Plans are afoot to develop a tourist circuit in Malnad region with the world famous Jog Falls, where the Sharavati takes a plunge from a height of 830 feet, as its centre.
Thousands of tourists visit Jog every day during the monsoon. However, places around Jog — which hold tourism potential — do not benefit from this inflow, which the project hopes to change.
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs. 14 crore for the project. Assistant Director of Department of Tourism Hanuma Naik L. told The Hindu that there is a plan to improve facilities of 12 identified places of tourism potential situated around Jog.
The department has commenced the process of acquiring land in these places to create the necessary infrastructure for tourists. With the objective of promoting the local artisans of Malnad region, outlets to sell handicrafts will be opened at all places. The department will also construct watch towers in the Sharavati sanctuary and in the forest near Hejini village, he said. A tourist information centre will also be established in Sagar city as part of the plan.
Roads around these places will be upgraded under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.
