The State Tourism Department has planned to establish four tourism circuits to give a boost to tourist spots across the State, said Mr Somasekhar, Director of Tourism.

At a press conference here on Thursday, he said his department has identified several historic and attractive tourist spots to be included in these circuits. In the first circuit, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Srirangapatna and other places have been included. The second circuit has places like Teerthahalli, Shimoga, Jog and Chikmagalur, while Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Bijapur, Belgaum, Kudalsangama and Karwar fall under the third circuit. The fourth circuit comprises Mysore, Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murdeshwar and Gokarna.

The Tourism Department has planed a series of expansion programmes to give a boost to tourism and a sum of Rs 148 crore had been earmarked for the same in the budget. A proposal was submitted for Rs 10 crore for development of eco-tourism and the Centre is likely to give its nod to this vital project, he said adding that some of the bird sanctuaries would get a new lease of life through it.

Mr Somasekhar said considering the historic importance of places like Badami, Aihole and Pattadkal, a separate proposal worth Rs 25 crore had been worked out which would help overall development of these tourist spots.
On projects planned to improve Hampi, he said that efforts were on to attract tourists visiting Mysore to proceed to the Hampi utsav.

“An Interpretation Centre is being planned at Hampi for the convenience of tourists. The centre will provide detailed information on the spots to be visited at Hampi,'' he added.

The official also said that the department had planned to organise a South India tour exclusively for about 200 SC/ST students every year. The programme is likely to take off in December, he said.