Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Udupi, Sep 28: The district administration, on Wednesday, September 27, adopted 'Coconut Island' in Mudukudru, Kallianpur to develop it as a tourist spot.

Deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.

DC Priyanka said, "Udupi is a city of temples and beaches. Coconut Island is a wonderful tourist place. We want to open this place for the people of the district first and then for tourists. Coconut Island must be developed as an economic resource,"

"The initiative was undertaken on the basis of community tourism. Most do not know the local culture, food habits. The island serves as an excellent opportunity for the exchange of local culture and language with tourists. It is a starting point. The district administration will install facilities and amenities with the support of self-help groups and voluntary organisations," she added.

The programme was organised keeping the concept 'village life experience' and was held as part of World Tourism Day with the theme 'Sustainable Tourism - a tool of development',

The attempt was to implement community-based tourism and showcase village life in all its simple glory.

A cultural programme followed.

Assistant commissioner Shilpa Nag, zilla panchayat member Janardhan Thonse, architect Archana, CEO of zilla panchayat Shivanand Pavasi, PDO of Kallianpur panchayat Suresh, and others, were present.

A tourism website was launched on the occasion of World Tourism Day at DC's office.

Mudukudru – The hidden coconut island

Udupi is abound in natural beauty. The backwaters and rivers are not just picturesque, but also soul stirring. One such island situated on river Seetha near Kallianpur is Mudukudru, a coconut island with beautiful walkways, channels and quaint traditional houses. One can almost miss it on the way to the hanging bridge a few kilometres away.