Lakes of Shivamogga district are all set to offer adventure to tourists as the Tourism and the Minor Irrigation Departments are starting water sports in seven lakes across different taluks. The lakes have been identified based on their proximity to popular tourist destinations
Balligavi Basavannana Kere, Doopadahalli Doddakere, Talagunda Hirekere, all from Shikaripur taluk; Keladi Kere from Sagar taluk; Kubaturu Kere in Sorab taluk; Humcha Mutthina Kere in Hosanagar taluk, and Gopishetty Koppa Doddakere in Shivamogga taluk will be developed to provide water sports.
“These places regularly see tourists. For instance, Sagar taluk usually has a good footfall of tourists because of its proximity to Jog Falls. Similarly, a lot of tourists come to Humcha Jain temple in Hosanagar. That is why we have selected them for development,” said a senior official from the Tourism Department.
The official also said that instead of a ‘one-shoe-fits- all’ approach, different water sports will be offered at different lakes based on the water levels, ecology, and other factors to not disturb the ecosystems near these waterbodies.
“If a lake has a lot of fish and other aquatic life, then only boating will be taken up there. Sometimes the water level gets low in the summer and then the service providers will have to plan sports that can be done at such water levels,” they added.
