Dakshina Kannada‘s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable growth, with a significant surge in foreign visitors in 2024. The number of international tourists tripled from 3,818 in 2023 to 10,778 in 2024, drawing attention to the region’s unique charm.
The appeal of Dakshina Kannada lies in its perfect blend of ancient temples and pristine beaches, making it an irresistible destination for global explorers. Surathkal leads the charge, while Moodbidri, Pilikula, and Dharmasthala are also major draws. The Department of Tourism has highlighted 38 must-visit spots, with 14 being particularly popular among foreign visitors. Temples and eco-tourism stand out as the major attractions, says Dilip Kumar, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism. He also pointed out that many tourists who previously preferred Goa are now discovering the beauty of South India, including Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, and Kerala.
According to Shiju M Nambiar, General Manager of Vivanta Mangaluru, most foreign tourists use Dakshina Kannada as a stopover, making it easy to travel onward to nearby destinations like Kodagu or Kerala. While here, they explore the region’s spiritual heritage, visiting temples in the Udupi district, and enjoy the region’s stunning beaches and local sightseeing.
Popular destinations among foreign visitors include Surathkal, Panambur, Ullal, Someshwar, Kateel, Moodbidri, Tannirbhavi, Pilikula, Sasihitlu Beach, Postal Card Collection Centre in Pandeshwara, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, Dharmasthala, and Venur.
In addition to the rise in foreign tourism, Dakshina Kannada has also seen a sharp increase in domestic tourist numbers. In 2023, 3.28 crore domestic tourists visited the region, and this number surged to over 5.06 crore in 2024. Temples and beaches continue to be the primary attractions, with waterfalls like Ermayi, Didupe, and Todikana also drawing significant interest.
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