CHAPTER IV TOURISM IN KARNATAKA - A PROFILE

Transcription

1 CHAPTER IV TOURISM IN KARNATAKA - A PROFILE CONTENTS Facts File History ofkamataka Geography Language External Links Banking Education Economy Tourist Circuits in Kamataka Beach CircuU Coastal CircuU Hill Circuit North Circuit South Circuit Wildlife CircuU

2 MAP 4.1 TOURIST MAP 97

3 ery^ijb urfs^cf aooabo ud^d^ ad?j^* The land called Kannada is so beautiful that even the most creative man cannot enumerate its beauty in words. Andayya(1225) 4.1: Facts File Karnataka (^eroru^ in Kannada) is one of the four southern states of India. Before 1973, the state was known as Mysore State, as it was formed out of the former Kingdom of Mysore in 1950, and enlarged in 1956 to include the Kannada-speaking regions of neighbouring states. Bangalore is the capital city of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is also known as Garden city because of its many beautiful gardens and parks. Though, the origin of Bangalore is ancient, the present day city was founded in the 16"* century and has since continued to be an important administrative centre. Due to the high concentration of the IT industry, it is also called the Silicon Valley of India. Other major cities include Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Bellary and Belgaum. 98

4 Date of formation State capital Districts Population Total (2001) Male Female Density Area Females per 1000 Males (2001) Literacy Rate (2004) Total Male Female Ratio of urban population Net Domestic Product (Rs. Million at current prices in ) Per Capita income (Rs at current prices in ) Principal language Religions Currency Time Climate Airports TABLE 4.1 FACTS ON KARNATAKA November 1, 1973 Bangalore 27 52,733,958 26,856,343 25,877, /KM^ l,92,000km^ % 66.34% 50% 33.98% 2,91,220 6,313 Kannada Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism Indian Rupee GMT + 5:30 Tropical Bangalore, Mangalore, Belgaum and Hubli Best time to visit Year round International dialing code +91 Source: The week, Dec. 22, 2002, Karnataka Theatre of Inspiration, at State profile of Karnataka at 99

5 4.2: History of Karnataka Karnataka called as Karunadu (elevated land) in ancient times (Department of Tourism Publication: 1973)'. The course of Karnataka's history and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the Stone Age period in India was a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicate the major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya ( BC) the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Shravanabelagola (Diwakar RR, 1968)^. Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The chalukyan's built some of the very early Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects (Diwakar RR, 1968)^. The Hoysala's who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way into the pages of glory by building more than 150 temples, each one a master piece in its own way. The amazing dexterity and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur open themselves to the wide eyed wonder in one's eyes. Vijayanagara, the greatest of all medieval Hindu empires 1. rfetofurf (1973). 333rar 5:^oa?o^ 5rf,sn)??jserf s^a TCjaaJo;^^ arfres^fraoo^o,!^5rart3^ jidtsd, ^d(js^ c^jses*", zsori^^jtdo, pp Diwakar R.R. (1968). Karnataka through the age, Government of Mysore, pp Ibid. 2, pp

6 and one of the greatest the world over, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world'* is what Abdur Razaaq the Persian ambassador had to say about Krishnadevaraya's time (Diwakar RR, 1968/. The Vijayanagara Empire with its capital at Hampi fell a victim to the marauding army of the Deccan Sulthan in 1565 A.D. As a consequence of this, Bijapur became the most important city of the region. This city is a land of monuments and perhaps no other city except Delhi has as many monuments as Bijapur. The Bahmani shahis and the Adilshahis of Bijapur have played a notable part in the history of Karnataka by their contribution to the field of art and architecture and also by their propagation of Islam in the state (Diwkar RR, 1968)^. Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tipu Sultan are notable figures in the history of the land. They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tipu was a great scholar and lover of literature. His artistic pursuits were also many and he made rich gifts to the Hindu temples. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyar's (P.B. Desai, 1970)^. The whole of Karnataka came under the 4. Ibid. 2, pp Ibid P.B.Desai (1970). A History of Karnataka, Kannada Research Institute, Karnataka University, Dharwad, pp

7 control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century. The new state was named as New Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was appointed Governor by Independent India. This unified state was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973 (www. indiatourism. com/karnataka-tourism). 4.3: Geography Karnataka is situated on the western edge of Deccan plateau and has for its neighbours Maharastra and Goa on the north, Andhrapradesh on the east, Tamil Nadu and Kerala on the south, and on the west it opens out to the Arabian Sea. Geographically, the state spreads between 11.5 and 18.5 north Latitude and 74 and 78.5 east longitude. The state has three principal physical zones; The coastal strip, between the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea, which is low land, with moderate to high rainfall levels. The Western Ghats, a mountain range inland from the Arabian sea, rising to about 900m average height, and with moderate to high rainfall levels. The Deccan plateau, comprising the main inland region of the state, which is drier and verging on the semi-arid. There are several suggested etymologies for the name Karnataka. The most reasonable one is that it comes from "Karu" + "Nadu" meaning "elevated land". It is interesting to note that Karnataka has one of the highest average elevations of Indian states at 1500 feet. 102

8 MAP 4.2 ADMINISTRATIVE MAP OF KARNATAKA S 4- J BELLARY UTTARA KANNADA / HAVERI ^ ^ ^ 103

9 TABLE 4.2 DISTRICT WISE AREA AND POPULATION IN KARNATAKA (2001) SI. No District Bangalore-Urban Bangalore-rural Belgaum Bellary Bidar Bijapur Bagalkot Chikmagalur Chitradurga Dakshina Kannada Udupi Davangere Dharwar Gadag Haveri Gulbarga Hassan Kodagu Kolar Mandya Mysore Chamrajnagar Raichur Koppal Shimoga Tumkur Uttara Kannada KARNATAKA Head quarters Bangalore Bangalore Belgaum Bellary Bidar Bijapur Bagalkot Chikmagalur Chitradurga Mangalore Udupi Davangere Dharwar Gadag Haveri Gulbarga Hassan Madikeri Kolar Mandya Mysore Chamrajnagar Raichur Koppal Shimoga Tumkur Karwar BANGALORE Area in sq. kms 2,190 5,815 13,415 8,419 5,488 10,475 6,594 7,201 8,388 4,843 3,598 6,018 4,230 4,657 4,851 16,224 6,814 4,102 8,223 4,961 6,269 5,685 5,559 8,458 8,465 10,598 10,291 1,91,791 Population (2001) 65,23,110 18,77,416 42,17,264 20,25,242 15,01,374 18,08,863 16,52,232 11,39,104 15,10,227 18,96,403 11,09,494 17,89,693 16,03,794 9,71,955 14,37,860 31,24,858 17,21,319 5,45,322 25,23,406 17,61,718 26,24,911 9,64,275 16,48,212 11,93,496 16,39,595 25,79,516 13,53,299 52,733,958 No of Taluks Source: S.C. Bhatt and Gopal K.Bhargava (2005). Land and People of Indian States and Union Territories, Kalpaz Pablications, New Delhi-52, pp : Language Due to the linguistic basis for the formation of the Indian states, language is a very important part of a state's identity. The predominant language of this area is Kannada, which is its official language. Other languages include Kodava, Tulu and Konkani, as well as the languages of 104

10 the surrounding states, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. English is widely spoken. 4.5: External Links The state is well connected by roads, railways, air and water ways. Motorable roads are 1, 17,972 lakh km in length while rail network is 3,192km which includes broad gauge, meter gauge and narrow gauge. Bangalore, Belgaum, Mangalore and Hubli are the main airports. New Mangalore port is the main all-weather seaport in Kamataka that mainly handles cargo vessels. It has a sea coast of nearly 400 km (300 with inundations). 4.6: Banking A banking heritage was rooted from Karnataka. Many major nationalized and non-nationalized public sector banks have originated from Kamataka. State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Corporation Bank, Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank and Vysya bank are some of the leading banks in India headquartered in Kamataka. All India financial institutions like IDBI, ICICI, IFCI, SIDBI etc. have their branches here as also state institutions like KSIIDC and KSFC. A large network of banks with 4812 branches have deposits amounting to Rs. 156,81,96,000 and advances of Rs. 119,07,39,000. Many MNC's in Banking are doing good business in Karnataka. Many more are lined up. 4.7: Education Karnataka is responsible for producing some of the country's foremost statesmen, scholars, and sportspersons. Karnataka has a unique educational environment in the whole of South Asia with largest number of professional colleges in the country. There are fourteen state Universities and six deemed Universities in Karnataka apart from the 105

11 reputed outstanding Institutions like Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute, National Institute of Mental health and Neuro-Science, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Indian Space Research Organization, National Aeronautical Laboratory, National Institute of Sports, Indian Institute of Management, the National Law School of India University, and Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore. There are a large number of outside students who are also studying in these institutions. The south western region for the All India Council for Technical Education for the states of Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa is also located in the capital city Bangalore. 4.8: Economy Karnataka is predominantly rural and agrarian and has a population of 52,733,958 (2001). About 76% of its population lives in rural areas, while about 71 % of its working force is engaged in agricultural and allied activities which generate 49% of the state's income^. Among the agricultural crops, Karnataka accounts for 59% of the country's coffee production and 47% of the country's ragi production. The state is fifth in oilseed production. On the industrial front, Karnataka contributes 4% of the national production in the industrial sector, and 20% of the state income. Machine tools, aircrafts, electronic products, IT, watches and telecommunication equipment are some of the items produced. Important public sector units are Hindustan Aeronautics, Hindustan Machine Tools, Bharat Earth Movers, Bharat Electronics, Bharat Heavy Electicals, Indian Telephone Industries, Infosys, WIPRO and National Aeronautical Laboratory. 7. State profile of Karnataka at 106

12 The state is rich in mineral resources. Important minerals are high-grade iron ore, copper, manganese, chromite, china clay, limestone and magnesite. Kamataka has the destination of being the main gold producing state in the country. It is the sole producer of felsite and leading producer of molding sand and fuchsite quartizite. The state has rich deposits of granite. 4.9: Tourist Circuits in Karnataka Situated on the western coast of south India, Kamataka offers a rich and varied fare to the tourist. Karnataka has everything that a tourist loves. The state has historical treasures, ancient sculpture, unspoilt beaches, hill stations, wildlife, pilgrim centres, adventure sports, silks, antiques, handicrafts, and pubs. Age-old monuments lie which scattered throughout the state make it a paradise for the cultural tourist, while the garden city of Bangalore, and Mysore (capital of the erstwhile Maharajas), wildlife sanctuaries, and the magnificent scenic beauty of Sivasamudram, Kemmanna gundi and Mercara provide enough variety to make the state a truly fascinating and rewarding destination. Karnataka tourism has been divided into six tourist circuits based on the nature of tourism attraction of the area. They are: 1. Beach Circuit, 2. Coastal Circuit, 3. Hill Circuit, 4. North Circuit, 5. South Circuit, and 6.Wildlife Circuit. 107

13 FIGURE 4.1 TOURIST CIRCUITS IN KARNATAKA BEACH CIRCUIT Mangalore, Maravanthe, Karwar, Murudeshwar, Gokama. HILL CIRCUIT Biligiri Hills, Kemmannugundi, Kudremukh, Madikeri, Nandi Hills. COASTAL CIRCUIT Agumbe, Dharmastala, Horanadu, Kateel, Karkala, Mangalore, Kukke Subramanya, Maipe, Maravanthe, Moodabidri, Gokama, Murudeshwar, Sringeri, Udupi, Kollur, Jog Falls, Karwar, Dandeli. NORTH CIRCUIT Aihole, Badami, Bidar, Belgaum, Bijapur, Basavakalyana, Lakkundi, Gulbarga, Hampi, Pattadakal, Hungund. SOUTH CIRCUIT Bangalore, Belur, Halebid, Hassan, Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Srirangapatna, Maddur, Ranganthittu, Somnathpur. WILDLIFE CIRCUIT Bandipur, Bheemeshwari, Bhadra, Biligiri, Kabini, Nagarahole, Ranganathittu, Bison, River Resort, Bangalore. Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka. 108

14 MAP 4.3 BEACH AND COASTAL CIRCUITS KARVWR X>G FALLS MURUOESHMMR MAAAVyMNTHE AGUMBE MALPE, ^..p SRINGERI SURATKAL MAMGALORE * ^^^ OHARMASTHALA 109

15 4.9.1: Beach Circuit Karnataka's 320 kms coastline dotted with prestine beaches are popular haunts for locals and tourists alike. This circuit covers Mangalore, Maravanthe, Karwar, Murudeshwar, and Gokarna. Around Mangalore, tourists will find Ullal beach, Surathkal beach and Panambur beach. Malpe beach and Maravanthe beach in Udupi. The Devbagh beach, Om beach and Kutle beach are attractive beaches in Karwar. The beaches at Gokarna, Bhatkal and Murudeshwar are undiscovered and thankfully unspoilt : Coastal Circuit This circuit covers the coastal areas of Karnataka. Yakshagana, Bhootha Aradhane, Naga Mandala and Kambala (buffalo race) are unique events in the coastal Karnataka. Beaches, temples and churches are the biggest attraction in this circuit. Mangalore, a coastal town, the district head quarters, is a major commercial centre. Tenth Century Manjunath Temple, Kadri, St Aloysius chapel, Mangala Devi Temple, Tippu's Battery, the Jumma Masjid, Ullal Beach, Panambur Beach and the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama are the major attractions around Mangalore. The one thousand pillared Jain shrine in Moodabidri, the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, the Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple, the Bahubali Statue of Venur, Jamalabad Fort etc are the important tourist spots in Dakshina Kannada District. Udupi, located 60kms from Mangalore, is one of the most sacred spots in India. The Krishna Temple with the Golden Chariot where the Saint Madhwacharya lived and preached seven hundred years ago is a famous temple attracts pilgrims from all over the Country. Kanakana Kindi is a legendary mark in the Krishna Temple. Malpe, St Mary's Island, Barkur, Kollur, Kodachadri Hills, Jain Pilgrim centre varanga in Karkala Taluk, Maravanthe and other places are the tourist spots in Udupi district. The famous masala dosa has its origin here. Karwar has all the makings of the perfect seaside holiday 110

16 destination. The areas of historical attraction are the Sadashivagad Hill Fort with a Durga temple, the unique octagonal church, the 300 year old Venkatrama Temple, the Naganatha Temple, Gokarna, Banavasi, the ancient port town Bhatkal, Kurumgad, Murudeshwar, Marawanthe and Dandeli are other attractions in and around Karwar : Hill Circuit With its lush tropical forests, hills and dales, caves and cascades, roaring rivers and gurgling streams, and flora and fauna, Kamataka is a trekker's paradise. The Hill Circuit covers the Ghat districts of Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga, Chickmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu and some hills in Mysore. Uttara Kannada is a District of immense natural beauty - an eco-tourist's paradise. Kumara hills and Jamalabad in Dakshina Kannada District are the places attracting a large number of adventure lovers in summer. Shimoga, the rice bowl of the state, is a beautiful tourist destination for nature lovers. Jog falls, Tavarekoppa, Sakrebylu, Mandagadde, Agumbe, Sringeri, Horanadu, Kundadri, Kodachadri, Humcha, Heggodu and other places are famous in Shimoga District. In Chickmagalur, the Baba Budan Range or Chandra Drona Parvatha, Kemmannugundi, Kudremukh, Ganga moola, Kalasa, Hanuman Gundi, Devirammana Betta, Bhagavathi forest and Hebbe falls are the perfect trekking trails in Chickmagalur District. Kodagu is an enchanting expanse of natural tourist spots. With its mountains, hill slopes; and picture-post card scenery, Kodagu seems like a little corner of England. Madikeri fort, Huthri Festival, Raja's seat, coffee plantations. Abbey falls, Iruppu falls, Cauvery Nisarga dhama, Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) and other places attract trekkers and tourists to Kodagu. BR hills (120 kms from Mysore) and Nandi hills (60 kms from Bangalore) are unique a blend of hill resorts and wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. Ill

17 MAP 4.4 HILL CIRCUIT m Salhodi ^ Magod, KalKatU Kudrvmukh «NMidiH«ll» Abb^Faits. truppg Fallf B R HilK 112

18 MAP 4.5 NORTH CIRCUIT Bid*' Gutbarga Bijapur Pattadakal * Alhot* B«lgaum * Badami ^'""' Lakkund..^p, Chitradurga 113

19 4.9.4: North Circuit This tourist circuit covers the northern part of Karnataka. North circuit is home to two World Heritage Sites - Hampi and Pattadakal. Tourists will find Karnataka's Heritage destinations along side numerous monuments belonging to diverse architectural styles in this area. Hampi- a World Heritage Centre, is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins in Karnataka. Hampi was the capital city of the powerful South India Vijayanagar Empire, founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336*, is full of delightful surprises. Hampi, situated on the banks of the river Thungabhadra in the Bellary region, is a vast site of monuments and ruins, a mute witness to an era of glories, triumphs and tragedies. The Royal centre contains King's palace, Mahanavami Dibba, Queen's Bath, Lotus Mahal, Elephant stables, Pushkarni, Hazara Rama Tample, Vithala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Ugra Narasimha statue and other sites are the important places of interest in Hampi. Bijapur- the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest. Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah boasts of the second largest tomb in the world, Jumma Masjid has been called one of the first mosques in India, Ibrahim Roza (the mausoleum of Ibrahim Adil Shah II), the Malik-e-Maidan (the largest medieval cannon in the world); and other places are worth visiting in Bijapur. Bijapur is famous for its hand woven Ilkal sarees. Around Bijapur, temples of Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami representing Chalukyan architecture are the best places to visit. Aihole- famous as the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture' has over 125 temples all intricately carved and rich in detail. Pattadakal, a World Heritage Centre, has ten major temples representing early Chalukyan architecture. The capital of the early chalukyas, Badami (also known as Vatapi), is picturesquely situated at 8. Splendours of Vijayanagara Empire, Karnataka tourism at 114

20 the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. Rock-cut cave temples, gateways, forts, inscriptions, sculptures and the museum set up by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) are the attractions in Badami. Belgaum- the District Headquarters, is a picture of contrasts. The old town area with cotton and silk weavers stands gloriously besides the modern, bustling, tree-lined British cantonment. The Fort, Kamala Basti, statue of Kittur Rani Chennamma, Masjids and Churches are the attractions to visit in Belgaum. Belgaum is famous for its toys. Gulbarga is a unique synthesis of two rich cultures. The Fort built by Raja Gulchand and later strengthened by Ala-ud-din Bahmani, the royal tombs, Jumma Masjid, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah, the Durgah Library, Sharana Basaveshwara Temple and other places are the tourist centres around Gulbarga. Bidar, in the northern-most part of Karnataka, a tiny district steeped in history. The Fort, the Cannons, the Palaces in ruins, the magnificent tombs and the massive monuments, all combine to make a visit to the one-time capital of the Bahamani and Barid Shahi dynasties, truly memorable. Rangeen Mahal, Madarasa of Muhammad Gawan and Basavakalyan are the famous tourist places in Bidar. Bidar is famous for Bidriware, a distinct and exquisite craft of this district. Chitradurga is recognized as the land of valour and chivalry. The Chitradurga Fort, Hidimbeshwara Temple, Ekanath Temple, Chandravalli caves and other places are worth visiting in chitradurga. Historical town Raichur and natural scene and pleasant weather centre Dharwar are also important tourist places in the North Circuit. 115

21 MAP 4.6 SOUTH CIRCUIT H»l«btd shrbv«n8b«uigota * Belur Bangalor* Srir8r»g*p«ln«116

22 4.9.5: South Circuit This circuit covers the southern part of Karnataka embraces many attractions which include exquisite temples, palaces, monuments, parks and gardens, wildlife centres, museums and art galleries, information technology park, world conventions, exhibitions and modem life. South Circuit covers Bangalore - Capital City of Karnataka, Garden City and Silicon Valley of India. Vidhana Soudha, a magnificent building depicting Neo-Dravidian style, beautiful cubbon park; the glass house in Lalbagh; Bangalore Palace; Tippu's palace; ISKCON Temple; Bannerghatta National park; Nandi hills; IT park; Government Museum; HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum etc are the major attractions in and around Bangalore. Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. Hassan- the gateway to the historic and awe inspiring 11'*" and 12'** century temples of Hoysala architecture. Major tourist spots in Hassan are Belur, Halebid^ and Shravanabelagola. Mysore- the imperial city, which was the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty, feudatories of the Vijayanagar empire. Mysore district is a popular tourist destination offering several attractions ranging from the royal splendour of Mysore city and its fabulous Dasara Festival to exquisite temples, pilgrimage centres and scenic spots. Mysore palace (a three storied structure in the Indo-Saracenic style), world famous Dasara Festival; Sri Jayachamarajendra Zoological Gardens popularly known as the Mysore Zoo, Mysore's beautiful buildings like Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Jagamohan palace and Lalitha mahal palace; and St Philomena's Cathedral, Chammundi hills, Srirangapatna (the capital of the warrior kings Haider Ali and Tipu sultan), Raganathittu Bird sanctuary, BR hills wildlife sanctuary, Brindavan gardens, etc are the attractive places to visit in Mysore. Mysore is well known for sandalwood, its products and silk. 117

23 MAP 4.7 WILDLIFE CIRCUIT DarMlwIi Wildlif«Sanctuary * Gudavi B4rd Sanctuary ShadraVWdM* Sanctuary Kudwmukh Kawaladu Mefoory RangafWilhittu, Btrd Sanctuary Kokkral>«>h>r Micanry Battnafghatt* NulKjnal Park Wajiv GnndKi * NaiHwmi P.irl. 0 rn,»g.i.k>l*. Bandlpt-r WlMli(<«Sani t<i>4>tv

24 4.9.6: Wildlife Circuit Lush forests cover 22 percent of Karnataka's land area. Kamataka is home to over 14 wildlife and bird sanctuaries, making it every naturalists delight. Bandipur National Park, about 80 kms south of Mysore, is a play ground for wildlife with elephants taking the lead role. Tourists might see a tiger prowling amidst the mix of decidous forest and scrubland vegetation. Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole-Snake River) located in Kodagu and Mysore Districts, has an astonishing abundance of wildlife especially the Asiatic elephants. BR Hills Wild Life Sanctuary (120 kms from Mysore) is a unique blend of hill resort and wildlife sanctuary for wildlife lovers. Ranganathittu, 18 kms from Mysore, is a bird sanctuary that houses exotic birds, birds that come all the way from Siberia, Australia and even North-America. Bannerghatta National Park on the outskirts of Bangalore is home to panthers, lions, tigers and a large variety of birds. Bheemeshwari in Mandya District is an ideal place not only for the wildlife but also for people on a holiday spree. The Bhadra Wildlife Santuary in Chickmagalur and Shimoga Districts is one of the most fascinating sanctuaries. Kokkrebellur pelicanry in Mandya District, Anshi National Park in Uttara Kannada, Dandeli wildlife sanctuary in Karwar, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary in Shimoga, and Kudremukh National park on the southwest of Chickmagalur town are the important wildlife sanctuaries in Kamataka. Kamataka State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (KSTDC) is Kamataka's largest tour operator that offers efficient and affordable tour options in Kamataka through its two divisions- Transport and Hotels. The KSTDC offers conducted tours to various destinations in Kamataka. Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited (JLR) is a government enterprise promoting eco-tourism through its six world class resorts located amidst Karnataka's natural bounty. Among others, JLR operates 119

25 Kabini River Lodge, ranked among the top five wildlife resorts in the world. In addition, JLR also organises adventure activities such as forest safaris, angling, river rafting and mountain biking. Travel agents and tour operators in the private sector conduct package tours throughout the state. Department of tourism of the Government of Karnataka opened Regional Tourist Offices to promote and administer state's tourism in most of the district head quarters. Karnataka Tourism Information Centres are opened in outside Karnataka in Mumbai and Panaji (Goa). Karnataka tourism has appointed licensed and trained guides to welcome and facilitate tourists in World Heritage Sites and major tourism centres of the state. The above profile of the state tourism reveals that Karnataka enjoys tremendous advantages over many other states for the following reasons: Karnataka has strong cultural values and heritage. Bangalore is already known as the Information Technology (IT) hub. The cosmopolitan and literate population of Bangalore and other major cities in Karnataka is especially conducive for promoting tourism. Excellent infrastructure exists for leisure activities, golf courses, pubs, and hotels. Salubrious climate conducive to round-the-year tourism. Good law and order situation and security to tourists. The state was the first state in the country to come out with a Tourism Policy. The policy aims at giving proper direction and 120

26 encouragement, for the development of tourism related projects in the state, especially by the private sector. Launched website on Kamataka tourism Tourism occupies the status of industry in the state and thus the various incentives applicable to other industries are now available to tourism also. Therefore, Government of Karnataka and the policy makers of Kamataka tourism must give priority for two main factors i.e. creating proper tourism infrastructure (roads, communication, transport, health, and hygiene), and development of human resources for tourism in Karnataka. Sometime in 1525 AD, the famous poet Nanjunda saw Kamataka through the eyes of a tourist, saying J n (The land of Karnataka gives immense joy and looks like the garden of paradise to any keen viewer. The abundance and never ending prosperity of the green vegetation of this land lends a special glow to this great state called Karnataka) 121

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