Wednesday 6 January 2016

IRCTC introduces ‘Desert Circuit’ for the Rajasthan

IRCTC, a subsidiary of the Indian Railways, has introduced a special train that is providing a golden opportunity to travellers who want to visit the colourful state of Rajasthan this winter. Specially launched to cover the desert circuit of the state, this special semi-luxury train commenced its operations last weekend. In a bid to boost desert and heritage tourism in the country, the train will take passengers on a five-day trip covering beautiful locations in Jaisalmer and Jaipur.

Starting its journey from Delhi's Safdarjung railway station, the train will first take travellers to Jaisalmer, where a guided trip will be organised to the various tourist destinations of the place, including the Sand Dunes, Gadisagar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli, and Jaisalmer Fort, a  continuing up to Day 3 of the trip.

In Jaipur, the next stopover, tourists will be taken to City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, and Chokhi Dhani on the fourth day. Amer Fort will be part of the last day's itinerary, before passengers are dropped back to Delhi in the evening.

Water Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

With an aim to attract more tourists Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) has decided to promote water tourism in state.

Since the state has several water bodies, the tourism department will begin with "Jal Mahotsava" at Indrasagar dam from February 12-21, 2016. The upcoming "Jal Mahotsava" will be organized at Hanuwantia island, located in Khandwa district, where the preparations have already begun. "Indrasagar dam is one of the biggest water bodies. It has become even more beautiful with about 10 islands there. Our motto is to make people aware about the tourism at such water bodies in Madhya Pradesh," said Hariranjan Rao, Managing Director, MPTDC.

To mark the beginning, first three days will witness the national convention of adventure sports by Adventure Tour Operator Association of India. They will be organizing adventure water sports activities along with other adventure sports like trekking, mountain cycling etc. Island activities will include bird watching, treasure hunt, night camps, cultural activities, volley ball, tug of war, paragliding, hot air balloon, para motor, kite flying etc.

However, for the tourists, special cottages have been constructed at the island and instead of cabs and other transport, bullock carts will be available for roaming around nearby villages and tourist destinations. Atleast 100 camping tents will also be available for adventurous visitors, apart from cottages. Handicrafts fair and exhibition about esteemed and historical water bodies of Madhya Pradesh will be on display for tourists. Tour packages for "jal mahotasva" will be out soon for three, four or upto ten days.

New board to boost Maharashtra tourism in protected areas

The Maharashtra government has approved the establishment of an eco-tourism board which will work to boost tourism in the state's protected areas like tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation reserves.

The board, which will be on the lines of that in other states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Karnataka, will frame a comprehensive plan for the development of tourism in these areas, ensure conservation and involve local communities in the effort to boost employment.

The objectives of the board will include development tourism infrastructure like guest houses and lodges, publicity, conservation of bio-diversity, forests, wildlife and education. It will also involve locals for the management of these areas, creation of homestays, and providing food, vehicles, guides for tourists and build their capacity.