The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Karnataka: the next big tourist spot

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Friday, Dec 14, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka: the next big tourist spot

Special Correspondent

The State is all geared up to exploit its tourism potential

‘Now tourism is a priority sector with a slew of initiatives and infrastructure development’
Jungle lodges, eco resorts, adventure sports, trekking and angling are other major draws

HYDERABAD: After establishing its supremacy in the IT sector, Karnataka is now all geared up to exploit its rich tourism potential by marketing its countless tourist spots to emerge as the next big tourist destination.

Karanataka’s rich and diverse tourist attractions including heritage, wildlife, unexplored beaches, pilgrim centres, hill stations, water falls, did not get the promotion they deserved.

But now tourism became a priority sector with a slew of initiatives and infrastructure development activities, Karnataka Tourism Secretary I.M.Vittalmurthy said at a media conference here on Thursday.

Making a presentation about the tourist spots in different parts of Karnataka, along Western Ghats and its coastal belt, Mr.Vittalmurthy said that the newest initiative, the ‘Golden Chariot’, Karnataka’s Luxury Tourist Train, was in its final stages of completion for a seven-day tour from Bangalore. Through important tourist destinations and grand ambience of coaches, travellers will be taken back in time, he said.

Karnataka’s tourism sector, well known its world heritage sites of Hampi, Pattadakal, was now growing at a rate of 13 to 15 per cent and its budget increased from Rs.15 crore to Rs. 150 crore, Mr. Murthy said.

Some other initiatives include ‘Driving in Karnataka’ concept being promoted to attract driving buffs,‘Home Stay’ facilities for tourists in Coorg, Chikmagalur and other heritage and trekking trails. Jungle lodges, eco resorts, house boats run by a Government agency offering safari, adventure sports, trekking, angling facilities, are other major draws.

With Bangalore international airport to be ready in March next year, more airports to come up at Mysore, Hassan, Shimoga, Bijapur for good air connectivity, besides 23 helipads, tourism infrastructure is set to improve on a big scale.

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