Brindavan Gardens at Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) may soon have a strong rival as the government proposes a similar landscaping at Kabini reservoir to promote tourism. Besides, there is scope for adventure sports and wildlife tourism, which Brindavan Gardens lacks.
While Brindavan Gardens is spread over nearly 60 acres, there is ample scope for landscaping and expansion at Kabini reservoir at Beechanahalli, about 50 km from Mysuru city. For, there is over 390 acres of land that can be used for landscaping and tourism promotion, and the government has allocated Rs. 24 crore for the purpose.
The landscaping will be done on a PPP (public private partnership) basis for which the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd. (CNNL) has asked the Infrastructure Development Corporation of Karnataka (IDECK) to prepare a feasibility report.
A senior official at the Kabini reservoir told The Hindu that IDECK representatives visited the reservoir last Thursday and expressed confidence that the place was ideal for tourism promotion and hence could expect a positive feedback in the feasibility report.
Besides landscaping, there was scope for water sports, including motor boat, creating mini-forests and botanical gardens, apart from encouraging tourists to visit Chikkadevana Betta.
“The beauty of the Kabini reservoir and the valley below can be best savoured from Chikkadevana Betta,” said the official.
Unlike Brindavan Gardens which is close to Mysuru and is included on the tourist itinerary, exploring Kabini and its wilderness will take more than a day given the distance.
Hence, it would be ideal to club it with wildlife tourism and open up Antharasanthe and D.B. Kuppe for safari for tourists on a regular basis, believe the officials. A boat safari to Kabini backwaters to view wildlife on the river bank too can be introduced.
Given the bright prospects for tourism promotion, there is confidence that it can open up a new avenue for revenue generation for the local community. H.D. Kote is among the more backward taluks on socio-economic parameters but is rich in flora and fauna. The IDECK feasibility report is expected within a fortnight.
