Mysore Palace to have added attraction for tourists

The Mysore Palace would soon have an added attraction for tourists flocking to it with the government deciding to throw open the sound and music facility from November 15.

Despite opposition from environmentalists to the project on the ground that it would "deface the beauty and grandeur" of the palace, the government has decided to go in for a trial run from November 1 and declare it open by a fortnight, Minister for Tourism D J Jayakumar told reporters here.

Seeking to allay apprehensions of environmentalists, the minister said he would invite them for a dialogue to convince them on the importance of the project.

Work on erection of a trolley in the famous Jain shrine, Shravanabelagola was in progress and would be ready by the ‘Mahamastakabhisheka’ slated for early next year, he said.

Jayakumar said plans were on to erect a ropeway from Kolluar to Kodachadri in Udupi district at a cost of Rs 25 crore.

The project would bring down the distance from Kollur to Kodachari from the existing 45 kms to just a kilometer, he said, but pointed out that the forest department was opposing the project.

However, the forest department has approved the ropeway projects for Chamundi and Nandi hills, he said.