Raja’s Seat is one of the prime attractions for tourists in Madikeri, Kodagu district. Homestay owners want the government of Karnataka to adopt a scientific and balanced approach that ensures visitor safety while keeping tourism destinations open.
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Severe restrictions on tourism in animal camps and other sites have impacted the business of homestays in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts in Karnataka. The homestay owners have urged the government of Karnataka to relax the rules for survival of the ecosystem.Sagar Ganapathy, Treasurer of the Coorg Hotels and Resorts’ Association, criticised continued closure and severe restrictions at several major tourist attractions in Kodagu.He said, “It has significantly reduced tourist inflow. Raja’s Seat, Mandalpatti, Dubare, and Thadiyandamol — Kodagu’s highest peak — have either remained closed for extended periods, or are functioning under heavy restrictions. The administration appears to have overlooked the economic impact on hotels, resorts, taxi operators, tourist and trekking guides, and many small businesses that depend on tourism. Several stakeholders have reportedly been forced to seek alternative livelihoods.”He urged the government to adopt a scientific and balanced approach that ensures visitor safety while keeping tourism destinations open, and support the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the sector.Kaverappa, a nature guide in Kodagu, said, “Due to less income and decreased tourists, many people like me are forced to work as labourers in coffee estates. If tourism has to thrive, government has to relax some rules.”ChikkamagaluruIn Chikkamagaluru, homestays have had moderate footfall, but they continue to suffer financial losses, especially on weekends, for various reasons.Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe falls, and Kalhatti falls are the major tourist attractions in the distict.
