Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 28: People visiting the town will get yet another alluring destination for spending their vacation in the form of 'Canara Beach Restaurant' owned by Leo D’Souza, which was inaugurated on Sunday January 27.
Leo D’Souza, whose Canara Restaurant at Karama in Dubai is extremely popular among Mangalureans now comes to Delta beach, Paduthonse, Hoode here.
Former district in-charge minister, Pramod Madhwaraj, inaugurated the restaurant, while Fr Alban D’Souza, parish priest of Stella Maris Church Kalmadi blessed the new venture.
In his inaugural address, Pramod Madhwaraj said, “Karnataka has a coastline of 300 kilometers. Kerala and Goa have achieved advances in tourism whereas Karnataka is lagging behind. There is ample scope for tourism development in Udupi. Today, tourists look for the best destinations to spend money and get entertained. Leo D’Souza has chosen one of the best locations for his restaurant. There are lots of opportunities for the development of tourism here in future. People of Bengre had a long-pending demand to construct protective wall at Bengre for ensuring safety of their lives. During my tenure, it was approved and it is being constructed at a cost of Rs 60 core," he stated.
Further he noted that taking into account the scope for tourism in the area, Leo D’Souza has come forward to set up the first restaurant for tourists in this area. “Malpe is already overcrowded, and developing another, alternative destination, is also very important. This place will be liked by many as it is now less crowded," he observed.
Jerry Vincent Dias, proprietor of Mandavi Builders and Developers, said, “I would like to appreciate the courage of Leo in undertaking this initiative. Price of land near the seashore has steeply gone up. Most of the people who love to travel like to move out for the relaxation during the vacation season. Even then, many opt destinations located abroad, because of relaxed restrictions. There are some places which the people visit frequently like Goa. If the same service and quality with the support of favourable government rules are provided, it will help to develop the places here as well. If this happens, this place has the potential of being developed like the rest of the world," he remarked.
"The government is not very much bothered about development of tourism. Their promises have just remained on paper. Now the rules and regulations have been a little simplified. There is lack of information about laws. Today there is no proper understanding between the central and state governments, as two different parties are in power," he added.
If the government extends concession in Coastal Regulatory Zone rules, builders of Udupi can think of developing tourism near the beach. This place can be developed into a tourism hub. Let the government encourage development of tourism here. If the government shows the will power to do it, people and tourists will not feel the need to go anywhere, he felt.
Ustad Zafrulla, who took care of the land for the last 12 years, was honoured on the occasion.
Jacintha D’Souza, wife of Leo D’Souza, Jeson D'Souza, son, Lisa D’Souza, daughter, Janardhan Thonse, local zilla panchayat member, guests of the honour, Fauziya Sadik, president of Thonse gram panchayat, Veronica Cornelio, former taluk panchayat member, and Sulochana Satish, taluk panchayat member, were present.
Stevan Colaco compered the programme.
Delta or Kodi Bengre beach is the meeting point of the river Suvarna and the Arabian Sea and it is one of the fast developing tourist spots, where the crowd is limited. It located just about 15 kilometers away from Udupi city. This hidden beach in Udupi is perfect for a day trip with fresh seafood and beach bumming.
It provides the visitors with a peaceful, serene and quiet spot to spend the weekend. Perfect place to walk along the sand, you will enjoy the silence and definitely people will have a casual homely experience with coastal cuisine, enjoy taste of freshly grilled seafood under the stars and soothing waves of sea.
Canara Beach Restaurant is known to provide quality service with best hospitality to tourists.