1,275 tourist destinations in Karnataka, but just 27 in Bengaluru; Experts blame rapid urbanisation
Bengaluru: Despite its rich cultural legacy and and heritage spanning over 500 years, Bengaluru has only 27 officially identified tourist spots, according to the Karnataka Department of Tourism. This is a stark contrast to the 1,275 tourist destinations listed across the state, raising concerns among experts who attribute the city’s shrinking tourism footprint to rapid urbanisation and unchecked growth in real estate.
While Bengaluru Urban accounts for just 27 destinations and Bengaluru Rural for 25, districts like Mandya top the list with 106 tourist sites, followed by Belagavi (100), Chikkaballapura (95), and Uttara Kannada (85). Yadgir trails at the bottom with only five tourist spots, reported The New Indian Express on Tuesday.
Historians and tourism experts say the capital city’s aggressive urban expansion has led to the erosion of many historical and cultural landmarks.
“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,” the report quoted historian Suresh Moona as saying.
The 1,275 sites were reportedly selected based on historical significance, popularity, and visitor footfall.
“Action plans and approximate estimates should be sent to the department to get the required permission from the respective authorities and development work should begin,” TNIE quoted Department of Tourism Secretary Mohammad Ibrahim as saying.
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
