Taj Mahotsav 2017

Taj Mahotsav, one of the most eagerly awaited festivals, is celebrated from 18th to 27th February 2017 at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of "Taj Mahal".

This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives you information of India where you can find India’s rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music. Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India. Taj Mahotsav is organized by UP Tourism and it is a source to increase  tourism in India.

Here at Taj Mahotsav about 400 legendary artisans from different parts of the country get an opportunity to display their exquisite works of art. To name a few among them are the wood/stone carvings from Tamil Nadu, Bamboo/cane work from North East India, Paper mash work from South India and Kashmir, the marble and zardozi work from Agra, wood carving from Saharanpur, brass wares from Moradabad, hand made carpets from Bhadohi, Pottery from Khurja, Chikan work from Lucknow, silk & zari work from Banaras, shawls & carpets from Kashmir/Gujarat and hand printing from Farrukhabad and Kantha stitch from west Bengal etc.

Beside being the right destination for the arts & crafts, the Mahotsav is also a delight for the connoisseurs of good food as it is the ideal place to pamper the taste buds of the visitors with endless varieties of scrumptious dishes. Some of the oldest exponents of the cuisine-art prepare the lip-smacking dishes. One can also relish the typical preparations from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

Funfair is the biggest attraction for children in the festival. It is a complete family entertainment which offers thrill and amusement for every one. Teenagers and adults enjoy various rides and roller coaster while children are happy with small ride such as merry-go-round, Train-rides and Ferris wheel. So have fun at Taj Mahotsav with your whole family.

Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2017

The 31st Surajkund Crafts Mela is one of the most famous fairs, organized every year in Surajkund by Haryana Tourism Department to promote handicrafts items. Many talented artists come from India and across the World to showcase their handlooms, handicrafts, traditional handicraft items of their respective states.

Among various famous festivals of Haryana, Surajkund Mela is the most artistic one which is organized at Faridabad every year. The term Surajkund means "Lake of the Sun" which is an artificial lake constructed in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. It is among the very popular festivals of Haryana and the main attraction for tourists around the world. Not only this, but to entertain and amuse large audience at Surajkund Mela 2017 many shows, cultural events, dance shows, folk music shows, are also organized at the venue.

A large number of renowned national and international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at both the Chaupals, the open-air theatres, located in the Mela premises. Also enthralling cultural evening programmes are held at the main Chaupal during each of the Mela evening. The Mela is indeed a custodian of the heritage crafts involving use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine made imitations, and a special section is earmarked for showcasing of these heritage crafts.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which started in 2003 to rekindle the pace of investments in the state, has since established itself as one of the most important international business events in the country. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is an example of the visionary approach of the Government of Gujarat towards inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring policy coherence and effective investment promotion. Far from the regional investment fair that characterized the first Summit in 2003, the biennial Summit has today become a unique forum for exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge, networking, exploring business opportunities and signing cooperation agreements and partnerships, while setting the policy agenda for meeting some of the current global challenges.

Having successfully organized seven constructive summits, Government of Gujarat, as part of its journey towards sustainable long-term growth and inclusive development is organizing the 8th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit from the 10th to 13th of January 2017 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The central focus of the Summit is “Sustainable Economic and Social Development”. It will bring together heads of states and governments, ministers, leaders from the corporate world, senior policy makers, heads of international institutions and academia from around the world to further the cause of development and to promote cooperation.

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.

UP government to back first Jain Circuit in Varanasi

State tourism minister Om Prakash Singh announced state government's support in developing the first-ever Jain circuit in Varanasi. He said that chief minister Akhilesh Yadav would soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for development of a Jain circuit in Varanasi on public private partnership (PPP) model with a trust.

The Jain circuit at Sarnath, one of the most revered place for Buddhists and also one of the key tourism sites, is going to be developed on PPP model on the initiative of Sri Jain Shwetambar Tirth Society (SJSTS) which would coordinate development projects in the circuit. Seth Anandji Kalyanji Trust of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, would develop the Jain circuit in the ancient temple town and its adjoining areas. The trust would offer financial assistance of around Rs. 500 crore. In UP, the circuit would cover Varanasi, Kaushambi, Shravasti and Kushinagar.

Telangana plans tribal tourism

The Telangana tourism department plans a tribal circuit covering Laknavaram, Mulugu, Tadvai and Oorattum areas. This is aimed at attracting tourists interested in experiential tourism.

This type of tourism is popular with foreign tourists who often travel to know more about local cultures. “The tribal circuit in Telangana will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme at a cost of Rs 96.67 crore. The proposal iscurrently with the Ministry of Tourism,” an official said.

Forming the Basohli tourism development authority in Kathua

With an aim to tap the tourism and heritage potential of the historic Basohli town, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today issued directions for setting up a separate tourism development authority for Jammu and Kashmir's southern gateway.

Announcing a new tourism development authority for Basohli in Kathua district, Sayeed said the town needs to be brought on the tourism map of the country. He also directed the Chief Secretary to speed up procedural processes for setting up the development authority.

He also indicated that the Tourism Department is making a concept plan for setting up a mega amusement park to promote it as a major tourist destination, catering to neighbouring states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

Assuring promotion of exquisite arts and crafts of Basohli, in particular Basohli paintings, the Chief Minister announced setting up of a skill development institute to expose craftsmen to new trends and design.

Project to beautify ghats, clean Ganga soon: Tourism Minister

The UP state tourism department and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to maintain various dilapidated building, monuments and heritage sites in the state.

All tourism motels en-route important towns of Ghaziabad, Garh, Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi will be renovated with modern facilities.

In remote districts the tourist complexes will be leased out for their upkeep and betterment, said secretary and director general of state tourism department Amrit Abhijaat. He said that all the historical buildings, monuments and sites being maintained by ASI will be repaired soon.

The state government has agreed to pay the maintenance cost for the conservation of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. "As and when ASI will ask finance for the maintenance work the state government will remit the amount immediately," he said.

Tourism department will also construct a Mughal Museum in 5.29 acres of land near Taj Mahal in Agra on international pattern that will cost around 130 crores rupees. The museum will exhibit dresses and life styles of various mughal emperors and other historical things of the medieval period.

For the facility of tourists from abroad the department is considering construction of a Taj orientation centre in which audio-visual facilities, food courts and toilets will be available, the official added.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department to organise 8-day Festival at Leh

As part of its efforts to attract tourists, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department plans to organise an eight-day festival later this month at Leh to showcase the rich heritage of Ladakh region.

"The Ladakh festival will commence on September 20 and conclude on the World Tourism day on September 27," an official spokesman said after a meeting chaired by Secretary (Tourism), Farooq Ahmad Shah in Srinagar.
The spokesman said the meeting was convened to review the arrangements for the festival being organised by the Tourism department.

Apart from showcasing the tourism products of Ladakh region, the festival would also witness handicrafts, Thangka and photo exhibitions, musical concert, Polo matches and ethnic food.

Chief Executive Officer of Leh has been designated as the Nodal Officer for the event, the spokesman added.

Uttar Pradesh explores feasibility of orchard tourism

Uttar Pradesh Tourism department is exploring possibility of introducing orchard tourism in the state, to give visitors a chance to explore country life during the harvest season. Many hill states, besides Gujarat and Maharashtra are already offering such packages.

The government is working on formulating a policy to encourage farmers and land owners to build small hotels in the orchards and green areas where tourists can stay on a bed-and-breakfast deal. The government would provide external amenities like road, power supply and drainage system to aid the facilities.

"If integrated with Lucknow's architectural heritage, cuisine and tradition of dance and music, this package can work very well," said Prateek Hira, an international tour operator in city. He added that mango festivals can blend well with the concept.

UP Tourism director general Amrit Abhijat claimed the department has identified several spots in western districts, Terai region, Bundelkhand and Avadh (Lucknow-Faizabad region) for the purpose. "A feasibility study will begin shortly," he said.

Officials in tourism department said mango orchards in UP attract a lot of people and they can be drawn to the farms once the facilities come up. Notably, UP's mango belt spans over 4 lakh hectare area in north and central UP.

Single-window clearance of tourism investments in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh will consider all tourism investments in the state as industrial ventures and will offer single-window clearance, informed N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He was speaking at a meeting that he chaired to finalise the state’s tourism policy. Andhra Pradesh will also look at setting up dedicated police stations for tourists, and a round-the-clock call centre for tourists in the state.

The Chief Minister said that tourism projects would be treated as industrial ventures and single-desk clearances would be granted to them within 21 days. The Naidu also assured special tariff for power usage for tourism projects. Suggesting the department to focus on attracting international tourists, Naidu told the officials to get tourist operators on board and work with them.

The state will explore opportunities in water sports, Beach Tourism, Spiritual Tourism, Ecotourism, Caravan Tourism,  and Heli-Tourism. Emphasising on the need to promote Telugu culture, he suggested that Kuchipudi and other local and tribal art forms, and dances be promoted through various carnivals on a large scale.

TSTDC to start boating point at Nagarjunasagar

To tap the tourism potential of Nagarjunasagar, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has decided to operate boats from the left bank side by constructing jettis to station boats and purchasing new boats.

The existing launch station, which was having 5 launches, had gone to Andhra Pradesh during the division of the State. Since major tourist spots like Ethipotala, Anupu, boating point and others are located on the right side of the largest masonry dam, the tourists coming from Hyderabad side are straightaway proceeding towards the right bank while the hotels and other business establishments located on the left bank have been receiving less number of tourists post division.

Since the boating point used to generate about Rs. 2 crore revenue annually, the loss to AP has affected the TSTDC’s revenue in Sagar considerably. Following this, the tourism officials at Nagarjunasagar had sent proposals to the State government requesting it to construct a new boating point to operate boats to Nandikonda.

Subsequently, Executive Chairman of TSTDC, G. Kishan Rao visited Nagarjunasagar a fortnight ago to finalise the project after discussing with irrigation and tourism officials. Tenders for the Rs 1.18 crore project were issued which were bagged by Parvathi Constructions a few days ago. The contractor has to construct three jettis to station the boats. The width of each jetti would be 7 metres and length 20 metres.

Divisional Tourism Officer K. Venkateshwarlu said most probably the jettis will be constructed at the crocodile zone. Since the location falls under Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), he said the State government has sent a letter to the concerned officials seeking permission. Earlier officials had operated boats from earth dam on left bank canal, the location also in discussion for construction of jetties. Currently, the AP launch station was having five boats which was bought at Rs. 1 crore each.

Mr. Venakteshwarlu said the Telangana government is preparing to purchase three such boats which were not yet finalised. Since a majority of tourists to Nagarjunasagar were coming from Hyderabad, the tourism officials said that the Telangana side launch station will tap a majority of the revenue.

Government planning to construct jetties at left bank side and purchase three boats

Goan disapora to be roped in to give boost to tourism

Widening the scope for promotion of Goa tourism internationally as a land of contrast and 365-day destination, Goa tourism has decided to involve the Goan diaspora. People of Goan origin settled abroad and well-known in their respective fields, will be appointed as tourism ambassadors.

No names have been finalized so far, but tourism director Ameya Abhyankar has had consultations with some prominent Goans settled abroad. More meetings are scheduled to take place on the sidelines of world travel mart (WTM), London, a three day trade international fare that begins on November 3.

Abhyankar said besides promoting Goa through conventional forums, this is another way of marketing Goa tourism. "We will engage the Goan diaspora. Many of them are well-settled and made a mark for themselves in their adopted country," he said.

"We want to know how best we can engage them in promoting Goa. They care for Goa and want to contribute for their mother land. Only thing is that they have to be provided a platform," he added explaining about the efforts made in promoting Goa internationally.

Odisha govt green lights to sand park on sea beach

In a belated move, the state government has decided to create a sand art park in Puri. Jugal Kishore Mohapatra asked the tourism department to execute the project with technical support from famed sand sculptor Sudaran Pattnaik. "The tourism department would prepare a detailed report on the proposed project, indicating organizational structure, source of finance and timeline for its implementation," an official release said.

The government will provide around three acre free of premium to the tourism department. Jugal suggested department secretary Arvind Padhee to constitute a site selection committee for the project.

"The objectives of the project are attracting tourists to the beach town, educating and training budding talents on sand art and providing amusement to amateur artists. I will soon draw up a design of the proposed park," Pattnaik said.

Going by his plan, the park would house beautiful sand sculptures in the open. Pattnaik would also invite foreign sculptors to create magic on sand. There will be a separate block in the park to showcase photographs of Pattnaik's previous creations.

Tourism Ministry to Set up Multilingual Helpline

India will soon have well-equipped, multilingual telephonic contact centre to provide information services to foreign tourists. The tourism ministry has initiated the action to set up a telephonic contact centre with competent, qualified and experienced partners.

This service will primarily serve those who are calling from abroad and know very little about travel within India. Also those who have reached India but don't understand Indian systems or Indian languages, often not even English, will be helped by the helpline.

The government has identified ten international languages - Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish - for the helpline. The ministry will outsource back offices for guidance services.

This helpline is expected to start by March 31, 2015.

Battery-operated vehicles for tourists at SGNP from 2015

In a bid to reduce pollution inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the national park authorities to ply battery-operated 14-seater vehicles at the park in Borivali. Once these eco-friendly vehicles begin plying, private vehicles will be banned from inside the park.

The battery-operated vehicles should be available for the tourists by January, said officials from the MTDC. “With this project, we will bring out the first sustainable tourism initiative in Mumbai. We want to market the national park as a tourist destination, keeping with the green and eco-friendly nature of the park,” said Rahul Vasaikar, executive engineer, MTDC.

Fifteen vehicles will take tourists from the entrance to the safari counters, Kanheri caves and boating counters and other destinations inside the national park. “We will make provisions to let tourists use multiple buses during the excursion in the park on a single ticket.

With this, pollution in the park will reduce and people will become more sensitive towards nature conservation and green practices,” said Chief conservator of Forest Vikas Gupta, adding that no private vehicles will be allowed inside the park, once these battery-operated vehicles are in operation.

At present, MTDC and national park officials are working at constructing up a parking area near the entrance as well as bus shelters along the park, in addition to upgrading basic amenities such as toilets, seating, and drinking water facilities at the park. CCTV cameras have been installed at various entrances to the park to improve security.

MTDC plans homestays in remote tourist spots

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has plans to introduce 'homestays' in the remotest of tourist spots in the state.

Over 50 spots with tourist attractions in forest or tribal locations will be covered in the first phase. The premise being that such spots have umpteen tourist attractions, but no hotels or guest-houses, which keeps them off the tourism radar.

An MTDC official said the concept of home-stays is different from its 'bed and breakfast scheme', that is now available in tourists locations across the state.

"The bed and breakfast scheme is designed to increase the availability of accommodation to both domestic and foreign tourists. It provides them accommodation in bungalows, houses, flats of residents at such spots. But it is restricted to those accommodations that have a minimum of two rooms and four beds or maximum of five rooms and 10 beds. However, there are many remote villages in the state that are remarkable tourist spots and have no guest house or hotels, just humble two-room houses of residents. The homestay concept brings such houses into focus," the official said.

Light and Sound shows at three major hotspots in Odisha to draw tourists

Tourists hotspots like Khandagiri-Udaygiri, Dhauli and Konark are set to add another feather in their caps as the long-awaited light-and-sound shows will begin there soon.

"In the first phase, light-and-sound shows will start at Khandagiri-Udaygiri, Dhauli and Konark. We are hopeful of completing the projects by the year-end," said culture and tourism secretary Arvind Padhee.

Government sources said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has given its consent for the projects and the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has been assigned the task of preparing a 30 minute-script for the show. Installation works will begin soon.

The shows will be in English, Hindi, Odia and Bengali. An estimated Rs 20 crore will be spent on the project, of which Rs 15 crore will be funded by ITDC and the rest by the tourism department.

Similarly at Dhauli and Sun Temple, Konark, stories on Kalinga war and legend of Dharmapada will be narrated. The theatres will seat 24 each and be set up at interception centres at Khandagiri and Puri along with eight other places in the state.

"Around Rs 1.33 crore will be spent to set up the virtual reality theatres and on their maintenance and supervision. These theatres will have customized 3D shows of 10-minute duration," an official source said. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation will be the nodal agency to implement the projects.