Though a large number of people visit temples in Dakshina Kannada, especially Dharmasthala and Subramanya, there is no measure to count the number of people visiting the temples or district. Hence, when it comes to tourism, Karnataka is in the fourth place among Indian states. On the other hand, each person visiting Tirupathi is considered a tourist, following which Andhra Pradesh tops the list in India, said Tourism Department Director Dr C Somashekar.

Speaking on the theme “Vivid past to a vibrant future” at the “Tourism Conclave” jointly organised by State Tourism Department, district administration and Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday, Dr Somashekar said the Bureau of Economic Standards has been requested to take steps to count the number of tourists visiting the temples, tourist spots and hotels in Karnataka especially Dakshina Kannada. “The survey work will be done at the taluk-level by Statistical Assistants,” he said.

Stating that the Department of Tourism proposes to promote Aqua Marine Park, Golf Course and a Rope Way (between Sultan Battery and Tanneerbavi in Mangalore) at a cost of Rs 20 crore, Dr Somashekar said that a sum of Rs 99 lakh has been released to KSIIDC for preparation of detailed project reports to develop the three projects under Viability Gap Fund.

He also informed that a sum of Rs 1 crore will be released to revive Kambala (the traditional buffalo race) and the deputy commissioner will decide what has to be done. Apart from this, a sum of Rs 50 lakh will also be released to develop the Jain basadis in Udupi district, he stated.