The serene lakes of Shivamogga district are gearing up for a major tourism makeover, with the Tourism and Minor Irrigation Departments planning to launch water sports activities across seven lakes located in key taluks. These waterbodies have been strategically chosen for their proximity to existing tourist hotspots.

The lakes identified for this new adventure initiative include:

  • Balligavi Basavannana Kere, Doopadahalli Doddakere, and Talagunda Hirekere in Shikaripur taluk,

  • Keladi Kere in Sagar taluk,

  • Kubaturu Kere in Sorab taluk,

  • Humcha Mutthina Kere in Hosanagar taluk, and

  • Gopishetty Koppa Doddakere in Shivamogga taluk.

    • “These locations already draw steady tourist footfall—Sagar for its closeness to Jog Falls and Hosanagar for the Humcha Jain temple. That’s why they were shortlisted,” said a senior Tourism Department official.

    Instead of applying a blanket model, the authorities are tailoring sports activities to suit each lake’s ecological and hydrological character. For instance, lakes rich in fish and aquatic life will only permit boating, whereas others may host rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or windsurfing, all of which are non-motorised.

    Environmentalists, however, have flagged concerns. “Plastic waste, road expansion, and unregulated footfall can threaten these ecosystems. Increased private involvement might also alter the natural and social dynamics,” cautioned Akhilesh Chipli, an environmentalist.

    Tenders for the water sports services have already been floated, with contracts expected to be finalised soon.

    Meanwhile, similar water sports hubs are being developed in 18 reservoirs like KRS, Kabini, and Kanva, and 10 beaches including Tannirbavi and Maravanthe, aligning with the State budget’s tourism vision.