Karnataka - Bangalore   

Tourism corridors change rural scape

BANGALORE: The drive along State Highway 17, which stretches between Kengeri and Srirangapatnam between Bangalore and Mysore, has much to offer motorists today. Five years ago, the situation was so different — there were pump houses, jaggery making units, tea shacks, tender coconut piles and grazing grounds for cattle. All of this is fast fading; the stretch now acquires a cosmopolitan colour.

Thanks to the `Tourism Corridor’ tag given to it, the rural life is transforming. It now sports modern eateries, premium ice-cream joints, thematic eateries and landscaping that enhance the driving pleasure of the tourists. The local people who were apprehensive about development in their neighbourhood are now beginning to understand the socio-economic benefits of development. Café Coffee Day, Baskin Robbins and the Kamat chain of restaurants have set up their establishments on this stretch. Even traditional eateries have started marketing their brands, say the local people.

Kadu Mane and Mysore Mylari eaterieshave made an impact despite the infiltration of exotic fare. The Halli Mane concept, developed by the Kamat chain between Maddur and Chennapatna, had become a runaway success with tourists. MLC from the area S.M. Shankar said that the local lads were being employed and some were receiving training in the new establishments coming up in the area.

They also pay well, he added. In addition, the lacquer toy industry and other cottage industries had begun to thrive, Mr. Shankar said.

Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday, Secretary of Kannada, Culture and Tourism I.M. Vittalamurthy said that the Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation and the Tourism Department were looking at two stretches — the Mysore-Bangalore and Bangalore-Tumkur — for the ‘Tourism Corridor’ concept, for which there are many incentives offered.

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