Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Sep 30: When one thinks of Udupi, known as the creation of Parashurama, they are reminded of cultural variety, Janapada arts and food diversity. Tourists during weekends or annual holidays wish to spend time in tourist spots. Udupi is the suitable district for it. People in lacs from India and abroad come here every day. When one reaches Udupi city, they think of Sri Krishna temple, Attur church, Kolluru temple, Kundheshwar temple, Kaup, Malpe, Padubidri, Someshwar, Maravanthe beach, historic places such as Barkur, Kattale Basadi, Varanga, Jain Basadi, Sooraru palace, lush green Western Ghats, rivers originating from here including Seetha, Swarna, Kubja and Payaswini which are essential for human lives. One can also see different farm produce here according to geography. The food preparations here have made news in international levels. Coastal ‘Baadoota’ and seafood attracts all. South Indian and rural preparations do not fail to attract tourists. Udupi is perhaps most suitable for tourists.
Udupi is also suitable for growth of tourism such as health tourism, agri tourism, temple tourism, diversified food habits, cultural diversity etc. Association of Coastal Tourism has joined hands with Tourism Department taking up six beaches to further develop tourism under vision 2025 plan. Manohar Shetty, president and Maravanthe Nagaraj Hebbar, vice president of Coastal Tourism Association shared their views with Daijiworld on how tourism can be developed here.
Maravanthe Nagaraj Hebbar (L) and Manohar Shetty
Why was Coastal Tourism Association formed?
Manohar Shetty: Twelve years ago, likeminded people started this organisation. Nobody was working much towards development of tourism here. Artistes, doctors, resort owners and others joined together to start it. The organisation aimed to make Udupi an attractive tourist spot for tourists in the country.
Could you explain the specialties of tourist spots in Udupi?
Nagaraj Hebbar: Tourists visit places of attraction for different reasons. Udupi is an ideal place for it. Sri Krishna math, Asta maths, Pajaka Kshetra, Kolluru Mookambika, Kundapur Shanishwara temple, Shankernarayan and such other temples are here. Historic spots such as Attur are spots for believers. We are waiting for blue flag from the central government to start adventure activities.
There is scuba diving in Kaup. Boating, para cycling in Malpe, surfing in Delta beach of Hoode and boating in Maravanthe. Shipwreck diving will start for the first time in Shiroor while water rafting in Swarna river and trekking in Byndoor are the other facilities available.
There are Manipal hospitals, Ayurveda spa, hospitals and nursing homes.
Coast is an excellent place to try variety of dishes. Udupi has become a brand in the world for it. Veg, non-veg, north and south Indian, Arabian, Mexican and other food is available here. Food is served for tourists and devotees in several temples.
Those who like entertainment can also find variety here. Dakke Bali, Nagamandala, Kola, Yakshagana, Kambala, Janapada and cultural programmes are held in one place or the other.
How is coastal regulating zone (CRZ) an obstacle for tourism?
Manohar Shetty: Hejmady Malpe was under CRZ 3. There was an opportunity for development of a resort at a distance of 500 meters to 600 meters. As per the new act, Malpe and Kaup comes under CRZ 2. Therefore, there is an opportunity for further development. Karnataka government can take up the coast for tourism development.
There are development committees of their own in each beaches. If CRZ is simplified, more people are likely to invest. Besides tourism, jobs can also be created here.
Why should importance of tourism development be stressed?
Nagaraj Hebbar: Udupi has its own value for tourism activities. Those who have studied here migrate abroad for jobs. However if they start self-employment here, it will create jobs for many people. Agri tourism can be given importance in rural areas. If cottage industries are promoted, preparations of pots, basket knitting, hand looms, farming etc should be encouraged. Foreigners get attracted towards this rural culture. The standard of living of local people will improve and purchasing power will increase.
What is a blue flag?
Manohar Shetty: It is a certificate of international recognition. As many as 4,800 blue flag certificates are issued in the world. The government of India has taken up 13 beaches for development. The name of Padubidri beach in Karnataka is included in the list. If it is made use of properly, the shape of coastal tourism will change. It will be identified on international level. Several things will have to be done for the certification. 32 factors including the standard of sand, water, cleanliness, trash disposal etc are required for recognition.
We are working towards the slogan 'tourism and digital transformation' this time. If we receive recognition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to arrive.
Can you comment on the development of home stays?
Nagaraj Hebbar: It is a concept of olden days. The concept has grown in Udupi during the last 10-15 years. There are 16 registered home stays. It is an excellent way to promote cultural exchange in the area.
What is health tourism? What is its significance?
Manohar Shetty: Many people here have the knowledge of Ayurveda. People from abroad come to make use of the expertise in Manipal hospital, Tanmay Goswamy, Pareeka, Muniyal and Dharmastala. Their visits become a source of income for many. Jobs get created. Therefore, health tourism needs to be promoted.
What is the part of boats in attracting tourists?
Nagaraj Hebbar: We had traditional boats, similar to Kerala. Those are converted to house boats now.
Back waters can be seen mostly in Kerala. There are three house boats in Hoode Bengre, Udupi. House boats arrive in between Gangolli-Maravanthe. The boats give good experience to a family. It is an excellent place for relaxation. If cleanliness is given importance, more house boats can be brought to the coast.
Can you give some information about development of beaches in the coast?
Manohar Shetty: In primary stage, Coastal Tourism Association has taken up six beaches for development. We are developing Padubidri, Malpe, Kaup, Trasi, Maravante and Kota. When Dr Vishal was the deputy commissioner, he has approved the first beach cleaning machine. Likewise, facilities are available under different schemes. Few restrictions by the government are good. But implementations and approvals should be quick. It is better to have IAS graded officials in coastal belts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannda and Karwar especially for development of tourism. We have beaches, rivers, back waters, Western Ghats, health tourism, temple tourism and others. The development is possible only if government appointed officials are around. This is one of our main demands.
How far are the opportunities for domestic cruise in the coast?
Nagaraj Hebbar: Crew ships are coming to Mangaluru from abroad. There is a provision for small ships to arrive in Udupi, Hejmady and Gangolli ports. Central government says that domestic cruises are expected. There is transport facility from Goa and Mumbai. It will be better if the facilities extend here also. Tourism grows as much as the publicity increases.
Can you inform us about central government’s coastal circuit and Swadesh Darshan?
Manohar Shetty: Under government’s plan for coastal development Rs 50 crores has been received. But it will take too long for the project to become a reality. Restrictions by the department are not conducive to the present situation. Opinion of local committee members is important when the project is prepared.
Though Rs 100 crores is released under Swadesh Darshan in different parts of the country, the amount is not utilized properly. Therefore, the amount is in the stage of cancellation. We are trying to get that amount again through our organisation.
What is the specialty of Alupa Utsava?
Nagaraj Hebbar: Barkur was the capital in the olden days when Alupas were ruling Udupi. We have plans to hold the celebrations of Alupa Utsava this time. There is ten acres land in Nandaraya’s fort, Barkur.
We have thoughts of inviting outsiders for the celebrations. Barkur is the base of all communities. There are 365 different temples in the district. If those are developed, it will help taxi and connected businesses. The programme of lighting Katthale basadi last time had received wide praises. It has become the inspiration for holding Alupa Utsava this time.
Tell something about Vision 2025?
Manohar Shetty: We have prepared a report on ‘Vision 2025’ regarding development plans to be taken up in future. It includes the spots to be used for special tourism, cycling track, mono rail, development of traffic system etc.
Watch full interview below: