Kodagu Tourism Department Issues Strict Guidelines For Resorts And Homestays Ahead Of Dasara, Here Are The Guidelines

The move aims to enhance safety, improve visitor experience, and ensure that tourism activities are conducted in an organised manner during Dasara

Madikeri: With the Dasara festival expected to draw a large influx of domestic and international tourists to Kodagu, the Karnataka Tourism Department has issued a detailed set of guidelines for resorts, hotels, and homestays. The move aims to enhance safety, improve visitor experience, and ensure that tourism activities are conducted in an organised manner during the festive season.

B. Basappa, Deputy Director of Tourism, Kodagu, said that owners must carefully document the details of all guests. “Upon arrival, the resorts, hotels and homestays should record the names of the guests, Aadhaar card, complete address, mobile number and vehicle number of all tourists. In case of foreign tourists, their visa, passport and flight ticket must be verified and mandatorily recorded in the register,” he stated.

Tourist guidance and information

The circular also directs owners to provide tourists with complete information about Kodagu’s attractions, including route maps, operating hours of major sites, and travel advisories. Owners themselves must reside on the premises, interact with tourists, and guide them on local customs and rules.

Safety measures and surveillance

To ensure safety, the department has prohibited tourists from venturing into isolated or unsafe areas. All establishments are required to keep a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher on site. In addition, CCTV cameras must be installed and maintained properly, with recordings preserved for a minimum of 45 days. A notice stating “You are under CCTV surveillance” should also be prominently displayed.

Accountability of property owners

Highlighting the importance of accountability, Basappa said, “Owners of resorts, hotels and homestays must take preventive measures to avoid any untoward incident or misconduct. Any such occurrence must be immediately reported to the authorities. Otherwise, the owners will be held responsible and legal action will be taken against them.”

Ban on liquor and narcotics during festival

The guidelines specifically ban the use and storage of narcotic substances and alcohol on the premises during the festival period. The sale of liquor has been prohibited between 6 p.m. on October 1 and 6 a.m. on October 3 in view of Dasara and Gandhi Jayanti. “Rooms must not be given to tourists found to be intoxicated or carrying alcohol and narcotics. If such cases are found, the licence will be cancelled, and legal action will be taken against the owner,” the Deputy Director warned.

Environmental compliance

Environmental regulations have also been stressed. Establishments must maintain separate bins for dry and wet waste. Plastic water bottles below two litres are banned within Madikeri city limits, and owners have been reminded that adherence is mandatory.

Emergency helplines for assistance

For emergencies, the district administration has shared helpline numbers: 08272-221077 and 08272-221099 (Deputy Commissioner’s office), and 9480804900 or 08272-228330 (Superintendent of Police’s office).

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