V’nagara DC sets March 2026 deadline for traveller nooks at Hampi

Hosapete (Vijayanagara): In a bid to enhance visitor amenities and improve the overall tourist experience at the Unesco World Heritage site of Hampi, the state govt is set to roll out ‘traveller nooks' across key monuments and tourist locations by March 2026.Presiding over a review meeting at the deputy commissioner's office here on Monday, DC Kavita S Mannikeri said that traveller nooks will be established at 20 locations in and around Hampi. These include prominent sites such as Mayur Bhuvaneshwari Hotel, Chandrakeshwar Temple, Vijaya Vitthal Temple, and Virupaksha Temple.Emphasising the importance of timely execution, Mannikeri directed officials to resolve space constraints or other implementation hurdles without delay. "If there is any shortage of space or any obstacle to implementation, a solution should be found quickly so that the project is completed within the stipulated time," she said.The project is being implemented under the central govt's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme and aims to boost tourist footfall by providing essential facilities under one roof. Traveller nooks will offer amenities such as drinking water stations, clean toilets, ATMs, retail kiosks, and shaded seating areas at affordable prices, officials said.The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and visitor services at major tourist destinations across the country. The ministry of tourism directed the state govt to ensure completion of the Hampi project before March 2026.Union minister for culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed the timeline during the winter session of the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question raised by member Narayana Koragappa. He informed the House that the ministry of tourism sanctioned Rs 25.6 crore."As per the sanction order, the State govt designated Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL) as the State Implementing Agency for setting up traveller nooks at Hampi," Shekhawat said.Officials said the units would be set up along major tourist trails and will be categorised into 3 segments—noble, royal, and imperial—each offering different levels of services to visitors.The project is expected to significantly strengthen tourism infrastructure in Hampi, while ensuring that development remains sensitive to the site's archaeological and cultural heritage.