The Department of Tourism, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the District Administration had organised a cycle jatha from Mysuru to Srirangapatna via KRS Road yesterday.

The jatha was organised as part of “Year of the Wildlife” to spread awareness on saving the flora and fauna of the land. The rally, with theme “Save Wildlife”, also stressed on conservation of green surroundings so that the wildlife can be saved from extinction.  

The participants of the jatha were 50 “Pravasi Mitras” trained by the Tourism Department. The Department has trained Home Guards and have called them “Pravasi Mitras” who are now the ambassadors of State tourism. They disseminate information and provide security to tourists at tourist spots   across  Mysuru.

The Home Guards were drawn from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Haveri, Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru and they have been trained to behave courteously with tourists. Apart from behavioural training, these “Pravasi Mitras” have also been trained on the history of age-old monuments in Mysuru.

The rally began from Mayura Hoysala Hotel on JLB Road and was flagged off by H.P. Janardhana, Deputy Director, Tourism Department. The jatha, with “Pravasi Mitras” wearing masks of wild animals and some even dressed up as tigers and bears, passed via Belagola to reach Srirangapatna Tourism Department Office and came back to Mysuru.

Mysore Travel Association President C.A. Jayakumar, Hotel Owners Association President C. Narayanagowda, Mysore Travel Mart Chairman B.S. Prashanth, Manager of Hotel Mayura Hoysala Suresh and others were present.