Chikkamagaluru tourism surges post Shakti scheme

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Chikkamagaluru, a popular tourist destination in Karnataka, has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals following the implementation of the state government's Shakti Yojana.

The scheme, which provides free bus travel to women, has made it more affordable and convenient for women to travel to Chikkamagaluru and has also helped to promote the district's tourism potential among women.

As of June 2023, Chikkamagaluru has already welcomed 29.24 lakh visitors, more than double the number of tourists who visited the district in 2022.

The most popular tourist destinations in Chikkamagaluru include Mullayyanagiri, Seethalayyanagiri, Bababudangiri, Kemmannugundi, and the waterfalls in the Chandra Drona Hill area.

Religious centres such as the Sharadamba Temple in Sringeri, the Annapoorneshwari Temple in Horanadu, and the Kalaseshwara Temple in Kalasa have also attracted a significant number of visitors.

The Shakti Yojana has been credited with playing a major role in driving tourist numbers to Chikkamagaluru.

The free bus travel facility has made it more affordable for women to travel to the district and has also helped to promote the district's tourism potential among women.

In addition to the Shakti Yojana, the recent subsiding of the monsoon season has also contrib - uted to the increase in tourist arrivals in Chikkamagaluru. The district is now in the midst of its offseason, which is a popular time for tourists to visit.

The assistant director of the tourism department, Lohith, expressed his satisfaction with the significant increase in tourist footfall over the past six months. He said that the district is expecting to welcome even more tourists in the coming months.

The Shakti yojana has been a major success in Chikkamagaluru and has helped to boost tourism in the district. The scheme has made it more affordable and convenient for women to travel to Chikkamagaluru and has also helped to promote the district's tourism potential among women.

The recent subsiding of the monsoon season has also contributed to the increase in tourist arrivals in the district.

The tourism industry in Chikkamagaluru is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. With its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Chikkamagaluru is a destination that is sure to attract more and more tourists in the years to come.