Only 1,531 registered homestays across Karnataka: Minister
The Hindu
Those in the tourism sector admit that not everyone wants to be under the government’s radar post registration
Sought after tourist destinations in the State, from Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu to Hampi and Agumbe, have one more thing in common - the popularity of homestays. For travellers wishing for a home away from home, homestays are the preferred type of accommodation. And for owners of these accommodations, it is a source of income.
But during the recently concluded session, the Tourism Minister, responding to a question, admitted that there are only 1,531 registered homestays in Karnataka. This has raised many questions, as the popularity and number of homestays is undeniably far higher than the admitted numbers. What has also been pointed out is just how many of these accommodations are unauthorised and how many are adhering to the rules. Ironically, the Minister’s response also denied having come across complaints of unauthorised homestays.
Those in the tourism sector too admitted that not everyone wanted to fall under the government’s radar post registration. No one has the correct figure. “In Kodagu alone, there are more than 2,000 registered and unregistered homestays. Same is the case in Chikkamagaluru. There are people who don’t want to come into the picture, but are making money nevertheless,” said a homestay owner, requesting anonymity.
Everyone talks about the Airport Metro, but one look at the pillars and completion seems nowhere in sight. Meanwhile, a faster, cheaper, roomier alternative called the Suburban Rail Airport Corridor is finally getting off the drawing board. This dedicated corridor with its specialised coaches will link the airport to vast stretches of Bengaluru, where the metro connection is still years away.