Karnataka uncovers new tourism policy

Karnataka Government on Wednesday unveiled a new Tourism Policy to bring an investment of Rs 25,000 crore in the next four years to make Karnataka one of India’s leading tourism destinations.

For development purposes, the policy divides Karnataka into four tourism zones. Zone 1 would be within local planning area limits (Bangalore Development Authority) and this zone would be a low priority with few tax benefits. Zone 2 refers to Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) limits and this zone would be a priority zone for attracting destination projects and act as a nodal hub for global events and activities. Extensive government support, including large project specific clearances and tax exemption would be available. Zone 3 comprises Mysore, Hampi, Kodagu, Pattadakal-Badami-Aihole, Bijapur, Bidar, other heritage centres and the coast of Ullal to Karwar. The zone will be notified in an integrated manner for priority development with integrated tourism development master plans. Zone 4 includes all other tourist destinations in Karnataka and wayside facilities in approved locations on state and national highways. The zone will enjoy benefits and tax incentives.

The Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Mr G. Janardhan Reddy said that Institute of Hotel Management would set up set up its institutes in Bellary and Mangalore with an investment of Rs 20 crore each. It also provided 100 percent entertainment tax exemption for all newly constructed theatres including new I-Max or Multiplex theatres situated within the local authority limits of other than the Bangalore City Corporation.

The policy has also provided 50 percent stamp duty exemption for investment below Rs 50 crore, 75 percent exemption for investment of Rs 50 crore and above, and 75 percent exemption for investment over Rs 100 crore in Zone 3 and Zone 4.

The Department has submitted proposals to IHM requesting to set up institutes in Bangalore, Gulbarga and Belgaum. IHM would set up a Food Craft institute at Gadag. Sound and music projects would be implemented at nine tourist places in Bidar, Bijapur, Kittur, Chitradurga, Hampi, Bellary, Pattadakal, Halebedu, and Srirangapatna with an investment of Rs 18 crore.

The Tourism Ministry has approved setting up of a Food Craft Centre at Hassan and the Centre. A tourism training centre would be set up at Belur in Hassan.

eco-hotel - Hotels are becoming eco-friendly

What is an eco-hotel or eco-resort?

Every eco-hotel has its own set of facilities and features that give it the ‘eco’ status. There are three types of eco-hotels and resorts. That are one with nature in their location and promote nature related activities. Others that ensure their property leaves as few footprints on the environment as possible by having water recycling plants, undertaking rainwater harvesting measures and other methods of conserving electricity and water. A few others that go the extra distance by sustaining the environment, people and the ethos of the city they are in.

The Orchid - Mumbai, a five-star hotel started 12 years ago as an ecotel, it was constructed as an ‘economy hotel’. The concept of an environment-friendly hotel was absolutely alien to Indian travellers then. Today, it is the first hotel in Asia to be certified as an eco-friendly five-star hotel. After campaigning for advance locality management, saying no to cut flowers, beach clean-ups and its anti plastic stance and incorporating an architectural design that promotes a green revolution right from its eco-friendly foundation stone, it takes pride in being the world’s only ‘ecotel’ to be certified with the ISO 14001.

Most eco-hotels and resorts fall in the four to five star category. Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rated by The Guardian - UK as one of the 30 best green places to stay in the world and The Dune EcoVillage & Spa - Pondicherry is an internationally known eco-destination.

The very fact that there are eco Web sites for travellers to India with plenty of options for eco-tours, eco-activities, eco-packages and eco-resorts is proof of the growing curiosity among travellers for eco-friendly tours. There are many hotels that fall in category that focus on promoting nature and its pleasures by setting up recycled wooden cottages amidst the greens, organising nature trails or forest camps, encouraging bird watching and eco-adventure activities such as trekking and white water rafting.

National Parks and sanctuaries that house resorts are popular options. Camel safaris in Rajasthan and houseboat cruises in backwaters of Kerala are a few.

The marketing strategy of these properties is simple as Once the eco tag is included, it attracts those who believe in the concept of responsible tourism.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is located along the south eastern coast of India. Tamil Nadu extends from the Coromandel Coast(coastal region along the Bay of Bengal) in the east to the forested Western Ghats in the west. Tamil Nadu shares borders with Kerala in the west, Andhra Pradesh in the north and Karnataka in the northwest. Indian peninsula's southernmost point Kanyakumari, where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean meet is in Tamilnadu. Kanyakumari is one of the famous tourist destinations in India.

Tamil Nadu is a land of Enduring Heritage. It is mostly famous for its numerous Temples based on Dravidian architecture. The temples are of a distinct style which is famous for its towering — gopurams. Famous temple towns include Madurai, Trichy, Tanjore, Palani, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur and Mahabalipuram. The 7th century port city of Mamallpuram is known for its spectacular rock-cut temples and sculptures.

Chennai (known as Madras before) is the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is one of India's four metropolitan cities, and one of the biggest, with a population of over four million, founded in 1640 by the British. Important tourist attractions include historic examples of colonial architecture. It is one of the main harbours in India and has a few popular beaches like the Marina Beach. Big cities like Chennai and Coimbatore are centres of manufacturing industries and service sector.

The Nilgiri hills are a trekker's paradise. Udhagamandalam (Ooty) offers several trek routes, which vary in altitudes, distance and terrain. Ooty and Kodaikanal are the most famous Hill stations in south india. Other famous hillstations of Tamilnadu include Yelagiri, Yercaud, Anamalai and Kolli hills.

Pongal - a celebration of harvest season is Tamil Nadu's most important festival celebrated in January. The Tamil New Year - Chitirai, is celebrated in mid April.

For more info:

• Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu
• Official website of Government of Tamilnadu

Karnataka

Karnataka is one of the four states in South India, bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west. It is surrounded by Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh,Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The state comprises three regions - the coastal plains edging the sea; the Western Ghats running parallel to the coastline and the inland plains of the Deccan Plateau. One of the most industrialised states in India, Karnataka produces almost 60% of its coffee, almost 90% of India's gold and a significant amount of raw silk and sandalwood products. Bangalore (now Bengaluru) in south east Karnataka is the capital as well as the biggest city in Karnataka. More than 50% of software companies in India are Bangalore based and is called the Silicon Valley of India. It is also famous for its Pubs and Gardens and has a good climate throughout the year.

Mysore Known for its magnificent palaces, majestic buildings, shimmering silks , sprawling gardens and sandalwood. It conjures up memories of the resplendent glory of the Wodeyar Kings and this former state capital is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modernity. Mysore is a pleasant and growing city in Karnataka with an old world charm owing to its broad avenues, picturesque gardens, exceptional architecture and a pleasant climate. The mysore zoo has an excellent collection of animals.

Brindavan garden one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, situated in Karnataka. This garden enriched with many type of flowers, shrubs, trees and fountains. The main attraction of this garden is the musical fountain.

At Hampi there are ruins of the capital of one of South India's biggest historical empires the Vijaynagar Empire(14th-16th century). The Vittala Temple built in 16th-cenury is a World Heritage site. The towns of Halebid and Belur in the south are famous for their Temples built by the Hoysala dynasty(12th century). Sravanbelgola in south Karnataka is host to the world's tallest monolithic statue of lord Bahubali, the Jain saint, built in the 10th century. It is 17 m(55 ft) high and is visible from a distance of 30 km. The village of Badami is famous for the ancient cave temples.

Madikeri, a main town of the hilly tracts of southwestern Karnataka called Kodagu (Coorg) region. The area has a lot of spice and coffee plantations and is good for trekking. Popular tourist spots here are the Jog Falls and Kudremukh. Further south are the Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks.

The western coastline of the karnataka state along the Arabian Sea has a number of beach towns including Mangalore, Gokarna, Karwar, Malpe and Marwanthe.

For more info:

• Department of Tourism
• Official website of Karnataka State Government
• NIC, Karnataka