The coastal twin hubs of Mangaluru and Udupi in Karnataka are witnessing an extraordinary surge in tourist arrivals as the New Year approaches. Beaches and revered temples are attracting massive crowds from within the state and across India, marking one of the busiest holiday seasons in recent years.
Temples and Beaches Overflow with Visitors
Since Sunday, major religious sites have been teeming with devotees who began arriving in the early morning hours. Prominent temples like Dharmasthala Shri Manjunatha Temple, Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple, Udupi Shri Krishna Mutt, and the Mahatobara Mangaladevi Temple are reporting exceptionally high numbers of pilgrims.
Simultaneously, the region's famous beaches have seen record-breaking footfall starting from December 25th. According to Lakshmish Bhandary, Managing Director of Bhandary Builders and partner in Kadali Beach Tourism Development, the average daily visitor count at Panambur Beach has jumped to between 10,000 and 12,000. He revealed that on Christmas Day alone, the beach was visited by over 20,000 people, with numbers climbing steadily since.
Infrastructure Expansion to Meet Tourism Demand
To accommodate this growing influx and enhance the visitor experience, significant investments are being made in tourism infrastructure at Panambur Beach. The management has invested Rs 12 crore over the past three years and plans to inject an additional Rs 10 to 12 crore in the coming months.
The planned expansion is comprehensive and includes:
- Construction of 30 new beachfront rooms.
- Development of a spa, clubhouse, and swimming pool.
- Overall enhancement of visitor amenities.
A major new attraction, a food court with nearly 40 outlets emphasizing hygiene and quality, is slated to open within the next 20 days.
Adventure Sports Boom and Enhanced Safety Measures
The holiday rush has also led to unprecedented demand for adventure and water sports. Operators are running at full capacity, with parasailing, jet skiing, floating bridge activities, and the double swing being the most popular. Newer attractions like zip cycling and zip surfing are also gaining traction.
With the five newly introduced beachfront rooms already fully booked until the New Year, authorities are prioritizing safety and cleanliness. Additional lifeguards have been deployed to manage the crowds, and a strong focus is being maintained on beach hygiene and visitor safety to ensure a pleasant experience for all.
This massive influx underscores the growing popularity of Karnataka's coastal belt as a premier destination for both spiritual and recreational tourism, especially during the festive period.
