Sigandur emerges as new tourist hub for NK folks | Hubballi News

Hubballi: Sigandur, home to the state’s longest bridge inaugurated recently, is fast becoming a favourite getaway for North Karnataka travellers. With people thronging the spot in private vehicles and group tours, travel agencies are adding Sigandur to their itineraries. Seeing the growing interest, NWKRTC has also started package tours from various locations to the destination.Priyanga M, managing director, NWKRTC, Hubballi, told TOI that this time they have introduced more tourist packages to Sigandur, Gokak, Amboli, Banavasi, Dandeli, apart from Jog Falls. “Responding to the tourists’ demand, we have introduced package tours to Sigandur from Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Ranebennur, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Sirsi. If passengers wish to book a casual contract bus, we are providing it at a special discount,” she stated.It can be mentioned here that Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple was made accessible to lakhs of devotees and the public by dedicating the 2.2 km long Kalasavalli-Ambargodlu bridge over Sharavathi backwaters in Shivamogga district, on July 14. The bridge, built at the cost of Rs 423.1 crore and inaugurated by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, is Karnataka’s first extradosed balanced cantilever bridge with 740 metres supported by cables and built on a pile foundation with dual lanes and footpaths.Hariprasad Shetty, manager, Rajkumar Travels, said that earlier people were booking buses for coastal places like Gokarna and Murudeshwar. “This year, we are getting bus bookings for Sigandur, especially for Sundays and govt holidays. We are also facing difficulties in meeting the demand for holidays,” he shared.Mahesh Kalaghatgi, a travel agent at Kittur Channamma Circle, stated that groups of 4-5 people are hiring cars or SUVs for Sigandur. “Apart from the Goddess’ Darshan, they are also visiting Jog Falls and other places adjacent to Sigandur,” he stated.Shatnesh Kenchannavar, Veeru Uppin, and Mahesh Dalal, professionals from different sectors, asserted that they are planning to visit Sigandur in a fortnight. “We are inspired by the panoramic image of the bridge and we want to have our pictures there soon. Of course, we will have Darshan of Goddess Chowdeshwari too,” they added.