Chikkamagaluru: Tourists visiting Chikkamagaluru, the land of coffee, have another option to enjoy. A bridge, constructed across Bhadra river backwater, has turned into one of the major tourist attractions.Although the bridge, which connects NR Pura and Honnekodige, awaits inauguration, thousands of people, including locals, keep visiting it in large numbers to enjoy the scenic panoramic views of the backwaters and the Western Ghats.Ramya Arun, a local resident who visited the bridge for the first time, was excited to see the changes in the locality. The place was something like an abandoned place earlier. But now, it has turned into a beautiful place. “I visited the place several years ago, and only a few people were there. But now, the place is milling with visitors,” she said.Vandana, a tourist from Shivamogga, did not know about the place. She, along with her family, visited Jwalamalini Temple in Bastimutt near NR Pura. She learnt about the place through Instagram and enquired with locals. “The place is amazing and calm with pleasant,” she added.The 800-metre bridge was constructed at a cost of Rs 35 crore to connect NR Pura and Honnekodige. The demand for the bridge was long pending. The place is an added tourist hotspot, and it must be maintained well with adequate facilities in the area. Although it was not developed for tourism, it has turned into one, thanks to the serene surroundings.Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) chairperson M Srinivas, who is also from the region, said it was more than a tourist attraction and it helps thousands of people, particularly farmers. In 1958, when Bhadra dam was constructed, several farmers lost lands. The distance between NR Pura and Honnekodige was nearly 30km. But now, people can reach the taluk in a few minutes by travelling 5km, he said.Srinivas also said that chief minister Siddaramaiah, showing special interest, wanted to construct the bridge to help the people who parted with land for the dam. The CM will inaugurate the bridge on April 13.Several tourist projects, including a water park, have been planned in the area to make the region a tourist hub, he added.
