K'taka to promote religious tourism: CM

Subramanya, Karnataka, Aug 4 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will give priority to promote religious tourism in the State in the next five years,Chief Minister B S Yaddyurappa said.

Addressing newsmen after releasing a Rs-180 crore Master Plan for overall development of Sri Kshetra Kukke Subramanya here last night, he said package tours to famous temples in the undivided Daxina Kannada District which include Kollur, Udupi, Kateel, Dharmastala and Kukke Subramanya Temples, would be introduced soon.

Such package tours would not only facilitate devotees who proposed to visit such religious places but also help in promotion of tourism.

Sri Vidyaprasanna Thirtha Swamiji of Subramanya Mutt urged the government to take initiative to commence day train service between Mangalore and Bangalore to facilitate frequent travel between the two cities.

He also said steps should be taken to transport iron ore through wagons to reduce heavy traffic on the national highway and prevent further damage to roads.

UNI MA MSP LS HT1204