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.