Weekend rush: Homestays, temples to see double footfall across Karnataka’s hill stations

Weekend rush: Homestays, temples to see double footfall across Karnataka’s hill stations Tourism in Karnataka's hill regions saw a surge over the weekend, with homestays and temples reporting nearly double the usual number of visitors. The increased activity was attributed to the timing of Independence Day, which fell on a Saturday, drawing travelers to popular destinations such as Kodagu, Sakleshpur, and Chikkamagaluru. Homestay owners reported that all rooms were booked, with guest numbers rising significantly compared to previous weekends. In Kodagu, homestay operators noted a sharp increase in occupancy. H.L. Giridhar, a member of the Chikkamagaluru Homestay Association, stated that while the association typically welcomed between 2,500 to 3,000 guests during regular weekends, this weekend saw a rise to 6,000 to 8,000. Prices for homestays remained stable, ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per night. Ibrahim, who runs a heritage homestay in Kodagu, observed that his property, which usually accommodates 20 to 25 guests, was fully booked with 35 to 40 people. Gowtham, a homestay owner in Sakleshpur, reported that all six rooms at his property were occupied. His location, near Bisle Ghat, attracted visitors interested in scenic views and historical sites such as Manjarabad Fort, Shettihalli Church, and Mallalli Falls. Infrastructure improvements were also highlighted as a factor influencing tourist movement. B.R. Nagendraprasad, owner of a private hotel in Kodagu, mentioned that Raja Seat, a popular attraction, was open, though access was restricted due to ongoing repairs near the site. These repairs were linked to the visit of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to Bhagamandala on August 16. Nagendraprasad suggested that such maintenance work should be prioritized to enhance weekend tourism. Temple tourism also experienced a notable uptick. A representative from the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) confirmed that bus bookings for trips to Mysuru, Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola were fully booked. The KSTDC offered different packages for these routes, including a one-day trip from Bengaluru to Mysuru priced at ₹950, which included guided tours of key landmarks. Two 35-seater buses to Belur, Halebidu, and Shravanabelagola were also fully booked at ₹850 per person for a day-long excursion. A second official from the state’s Tourism Department reported that temple attendance had more than doubled compared to typical days. On average, around 25,000 visitors attended religious sites, but this weekend, the figure reached 50,000 to 100,000. Popular destinations included Chamundi Hills, Nanjangud, Somanathapura Male Mahadeshwara Hills, and Bhoga Nandishwara Temple. The department also noted that the Shakti free bus service for women played a role in boosting female participation in temple visits. Travelers were drawn to the region not only for its natural beauty but also for cultural and historical experiences. Many visitors came from cities such as Bengaluru and Kerala, seeking respite in the serene hill environments. The combination of improved infrastructure, promotional efforts, and the timing of major national holidays contributed to the heightened interest in Karnataka’s hill stations. As the weekend drew to a close, officials and local business owners expressed hope that the trend would continue into future weekends, potentially leading to sustained economic benefits for the area.