Sunday, July 20, 2025

India is all set to introduce special waterfalls tour packages in Karnataka to encourage safe and responsible monsoon tourism. Launched by the Karnataka State Department of Tourism and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), the move is consistent with increasing demand for sustainable holiday experiences. Expected to commence by September, they are curated tours that will take visitors to visit beautiful waterfalls and other green terrains in districts like Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada among others. Aimed to promote responsible tourism while being a part of preserving the natural grandeur of Karnataka, the initiative aims at providing travelers with a safe and pre-planned monsoon travel experience.

The Karnataka State Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), is set to introduce a new initiative to promote responsible and safe monsoon tourism. This initiative will feature specially curated “waterfalls tour” packages aimed at allowing travelers to explore the beauty of Karnataka’s natural landscapes during the monsoon season. While these tours were initially scheduled to begin in July, the high intensity of the current monsoon season has delayed their launch. The tours are now expected to commence by the end of August or the beginning of September.

The destinations selected for these tours span several picturesque districts across the state, including Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Kodagu, and Belagavi. These locations are renowned for their scenic waterfalls, lush greenery, and the vibrant monsoon atmosphere that makes the region a popular choice for nature lovers. Tourists can either integrate these destinations into existing KSTDC packages or opt for a fully customized itinerary focused on waterfalls.

For those looking to travel in larger groups, KSTDC buses will be available to ensure a comfortable and convenient journey. Each package will also include the services of local guides and naturalists who will provide valuable insights into the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall experience for travelers. The expert guides will highlight the ecological significance of the waterfalls and the surrounding flora and fauna, ensuring that guests enjoy a well-rounded and educational tour.

KSTDC is already renowned for organizing similar tours to popular tourist destinations across Karnataka. The organization currently runs tours to well-known spots like the Krishnagiri Dam and Hogenakkal Falls, the Shivanasamudra Falls and Talakadu, as well as the Sigandhur and Jog Falls. These offerings have proven popular, and the new waterfalls tour package is expected to build on that success, attracting more tourists to Karnataka’s rich natural heritage.

In addition to promoting waterfall tourism, KSTDC is working closely with local authorities to manage the number of visitors in certain high-traffic areas, such as Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. Located in the Chikkamagaluru district, Mullayanagiri is a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts, especially during the monsoon season. However, the influx of tourists has raised concerns about traffic congestion and the environmental impact of high visitor numbers.

To address this, the district administration will soon implement a new online vehicular slot system to regulate the flow of vehicles in the area. This system, which was first announced last year, will officially launch within the next few days. Under the new rules, a total of 1,200 vehicles will be allowed to enter the area each day. The vehicles will be split into two time slots: 600 vehicles will be permitted from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the remaining 600 vehicles will have access from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will need to make an online booking in advance to secure their slot and gain access to the area.

To ensure that visitors can safely access the peak, parking facilities will be provided near Seethalayyanagiri, a lower section of the mountain. From there, travelers can either continue their journey to the peak by pre-approved vehicles or enjoy a scenic hike on foot. This initiative is expected to streamline traffic and reduce congestion in the area, while also protecting the natural environment.

The new waterfalls tour packages and the vehicular slot system are part of a broader effort by the Karnataka State Department of Tourism to promote sustainable tourism practices in the state. By regulating visitor numbers and encouraging responsible travel, these initiatives aim to balance the growing demand for tourism with the need to preserve Karnataka’s natural beauty for future generations.

IndiaIndia to have exclusive waterfalls tours in Karnataka by September, Kashmir gears up for winterThe tours will provide a responsible and safe way of exploring the picturesque natural landscapes of the state during the monsoon. The project is to encourage eco-friendly tourism as well as to protect the rich biodiversity of Karnataka.

With the waterfalls tour package set to launch, tourists are also urged to organize and plan their trip ahead of time if they want to make the most of these amazing and immersive activities. From enjoying leisurely walks amidst waterfalls to going on a no-holds-barred trek to the summit of Mullayanagiri in Chikmagalur, Karnataka promises a spectacular monsoon experience – thanks to such a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems.