Coming soon: Krishna Leela for the hi-tech generation

Coming soon: Krishna Leela for the hi-tech generation
Deepa Bhasthi | TNN

Bangalore: The thrill and fame of Disney World and similar hitech amusement parks are still some time away. The much-talked about Krishna Leela theme park, to be built by Iskcon under its India Heritage Foundation, is awaiting BDA approval.
To be constructed just off Kanakapura Road on 28 acres, the park has been conceptualized on the lines of Disney World, but showcases the adventures of Lord Krishna. The Rs 350-crore project will have a heritage tower and after the two phases are complete, a total of nine attractions.
Iskcon Bangalore vice-president Chanchalapathi Dasa told TOI the idea was to combat cultural imperialism, children turning towards super heroes and fantasy figures while thrusting Indian epics into the background. “Globalization is affecting local cultures and we think of it as cultural imperialism. The park will be an environmental, technology-assisted multi-sensory immersive storytelling experience,” he said.
The park will also have two temples, a 4-D theatre, expos, puppetry workshops, story-telling for children and costume shows. The attractions will include taking visitors along an artificial Yamuna river, through recreated Vrindavan Gardens to experience the Govardhan hill experience and a visit to a virtual Vaikunta.
Dasa said the project has been cleared by the Karnataka government and is awaiting BDA approval. They hope to do the bhoomi pooja by mid-January next year. A similar park is also being conceptualized at Vrindavan.
The park will have separate zones for water slides, kids, expos, pavilions and religious space with temples and cultural activities. The special purpose vehicle established for the project will develop an adjoining residential area acquired to fund the park.