The Hindu Business Line : Karnataka luxury tourist train launch in Jan

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Karnataka luxury tourist train launch in Jan

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Hyderabad, Dec. 15 After years of waiting, South India will have its own version of Palace on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey — the two luxury tourist trains that operate in Rajasthan and Maharashtra .

Karnataka will flag off ‘Suvarna Ratha’ (Golden Chariot) in January. “We promise you an exciting journey into history spanning 1,600 years. The Chariot, in fact, is a seven-star hotel on the move, providing tourists with the best of on-board and off-board facilities,” said Mr I.M. Vittalamurthy, Secretary (Information, Culture and Tourism) of Karnataka Government.

Sporting deep-purple and gold colours , the 19-coach train would have rich historical and cultural depictions drawn from the heritage sites of Belur, Hampi and Halebid.

Mr Vittalamurthy was in Hyderabad to promote Karnataka tourism.

The ‘Suvarna Ratha’ train would start from Bangalore and touch Mysore, Srirangapatna, Kabini, Shravanbelagola, Belur, Halebid, Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Goa, before terminating in Bangalore.

The seven days of luxurious travel would cost $3,562 per person in the peak season and $2,901 during the off-season. Family fares would be cheaper.

Asked if the launch would pre-empt the proposal to start the ‘Southern Splendour’, a circular train connecting all major tourist spots in the four southern States, Mr Vittalamurthy replied in the negative.

“In fact, there is a scope for more such trains. We are ready to join Southern Splendour. Why, after Suvarna Ratha we are planning to have one more.”

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Karnataka luxury tourist train launch in Jan