Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, June 3: At least 2.15 crore tourists visit Karnataka every year, according to the statistics provided by the Department of Tourism.

The most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka are Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hampi and Kodagu, according to the department of tourism. However, there are many unexplored gems in the state that have the potential to attract tourists in large numbers.To actualise this potential, Karnataka Tourist Forum (KTF) has joined hands with the department of tourism to bring tourists to these unexplored tourist destinations and attractions.

The KTF plans to engage travel bloggers and agents to give the much-needed fillip to Karnataka tourism.

According to KTF vice-president Arjun Ravi, there is a need to engage tourists who visit Karnataka regarding the food, culture, festivals, coffee, Kambala and various other traditions including the cultural aspects.

He said there is a need to introduce some tourist destinations in the state that have been neglected and unexplored to make a meaningful difference to the tourism landscape of Karnataka.

Meenakshi Gupta, a tourist who engaged KTF has toured Malnad region - a rarity - as the region is cut-off from good communication link and a well-knit transport facility. She says there are hidden treasures in the region such as the Arasalu railway station that takes the tourist to the post card pictures and memories that were created by Malgudi Days.

Vistadome train in Konkan area

KTF had organised journeys such as ‘Chikkamagaluru Blossoms’, ‘Coffee and Karavali’ and ‘Mystic of Malnad’. Before the outbreak of the coronavirus, a 'coffee coast' tour was organised covering Sakleshpura, Mangaluru, and Udupi. Travellers and tourists got an opportunity to board a vistadome train which gave them opportunity to explore many tourist destinations, Ravi said.

During the monsoon, KTF plans to include Bidar, Badami, Vijayapura, Hampi, Karwar, Gokarna and Dandeli in the future as potential tourist destinations that aptly describe the Karnataka tourism landscape as 'One State Many Worlds'.

According to director of the department of tourism Ranjitha Yana there are many tourist destinations that outnumber the tourist attractions of the world.

The backwaters of the reservoirs are another added attraction in the tourism landscape of the state, Yana says. There are some breathtaking locales in Kudremukh forest range that are accessible from Jungle Lodges Resorts, she says.

The locals are welcoming the tourists and they are known for their hospitality, love and concern which is evident when tourists go visiting smaller towns. The added attraction is the availability of local flavoured food which in turn helps the locals grow economically, according to KTF.