The historic city of Mysuru is currently experiencing an extraordinary surge in tourist arrivals as the Christmas and year-end holiday season hits its peak. Since Wednesday, the city has been bustling with visitors from across Karnataka and neighbouring states, drawn by festive attractions and an extended weekend.
Festive Attractions Drive Unprecedented Footfall
The pronounced influx is largely attributed to a series of special events organised for the season. Key draws include the Mysuru Winter Festival, vibrant flower shows, and cultural programmes held at the iconic Mysuru Palace. These festivities have successfully positioned Mysuru as a premier year-end destination.
An additional, unexpected factor has further amplified the number of visitors staying within the city limits. The ban on safaris in Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves has prompted many tourists, who might have otherwise travelled onward, to extend their stay in Mysuru itself.
City Infrastructure Feels the Strain
The tourist boom has had immediate and visible impacts on the city's infrastructure. Since December 24, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses across Mysuru have reported near-full to full occupancy. C. Narayan Gowda, president of the Hotel Owners' Association, confirmed, "Most hotels across the city recorded 100% occupancy on Thursday, while occupancy was around 90% on Wednesday."
On Christmas Day, major heritage and leisure spots like the Mysuru Palace and Mysuru Zoo witnessed heavy footfall, leading to sustained crowding. The surge has also resulted in significant traffic congestion on city roads and national highways, particularly around popular attractions and key entry points, causing longer travel times for both residents and visitors.
Rush Expected to Continue Till New Year's Eve
Tourism stakeholders are unanimous in their view that this trend is not abating soon. Officials state that the tourist inflow is expected to continue until December 31, as many visitors are combining Christmas celebrations with New Year vacations.
Echoing this sentiment, BS Prashanth, a leader of the Mysuru Travel Agents Association, said, "Tourists can be seen everywhere in Mysuru. Due to the extended weekend and the safari ban, many tourists decided to stay within the city, resulting in higher numbers. The situation is likely to remain similar till Dec 31." He also noted that compared to last year, tourist inflow is significantly higher this season.
Authorities have advised those in the city facing crowding, traffic delays, or accommodation constraints that the situation is a direct result of the peak holiday inflow and the ongoing cultural festivities that make Mysuru a preferred destination.
