05-04-2017, 04:10 PM
Karnataka, the eighth largest state in India, has been ranked as the third most popular state in the country for tourism in 2014. It is home to 507 of the 3600 protected monuments in India, the highest number after Uttar Pradesh . The State Department of Archeology and Museums protects another 752 monuments and another 25,000 monuments are still not protected. Tourism is centered on ancient sculpted temples, modern cities, ranges of hills, forests and beaches. Generally speaking, tourism in Karnataka can be divided into four geographical regions: North Karnataka, hill stations, coastal Karnataka and South Karnataka.
Department of Tourism
The Tourism Department of the Karnataka Government plays an active role and acts as a catalyst in placing Karnataka on the list of must-see places in India through various policy-making measures covering Infrastructure development in tourist destinations , Mega Circuit Development and the last mile connectivity. It also provides fiscal incentives that come from the formulation of policies such as the provision of subsidies, etc.
The Department of Tourism, created in 1974, focuses on the implementation of the decisions of the Department of Tourism and the promotion and publicity abroad / national. It has 19 district offices and 8 tourist offices. It aggressively promotes the state, and its promotions and sustained marketing campaigns have finally made the world sit down and take note of the "Many Worlds" that make up this vibrant state.
There are 3 government companies operating under the Department of Tourism, namely Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) and Karnataka Exhibition Authority, Mysore.
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
KSTDC, established in 1971, offers accommodation and means of transport for tourists visiting Karnataka. It also carries out 26 tour packages through its fleet of 52 buses equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and owns hotels and guest houses throughout the state -18 properties in unparalleled locations across popular destinations. KSTDC also undertakes infrastructure development projects.
KSTDC also operates The Golden Chariot, the first and only luxury train in South India. Classified by Vanity Fair as "one of the seven best train journeys in the world", it takes discerning travelers through its two packages, "Pride of the South" and "Southern Splendor".