Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has announced that the state government is considering a new Karnataka Mandapam in Bengaluru, similar to Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. The proposed facility is part of the government’s plans to strengthen tourism, improve infrastructure and attract major events to the city.
The government is considering possible locations such as Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps and NGEF premises, particularly sites located close to Metro stations. The location will be selected after further discussions and evaluation of the available options.
Shivakumar announced the proposal while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Bengaluru’s Palace Grounds on World Tourism Day. He said Karnataka has significant natural, cultural and heritage resources that can be used to strengthen the tourism sector.
The proposed Karnataka Mandapam could provide Bengaluru with a larger venue for conferences, exhibitions, cultural programmes and major entertainment events. The government is also separately considering a convention centre in Bengaluru to increase the city’s ability to host large events.
The tourism push is not limited to Bengaluru. The government is also looking at developing tourism in Kodagu, Malnad and the coastal regions while protecting local culture and the environment. Karnataka has a coastline of about 360 km, which the government believes has further tourism potential.
The state has approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy 2026 to promote tourism in coastal and Malnad areas. Under the policy, tourism projects will receive industry and infrastructure status, with the aim of encouraging investment and improving tourism-related facilities.
The government is also looking at simplifying approval procedures for tourism projects. Earlier discussions on coastal tourism included proposals for single-window mechanisms and time-bound approvals to reduce delays for investors, while issues related to Coastal Regulation Zone rules are also being examined.
At the same time, Shivakumar has stressed that development should not come at the cost of Karnataka’s natural resources. The government says tourism projects should protect the environment and preserve the culture and heritage of local communities.
Other tourism attractions are also being considered. These include an Asia’s tallest sky deck project through a public-private partnership and the proposed Mangaluru Eye, a large tourist attraction planned for coastal Karnataka.
The proposed Karnataka Mandapam and wider tourism plans are aimed at combining modern infrastructure with Karnataka’s cultural and natural strengths. Further decisions on locations, projects and implementation are expected as the government continues its discussions with officials and tourism stakeholders.