Now, you can hire a mobile-van and travel around Karnataka’s tourist hotspots

The Karnataka government has launched Caravan Tourism in a bid to boost the tourism sector that has been badly hit by the COVID-19. As per this initiative, tourists will now be able to book caravans and visit their favourite tourist hotspots.
While launching the caravan buses in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa stated that the government is committed to promote and revive the tourism sector. The Chief Minister added that the tourism industry contributes to nearly 14 per cent of the state’s GDP.

The government, on its part, will be providing parking facilities at Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (KSTDC) hotels and various tourist spots. Initially, i.e., during the first phase, the state will be allowing Caravan Tourism in Gokarna, Hampi, Badami, Kudremukh, Sakaleshpura, Halebidu, Kodagu (Coorg), and Sakrebailu.
As per the latest reports, the caravan vehicles will come equipped with a modern toilet, a music system, a shower, a smart television, and a kitchenette with a microwave, freezer, and refrigerator. This means the vans will not only take you to places, but will also allow you to convert your seats to beds, which can accommodate around four people in one van.
The caravan bus is fully solar powered, and its roof comes equipped with 1400-watt solar panels. Also, solar energy will be used for heating and cooling inside the bus. Further, the toilet has been designed in such a manner that it will incinerate the waste and dispose of only bio ash, thereby, reducing the use of water, as well as other resources to decompose the waste.

Referring to this project, Karnataka Chief Minister stated that as per this start-up project, the caravan buses will be promoting independent tourism, apart from ensuring physical distancing and personal hygiene for the tourists, which is the need of the hour.