The Hindu : An old favourite to roll out the red carpet again

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 22, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mysore

An old favourite to roll out the red carpet again

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE, FEB. 21. Tourism in Mysore is set to receive a boost as the Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna, will inaugurate the renovated heritage property, Hotel Metropole, and open the restored Karanji Lake here on Sunday. Mr. Krishna will also lay the foundation stone for a sound-and-light programme on the Mysore Palace premises, and the new attraction will be similar to the one at the Red Fort in Delhi. The programme will showcase the history and culture of Mysore. The cost of the project, estimated to be nearly Rs.1.5 crore, is being borne by the Union Tourism Ministry and the State Tourism Department. The latter will meet 60 per cent of the cost.

The front portion of the courtyard, where the music concert is held during Dasara, is likely to be converted to a spectators' gallery with facilities to view the programme entailing a laser show depicting the history of the region. The project will be completed within a year. Various components of the project include a control panel, the gallery, artwork, and related infrastructure. The inauguration of the renovated hotel is expected to add to the tourism infrastructure of the city. Metropole is an old favourite of tourists. The heritage property has been spruced up at an estimated cost of nearly Rs. 3 crore by the Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a State Government undertaking. The hotel will cater to niche tourists seeking an odyssey with the world of the orient.

The imperial ambience of the structure is expected to provide a perfect setting and a convenient starting point for a rendezvous with Mysore and surrounding areas with rich history and envious geography. Sources said the structural renovation had not altered the original composition of the building which is said to have been constructed more than 100 years ago. The heritage property fell into disuse and had been languishing in neglect for more than six years before it was decided to take up the renovation.

Likewise, the restored lake will be an attraction for nature lovers.

The bird island, the greenery, and the peaceful ambience is expected to enthuse visitors.

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