Paramparika Pravaasa to promote lesser-known heritage spots

Mandya: The department of archaeology, museums and heritage has launched a new initiative to create awareness and encourage heritage tourism at places that receive few visitors.According to officers, several historical locations in Karnataka fall under categories that receive limited public attention. While some sites attract a modest number of visitors and receive basic conservation support, many lesser-known heritage locations remain neglected. Often, even local communities are not fully aware of their historical importance, resulting in minimal public interest and reduced efforts towards preservation. To address this issue and generate awareness among the public about such heritage sites, the department has launched ‘Paramparika Pravaasa' (Heritage Tours) for the first time in Karnataka, in collaboration with Rashtriya Grameena Vikasa Kendra (RGVK) India. The second one-day tour under the initiative will be held on March 14. Kavyashree, deputy director of archaeology, museums and heritage, said that, as part of the initial phase, the department is organising one-day heritage tours focusing on districts surrounding Bengaluru. These include Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Hassan, Bengaluru South, Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. The tours specifically target second- and third-category historical and heritage sites located in these regions. The first heritage tour under this initiative was organised on Jan 17 to several historical sites in Mandya district, including Aghalaya, Santebachahalli, Nagamangala, Kambadahalli and Basaralu villages. Participants were introduced to ancient temples, basadis (Jain temples), prehistoric tools, inscriptions and hero stones found in these locations. More than 50 participants—including industrialists, retired govt officials, IT professionals, homemakers, professors, students and employees from both public and private sectors—took part in the tour. Encouraged by the response, the department scheduled the next heritage tour on March 14, covering important historical locations in Krishnarajapete taluk of Mandya district, including Govindanahalli, Kikkeri, Hosaholalu, Agrahara Bachahalli and Sindhaghatta villages, she explained. Officials said the initiative aims not only to promote tourism but also to create awareness among the public and involve local communities in preserving these heritage sites. The initiative will be expanded to other districts with two-day and three-day heritage tours. "The department believes that such initiatives will also boost local economies by encouraging the establishment of hotels, shops and other tourism-related services, while creating employment opportunities for locals and improving basic infrastructure in these areas. At the same time, it will help foster historical awareness among local communities and contribute to the long-term preservation of these heritage sites," she explained.