New “Traveller Nooks” aimed at improving visitor experience at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi are expected to be ready by March 2026.
The initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024 to provide essential amenities and information support to the growing number of tourists visiting the heritage town.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed the completion timeline during the Winter Session of the Rajya Sabha, while responding to a question raised by member Narayana Koragappa.
“Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the project ‘Setting up of Traveller Nooks at Hampi’ for the cost of ₹25.64 crore under its Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to develop tourist amenities. As per the sanction order issued by the Ministry of Tourism in respect of this project, the State government has designated Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Ltd. (KTIL) as the State Implementing Agency for the scheme,” Mr. Shekhawat stated.
He added that the State government has been asked to complete the project before March 2026.
Traveller Nooks at Hampi
Aim: To improve essential tourist amenities
Facilities: Water stations, clean toilets, ATMs, retail kiosks, shaded seating
Placement: Along key tourist trails
Design: Repurposed container-based units
Offers wide range of public amenities
According to officials in the Karnataka Tourism Department, this is the second Swadesh Darshan 2.0 project sanctioned for the State, following a similar initiative in Mysuru. “The Hampi project will utilise repurposed shipping containers to create modular structures offering a wide range of public amenities,” an official told The Hindu.
The Traveller Nooks are designed to address critical gaps in visitor facilities by providing drinking water stations, hygienic toilets, ATMs, retail kiosks, and shaded resting areas. “These units will be set up along key tourist trails and will be available in three categories Noble, Royal and Imperial each offering varied levels of service,” the official added.
Officials said that the project aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure while ensuring that all interventions remain sensitive to Hampi’s archaeological and cultural significance, thereby supporting sustainable tourism development in Hampi.
Published – December 13, 2025 08:31 pm IST
