadalakere. The lake is the central theme and around it there are a large number of activities including boating, Kambla, heritage village, green walks, nature walks, bird watching and leisure tourism. The 37 acres, including the lake, the cultural village and other areas around the lake, is now ready for the use of tourists.
Thanks to the copious rains the lake has filled to the brim, the surrounding perimeter of the lake has also grown lush green cover which adds a forest look to the Kadalakere. The various types of birds have started nestling in the trees and a few small types of wildlife is also seen around, reports Assistant Conservator of Forest Moodbidri range Manjunath Shetty.
The cynosure of all eyes is the island in the middle of the lake. The island was created from the soil dredged from the lake bed when the lake was subjected to deepening. The island which is now 3.2 acres has fully grown with different types of trees including the ubiquitous bidiru -bamboo.
There was a proposal to introduce motorboats, but it was shelved because it would disturb the birds that had started nesting in the naturally re-generated forest at the centre of the lake. Several types of waterfowls, egrets, cranes and, occasionally, pelicans were sighted. The society had decided to allow only paddle boats and row boats, Mr. Shetty said these boats will be introduced from August 1.
The Gilda Peters nature walk is one of the most picturesque feature of the Kadalakere Nisarga Dhama. The 1.2 kilometers long nature walk is a special feature created out of a fund donated by a German nature lover Gilda Peters and has been named after her.
MLA of Moodbidri Mr.Abhayachandra Jain said there were plans to create tourist facilities such as cottages, a swimming pool, a watchtower, gardens and a musical fountain at a cost of Rs. 125 lakh.
http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=135760
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8,523 Posts
^^ Sound of motorized boats drive away birds. Are there any silent boats? Manual peddling is better.
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35,149 Posts
Rs 650-cr allotted for historical sites
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The monuments of Badami
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Jul 2009 08:10:59 AM IST
Last Updated :
NEW DELHI: The government has earmarked a whopping Rs 650 crore for the protection and facelift of historical sites in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday. Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy, who also holds the portfolio of culture, said that the temples of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal in Karnataka will get a new facelift under the 11th five year plan and two new archaeological sites in Kerala will be brought under the protection of the ASI. In reply to a question, the minister said, Rs 650 crore has been set aside under the 11th five year plan for the development of the protected monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
“The department of tourism and the government of Karnataka have proposed light and sound shows at these sights, " he said. The group of monuments at Pattadakal, a centre of Chalukyan art and architecture, is on the UNESCO world heritage list.
“We have received proposals from various agencies and individuals for declaring 31 monuments across the country as monuments of national importance.
Of the 25 found suitable, two are from Kerala, the minister said.
The minister also said, the government has spent Rs 35.39 crore for the preservation of 202 monuments/sites in 2008-2009 (fiscal), which were of national importance.
The government also plans to increase assistance for indigent artists.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/...4A=&SectionName=zkvyRoWGpmWSxZV2TGM5XQ==&SEO=
The monuments of Badami
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Jul 2009 08:10:59 AM IST
Last Updated :
NEW DELHI: The government has earmarked a whopping Rs 650 crore for the protection and facelift of historical sites in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Lok Sabha was informed Wednesday. Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy, who also holds the portfolio of culture, said that the temples of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal in Karnataka will get a new facelift under the 11th five year plan and two new archaeological sites in Kerala will be brought under the protection of the ASI. In reply to a question, the minister said, Rs 650 crore has been set aside under the 11th five year plan for the development of the protected monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.
“The department of tourism and the government of Karnataka have proposed light and sound shows at these sights, " he said. The group of monuments at Pattadakal, a centre of Chalukyan art and architecture, is on the UNESCO world heritage list.
“We have received proposals from various agencies and individuals for declaring 31 monuments across the country as monuments of national importance.
Of the 25 found suitable, two are from Kerala, the minister said.
The minister also said, the government has spent Rs 35.39 crore for the preservation of 202 monuments/sites in 2008-2009 (fiscal), which were of national importance.
The government also plans to increase assistance for indigent artists.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/...4A=&SectionName=zkvyRoWGpmWSxZV2TGM5XQ==&SEO=
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35,149 Posts
They do run motorize boats in ranganthitu bird sanctuary.......i dun think it affects the birds
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35,149 Posts
Here, even the steps have a tale to tell
TNN 26 July 2009, 10:02pm IST
Chamundi Hills was considered a hill shrine as early as the 10th century. But in the heritage city even the steps leading up to the hilltop have
a history of their own.
Some of the Buddhist texts allude to the dispatch of Buddhist missionaries by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to Mahishamandala to propogate Buddhism. Mahishamandala is believed to be Mysore, which is the anglicized name of Mahisuru, its earlier name.
As per the puranic story in Sri Devi Bhagavata, the buffalo-headed Mahishasura, the demon ruler, created havoc in gods' lives. Following many pleas, Goddess Parvati took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed Mahishasura. Later the Goddess blessed Mysore as she resided at the hilltop while the city got its name after Mahishasura. And, it is not just the hill shrine that has a history. As thousands of devotees climb the hills, they reconnect as they touch history at every step. The 1,000 steps wereconstructed during the reign of Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar IX way back in 17th century and are serving devotees through the centuries helping them complete their spiritual journey.
To say that Chamundi Hills is Mysore's signature is an understatement. Located at 1,063 meters above the sea level, it earned the distinction of being a hill shrine in the 10th century. Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple, the oldest temple of the city located at the hill top received donations from Hoysala king Vishunvardhana. What was Mabbalateertha came to be known as Chamundi Hills after the reigning deity Goddess Chamundeshwari at the Sir Chamundeshwari Temple.
Mysore Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar IX, who ruled from 1659 to 1673, constructed the steps. Though the exact period is not known, it is believed to be carved out of the rocks in the later part of 1660s. However, folklore has it that a devotee of the goddess, Mannaji Rao, constructed these steps. The 1,000 steps are a living heritage, though many are oblivious of their importance. Till the advent of modern transportation facilities in the later half of the 20th century, these steps were the medium that served the devotees. They still do.
While its summit has seen changes in recent time, the foot of Chamundi Hills has remained untouched by the growth around it. It presents a slice of Old Mysore and looks more like an agrahara, a small village. Though the steps are fairly in good shape, the surroundings are filthy.
Birth of 'Chamundi' is presented in detail in Markendaya Puran, Sri Devi Bhagavata, Skanda Puran, Varaha Puran and other works. Though there are no definite records about the construction of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, it is clear that it saw a see change during the reign of the Wadiyar dynasty. The striking 'gopura' was constructed by Mysore Maharaja, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in 1825. It is during the construction of the steps that the munificent 'Nandi' was sculpted near the 700th step.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...s-have-a-tale-to-tell/articleshow/4822922.cms
TNN 26 July 2009, 10:02pm IST
Chamundi Hills was considered a hill shrine as early as the 10th century. But in the heritage city even the steps leading up to the hilltop have
a history of their own.
Some of the Buddhist texts allude to the dispatch of Buddhist missionaries by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka to Mahishamandala to propogate Buddhism. Mahishamandala is believed to be Mysore, which is the anglicized name of Mahisuru, its earlier name.
As per the puranic story in Sri Devi Bhagavata, the buffalo-headed Mahishasura, the demon ruler, created havoc in gods' lives. Following many pleas, Goddess Parvati took birth as Chamundeshwari and killed Mahishasura. Later the Goddess blessed Mysore as she resided at the hilltop while the city got its name after Mahishasura. And, it is not just the hill shrine that has a history. As thousands of devotees climb the hills, they reconnect as they touch history at every step. The 1,000 steps wereconstructed during the reign of Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar IX way back in 17th century and are serving devotees through the centuries helping them complete their spiritual journey.
To say that Chamundi Hills is Mysore's signature is an understatement. Located at 1,063 meters above the sea level, it earned the distinction of being a hill shrine in the 10th century. Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple, the oldest temple of the city located at the hill top received donations from Hoysala king Vishunvardhana. What was Mabbalateertha came to be known as Chamundi Hills after the reigning deity Goddess Chamundeshwari at the Sir Chamundeshwari Temple.
Mysore Maharaja Dodda Devaraja Wadiyar IX, who ruled from 1659 to 1673, constructed the steps. Though the exact period is not known, it is believed to be carved out of the rocks in the later part of 1660s. However, folklore has it that a devotee of the goddess, Mannaji Rao, constructed these steps. The 1,000 steps are a living heritage, though many are oblivious of their importance. Till the advent of modern transportation facilities in the later half of the 20th century, these steps were the medium that served the devotees. They still do.
While its summit has seen changes in recent time, the foot of Chamundi Hills has remained untouched by the growth around it. It presents a slice of Old Mysore and looks more like an agrahara, a small village. Though the steps are fairly in good shape, the surroundings are filthy.
Birth of 'Chamundi' is presented in detail in Markendaya Puran, Sri Devi Bhagavata, Skanda Puran, Varaha Puran and other works. Though there are no definite records about the construction of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, it is clear that it saw a see change during the reign of the Wadiyar dynasty. The striking 'gopura' was constructed by Mysore Maharaja, Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in 1825. It is during the construction of the steps that the munificent 'Nandi' was sculpted near the 700th step.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...s-have-a-tale-to-tell/articleshow/4822922.cms
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