"The train is being launched to commemorate the 50th year of Karnataka's unification which aims to target high-end, non-resident Indian and foreign tourists," I M Vitthalmurthy, Tourism Secretary, Karnataka government, said.
In Goa to participate in the conference to woo investors into the Karnataka's tourism segment, Vitthalmurthy said that the eleven boogie train is taking shape at Chennai's Integral Coach factory.
"Pendse associates who had designed interiors of Deccan Odyssey have been assigned with the task of furbishing it from inside with an international and five star luxury touch," the tourism secretary said.
The train will be managed by Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and South Western railway board, he added.
"The trip will be charged $350 per day per person and the train has passenger capacity of 103 persons and will travel a distance of 1,400 kms over six nights and seven days," Vitthamurthy said.
Intending to showcase the rich heritage, the train will start its journey from Bangalore and pass through Mysore, Hassan, Hospet, Gadag, Londa and finally culminate in Goa. "It will be equipped with five star facilities including spa, restaurant, bar, gym and conference hall," he said.
Karnataka, during the last one year has registered 15 to 20 per cent tourist growth. "The state receives 1.4 crore (14 million) domestic tourists and five lakh foreigners," the tourism secretary said.
Trying to focus on its eco-spots and heritage sites, Karnataka tourism department has launched an innovative home-stay facility for the tourists.
"These home-stay facilities are spread across Coorg and Chickmangalore districts since their beginning three years, it is a big hit amongst the tourists who gets to know the local culture, cuisine and atmosphere," Vitthalmurthy said.
The tourism officials stated that there are 700 such homes spread across the state. "The homes are categorized into two golden and silver depending on the facilities available in them," he added.