Dasara rush: 50% homestays and hotels in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur booked

As Dasara vacation has begun, around 50% of accommodations in Karnataka’s key tourism destinations are already booked from October 15, according to homestay associations, hotel owners, and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) officials. Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru have emerged as the favourite destinations, say stakeholders.

H.L. Girish, member of Chikkamagalur Homestay Owners’ Association and owner of Saaranga homestay, said tourists inflow will be from October 15, and around 50% of the rooms have been booked through direct phone calls to owners. “Another 30% tourists will book through various online booking platforms and 20% will arrive without booking,” he said.

Mr. Girish said that though there is high demand, prices will remain around ₹1,500 to 2,500 per day depending on the beds. “As homestay associations, we will not increase the price for now. It happens only during new year celebrations,” he said.

Sampath, owner of Nammane homestay in Kalasa in Chikamagalur, said people tend to rush with bookings in the last hour and the homestay owners are bracing for it.

The highest footfall is likely to be recorded in Kodagu district especially from October 17 to 21 with most homestays and medium budget hotels also being booked. Monthi Ganesh, president, Kodagu Homestay Owners’ Association, said Kodagu is also famous for celebrating Dasara overnight on the day of Vijayadashami. “While celebrations in Mysuru are completed by noon, it peaks at night in Kodagu. Those who travel to Mysuru to witness Vijayadashmi head to Kodagu later. There will be Dasha Mantapa procession that goes on all night,” he said, adding it tends to draw huge crowds.

B.R. Nagendra Prasad, president, Hotel Owners’ Association, Kodagu, highlighted the challenges of this huge demand. “During long weekends, it gets challenging to manage huge crowds. We are not sure how many tourists will eventually drop in. But all hotels that are part of our association are preparing with arrangements, including extra accommodation.”

Devaraj H.S., senior manager, Mayura Hotels, KSTDC, said: “The price of medium budget Mayura hotels across all 25 properties is ₹2,500 per day. Rooms in atleast 20 hotels have already been booked. Not just Madikeri, but rooms in B.R. hills, Shivanasamudra, Halebidu are booked.”