MP Champions Ullal's Historical Legacy as a Tourism Hub
Dakshina Kannada's Member of Parliament, Capt Brijesh Chowta, has made a compelling appeal to the Karnataka state government. He has urged for the development of Ullal into a designated 'heritage village' to properly showcase its rich and valiant historical past. The MP made this significant proposal while addressing the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave in Mangaluru on Saturday.
Honouring Rani Abbakka's Bravery and Boosting Tourism
Capt Chowta emphasised that the Ullal-Someshwara region was a major centre of resistance against colonial forces. He highlighted the brave battles fought here by the legendary Rani Abbakka against the Portuguese invaders. The timing of this proposal is particularly poignant, coinciding with the ongoing celebrations of the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka.
The MP stressed that this milestone anniversary presents a perfect opportunity to promote tourism in the region. Developing Ullal as a heritage destination would effectively educate visitors and highlight the area's profound historical significance, turning legacy into a key economic driver.
Unlocking Adventure and Eco-Tourism Potential
Beyond historical tourism, Capt Chowta also pointed to the untapped potential for adventure activities. He specifically mentioned Sasihitlu Beach, noting its natural and geographical suitability for various adventure sports. He described the beach as being known for its pristine beauty and stated that its full tourism potential can only be realized by making necessary improvements to the supporting infrastructure.
The conclave saw other leaders echo the need for a diversified tourism strategy. Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar advocated for giving equal emphasis to temple tourism, eco-tourism, and beach tourism across coastal Karnataka. He suggested a holistic approach to attract a wider range of visitors.
Call for Investment in Untapped Regions
Adding to the discussion, Uttara Kannada MP Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri brought attention to the disparity in tourism development. He stated that while the district he represents has ample opportunities and natural assets for tourism promotion, it has not yet seen the significant investments required to unlock this potential. His comments underscored a broader need for balanced and equitable tourism development across all coastal districts of the state.
The conclave served as a platform for key stakeholders to outline a vision where Karnataka's coastal belt leverages its unique combination of history, nature, and culture to become a premier tourism circuit, generating local employment and preserving heritage for future generations.
