New Year rush swells crowds, hotels triple prices across Karnataka

Year-end holidays trigger massive footfall at temples and tourist spots as families travel, partygoers celebrate, and accommodation demand soars statewide

As the year draws to a close and a series of holidays line up, temples and tourist destinations across Karnataka are witnessing unprecedented crowds. While some people are celebrating with parties, many families are using the extended break to travel, leading to packed destinations and soaring accommodation prices.

The New Year fever is clearly visible, with celebrations slowly building up across the world and people in Karnataka already in a festive mood. The rush is so intense that hotel rooms are completely booked, and in several places, room tariffs have gone up nearly three times. In some tourist hubs, visitors are even returning without accommodation due to non-availability.

In Mandya district, almost all tourist spots are overflowing with visitors. The world-famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary has emerged as a major attraction, drawing families eager to watch migratory birds. Visitors are seen enjoying close views of nesting birds through boat rides. Birds from different parts of India and abroad have arrived for breeding, but officials note that the number of tourists currently exceeds the number of birds.

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Along with tourist destinations, religious centres are also witnessing a massive influx. Thousands of devotees are visiting the Nimishamba Temple on the banks of the Cauvery River in Srirangapatna. With Dhanurmasa and consecutive holidays, devotees are taking holy dips in the river before offering prayers at the temple.

The festive rush is equally intense in Hosapete of Vijayanagara district, which has become a preferred destination for New Year celebrations. Tourists are visiting Hampi, the zoo, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Anjanadri Hill, and the Tungabhadra reservoir. As a result, homestays, resorts, hotels, and lodges are in huge demand, pushing prices sharply upward. Tourists from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and even foreign countries are arriving in large numbers.

Overall, Karnataka is welcoming the New Year with celebration and travel, as extended holidays have turned temples and tourist spots into crowded hubs of activity.

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