Kodagu(Coorg) Sees 90 Lakh Tourists in Two Years; ₹28 Crore Tourism Development Plan Proposed

In the first six months of 2025 alone, Kodagu has already welcomed 10.5 lakh visitors, underlining its growing popularity among domestic travellers.

Madikeri: With nearly 90 lakh tourists visiting Kodagu in the last two years, the Karnataka Tourism Department has drawn up an ambitious development blueprint to enhance basic infrastructure and amenities at key destinations across the district.

In the first six months of 2025 alone, Kodagu has already welcomed 10.5 lakh visitors, underlining its growing popularity among domestic travellers.

In view of this influx, the department has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the state government, seeking to implement projects through local panchayats, multiple government departments, and public-private partnerships (PPP). The plan includes infrastructure upgrades at well-known tourist spots such as Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, and Mandalpatti, according to Anita Bhaskar, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department.

“A total of ₹28.13 crore has been earmarked for the development of tourist destinations in Kodagu, with eight projects funded under capital expenditure and six under the Karnataka Tourism Vision Group (KTVG). The projects aim to provide basic amenities and improve the overall visitor experience,” Anita Bhaskar said.

Under the ‘One District, One Destination’ scheme, Mandalpatti has been chosen for development in the PPP model. The Galibeedu Gram Panchayat has already given its approval for infrastructure development at Mandalpatti Junction, at an estimated cost of ₹50 lakh, according to a VK report.

Since Mandalpatti falls within the Forest Department's jurisdiction, officials have been requested to cooperate by repairing access roads and facilitating other key works. “We’ve asked for the Forest Department’s support to undertake road repairs and ensure smooth implementation,” said Anita Bhaskar.

According to the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020–26, 23 of the 778 destinations identified by the state fall within Kodagu district. These include popular spots such as the Naalku Naadu Aramane, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Harangi and Mallalli reservoirs, Dubare, Chettalli Farm, Barapole rafting zone, and Nagarhole National Park, among others.

In Madikeri, a proposal worth ₹5 crore has been submitted for improving facilities at the Kodava Heritage Centre. The government has also been urged to consider developing the centre under the PPP model. Additional proposals include ₹99.45 lakh for the restoration of the watchtower at Abbey Falls, sound-and-light installations at Madikeri Fort, and garden development at Raja’s Seat by the Horticulture Department.

Adventure tourism is also being given a boost. At Honnamana Kere in Somwarpet, the department has sought permission from the Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority to invite tenders for operating water-based activities such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and water zorbing for a two-year period.

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