Bengalureans head overseas for Christmas–New Year holidays, Karnataka tourism feels the pinch

An increasing number of Bengalureans are choosing overseas destinations for their Christmas–New Year holidays this season, with tourism stakeholders noting a rise in international travel even as domestic tourism within Karnataka shows signs of strain during what is usually a peak period.

Tourism stakeholders point out that a sizeable section of travellers is bypassing Karnataka altogether. S. Mahalingaiah, vice-president of the Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), said overseas and out-of-state travel has risen this season, partly due to restrictions within Karnataka. He said the continuing suspension of jungle safaris has had a visible effect on domestic tourism.

The suspension of jungle safaris in Karnataka has cast a shadow over Christmas and New Year travel plans, with tourism stakeholders warning of a significant impact on the festive-season economy even as thousands of Bengalureans head out for short holidays.

Meanwhile, some have opted for brief road trips rather than long vacations. Travel operators say nearby destinations are seeing the highest demand. Manjunath R., a travel operator from Basavanagudi, said bookings this season were strongest for Mysuru and Kodagu. “This year, the maximum bookings are for Mysuru and Kodagu, while there are only a few for Mangaluru and Gokarna. Compared to previous years, overall bookings feel slightly lower. Since Christmas falls in the middle of the week, many people seem to have adjusted their travel plans or shortened their holidays,” he said.

The State government suspended safaris on November 7 following a series of human–animal conflict incidents, particularly tiger attacks reported from the Bandipur and Nagarahole reserves. “Because the safari ban continues, many tourists are choosing destinations outside Karnataka, such as Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. A large number are also travelling overseas, especially to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, as this is a week-long holiday for many,” Mr. Mahalingaiah said.

He cautioned that extending the restrictions through the peak holiday period could hurt livelihoods dependent on tourism. “The Karnataka government should consider lifting the safari ban with adequate safeguards. If this continues, it will have a serious impact on the tourism industry,” he added.