<p>Chikkamagaluru: Tourist spots in Chikkamagaluru district are wearing a deserted look, thanks to the scorching sun devouring the greenery of the coffee land.</p><p>A portion of Mullayyanagiri and Bababudangiri has already turned black after the forest fire, and as a result, the number of visitors has declined.</p><p>Chikkamagaluru, known for its scenic beauty, attracts visitors, especially from September-October. However, the footfall has come down in March as the grassland in major tourist spots has been gutted by the forest fire and tourists are turning towards Malnad instead to beat the heat.</p><p>The Forest Department has banned the entry of visitors to some hilly ranges affected by forest fire, and tourists arriving without the knowledge of the prohibition return disappointed.</p><p>Fearing forest fire, the entry of visitors to hilly ranges in Mudigere and Kalasa has also been prohibited. Galigudda, Rani Jhari, Ballalarayana Durga, Kudremukh and Nethravathi range are known for trekking and anticipating a possible forest fire, visits to these areas have been restricted. This, in turn, is affecting the local business.</p><p>Even during the weekend, only a few visitors were seen at Mullayyanagiri, Honnammanahalla, Jhari falls, Manikyadhara waterfalls and Bababudangiri, and as a result, several resorts, homestays and hotels were empty, and taxis and jeep drivers dependent on tourists were out of work.</p><p>Most tourist destinations in Kalasa are wearing a deserted look, and to cope with it, several homestays and resorts in Kalasa have reduced the payment to their staff. The owners have been praying for the rain to shower so that tourists begin revisiting the region.</p>
<p>Chikkamagaluru: Tourist spots in Chikkamagaluru district are wearing a deserted look, thanks to the scorching sun devouring the greenery of the coffee land.</p><p>A portion of Mullayyanagiri and Bababudangiri has already turned black after the forest fire, and as a result, the number of visitors has declined.</p><p>Chikkamagaluru, known for its scenic beauty, attracts visitors, especially from September-October. However, the footfall has come down in March as the grassland in major tourist spots has been gutted by the forest fire and tourists are turning towards Malnad instead to beat the heat.</p><p>The Forest Department has banned the entry of visitors to some hilly ranges affected by forest fire, and tourists arriving without the knowledge of the prohibition return disappointed.</p><p>Fearing forest fire, the entry of visitors to hilly ranges in Mudigere and Kalasa has also been prohibited. Galigudda, Rani Jhari, Ballalarayana Durga, Kudremukh and Nethravathi range are known for trekking and anticipating a possible forest fire, visits to these areas have been restricted. This, in turn, is affecting the local business.</p><p>Even during the weekend, only a few visitors were seen at Mullayyanagiri, Honnammanahalla, Jhari falls, Manikyadhara waterfalls and Bababudangiri, and as a result, several resorts, homestays and hotels were empty, and taxis and jeep drivers dependent on tourists were out of work.</p><p>Most tourist destinations in Kalasa are wearing a deserted look, and to cope with it, several homestays and resorts in Kalasa have reduced the payment to their staff. The owners have been praying for the rain to shower so that tourists begin revisiting the region.</p>