- Karnataka has proposed Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi for development under the Union Government’s ambitious Global Destination Development Project.
- It is a flagship initiative aimed at transforming India’s iconic tourism destinations into globally competitive heritage and cultural hubs.
- If approved by the Ministry of Tourism, the three destinations could receive ₹800 crore in Central assistance, paving the way for world-class tourism infrastructure, improved connectivity, heritage conservation and increased private investment.
Karnataka Recommends Three Heritage Destinations
- Following a state-level consultation meeting held in Hampi, Karnataka’s Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George announced that the State Government has finalized three historically significant destinations for recommendation under the Global Destination Development Project Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi.
- These destinations were selected because of their exceptional historical, cultural and tourism potential.
- The final selection will be made by the Union Ministry of Tourism after evaluating Karnataka’s comprehensive proposal.
₹800 Crore Central Assistance Proposed
- According to the proposal, the selected destinations may receive ₹800 crore in Central financial support.
- The funding is expected to be released in two phases:
- Phase I: ₹500 crore
- Phase II: ₹300 crore
- The financial assistance will help transform these heritage destinations into internationally competitive tourism centres.
Focus on World-Class Tourism Infrastructure
The proposed development plan emphasizes comprehensive tourism enhancement through:
- Modern tourist infrastructure
- Improved road and transport connectivity
- Heritage conservation
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Enhanced visitor experiences
- Smart tourism facilities
- Promotion of private sector investment
The government also plans to attract additional investment through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
Hampi Utsava to Be Organised on a Grand Scale
- The Karnataka Government also announced plans to elevate the Hampi Utsava into a nationally and internationally recognised cultural festival.
- The event is proposed to be organised on the lines of the famous Mysuru Dasara, with larger participation, improved cultural programming and greater international promotion.
- The final schedule for the festival will be decided after consultation with the Chief Minister.
Why These Destinations Were Selected
Hampi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is renowned for the magnificent ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire, including the iconic Virupaksha Temple, stone chariot, royal complexes and ancient monuments.
Mysuru
Mysuru is famous for:
- Mysore Palace
- Mysuru Dasara Festival
- Rich royal heritage
- Art, culture and handicrafts
It remains one of India’s most visited cultural tourism destinations.
Lakkundi
Located in Gadag district, Lakkundi is known for:
- Chalukyan-era temples
- Ancient stepwells (Kalyanis)
- Stone architecture
- Rich archaeological heritage
Despite its historical significance, it remains relatively unexplored compared to other heritage destinations.
Objectives of the Global Destination Development Project
The initiative aims to:
- Develop globally competitive tourism destinations.
- Preserve India’s cultural and historical heritage.
- Improve tourism infrastructure.
- Increase domestic and international tourist arrivals.
- Generate employment opportunities.
- Promote sustainable tourism.
- Encourage private sector participation.
Expected Benefits
If approved, the project is expected to deliver multiple long-term benefits:
- Higher tourist footfall
- Improved local economy
- Increased employment generation
- Better infrastructure
- Preservation of heritage monuments
- Growth in hospitality and tourism businesses
- Enhanced international visibility of Karnataka’s cultural destinations
Conclusion
Karnataka’s proposal to include Hampi, Mysuru and Lakkundi under the Global Destination Development Project represents a major step toward strengthening India’s heritage tourism sector. With a proposed investment of ₹800 crore, the initiative seeks to transform these historic destinations into world-class tourism hubs while preserving their cultural identity and promoting sustainable economic development.