Kodagu: Mandalpatti Gets Improved Access With New ₹60 Lakh Road

A view of jeeps traversing the hilltop terrain at Mandalpatti in Kodagu. File photo: K. Bhagya Prakash.

Madikeri: Mandalpatti, one of Karnataka’s most sought-after hill destinations and a major tourist attraction in Kodagu district, has received an infrastructure boost with the inauguration of a newly developed 4-km road constructed at a cost of ₹60 lakh.

The road was formally inaugurated on Friday by former Hoddur Gram Panchayat president H.A. Hamsa. The project was undertaken following the initiative of Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda and was aimed at addressing long-pending demands from local residents, villagers and jeep operators who depend on tourism-related activities for their livelihood.

For several years, visitors and local transport operators had highlighted the need for improved road connectivity to Mandalpatti, a scenic viewpoint that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The new road is expected to ease travel, improve visitor access and support the local tourism economy.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Hamsa called upon local residents and stakeholders to ensure that the tourist destination remains free from illegal activities. He emphasised the importance of preserving Mandalpatti’s natural beauty and ecological significance while promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

Mr. Hamsa also noted that Dr. Mantar Gowda had instructed officials to carry out immediate temporary repairs to the damaged road leading to Kalur village. The road serves as an important route for public transport buses and is used daily by local residents.

Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Sanghatane district president Tennira Maina said the road project was intended to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve connectivity to one of Kodagu’s key tourist destinations. He added that hundreds of families who operate tourist jeeps and related services would benefit from the improved road network.

According to Mr. Maina, the construction work was completed over a period of four months. The upgraded road is expected to enhance the travel experience for tourists while providing better access for local communities and tourism operators.

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