Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is considering constructing a major convention and tourism facility named ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday.

The proposed facility is being considered as part of the state government’s efforts to promote Karnataka’s tourism, cultural heritage, art and entertainment sectors. Shivakumar made the announcement while inaugurating the first Karnataka Tourism Awards at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on World Tourism Day.

Possible locations under consideration include Jakkur, the Mysuru Lamps premises and the NGEF premises, with the government looking for a location close to a Metro station.

The announcement comes as Karnataka looks at expanding its tourism infrastructure and creating facilities that can host large-scale events, conventions and cultural programmes.

Jakkur, Mysuru Lamps and NGEF sites considered

According to Shivakumar, the government is examining three possible locations for the proposed Karnataka Mandapam.

These include Jakkur, the Mysuru Lamps premises and the NGEF premises. A location near a Metro station is being considered to improve accessibility for visitors and participants.

However, no final site has been announced yet. The proposal remains under consideration, and further decisions would be required on the location, design, funding and implementation.

The proposed Karnataka Mandapam is being compared with Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, a large convention and exhibition facility that hosts major national and international events.

Proposal linked to Karnataka tourism push

Shivakumar said the proposed facility forms part of the government’s broader plan to use Karnataka’s natural, cultural and heritage assets to attract visitors.

Speaking at the tourism awards programme, the Chief Minister highlighted Karnataka’s environment, art, culture and entertainment as important elements of the state’s tourism offering.

He also said the government was looking at promoting tourism in Kodagu and the Malnad region while ensuring that local culture and the environment are protected.

The government has also approved the Coastal Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy-2026, under which tourism projects in the coastal and Malnad regions will receive industry and infrastructure status, according to the Chief Minister.

Bengaluru convention centre also under consideration

Apart from Karnataka Mandapam, Shivakumar said the government was separately considering establishing a convention centre in Bengaluru.

The proposal is expected to be discussed at a meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association next week.

The Chief Minister also referred to discussions with BookMyShow about hosting around 25 to 30 shows a year in Bengaluru, including large international performances.

The proposed convention infrastructure could therefore be aimed at supporting a wider range of events, including business conventions, entertainment programmes and cultural activities.

The exact size, investment and proposed facilities of the Karnataka Mandapam have not yet been announced.

Karnataka looking to expand tourism infrastructure

The proposed project comes at a time when the state government is seeking to increase tourism activity beyond traditional destinations.

Shivakumar said Karnataka had not fully utilised its 360-km coastline and outlined plans to develop coastal tourism while addressing environmental and regulatory concerns.

The government also plans to seek support from the Centre on issues related to Coastal Regulation Zone rules. The Chief Minister referred to approaches followed in states such as Kerala and Goa while discussing coastal tourism development.

The government has also been discussing tourism projects in the Malnad and Kodagu regions, with an emphasis on balancing tourism development with protection of local culture and the environment.

Guides and taxi drivers to be part of tourism strategy

Shivakumar also stressed the role of people working directly with tourists.

He said tourist guides and taxi drivers should be recognised as ambassadors of Karnataka tourism. Such workers often serve as the first point of contact for visitors travelling around the state.

The government wants Karnataka’s natural resources and heritage to be showcased more widely while ensuring that tourism-related development does not damage the environment.

The proposed Karnataka Mandapam could potentially provide another platform for presenting the state’s cultural and tourism offerings to visitors, although its exact role will depend on the final project design.

Other tourism projects discussed

The Chief Minister also spoke about a proposed sky deck project that the government wants to develop through a public-private partnership model.

He said the government would identify a suitable location and implement the proposed project, which has been described as Asia’s tallest sky deck.

Another project mentioned was the proposed ‘Mangaluru Eye’, a Dubai-style sky tower and tourism attraction in Mangaluru. Shivakumar said implementing the project would be difficult and time-consuming and stressed the need for follow-up action on decisions taken for Mangaluru.

These projects are part of a wider set of tourism-related proposals being discussed by the state government.

Focus on Bengaluru’s connectivity

The proposed Karnataka Mandapam sites are being considered partly with connectivity in mind.

The Chief Minister specifically referred to locations near Metro stations, which could make a large convention facility easier to access for residents, tourists and participants attending major events.

Bengaluru already has a growing convention and events ecosystem, while the Karnataka Trade Promotion Organisation site in Whitefield is also being planned for comprehensive development.

Separately, the KTPO site is being considered for a world-class convention and exhibition facility spread across five acres of vacant land, with plans including convention space, exhibition halls, event areas and parking.

This means the proposed Karnataka Mandapam would form part of a broader expansion of Bengaluru’s event and convention infrastructure rather than being the only such project under consideration.

Conclusion

The Karnataka government is considering a ‘Karnataka Mandapam’ in Bengaluru on the lines of Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, with Jakkur, the Mysuru Lamps premises and NGEF among the possible locations.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the proposal is linked to the state’s plans to strengthen tourism, culture and entertainment infrastructure. A separate convention centre is also being considered in Bengaluru.

The project is still at the consideration stage, with no final location, cost or construction timeline announced so far.