Karnataka Mandapam Planned on Lines of Bharat Mandapam, Says DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state government is considering constructing a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ in Bengaluru on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam as part of a broader plan to expand tourism and convention infrastructure. Speaking at the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds on World Tourism Day, Shivakumar said possible locations include Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps and the NGEF premises, with proximity to a Metro station being considered an important factor. The proposal is among several tourism-related projects being examined by the state.

Shivakumar said the government intends to promote Karnataka’s natural, cultural and heritage assets while ensuring that tourism development does not come at the expense of the environment or local culture. He said the state was looking at increasing tourism activity in regions including Kodagu and Malnad, while also promoting art, culture and entertainment. The government is seeking to combine infrastructure development with measures aimed at protecting the state’s natural resources and cultural identity.

The Deputy Chief Minister also highlighted plans to develop Karnataka’s coastline and said the state had not fully utilised its 360-kilometre coastline for tourism. He said the government had approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026, under which tourism projects would receive industry and infrastructure status. Shivakumar added that the state would seek support from the Centre in addressing issues arising from Coastal Regulation Zone regulations, citing tourism-related policies followed by Kerala and Goa.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Makes Unexpected Inspection Of Kanakapura Student Hostels For Food Safety

Shivakumar also said the government was examining measures to improve tourism-related infrastructure and ease approvals for new projects. He said more than two lakh foreign passport holders were working in Bengaluru and claimed that new hotels could receive necessary permissions within two to three months through the state’s ease-of-doing-business mechanism. He further said tourism guides and taxi drivers should be recognised as ambassadors of the state and play a role in presenting Karnataka’s attractions to visitors.

Plans for convention and entertainment infrastructure were also discussed, with Shivakumar saying the government was considering establishing a convention centre in Bengaluru. He said the issue would be discussed at a meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association in the following week. Shivakumar also referred to discussions with BookMyShow over hosting at least 25 to 30 shows a year in Bengaluru, including performances by international artists, as part of efforts to strengthen the city’s position as an entertainment and events destination.

The government is also considering an Asia’s tallest sky deck project, which Shivakumar said could be implemented through a public-private partnership after identifying a suitable location. He also referred to the proposed ‘Mangaluru Eye’, a Dubai-style sky tower and tourism attraction, saying its implementation would be difficult and time-consuming. Shivakumar said decisions concerning tourism projects in Mangaluru would need follow-up action to move them towards implementation, while the broader tourism strategy would continue to focus on infrastructure, investment and environmental protection.

Also Read: Karnataka Allows Teachers to Use 'Tr' Prefix as Mark of Respect