In the scorching heat of Karnataka, Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has experienced its lowest tourist turnout in a decade. Normally bustling with around 5,000 visitors daily, the site now sees a mere 150 tourists on weekends and only double-digit numbers on weekdays, as reported by the Deputy Commissioner of Hosapete, MS Divakar. The sweltering temperatures, reaching up to 42 degrees Celsius, have deterred travelers, severely impacting the livelihoods of local vendors and small businesses.
Highlighting the contrast, Divakar pointed out that in January, Hampi welcomed around 25,000 visitors daily, with a remarkable 15 lakh tourists attending the three-day Hampi Utsav. However, the current heatwave and lack of rainfall have significantly dampened tourism activity.
Locals lamented the inadequate tourist facilities in the area, emphasizing the need for hotels near the Hampi temple, particularly catering to the working class. Consequently, the hotel industry has suffered a major blow, with occupancy rates plummeting to as low as 30%. The situation has become dire for hotel owners, with only a fraction of their rooms being filled compared to previous occupancy levels.
