Madikeri:  Kodagu, called the Scotland of South India, has been a perfect holiday destination for ages because of its pristine beauty and alluring nature. Tourists always flock to this hill station in droves during holidays and weekends.

But sadly after the nature’s fury that the district experienced in August this year with heavy rains and floods ravaging many areas and even a few villages being wiped out as a result, footfalls to this lovely district from far and near has become a mirage.

Despite the District Administration working hard to restore the district to its original form and all the basic amenities back in place, tourists are hesitating to visit the place.

Some of the famous tourist spots in and around Kodagu include Dubare Elephant Camp, Golden Temple, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Talacauvery, Harangi, Raja Seat, Abbey Falls, Mandalapatti, Irupu and Mallalli Falls. Tourist footfalls have just dwindled this year after the catastrophe, affecting small businessmen who are forced to go in search of other jobs to make a living.

Normally during rainy season, very few tourists visit the district. However, once the monsoon season is over from October onwards till December-end, there will hardly be any place as all the destinations are usually teeming with tourists. But this year there is no such scene with tourist places looking deserted.

Those completely dependent on tourism like hotels, home-stays and spice shops are all in dire straits. Even the Talacauvery Theerthodhbava and the historic Dasara festival did not generate the regular tourists. There were hopes that at least during these two festivals, tourists would come. But all hopes were dashed.

This onslaught of nature’s fury on the district has made life difficult for business community and they are wondering how they will be able to come out of this loss.