Kodagu pips Munnar as tourist destination

BANGALORE: Yes, you have read the headline right. Kodagu , the picturesque sleepy hills surrounded by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, has overtaken Munnar in Kerala as a must-see place.

 

The figures available with Karnataka and Kerala tourism departments say it all.

 

In 2010, Kodagu had 5,94,467 tourists (5,87,216 domestic and 7,251 foreign tourists ), double that of Munnar which saw 2,45,438 tourists (of them, 19,690 foreign tourists). Up to November 2011, Kodagu saw a quantitative leap with over 15 lakh visitors.

 

"It is a huge number considering Kodagu is yet to be exploited commercially. Tourists to Karnataka ensure they accommodate a trip to Kodagu," said K Viswanatha Reddy, director, department of tourism, Karnataka.

 

Its popularity is largely attributed to the quality homestays that have come up in recent times.

Very good, but now will the state government do something about the poor infrastructure (which includes horrible roads) prevailing in Kodagu? Before we jump at the news, we should know that a happening tourist destination comes with a package – drugs, prostitution, land mafia, etc, etc will be here to stay. Be prepared to see the other side of the coin too. Mass tourism isn’t good always.