The Karnataka State Travel Operators Association (KSTOA) has appealed to the State government to develop an integrated Coastal Karnataka tourism corridor.

In a submission to the government, the association said that the approximately 320-km coastline of Karnataka, stretching from Talapady to Karwar, represents one of India’s richest combinations of nature, spirituality, history, maritime heritage, islands, backwaters, folk traditions, biodiversity, and hospitality.

Blessed with pristine beaches, ancient temples, Jain heritage, historic churches, forts, royal legacies, cultural festivals and adventure tourism opportunities, Coastal Karnataka possesses all that is required to become one of Asia’s premier tourism destinations, KSTOA president K. Radhakrishna Holla said in the representation.

The corridor should be developed by connecting Talapady, Someshwara, Ullal, Tannirbhavi, Sasihithlu, Surathkal, Kaup, Malpe, Padubidri, Maravanthe, Kundapura, Murudeshwar, Honnavar, Gokarna, Om Beach and Karwar, the representation said.

The corridor should include tourist information centres, viewing decks, coastal promenades, public amenities, medical facilities, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, cycling tracks and digital tourism infrastructure, it said.

Malpe, Kaup, Sasihithlu, Tannirbhavi, Maravanthe, Karwar, Gokarna and Om beaches should be developed to international standards, it added.

Spiritual Coastal Karnataka circuit

The association said a dedicated spiritual tourism circuit should connect Kukke Subramanya Temple, Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha Temple, Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, Someshwara Temple, Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple and Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

“These destinations attract millions of pilgrims and can become globally recognised spiritual tourism centres,” Mr. Holla said.

Jain heritage and royal legacy circuit

The representation said that Coastal Karnataka possesses a rich Jain heritage. Important destinations include the Thousand Pillar Jain Basadi in Moodbidri, Gomateshwara in Karkala, Venur and Dharmasthala. The history of the Alupa dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas and Jain rulers should be preserved through a “Royal and jain heritage circuit”.

Christian heritage tourism

Several historic churches of Coastal Karnataka are already recognised by international visitors.

Important churches include Milagres Church, St Aloysius Chapel, Rosario Cathedral, St Lawrence Basilica, Attur Church and Holy Cross Church. These should be promoted as international Christian pilgrimage and heritage destinations.

The government should establish the Rani Abbakka International Heritage Centre, a Maritime History Museum, hold an annual International Rani Abbakka Festival and sound-and-light show, and build a heritage village at Ullal.

Heritage forts

Important forts include Sadashivgad Fort and Mirjan Fort. These should be developed with heritage walks, museums, interpretation centres, digital galleries, night tourism, and sound-and-light shows.

Destination wedding

Following the successful examples of Bekal Fort and Chandragiri Fort in Kerala, heritage properties in Coastal Karnataka can be transformed into destination wedding venues, heritage hotels, beachfront estates and boutique resorts, it said.

It said the backwaters and islands of the coastal belt should be developed to promote tourism.

Coastal Karnataka may be declared a Special Tourism Investment Region (STIR) with single-window clearances, long-term lease policies and tourism investment incentives, the association said.

The association suggested the constitution of a Coastal Karnataka Tourism Development Authority.