It isn’t just power generators or irrigation officials who will keep an eye on the wide expanse of water stored in dams. For soon, it will become the hub of adventure tourism.
The scenic beauty of major reservoirs of the State will be tapped to promote adventure sports and entertainment facilities, including three-star hotels, budget hotels, food courts, theme parks, and resorts. The Water Resources Department has decided to promote tourism through public private partnerships at its dam sites in the Krishna and Cauvery basins.
Availability of government lands, lush green forests, rivers, backwaters, hilly and mountainous terrains at different dam sites will be utilised for promoting aqua sports (river rafting, boat riding, kayaking, and water skiing), trekking, and rock climbing.
Currently, the services are available at Mysuru-Kodagu-Chamarajanagar belt, which has become a major hub for adventure sports, thanks to its terrain.
Floating restaurants
The plans include launching cruise services and floating restaurants at Almatti dam in Vijayapura. Feasibility reports have already been prepared and tenders called from private players. The Tourism Department has decided to promote tourism in the backwaters of Almatti and Narayanpur dams, while Jungle Lodges and Resorts will be roped in to establish lodging and adventure facilities. It is proposed to promote water sports and a public park at Malaprabha dam and snow park and other tourism activities on the 300 acres at Hidal dam.
Cauvery basin
In Cauvery basin, feasibility and structuring project reports have been prepared to exploit tourism potential at Gorur dam in Hassan, Kabini dam (Mysuru) and Manchanabele. Brindavan Gardens and KRS dam in Mandya district will be upgraded to international standards. Plans are afoot to create adventure theme parks, golf course, lightshow, and amusement park on 186 acres at Bhadra dam in Chikkamagaluru district.
