Munjrabad fort to get facelift

Move aimed to attract tourists to the historic sight near Sakleshpur

The district has the highest potential for development in tourism in the state. Many places in the district are perfect picnic spots due to their natural beauty, there are three water reservoirs and hundreds of temples rich with intricate sculptures.

However, not much efforts have been taken by the governments and their departments to tap the potential.

The proposal to develop a garden, on the lines of Brindavan at KRS dam, at Hemavathi reservoir has not seen the light of the day for decades.

The proposal has not been implemented despite a huge space, vaster than the Brindavan gardens, available. Most of the proposals from the tourism department do not go beyond the blueprint stage for various reasons.

Fortunately, there is some momentum in developing the Munjrabad fort at Sakleshpur taluk on the Bangalore-Mangalore highway into a tourist spot.

Tourism special officer Mathai said: “As it is, Munjrabad fort is a scenic beauty. If tourists are provided with basic facilities, it is sure to attract many people. We have plans to develop the area on the lines of Ooty at a cost of Rs 1.7 crore.”

He said: “To make the plan comprehensive, retired higher officials from the Archeological Survey of India would be consulted.

The narrow road, leading to the fort from the highway, would be widened and efforts would be made to give a feel that it leads to a fort. Some people have encroached upon the grazing lands near the fort. If the encroachment is vacated, the land can be used to provide parking facilities, canteen and toilets.”

Elaborating on the plan, Mathai said if a telescope is installed inside the fort, people can have a good view of the Western Ghats, wild animals, birds and railway tunnels. Pedal boating can be introduced at the lake near the fort and a botanical garden can be developed, he said.