Homestay owners seek relaxation of tourism curbs in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru
Homestay owners in Karnataka's Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts are urging the government to relax tourism restrictions. They argue that strict regulations at major sites have severely impacted local livelihoods and the regional tourism economy.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between environmental conservation efforts and the economic survival of communities dependent on tourism-based livelihoods.
Severe restrictions on tourism in animal camps and other sites have impacted the business of homestays in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru districts in Karnataka. The homestay owners have urged the government of Karnataka to relax the rules for survival of the ecosystem.
Sagar Ganapathy, Treasurer of the Coorg Hotels and Resorts’ Association, criticised continued closure and severe restrictions at several major tourist attractions in Kodagu.
He said, “It has significantly reduced tourist inflow. Raja’s Seat, Mandalpatti, Dubare, and Thadiyandamol — Kodagu’s highest peak — have either remained closed for extended periods, or are functioning under heavy restrictions. The administration appears to have overlooked the economic impact on hotels, resorts, taxi operators, tourist and trekking guides, and many small businesses that depend on tourism. Several stakeholders have reportedly been forced to seek alternative livelihoods.”
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