Tourism Dept. Secretary instructs officials to exploit tourism potential of Udupi district

Tourism Department Secretary Ram Prasath Manohar reviewing infrastructure works of major tourist destinations in Udupi district on Thursday. | Photo Credit: UMESH S. SHETTIGAR The coastal and water tourism potential of Udupi district should be effectively exploited, Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, State Tourism Department, instructed officials.The religious tourism should be developed in other tourist destinations in the district, he said.As directed by Tourism Minister K.J. George, Mr. Manohar, along with a team of officials, reviewed the development and infrastructure works of major tourist destinations in the district on Thursday.The Secretary stressed the need to develop new tourist attractions and ancillary facilities so that tourists can stay longer in the district.He instructed the officials to formulate a plan to attract lakhs of devotees, who come to important religious places, including Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple, to the coastal regions of the district.Trasi-Maravanthe beachMr. Manohar, who reviewed the Trasi-Maravanthe beach development works, told offiicials to speed up the works and complete them in the next three months and open the place for public use.He directed the officials to arrange basic infrastructure for tourists without compromising the natural beauty.Someshwar beach and Kodi backwatersThe Secretary reviewed the need for development of additional infrastructure for tourists at Someshwar beach and make it more attractive.The possibilities of developing eco-friendly houseboats and water tourism in the Kodi backwater area of ​​Kundapur were take up for discussion. It was suggested to prioritise environmental protection and exploit the tourism potential of the area.The officials were instructed to provide a holistic experience to tourists by linking the local art, culture, food and unique coastal lifestyle of Udupi district with tourism.He said that the main objective of the department is to increase the demand for hotels, transport, food, tourist services and local products by increasing the length of stay of tourists and creating employment and business opportunities for local youth. Published - August 27, 2026 09:43 pm IST