Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the state government was considering constructing a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, with Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps or NGEF premises near a metro station under consideration as possible sites.
“Tourism gives pleasure to the eyes and the mind. The environment of our state is our biggest asset. The chief minister said the state had not fully utilised its 360-km coastline and announced that the government had approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026 to leverage the natural and cultural wealth of the coastal and Malnad regions.
The proposal is part of the government’s efforts to promote tourism by leveraging Karnataka’s natural, cultural and heritage wealth, Shivakumar said while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds here on World Tourism Day, a government press release said. “The government is considering constructing a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ on the lines of Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, at Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps or NGEF premises, near a Metro station,” Shivakumar said. He said the government was also considering promoting tourism in Kodagu and the Malnad region while ensuring that the environment and local culture were protected. Our government is encouraging tourism, including art, culture and entertainment,” he said. Shivakumar said the government would also seek the Centre’s support in addressing issues arising from Coastal Regulation Zone rules, citing policies in Kerala and Goa. He said the government was also considering setting up a convention centre in Bengaluru, adding that the matter would be discussed at a meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association next week.
