Golden Chariot to make short-haul trip to Mysuru for Dasara

For the second time in a row, the state tourism department will chug its luxury train Golden Chariot on a short-haul trip to Mysuru for Dasara.

To attract more people, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) also plans to slash fares drastically. KSTDC officials are also chalking out the itinerary to take tourists onboard the luxury express till Hampi to enjoy “Hampi by Night” from September onwards.

Tourism Minister Priyank Kharge told DH: “The train will run this Dasara too. We are making it affordable for the upper middle and middle class. We are also working out details to take the train till Hampi.”

Last year, KSTDC had announced five trips, but only one was made because of the Cauvery row. “Though bookings were made, we had to cancel them and shift people to one trip. The train, with a carrying capacity of 88, took 50 tourists on the maiden trip last year. This time, we hope there will be no problems and more tourists will come,” said a KSTDC official.

Ads to capture the eye

To attract more tourists and to capture the attention of people, the tourism department is planning aggressive advertising strategies.

Taking a cue from the famous Rajinikanth starrer Kabali, the newly inaugurated Kochi Metro rail and Kurkure Express, the Karnataka tourism department wants to showcase its popular destinations on all possible modes of transport.

“We have floated a request for proposal and are evaluating all the possibilities of how to aggressively advertise. In the international tourism market, we are ranked number five and in the domestic market we are number two. To take it to the number one position, we need to gain popularity.

Hence, we are looking on advertising on aircraft of various sizes, Metro rail, trains and even on buses. The routes and footfall using various modes of transport play a vital role in promoting destinations,” Kharge said.