‘Discover Chikkamagaluru – The Queen of Western Ghats’ Concludes Successfully
The Voice of Chandigarh
The Karnataka Tourism Society (KTS), in collaboration with the Chikkamagaluru Resort Owners Association, successfully concluded ‘Discover Chikkamagaluru – The Queen of Western Ghats’, a landmark destination showcase held from June 16 to 18, 2026, that brought together dignitaries, buyers, media colleagues, and stakeholders from across India.
The event was inaugurated by M. Srinivas, Chairman, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., under the presidency of H.D. Thammaiah, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Chikkamagaluru, along with A.N. Mahesh, President of Environment Impact Assessment Authority; Dr. K.P. Amshumanth, Chairman of Bhadra Command Area Development Authority; Shivanandha Swamy K.C., President, District Guarantee Samithi; Manoj Gowda H.P., President, CDA Chikkamagaluru; Manoj Kumar, IFS, Principal Secretary to Government (Forest); Dr. K.V. Thrilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Tourism, GoK; Shivaprasad P.R., IAS, Director, Department of Tourism, GoK & Managing Director, KSTDC; Bhanwar Singh Meena, IAS, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate – Chikkamagaluru; K. Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society; Chetan M.P., President, Chikkamagaluru Resort Owners Association; officials of the Tourism Department & District Administration; office bearers & members of Karnataka Tourism Society & Chikkamagaluru Resort Owners Association; and stakeholders of the tourism industry.
The event was supported by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, the District Administration, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd., Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Mysore Sales International Ltd., Mysore Sandal Soaps, and local associations.
The highlight of the event was the Business to Business (B2B) sessions, which witnessed the participation of 150 buyers from 20 states across India and 30 sellers representing Chikkamagaluru and neighbouring regions such as Sakleshpur, Hassan, and Shivamogga. These sessions created a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and forging new partnerships to strengthen Karnataka’s tourism brand.
This event stood as a shining example of what can be achieved when government and private stakeholders come together in true partnership. The Chikkamagaluru Resort Owners Association generously provided over 500 complimentary room nights, ensuring the comfort of hosted buyers. Members of the Karnataka Tourism Society extended vehicles on a complimentary basis for delegate transportation — with special contributions from SGR Travels, Quality Holidays, Big Travels, Intersight Connect, and Skyway International Travels. These gestures of generosity and hospitality embody the collaborative spirit that defines Karnataka’s tourism community.
Equally noteworthy was the contribution of 11 leading resorts in Chikkamagaluru, who came forward to provide complimentary rooms for three nights, further enhancing the experience of the buyers. These included Trivik Resort, The Silver Sky Resort, The Serai Resort, TAJ Gateway, Global Village Luxury Resort, Siri Nature Resort, Vismita County, Coffee Grove Resort, The Blossom Resort, Tranquil Terrain Resorts, and Primrose Villas.
H.D. Thammaiah, MLA, Chikkamagaluru, said, “Discover Chikkamagaluru has showcased the true potential of our district. With its coffee heritage, natural beauty, and cultural richness, this event strengthens tourism and opens new opportunities for local communities. From the majestic Mullayanagiri and Bababudangiri ranges to serene waterfalls like Manikyadhara and Honnamanahalla, and sacred sites such as Datta Peeta and Sitalayangiri, Chikkamagaluru offers experiences that truly define the Queen of Western Ghats. Alongside these destinations, our unique food traditions and natural environment are gaining recognition, adding further value to the visitor experience. This showcase is a proud moment for our region, bringing together government and private stakeholders in partnership to highlight Karnataka’s tourism strengths.”
M. Srinivas, Chairman, KSTDC, added, “Discover Chikkamagaluru is not just an event; it is a celebration of Karnataka’s diverse tourism offerings and a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to sustainable growth and hospitality excellence. By bringing together resorts, travel partners, buyers, and stakeholders, we are creating a platform that transforms this region’s natural and cultural wealth into opportunities for collaboration and long term partnerships. Chikkamagaluru, with its mist clad hills, coffee heritage, and warm hospitality, is one of our crown jewels. Promoting tourism here is not only about showcasing beauty, but also about highlighting conservation, ecotourism, and sustainable practices that protect the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats. As the cradle of Indian coffee, Chikkamagaluru’s GI tagged beans symbolize both heritage and innovation, and through this showcase we reaffirm Karnataka’s role as ‘One State, Many Worlds.’”
Dr. K.V. Thrilok Chandra, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, GoK, remarked, “Karnataka today stands as India’s most compelling peace dividend destination — safe, culturally rich, and naturally diverse. With 304 million domestic visits in 2024, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Western Ghats recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot, our state offers unmatched opportunities across heritage, ecotourism, adventure, and hospitality. The disruption of 2025 showed that travelers are seeking stable, experience driven destinations, and Karnataka has emerged as the intelligent alternative. From the misty highlands of Chikkamagaluru and Coorg to the cascading Jog and Abbey Falls, and from our classical heritage in Hampi to the vibrant city of Bengaluru, Karnataka truly lives up to the promise of ‘One State, Many Worlds.’”
Syama Raju, President, Karnataka Tourism Society, emphasized, “Discover Chikkamagaluru reflects the Karnataka Tourism Society’s commitment to building platforms that empower local communities, strengthen hospitality networks, and showcase our state’s diverse offerings. Over the past year, KTS has spearheaded domestic roadshows, hosted buyer programs, and collaborative showcases that connect sellers from Karnataka with buyers across India. By facilitating B2B sessions, supporting resort and transport partnerships, and driving membership engagement, we are ensuring that Karnataka’s tourism narrative remains vibrant and inclusive. Our initiatives are designed not only to promote destinations like Chikkamagaluru, Coorg, and Hampi, but also to highlight the spirit of collaboration that defines Karnataka’s tourism community. Together, we are charting a new course that blends heritage, nature, and innovation under the banner of ‘One State, Many Worlds.’”
Chetan M.P., President, Chikkamagaluru Resort Owners Association, said, “Chikkamagaluru deserves to be counted among the top tourist destinations in India. With its coffee heritage, mist clad hills, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural landmarks, the district offers a complete tourism experience that blends nature, heritage, and hospitality. What makes this region truly special is the warmth of its resorts and homestays, which embody Karnataka’s spirit of hospitality. The domestic tourism market is crucial for us — it is the backbone that sustains our resorts, supports local communities, and ensures year round visitor engagement. By welcoming travelers from across India, we are not only showcasing Chikkamagaluru’s beauty but also strengthening the economic and cultural fabric of the region. Discover Chikkamagaluru has proven that when we work together, our district can stand tall as one of the country’s most sought after destinations.”
Over three days, hosted buyers experienced Chikkamagaluru’s famed coffee heritage, misty hills, cultural richness, and hospitality.
The successful B2B sessions and collaborative efforts mark a new chapter in Karnataka’s tourism journey, positioning Chikkamagaluru as a destination of choice for travelers across India and beyond.