El Niño, tourism curbs dampen monsoon travel in Malnad Karnataka
Tourism in Karnataka's Malnad region is suffering due to a significant rainfall deficit caused by El Niño and the closure of key tourist attractions. Homestay owners report lower footfall and financial strain as visitors avoid the region due to weather concerns and restricted access.
Why it matters
Highlights the economic impact of climate-related weather patterns on regional tourism and local livelihoods.
With reduced rainfall due to the El Niño effect in June and July, as well as restrictions and the closure of some camps by the Forest and Tourism departments, monsoon tourism has been badly hit in the Malnad region of Karnataka.
\Homestays and association members across Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Agumbe, whom The Hindu spoke to, said the monsoon season has been dull compared to previous years, when thousands of tourists thronged the region to enjoy the rains and scenic views of hill stations and waterfalls.
Ibrahim, who owns a heritage estate and runs a homestay in north Kodagu, said the rainfall deficit in June and July left tourists, especially those from North Karnataka and Bengaluru, disappointed, forcing many to cut short their stay.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in