The picturesque hill towns of Chikkamagaluru and Hassan in Karnataka's Malnad region are experiencing an extraordinary surge in visitors for the year-end holiday season and New Year 2025 celebrations. Tired of crowded metro parties, thousands of tourists from within Karnataka, neighbouring states, and even North India are flocking to these twin destinations for low-key and intimate festivities.
Hospitality Sector Bounces Back with Full Bookings
The hospitality industry in the region, which suffered earlier in 2025 due to continuous rainfall, has recovered spectacularly. A majority of accommodations in Koppa, Sringeri, Mudigere, Kalasa, Chikkamagaluru, Sakaleshpur, and Belur are completely booked out for an entire week. Online booking portals closed reservations a week ago, and occupancy within town limits has hit 100%.
Manjunath, a resort operator in Chikkamagaluru district, confirmed his facility has been fully occupied for the last week of December. "We have introduced several competitions and unique events to ensure our guests experience a truly different celebration," he said, highlighting efforts to enhance visitor experience.
Visitors Seek Cosy Retreats and Rugged Adventures
The tourist profile is split between those seeking comfort and those craving adventure. While many prefer the cosy ambiance of resorts, others are gearing up to explore the rugged terrains and waterfalls that define the region's landscape. However, the popular activity of trekking has seen reduced interest this season due to a significant drop in temperatures.
Vasant, a professional working for a multinational company in Bengaluru, returned to his hometown on December 23 to prepare for the celebrations. "My friends planned a New Year celebration in Chikkamagaluru, and I'm handling the arrangements. This time, we've planned something different," he revealed, choosing to keep the specifics under wraps.
Infrastructure and Management Responds to Influx
The high tourist inflow has transformed the usually sleepy towns of the district. Tourist hotspots are now bustling with heavy crowds and significant traffic congestion. Local authorities are actively involved in managing the situation. Police are making concerted efforts to control both the crowd and the traffic to ensure safety and smooth movement.
Ranjan Kumar, a visitor from Andhra Pradesh, exemplifies the trend. He arrived in Sakaleshpur on December 28 with his family and four friends for a five-day trip to celebrate the New Year. This pattern of extended stays is common, with many opting for immersive experiences over quick visits.
The surge underscores a growing preference for serene, nature-centric destinations over conventional party hubs for marking the New Year. It represents a significant economic boost for the Malnad region, setting a positive tone for the tourism sector as it enters 2025.
