Mangaluru: Pilikula Nisargadhama has introduced an online e-ticketing system and kiosk services, marking a significant step towards expanding digital infrastructure and improving visitor convenience at one of the coastal region’s most popular tourism destinations.
The new digital facility was officially inaugurated at the Pilikula box office on May 13 by N. S. Boseraju in the presence of public representatives, officials and members of the Pilikula Development Authority.
The initiative is aimed at streamlining ticketing operations, reducing waiting time for visitors and strengthening technology-driven public services at the sprawling nature, tourism and educational hub located on the outskirts of Mangaluru.
Digital initiative to improve visitor experience
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, N. S. Boseraju said the launch of online ticketing represents an important move towards enhancing public services through modern technology.
He stated that digital systems would help tourists and visitors access facilities more efficiently while also improving the management of visitor inflow at Pilikula. According to officials, the online ticketing system is expected to reduce manual crowd handling at ticket counters, especially during weekends, holidays and peak tourist seasons.
The newly introduced kiosk services will also enable visitors to obtain tickets quickly through self-service facilities, helping minimise queues and improve operational efficiency within the campus.
Authorities believe the initiative will support Pilikula’s broader efforts to modernise its services and offer a more convenient experience to domestic and international tourists visiting the destination.
Officials and public representatives attend event
Several political leaders, officials and members of the Pilikula Development Authority attended the inauguration programme.
Among those present were Manjunath Bhandary, J. R. Lobo, Bhaskar K, Darshan H V and Arun Kumar Shetty.
Members of the authority, including N G Mohan and Shivaram Mallya, were also present during the launch event.
Representatives from Canara Bank attended the programme as the banking partner associated with the digital ticketing initiative. Officials explained that the system has been designed to offer secure and seamless digital transactions for visitors.
E-ticketing system explained to attendees
During the programme, Manjunath B Singhai explained the functioning of the newly introduced e-ticketing system and highlighted its advantages for visitors and administrators alike.
According to officials, tourists will now be able to access ticketing services online, helping reduce dependency on cash transactions and manual booking processes. The system is also expected to improve transparency and help authorities monitor visitor data more effectively.
Senior bank officials, including Venkata Varaprasad and divisional managers, participated in the event and discussed the role of digital banking support in implementing such public-oriented technology projects.
The organisers stated that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to encourage digital adoption across tourism and public service sectors in Karnataka.
Pilikula continues modernisation efforts
The programme was coordinated by Jagannath, while several officials, including Neha and administrative representatives of the Pilikula Development Authority, attended the event.
Authorities said the introduction of online ticketing and kiosk facilities forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure and improve the overall tourism experience at Pilikula.
Spread across a vast area near Mangaluru, Pilikula Nisargadhama houses attractions such as a biological park, science centre, lake garden, heritage village and golf course, attracting thousands of visitors annually from across Karnataka and neighbouring states.
Officials expressed confidence that the digital initiative would significantly improve visitor convenience while helping the destination adapt to changing technological expectations in the tourism sector.