Bengaluru: The state government plans to draw more tourists to Hogenakkal waterfalls on the state’s border with Tamil Nadu through a unique pull—a resort with a massage parlour.
Sugar minister H S Mahadev Prasad, who is also in-charge of Chamarajanagar district, told the media on Thursday that the resort would be spread over ten acres. Local people, who are expert masseurs, would be employed at the resort to offer oil massage to tourists. Recently, authorities of Cauvery Tourism Development Authority held discussions with those of the forest department to clear hurdles for promotion of tourism at Hogenakkal.
The forest department’s permission was essential to clear the project as the area falls under the jurisdiction of Kanakapura wildlife range, the minister added. He said the state government would release funds for the proposed resort on receiving a go-ahead from the forest department.
With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, Hogenakkal is a major tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world.
To settle the dues of sugarcane growers from owners of sugar factories, CM Siddaramaiah has convened a meeting of all owners on June 24. Several factories have failed to settle the arrears of farmers.
