Jnanpith awardee's favourite spot to be tourist attraction

Sadhanakeri, the picturesque locality in Dharwad, is all set to become a tourist attraction.

The quiet, sleepy area surrounded by trees and a lake has inspired several writers, poets and artists including Jnanpith awardee poet Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre.

The Karnataka government had set up the Dr D R Bendre National Memorial Trust 12 years ago and constructed the imposing Bendre Bhavan adjacent to the poet's house at a cost of Rs 1 crore. Bendre's family had donated land in the compound for constructing the Bendre Bhavan.

The poet's house faces the Sadhanakeri Lake and there was demand for developing the area into a tourist attraction.

The Dr D R Bendre National Memorial Trust has sent a proposal to the government to set up the Sadhanakeri Development Authority on the lines of Kudala Sangama Development Authority.

The time has come for the dream project to come true. Karnataka minister for tourism B Sriramulu who visited Bendre Bhavan announced that the government will perform the bhoomi pooja for the development work on November 1 this year.

He said that the lake will be beautified by creating facilities for boating and installing fountains.

Sriramulu said he will send a special officer to survey the area and prepare a blueprint. The minister had also visited Kelgari Lake and promised to develop it into a tourist spot.

He said that the state government plans to introduce the 'Palace on the Wheels' on the lines of the Rajasthan's Palace on Wheels. The train will move around the state and will halt at Hubli-Dharwad.

"This will encourage people to know more about places of historical and cultural importance."