Santosh George Kulangara, MD of Labour India Publications Ltd, will become the first Indian tourist in space and the voyage is expected to cost several crore rupees. The 35-year old traveler from Kerala state is also popular for his TV Travelogue videos called Sancharam

Global space tour operator Virgin Galactic confirmed his reservation for the two-hour space flight for a price of $20,000

"I am really excited not only because I'll be the first space tourist but the first journalist to go to space," Kulangara said. "I can show my people in India what Earth looks like, experience of travel, preparation and re-entry to Earth".

Kulangara will travel to Paris where a meeting of the voyagers is slated for May 10. He is a little worried about his weight and wants to shed at least 10 kilos before the take-off."They have informed me that I need not worry about training I have to maintain my health I have to reduce my weight.

"I am doing some kind of exercise - badminton - so I think I can reduce little bit of my weight and can be in good condition," he said. Two US-based Indian Americans have also signed up for the flight.