RURAL TOURISM: Foreign tourists enjoying the landscape at the Hampi World Heritage Site in the Tungabhadra.

HAMPI: Anegundi, part of the Hampi World Heritage Site, is preparing to welcome tourists, both domestic and foreign.

The village, which is situated on the northern bank of the Tungabhadra river, adjacent to the world-famous Hampi, has been selected under the Rural Tourism Scheme for which the Union Tourism Ministry will provide financial assistance.

Old buildings with architectural value will be restored and used as guesthouses for tourists. Restaurants, Internet cafes and handicraft shops will be opened and a solid-waste management introduced.

The Kishkinda Trust, a non-governmental organisation which has been working for the socio-economic and cultural enhancement of Anegundi and its people through heritage conservation, will help implement the tourism scheme.

Job opportunities

The trust, which aims at promoting tourism at the heritage site, believes this will bring employment opportunities to the local people. Shama Pawar, managing trustee, said the characteristics of village will be preserved and it will attract tourists.

To promote the concept of "eco-transport", the trust will offer bicycles on rent. Coracle rides will be arranged with the help of local people. "This is a major step in preserving the physical and cultural characteristics of the village. The programme has enhanced the serene appearance of the village and it promises visitors a clean and green environment," Ms. Pawar said. The "cultural conservation" programme was initiated with a "rangoli and clean road competition", which witnessed the enthusiastic participation of women and children. As part of preparations for the contest, lanes were cleaned.

The trust has also embarked upon a heritage conservation programme by taking steps to revive traditional construction techniques. The house of an artisan on "royal street" at Anegundi, which was in poor condition, has been restored. It has been taken on lease and will be maintained by the trust for five years. Once the lease term expires, it will be returned to the owner.

At the building, an information centre for tourists has been set up. The trust has restored three "kattas" (platforms) in the village, which were in ruins. In the past, the kattas were venues for social gatherings and also served as resting places for travellers. For the formulation of "route packages", the Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 54 lakhs. Of Rs. 40 lakhs released, Rs. 29.63 lakhs has been utilised, Ms. Pawar said.

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