By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru: Despite being a city with over 500 years of rich history, Bengaluru today has just 27 officially identified tourist spots, according to the Department of Tourism. Experts and historians point to unchecked urbanisation and rampant real estate development as major reasons for the steady erosion of the city’s heritage.
Historians lament Bengaluru’s fading past
Noted historian Suresh Moona observed that “every street in Bengaluru has a history,” but much of it has been neglected or lost. Another city historian, AD Katti, echoed the sentiment, attributing the decline to modern development and real estate projects that have replaced several historic sites.
“Bengaluru had hundreds of destinations, and among them many have disappeared due to urbanisation. There are still many heritage walk sites that need to be identified and publicised to attract people,” Moona added.
Karnataka’s tourist map: Bengaluru at the bottom
Under the new State Tourism Policy, the Department of Tourism has identified 1,275 tourist destinations across Karnataka, aiming to boost the state’s appeal as a travel hub. Bengaluru Urban has 27 recognised destinations, while Bengaluru Rural has 25.
Mandya tops the list with 106 spots, followed by Belagavi (100), Chikkaballapura (95), and Uttara Kannada (85). Yadgir, with only 5 identified locations, ranks at the bottom. Officials said the selection was based on historical significance, popularity, and footfall.
Popular sites overshadow others
Tourism experts note that when visitors plan their Bengaluru itinerary, the focus is almost always on Vidhana Soudha, Lalbagh, and Cubbon Park. While these remain popular attractions, several historic temples, old neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks in South Bengaluru continue to be overlooked and under-promoted.
Push for revival and development
Tourism Secretary Mohammad Ibrahim has instructed officials across districts to prepare action plans and submit cost estimates for developing identified sites. Permissions will then be sought from the respective authorities to begin development work.
Karnataka Tourism Minister HK Patil said the government intends to give tourism a “new shape” through planned investments and development projects. “According to the new State Tourism Policy, 1,275 tourist places have been identified, and development works will be undertaken,” Patil said.
Bengaluru’s decline in heritage tourism serves as a reminder of the cost of rapid urban growth. While the city has just 27 recognised tourist spots today, experts believe the promotion of heritage walks, historic sites, and cultural landmarks could help revive its lost legacy. With Karnataka’s new tourism policy in place, stakeholders hope that Bengaluru’s forgotten past will once again find its place on the state’s cultural map.
