Hampi in Karnataka to be developed as iconic tourism site by Union Government

The prestige of Karnataka, the Hampi monuments, will be one of the 10 tourist destinations throughout India to be spruced up into ‘Iconic Tourism Site’ by the Union government.
While unveiling the annual budget on February 1, Arun Jaitley, Union Finance Minister, had revealed the centre’s decision to develop 10 important tourist places across India into ideal tourism spots. The methodology would be holistic, and it would involve infrastructure and skill growth, technological advancement, inviting private investment, marketing, and branding.

The chosen tourist destinations were declared on Tuesday, February 13. The list included the Hampi group of monuments from Ballari. This initiative will involve 100 Adarsh Smaraks such as toilet blocks, drinking water facilities, signage, pathways and ramps (for the differently abled), improved parking facilities, seating benches, dustbins, ticket counters, and better queue management, landscaping etc.

The monuments of Hampi are situated in Hosapete taluk of Ballari district. In total, there are 57 prominent monuments, under the core zone of Hampi, which features 4 hamlets covering area of 41.8 sq km.

The engineering marvel of the monuments is the reason why Hampi got the status of a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. All these sites fall under the wings and care of the Central Archaeology Department.

Every year more than 2 lakh tourists, more so from the overseas, visit Hampi. Ironically, there are ticket booths at some popular tourist spots but no public convenience facilities. To relieve themselves, therefore, tourists have no other choice but to use the open space behind the monuments. However, the authorities have taken stock of the situation and are committed to make the necessary facilities available. Usage of technology in interpretation and spread of information are also a part of this initiative.