by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

• Route extended upto Goa via Mysore

Mysore, July 21: This could be the very answer to put Karnataka on the world map of tourism that is dotted with innumerable tourist spots famous for equally popular attractions the tourists visit for. Time and again.

The State will have its own Luxury Train that will chug from next year from Bangalore and culminating in Vasco, Goa. The golden route covers Mysore on its way across the heart of the State, that could very well change the way the tourists savoured the beauty of Karnataka.

The 18-compartment luxury train, with a capacity of 120 passengers, will be a dream for travel-enthusiasts who can live a life like king size for 6-days and 7-nights. The train will have 11 compartments for passengers, with multi-cuisine restaurant, a gymnasium, health club, massage parlours, internet centre and audiovisual facility for entertainment.

Designed in Chennai by Mumbai-based Pendse and Associates, the firm that designed Deccan Odyssey, the luxury train will have interiors that reflects the historical grandeur of Karnataka, with each room having facets of a particular place reflecting its past glory.

Wherever the train stops on its journey, luxury buses will pick up the passengers to the tourist spots around that place.

This luxury train promises a royal experience unlike in any other journey. A tourist will feel at home enjoying a luxurious time while moving to various places.

Tourism Secretary Vittal Murt-hy says, Rs. 36 crore project will be completed soon and the train will chug from September or October next year. The price factor is yet to be worked out.

There will be single and double rooms also in the cabins. While the price tag is being worked out, the tourism department is planning to throw open a contest to collect ideas and suggestions for the most appropriate name for the train. Murthy said a contest will be thrown open and the winner will get a free ride on its maiden journey.

The third luxury train in the country, after 'Palace on wheels' and 'Deccan Odyssey', this luxury train will depart from Bangalore and next stop will be Mysore . Then, it will move on to Hassan, where tourists can visit temple towns of Halebid, Belur and Shravanabelagola.

Then the train chugs to Hospet, close to Hampi. Then on to Gadag for a visit to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole. After Londa, the train will finally reach Vasco, Goa. The train will return to Bangalore on the seventh day.