Decline in tourism in Hampi as temperatures rise

Hospet, NT Bureau: The renowned Hampi is witnessing a significant decrease in both domestic and foreign tourists, particularly during weekends. This drop has left many who rely on tourism for their livelihood without work.

The rising temperatures have deterred visitors, even as summer vacations have commenced for schools, resulting in fewer families exploring the historic site with their children.

Despite occasional rainfall, tourists are still avoiding Hampi, making life difficult for local tourist guides, auto and taxi drivers, and small shop owners who rely on tourism. The impact of reduced tourism is evident across resorts and hotels, with empty rooms becoming a common sight.

This downturn is affecting the tourism industry both directly and indirectly. Previously bustling with 60,000 to 100,000 visitors during weekends, Hampi now remains relatively deserted due to the scorching heat, causing even its iconic monuments to suffer neglect.

Places like Sri Virupakseshwar Rathabidi, once bustling with tourists, now look deserted. The dwindling number of tourists has not only affected local businesses but also transactions in the Hampi area. With fewer visitors, rooms in lodge hotels around Hosapete, Kamalapur, and Hampi lie vacant, and online room bookings have decreased significantly.

The hopes of tourism professionals now hinge on the arrival of the rainy season to attract tourists back to the region.