From our Bangalore Bureau
BANGALORE : The coastal areas which have hitherto been grossly neglected by the department of tourism are all set to become one of the major tourist attractions of the state. In this direction, apart from starting a cruise service between Mangalore and Karwar for the tourists, the state government has also decided to invite global tenders during this month for the proposed construction of a golf course and aqua marine park near the sea coast. This information has been provided by the chief Secretary of Department of Tourism K Jyothiramalingam.
Speaking to the media persons on Wednesday here he said that in view of the fact that the coastal areas of Karnataka have of late been attracting an increased number of tourists, several projects like water sports and other services have been envisaged with a view to give a fillip to the encouraging trends in this direction.
The plans are afoot to allow the tourists to enjoy the pleasures of sea voyage along Mangalore – Karwar coast. Besides the plan also envisages services like bar and restaurant, spa and children’s play park. It has been proposed to construct a golf course and an aqua marine park on 155 acre land owned by the revenue department near Tannir Bhavi in Mangalore. A nine hole golf course will be constructed in 140 acres of land. An aquamarine park attached to the sea will be constructed in the remaining 15 acres of land. The Karnataka Industrial Investment Development Board has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the construction of both these projects. The revenue department is likely to hand over this land to KIADB within three weeks from now. After this process is completed global tenders will be invited for the management of these projects, Jyothi Ramalingam said.
While the west of Thanneer Bhavi is surrounded by Arabian Sea, river Phalguni flows on the east side of this place. The golf course will be constructed in the middle of this confluence. This will give an island like look to the golf course. Arrangements will also be made for the benefit of the tourists and the golf lovers. Besides the golf course, which will be the first of its kind in the country to be located between the sea and a river, luxurious resorts and hotels will also be set up here. Apart from this preparations are underway for setting up of a government owned ultra modern jungle lodge and resort in an area of 300 acres near Pilikula Nature Park; scuba diving and a similar project near the Gokarna coast, he said.
Related news: