BENGALURU: In an attempt to revive the comatose tourism industry, the Karnataka government is touting ‘Caravan Tourism’ as a safe and secure way to travel. Taking the lead in launching this new tourism format, Tourism Minister C T Ravi told TNIE that it was the way forward, as many are apprehensive about travelling. “We are looking at different ways of how tourism can be revived. Survival and revival is the key in the yet-to-be-announced tourism policy. This form is new and safe, and is also the future,” he said.
The motorhome has been made in India by Campervan Camps and Holidays India Pvt Ltd, India’s first designer and manufacturer of commercially approved compact environment friendly Motorhomes. These
power-packed vehicles are built using German design coupled with Indian intelligence.
It is approved by the Automobile Research Institute and registered with the RTO. Journeying is safe in this pandemic as it is designed for four people, with built-in washrooms, kitchen, lounge, two television screens and bedrooms.
Some of the tourist circuits planned are Sakleshpur, Kabini, Kodagu, Bandipur, Sakrebailu, Badami and Pattadakal. Tourists will stay in the caravan at night, which will be parked in designated spaces. It may be noted that Karnataka already has a caravan service, run by a private firm. Two campers were launched by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan and C T Ravi, along with tourism officials, on Wednesday.
Founded by Tiger Ramesh, the Bangalore-based startup is backed by angel investors, such as cricketer Anil Kumble, international musician Vijay Prakash, Aprameya Radhakrishna - founder of TaxiforSure, Jawad Ayaz - founder of CapriCoast (HomeLane), Subhash Dhar - ex-worldwide head of sales and marketing of Infosys, and Phaneesh Murthy from the IT industry. Vinay Luthra (IFS), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force at Karnataka Forest Department, has joined the board as a Director and an advisor to the company.
The tourism department, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and Jungle Lodges and Resorts have partnered with the firm to provide facilities to tourists. Ravi said that prices will become competitive and low as more stakeholders are keen to launch caravans. “Discussions are on at the moment. The new tourism policy is giving sufficient space for caravan tourism and destination points are being identified. More opportunities are being explored, giving emphasis to connectivity, hospitality and activities for tourists,” he added.