Tourist arrivals to Mysuru continue post-Dasara

Myusuru: While lakhs of tourists visited Mysuru during the 10-day Dasara festival, visitor footfalls have continued post-festival.
The hotels are booked for next week too, mainly during the weekend, which is mainly attributed to the extended illumination of Mysuru streets. Stakeholders from the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors pointed out that this edition of Dasara recorded a huge influx of tourists.
With the arrival of lakhs of tourists, including those from neighbouring Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and visitors from several districts of the state for Dasara celebrations due to the extended weekend and Dasara holidays for students, the central business district was gridlocked during the evening hours, even on Sunday.
People who came for the Dasara procession stayed back due to the extended illumination arrangements and to visit the exhibition at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds. People who missed the Dasara celebrations are flocking to the city to witness the dazzling illumination arrangements that extended till Oct 23, this year.
Tourist footfall to iconic Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, and other tourist spots surrounding the city like Srirangapatna, KRS, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, wild safari in Bandipur and Nagarahole, and BRT Tiger Reserves continued even post-Dasara, bringing smiles to stakeholders in the tourism sector. Lakhs of domestic and foreign visitors visited Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo during the last ten days of the Dasara festival.
Speaking to TOI, Hotel Owners Association president M Narayangowda said Mysuru, which has more than 10,000 hotels, was fully booked after the launch of Dasara festivities. "Over 40% of the occupants from outside the state still stay back to go around the city. This year, a large number of visitors from other districts thronged Mysuru due to grand Dasara festivities, free bus travel, and other reasons," he said.
"All the hotels are booked for next weekend. People who did not visit the city during Dasara due to the crowd and other reasons will flock to Mysuru, thanks to the district administration for extending illumination arrangements this year," he said.
Mysuru Travels Association president Prashanth BS said visitors have booked vehicles due to the extended illumination. "Though this year has become a huge hit with Yuva Dasara, drone shows, and captivating events, more domestic tourists witnessed the events this year rather than those from outside the state. The state and district must make advance arrangements and publicity to attract tourists and foreigners," he said.
Tourism assistant director Prabhuswamy said even KSTDC has decided to operate Ambari ride until Oct 23as tourists have booked tickets online due to the extended illumination. "The Dasara website launched by the tourism department registered nearly six lakh visitors in the last ten days," he said.