This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Tourism's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1328, regarding the development of tourism hubs in Karnataka, particularly in Uttara Kannada, answered on July 28, 2025.
The Ministry states that the development and promotion of tourist destinations is primarily the responsibility of the State Government/Union Territory Administration. However, the Ministry of Tourism supplements these efforts through central sector schemes including Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme, and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme. These schemes provide financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations, subject to fund availability, adherence to guidelines, and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Furthermore, the Government of India's initiative for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) has also provided financial assistance for tourism projects in Karnataka.
The following projects have been sanctioned in Karnataka under these schemes:
**PRASHAD Scheme:**
1. Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, Mysuru (2023-24): ₹45.38 crore
2. Development of Renuka Yallama Devi Temple (2024-25): ₹18.37 crore
3. Development of Basic Amenities at Papnash Temple, Bidar dist. (2024-25): ₹22.25 crore
**Swadesh Darshan 2.0:**
1. Setting up of Traveller nooks in Hampi (2023-24): ₹25.63 crore
2. Tonga ride Heritage experience zone in Mysuru (2023-24): ₹2.71 crore
3. Ecological Experience Zone in Mysuru (2023-24): ₹18.48 crore
**Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI):**
1. Ecotourism Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru (2024-25): ₹99.17 crore
2. Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda in Belgavi (2024-25): ₹100.00 crore
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Karnataka: A state in South India, focus of tourism development mentioned in the policy document.
Uttara Kannada: A district in Karnataka, specifically mentioned as a potential area for tourism development.
Swadesh Darshan: A central sector scheme of the Ministry of Tourism for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive PRASHAD: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism focused on developing and identifying pilgrimage destinations for enriching the religious tourism experience.
SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI: Member of Parliament who raised the question about tourism development in Karnataka.
Mysuru: A city in Karnataka known for its historical and cultural significance and a location for tourism projects.
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment SASCI: An initiative by Government of India to provide financial assistance to the States for development of tourism projects.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1328
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM HUBS IN KARNATAKA
1328. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has identified any tourism spots in
Karnataka especially in Uttara Kannada;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any plan for developing the tourism
hubs in Uttara kannada; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (d): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and
tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/ Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, the Ministry
of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan(SD)’,
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge Based Destination Development
(CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation
and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ schemes
complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development in tourism
destinations across the country including in the lesser known
destinations by extending financial assistance to the State
Governments/UT Administrations subject to availability of funds,
adherence to scheme guidelines, submission of Detailed Project Reports
(DPRs) by the State Governments etc. In addition, Government of India
under its initiative for ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment
(SASCI)’ has also provided financial assistance to the States for
development of tourism projects including in the State of Karnataka.
Details of projects as sanctioned in the State of Karnataka under
PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and SASCI schemes is annexed.
********ANNEXURE
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO.1328 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025 REGARDING
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOURISM HUBS IN KARNATAKA RAISED BY
SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI
List of projects sanctioned in the State of Karnataka under Ministry of
Tourism Schemes:-
S. Name of the Project Sanction Sanctioned
No. Year Amount
(₹ in crore)
PRASHAD Scheme
1. Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at
2023-24 45.38
Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, Mysuru
2. Development of Renuka Yallama Devi
2024-25 18.37
temple
3. Development of Basic Amenities at
2024-25 22.25
Papnash Temple, Bidar dist.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0
1. Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’ in Hampi 2023-24 25.63
2. Tonga ride Heritage experience zone in 2023-24 2.71
Mysuru
3. Ecological Experience Zone in Mysuru 2023-24 18.48
Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment
(SASCI)
1. Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and 2024-25 99.17
Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru
2. Development of Savadatti 2024-25 100.00
Yallammagudda in Belgavi
*****