Karnataka is an enchanting

Karnataka is an enchanting land abounding in scenic beauty, rich is flora and fauna. It has pomp and pageantry of glorious traditions and marvels of modern engineering.

The State Cabinet, which has decided to bring tourist activities under the priority sector, has come out with a host of new plans including offering government land to entrepreneurs at 50 per cent of the market value to establish resorts and privatising the managements of government guest houses.

This was decided in April 2002. The government would be creating infrastructure in tourist places so that entrepreneurs could open resorts, hotels, amusement parks etc. One of the major attractions offered to entrepreneurs was to make available government land in all places barring in Bangalore City, at 50 per cent of the market value for opening resorts/hotels and for carrying out tourist related activities.

The Tourism Department would be identifying the government land available. If entrepreneurs fail to implement their plans within a stipulated time, then the government would forfeit the land. The government would be offering four per cent tax concession for three years on aviation fuel to encourage domestic aviation industries to operate flights to district headquarters in the State. The government would be underwriting certain number of tickets so that the industries would have assured revenue.

The government would be using airstrips in Bidar, Belgaum, Hubli, Mangalore, Bellary and Harihar. The air strips in Mysore and Gulbarga would be strengthened and the government will also build airstrips in Bijapur, Raichur, Karwar, Shimoga and Gulbarga. Nandi Hills, Bridavan Gardens, Kemmanagundi, Jog Falls , Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Belur & Halebedu, Shravanabelagola, Bijapur , Hampi , Gokarna and Karwar would be treated as major tourist spots.

The government would be developing Bangalore as a tourist destination by promoting adventure sports, creating high-end accommodation and allowing private parties to manage tanks like Ulsoor, Sankey, Madiwala, Bellandur etc.