BANGALORE: If Madame Tussauds in London attracts the maximum number of tourists from across the globe, the majestic Mysore Palace ranks a close second on the list of the most-visited places on the globe. In another affirmation of its drawing power, the New York Times recently listed it as one of the 31 must-see places on Earth for two years in a row. The palace plays host to an average 2.5 million tourists each year. Going by the growing tourist footfalls, Karnataka tourism department officials say it could well be the numero uno soon. Feedback from tourists from the UK, Spain, France and other countries suggests that the palace has mesmerized visitors. Many wonder why Buckingham Palace has been considered magnificent for so long when the Mysore Palace can boast of superior construction.
In 2010, Mysore Palace had a domestic visitor footfall of 3.1 million and another 70,000 from abroad. Other places in Mysore played host to 7 million domestic and 12,000 international visitors. The first nine months of 2011 have seen 2.4 million domestic visitors and 60,000 international visitors touring the palace.
The city, on the other hand, received a whopping 6.75 million domestic and 25,000 foreign tourists till September.
"Hardly does the Mysore Palace or the city get left out of a tour itinerary involving either Karnataka or south India," says a senior official of the tourism department.
Tours that start in Tamil Nadu and end in Bangalore enter Karnataka from Wayanad through Nagarahole, Mysore or Hassan before reaching Bangalore, for onward departures. A lot of tours enter Karnataka coming through Ooty, Bandipur and Mysore and conclude at Bangalore.
"Mysore generates a handsome revenue for the state," tourism officials said. It's evident by the fact that three new hotels are being set up to cash on the growth. Readying their infrastructure are Radisson Blu Plaza (170 rooms), Sheraton Mysore Hotel (220 rooms) and the Country Inn Suites (130 rooms), all expected to start operations in one year.
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