Inspired by good response to heritage walks in Bangalore, the Karnataka State Tourism Department and Kannada and Culture Department have decided to sell Hampi heritage walk as its USP at the three-day Hampi Utsav, getting under way from November 3.
With a nominal fee of Rs 500 per head, the nearly 10-hour walk offers an exciting fare for the participants. Starting from Virupaksha temple at 9 am, the walk would take the participants through some of the most famous landmarks like Royal Enclosure, Lotus Mahal, Gajalaya before culminating in front of the illuminated Vittala temple at around 7.30 pm.
Partly by vehicle
The walk, which will be partly covered by vehicle, will commence with local tribals performing Dollu Kunita. Even the participants can hope for some unique treatment with women self-help groups roped in, to serve local food which would include jolada rotti and ennegai made out of brinjal. “We want to offer something special for the guests and also help the local women running SHGs,"' Hospet Assistant Commissioner Capt K Rajendra told a group of visiting newsmen from Bangalore, which had the feel of the interesting heritage walk.
For bookings, the interested could call Tanveer Hussain at 94489 08400 or email to info@hampiworldheritage.org
"We have decided to have two batches of 15 people each and they would be accompanied by qualified and trained guides, who would be on hand to answer all queries," he stressed. Though it commenced last year, "We have decided to make it a USP for the Hampi utsav, which is growing in popularity," over the years, he said.
Other activities which are certain to lure the tourists are cycle race, water sports and treasure hunt.
Pack up and leave if you are a history student as clues for treasure hunt will be based on Vijayanagar empire.
Detailing out on the other activities, he said a rich cultural fete is on the offer for the tourists as over 1,400 artistes would be performing on six stages simultaneously.
Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur would be inaugurating the event.
He was expecting over 5 lakh tourists for the event. Nearly 95 per cent of the participants are floating audience. The sound and light programme would focus on Karnataka Vaibhava and not Vijayanagar Vaibhava.
It was sad that the authorities concerned have not made sufficient arrangements for the people turning up for the event. Only 300 rooms would be available and nearly 50 per cent of them are required to accommodate the artistes.
50 bungalows
He said, the government had identified land to build about 50 bungalows for tourists.
Also, little effort has been put to improve the condition of the roads, which are in a pathetic condition. "We hope the authorities, like in the previous editions, will do some patchwork to make the roads motorable," villagers said.
He said, awareness programme for children would be taken up in 160 villages.
Eight mobile cinema units will be in operation.
