Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 21: Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) plans to introduce city tour on the lines of the ones already in operation at different places in the state, to enable people coming to district to visit tourist and pilgrimage spots without any hassles. This information was given by tourism minister, R V Deshapande, in reply to a question posed by MLC, Ivan D'Souza, during the question hour at the legislative council on Friday November 20.
The minister said that the city tour, which will become a reality soon, will be modelled after the ones already in operation at Bengaluru, Mysuru, Madikeri, and Hospet. The tour proposes to cover Suratkal, Panambur, Ullal, Someshwar, Kateel, Moodbidri, Tannir Bavi, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Dharmasthala, Venoor, Jamalabad fort, Subrahmanya, Bendrteertha, Uppinangady, and Shiradi.
He added that project report for development of old port area in the city and master plan for the coast as per Karnataka Tourism Vision Group's recommendations are under preparation. He said recommendations for simplification of Coastal Regulatory Zone norms have been already sent to the central government.
Rs 50 crore for 23 beaches
A plan to develop 23 beaches in the coast at an estimated expenditure of Rs 50 crore has also been prepared, and a programme to provide tourist guide training to 40 persons through Mangalore University has been planned. To encourage adventure tourism in the coast, surfing is being encouraged in Panambur beach, he added.