Udupi: The district administration plans to hold an ‘Udupi Utsav’ to promote tourism in the district from December 28 to 30.

Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis told on Friday that the authorities plan to focus on lesser-known tourism spots in the district instead of beaches and temples that are already well-known. The details of the places are expected to be finalised at a meeting on October 28.

The list of lesser-known attractions includes the picturesque Varanga village, which houses Jain basadis, the Kathale Basadi and temples in Barkur, the waterfalls such as Kodlu Tirtha, Jomlu Tirtha and Arabi Falls, and the Kshitija Nesara Dhama at Othinene, which provides a panoramic view of a river merging with the Arabian Sea. “These places will give a new experience to tourists. We also want to promote the art and culture of the district during the fest,” she said.

After the launch of a community-based tourism project at Moodukudru islet, many such proposals have come before the district administration. The administration will thoroughly study the proposals before giving its nod. “Stern guidelines will be issued to see that the rivers along which the community-based tourism is promoted are not polluted.”

Anita B.R., assistant director of tourism, said a proposal has been submitted to improve parking, lighting, seating arrangements at the beaches in the district such as Padubidri, Kaup, Paduvari and Trasi-Marvanthe under the Coastal Circuit Development Scheme.

Of the Rs. 9.13 crore allocated for it, Rs. 4.53 crore has been spent already. The remaining work needs to be completed, but a few changes in design have been proposed, she said.