Actress-turned-politician Shruthi, who has been appointed as chairperson of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), recently visited Hampi. She was on a trip to Hampi and other popular tourism destination hotspots in Northern Karnataka like Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, and the Chitradurga Fort to ensure that more tourists go to popular noteworthy places and also extend their stay.
Elaborating on the new tourism blueprint, Shruthi says, “We are planning to create two tourism circuits. The first one will cover Bengaluru, Chitradurga, and Hampi, and the other one will include Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal. To keep visitors occupied, we want to conduct events similar to the sound-and-light show in Mysore Palace. Considering that these destinations are warmer compared to Bengaluru, we want to keep people engaged in the early hours of the day (between 10 am and 12 pm) and then in the evening hours.”
Plans are afoot to build infotainment centers that will provide details about all the historical sites. “Apart from sightseeing, there will also be cultural shows that will feature local artists, together with showcasing the making of artifacts. Tourists can also sample local cuisines. These projects are also expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities,” she adds.
Health and wellness tourism, according to Shruthi, has remained untapped in Karnataka. During her visit, she also went to KSTDC centers to assess the safety precautions being undertaken amid the pandemic. “I am glad that people have started traveling again, although COVID-19 cases are still in the news. Now, it is our responsibility to ensure their safety and hygiene by following all the necessary norms,” Shruthi sums.
