The new ‘Traveller’s Corner’ aimed at enhancing the visitor experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi is expected to be ready by March 2026.
The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 to provide basic amenities and information support to the growing number of tourists visiting this historic city.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed the completion schedule during the winter session of the Rajya Sabha while answering a question raised by member Narayana Koragappa.
“Ministry of Tourism has approved the project ‘Establishment of Travelers Corner in Hampi’ at a cost of ₹ 25.64 crore under its Swadesh Darshan 2.0 program for development of tourism amenities. According to the sanction order issued by the Ministry of Tourism in connection with this project, the state government has designated the state agency Impfrastructure Ltd. as the IL Karnataka (IL) tourism scheme,” Mr. Shekhawat said.
He added that the state government has been asked to complete the project by March 2026.
Traveler Nooks at Hampi
Goal: To improve basic tourist facilities
Facilities: Water stations, clean toilets, ATMs, sales kiosks, shaded seating
Location: Along the main tourist routes
Design: Refurbished container units
It offers a wide range of civic amenities
According to officials at the Karnataka Tourism Department, this is the second Swadesh Darshan 2.0 project approved for the state after a similar initiative in Mysuru. “The Hampi project will use repurposed shipping containers to create modular structures offering a wide range of public amenities,” an official told The Hindu.
Traveler Nooks are designed to address critical gaps in visitor facilities by providing drinking water stations, sanitary toilets, ATMs, vending kiosks and shaded rest areas. “These units will be located along key tourist routes and will be available in three categories Noble, Royal and Imperial, each offering different levels of service,” the official added.
Officials said the project aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure while ensuring that all interventions remain sensitive to Hampi’s archaeological and cultural significance, thereby promoting sustainable tourism development in Hampi.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 20:31 IST
