A look at India’s 7 natural heritage locations, picked up as UNESCO’s world heritage sites

New Delhi, (IANS): In a remarkable development, India’s presence in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites has seen a spike with seven natural and picturesque locations making it to the tentative list, thus paving the way for their formal inclusion in the final list.

With these additions, the country’s count in the tentative list has risen from 62 to 69 properties. The Ministry of Culture informed that after this inclusion, India now has 49 cultural, 17 natural, and three mixed heritage properties listed on the UNESCO list.

The newly listed sites include the Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, the geological heritage of St Mary’s Island in Karnataka, Meghalayan Age caves, Naga Hill Ophiolite in Nagaland, Erra Matti Dibbalu in Andhra Pradesh, the natural heritage of Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh and the Varkala Cliffs in Kerala.

Notably, the inclusion in the tentative list is a precursor to its nomination in the prestigious World Heritage List.

“The addition of the new sites to the UNESCO list reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting its extraordinary natural and cultural legacy,” said a government statement.

Notably, India recently hosted the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024, which saw the participation of more than 2,000 delegates from over 140 countries.

Brief details of India’s seven picturesque locations:

Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

They are home to some of the best-preserved and among the world’s most studied lava flows. These volcanic formations lie within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, already a UNESCO World Heritage site, thereby showcasing India’s geological marvels.

St Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka

These island clusters are famous for striking columnar basalt formations and date back to 85 million years to the Late Cretaceous period, making them a rare geological treasure.

Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya

The spectacular cave systems named Mawmluh Cave serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age, reflecting key climate and geological shifts.

Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland

These unique hills offer clear and detailed insight into plate tectonics, ocean ridge dynamics, and Earth’s deep geological past.

Tirumala hills, Andhra PradeshThe famed Tirumala hills are home to Silathoranam natural arch and the Eparchaean Unconformity. They represent rare geological formations, depicting 1.5 billion years of Earth’s history. A look at India’s 7 natural heritage locations, picked up as UNESCO’s world heritage sites | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

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Visa waiver for five countries to boost tourism

Citizens of China, Russia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia are to benefit from new move as per Cabinet proposal

In a joint effort to reinvigorate its tourism industry, the Government has tabled a ground-breaking proposal for free tourist visas targeting visitors from five countries.

The countries set to benefit from this potential visa waiver program are China, Russia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The initiative, as outlined in a statement from the Tourism Ministry, seeks to draw a significant influx of tourists, positioning Sri Lanka as a leading global travel destination. The proposal, jointly presented at the most recent Cabinet meeting, reflects the collaborative endeavour of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry.

This forward-thinking measure aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s overarching strategy to revive the tourism sector, which has grappled with multiple challenges in recent times, since 2019. By waiving tourist visa fees, the Government anticipates a surge in visitor numbers, projecting positive impacts on economic growth and employment opportunities within the tourism industry. The authorities have set their sights on increasing arrivals to 5 million by 2029 and earning an impressive $ 21.6 billion within seven years. As part of its long-term strategy to welcome 5 million visitors, it hopes to lift the average spending per visitor to $ 4,000, with 2.5 million of them spending over $ 500 per day, indicating a concentration on luring high-end tourists. Visa waiver for five countries to boost tourism | Daily FT

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Modi pays surprise visit to Sikh gurdwara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a surprise visit to the Gurudwara Rakabganj in Delhi on Sunday early morning and paid tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth of ten Sikh gurus, whose death anniversary was observed Saturday. 

Like a common devote he moved in the gurudwara and surprised everyone by his visit which took people there by surprise. 

Sources say that during Modi's visit, special care was taken so that Sunday devotees did not face any problems. The number of devotees in the gurdwara is high on Sundays.

Modi's sudden visit comes amid the snowballing protests organised by the farmers of Punjab in the national capital, which may be seen as a move to placate them. However, the BJP leaders say that Modi's visit is a matter of pure faith and should not be seen from any other perspective.

Guru Teg Bahadur, who lived in the 17th century, sacrificed his life for religious freedom. His death anniversary is observed every year as Martyr's Day in India. Source: https://southasiamonitor.org

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Jammu & Kashmir reopen to tourists arriving by air, subject to strict safety guidelines

• Jammu and Kashmir reopened to tourists on Tuesday, allowing only air travellers to enter the territory. The decision to partially reopen the region was taken by the government, which stated that safety guidelines will have to be strictly followed by the tourists.
• “There will be partial opening of the tourism sector for visitors from outside J&K, limited to tourists arriving by air only,” the government said in a statement. “In the view of the COVID related measures, it was imperative to put in place a protocol to be followed by the tourists as well authorities engaged in the hospitality sector.”
• The following are the detailed guidelines:
• 1) All the tourists must have confirmed hotel bookings for the duration of their stay. It is mandatory to pre-book accommodation online in hotels, houseboats or guesthouses. The proof of this will be checked at the time of arrival.
• 2) All tourists must have their return tickets too.
• 3) Upon arrival, all the tourists will have to undergo RT-PCR testing (mandatory). And until the test result shows a negative for COVID-19, tourists will stay put in their hotel rooms and shall not be permitted to move out. Tourists will have to sign a form at the airport. Test results arrive in 24 hours (except in special circumstances).
• 4) Even if a tourist comes with COVID negative report, he/she will still have to take the RT-PCR test on arrival at the airport. However, they will not be required to remain isolated in hotels.
• 5) If a tourist tests positive for the virus, he/she will be immediately sent for treatment to a medical facility as per the protocol.
• 6) Taxis or transport service have to be pre-booked through hotel or travel agencies.
• 7) Tourists above the age of 65 should avoid travelling.
• 8) Only tourists coming by air shall be permitted.
• 9) Aarogya Setu app is a must and all tourists should have it installed on their phones and shall be checked for ‘safe’ status at the time of arrival.Source: http://www.tourismnewslive.com/

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Get Set for a Tour of Delhi in an AC Volvo Bus

By Southern Travels :ave you ever taken the Delhi City Tour and explored the architectural brilliance of the capital city? Have you experienced its breathtaking tourist destinations and the warm friendly air that just makes you feel a connection to the city? If your answer is no, then come explore a Delhi City Tour by A.C. Volvo bus. We at Southern Travels organize the tour which lasts for 10 hours and covers all the major attractions and spots that Delhi has in offering. Starting from the largest Minar, spreading to the exemplary Mughal architecture, and then moving to the heart of the city, India Gate, the tour gives us a lot of Delhi that we might not have seen. The Delhi we know has a more metropolitan and cosmopolitan appeal to it. A tour of the city and its famous spots can really make you realize its true worth and make you abreast of its vivid history. The tour by Southern Travels starts at 9 am with visitors first being escorted to the magnificent Qutub Minar, which is a soaring tower of victory made by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193. The monument is surrounded by several historically significant structures like the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza and many others. The next stop is India Gate, the monument which was initially built in year 1931 and has names of 90,000 soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the country, engraved on its walls, a sight that can leave you speechless. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, or the flame of the immortal soldier which is a continuously burning flame is the highlight of this spot, it is significant as the flame is guarded 24x7 by soldiers and is reminiscent of the lives lost in the Liberation of Bangladesh. Continuing the journey, the travelers are then made abreast with the Nehru Museum, situated in the greenery of the Teen Murti House, which was earlier the official residence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The décor of the house and its interiors will surely leave you mesmerized. The museum was primarily built to promote Mr. Nehru's ideas. The next stop is the Red Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site accredited in year 2007. The red monument stands tall as a century old fort that still holds as a true shot of the city. It lies along the Yamuna River and was originally the palace of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan amidst his capital, Shahjahanabad. The tour continues with the next stop being the Lotus Temple, constructed by the Baha'is of India. A beautiful structure in the shape of a flower, it attracts tourists from all over India. The temple is open to the people of all religions. Post an experience of the serene and calm environment of the Lotus temple, we move to the next destination i.e. the Indira Gandhi Memorial, which was the former residence of Indira Gandhi. The memorial displays photos, newspaper clippings and personal belongings of Mrs Indira Gandhi. The next spot being Birla Mandir, which is amongst the many spots of visit in the Delhi City Tour and is one of the many famous temples of Delhi. Built by industrialist Sh. J.K Birla in 1939, the temple is dedicated to goddess Laxmi and is located in the prime of Delhi. The last and final destination on the tour plan is Rajghat. This destination is named in memory of the father of the nation, Mohan Karamchand Gandhi and has a peaceful resonance to it. The site is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. Through this tour, we as travelers get a taste of all that Delhi has to offer. The amazing sites, brilliant architecture and a rich cultural inclination are some of the highlights of what a traveler can look for in Delhi. Southern Travels provides you with an exciting trip to the capital of India. They organize the Delhi City Tour by A.C. Volvo, at a very affordable cost of Rs. 400/- per person. You have a chance to make the most of this offer. Come take a Delhi tour and experience the joy and warmth of the capital city. Source: articlebase.com

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Steffi Graf appointed brand ambassador of Ayurveda in Kerala

The Kerala tourism department was given sanction to sign a pact with Graf to become Ayurveda brand ambassador as part of the department's 'Visit Kerala Scheme'. Tennis legend Steffi Graf, 46, was appointed as the Ayurveda brand ambassador of Kerala on 24 June. The state cabinet unanimously took the decision, said chief minister Oommen Chandy. The Kerala tourism department was given sanction to sign a pact with Graf, to become the Ayurveda brand ambassador as part of the department’s ‘Visit Kerala Scheme’, according to Chandy. The tourism department held discussions and reached an agreement with the former number one tennis player. Kerala’s Ayurveda, an ancient system of health care, is famous for its holistic effect on the body as well as the mind. It attracts people from all over the country and abroad, every year. Graf, who had bagged 22 Grand slam single titles, retired in 1999. She married former World No. 1 (mens’) tennis player Andre Agassi in October 2001. Graf was ranked World No 1 by Womens’ Tennis Association (WTA) for a staggering 377 weeks, in total. Source: Article, Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org

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The Sundarbans: Unique Ecosystem for Wildlife

   

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ISikkim, Kalpana Palkhiwala: The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It is the estuarine phase of the

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Ganges as well as Brahmaputra river systems. It lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India,

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forming the seaward fringe of the delta. The typical littoral forests of Sundarbans comprises of a host of trees species adopted to the peculiar estuarine condition of high salinity, lack of soil erosion and daily inundation
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by high tides. The tidal forms and the mangrove vegetation in Sundarbans are responsible for dynamic eco-system vigorous nutrient cycling both terrestrial and aquatic. The whole eco-system is sensitive to change in salinity and the continuous cycle of erosion and deposition is affecting the plant continuously adjusting to the new conditions. The great fight goes on between nature and each individual here for survival, and survival for the

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fittest. The forest covers of 4,000 sq km are on Indian Side. It has been declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997. The Sundarbans are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans for
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India and the Sundarbans National Park, Bangladesh, which is 6000 sq km area. Sundarbans was designated a Ramsar site on May 21, 1992. “Sundarban” literally means “beautiful jungle” or “beautiful forest” in the Bengali Language. The characteristic tree are the Sundari (Heritiera littoralis), from which the name of the tract has been derived It yields a 
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hard wood, used for building, and for making boats, furniture, etc. Other belief is that it is derived from “Samudraban” or “Chandra-bandhe” which was name of a primitive tribe. Read Full: The Sundarbans - Unique Ecosystem for Wildlife | iSikkim,

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Now, a diet chart for Amarnath pilgrims

By Dikshika Joshi, Free kitchens set up by voluntary organizations to feed pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra will now prepare food as per a specific diet chart, suiting the climatic conditions at high altitudes. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the Amarnath pilgrimage will be issuing an advisory to this effect, according to a spokesman of the board. The Amarnath shrine is situated at a height of 3,888  metres  above  sea  level  in  south  Kashmir   and   involves  trekking through narrow, slippery and steep mountainous paths. “Jammu and Kashmir governor N.N. Vohra, who is the chairman of SASB, has emphasized the need for preparing a standard diet chart for the ‘Langar’ (community kitchen) meal prepared by voluntary organisations, which takes into account the nutritional requirement of the pilgrims, particularly in view of the high altitude and difficult climatic conditions,” the spokesman said. The Governor also stressed the importance of maintaining hygienic conditions in and around all such kitchens during the entire pilgrimage period, which is usually of two months’ duration during the summer. Last year, more than 600,000 pilgrims visited the shrine. Vohra said the SASB would shortly bring out a comprehensive advisory (Do’s and Don’ts) and publicize it widely for the benefit of prospective pilgrims. Source: News Leaks, Image: flickr.com

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Omanis look to India for medical tourism

NEW DELHI: Despite the ongoing debacle over visa fees in Oman, the country remains heading to India for “medical tourism,” the government here said in a statement. According to the statement, published by Press Trust of India, the number of Indian visas being granted to Omanis in Muscat is dramatically on the rise. The number of medical visas issued to Omanis from Jan 1 to June 30 this year has jumped three times and that of other kinds of visas went up 30 per cent when compared to the same period last year, according to the report. “There was a tremendous increase in the number of all kinds of visas issued to Omanis during the first half 2012. “The statistics reveal that India is turning into a prime destination for Omanis who opt for advanced treatment and also want to have a glimpse of the rich Indian cultural heritage,” a senior official from the Indian embassy in Muscat was quoted as saying by the Times of Oman. Topping the states in India for Omani medical travelers were southern Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and the national capital New Delhi. “The rise in the number of medical visas shows that India is turning into a medicare hub. India has state-of-the-art medical facilities, experienced medics, affordable and quality nursing facilities, cheap medicines, and traditional healthcare centres. This has led to a rush in medical tourism,” the official added. Local agencies say visa enquiries for treatment in India are very high in Oman. Omani families feel the closeness of their ties with India and have opted out of more expensive destinations nearby, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for India, which has a well-developed medical industry at rates often half the price as the Gulf.  Source: Bikyamasr ***

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Multimillionaire Subrata Roy wants to build a Las Vegas in Macedonia

In a statement for the Indian newspaper “Financial chronicle” the head of the company “Sahara India Parivar,” said that he plans to build a complex of casinos, hotels and entertainment centers in Macedonia. -The concept of the design we made for “Las Vegas” will be proposed to the Macedonian government in September and   the structural design early in next year. Once approved, we hope to start working on it in a year and a half, says Roy. The multimillionaire, who after his visit to the country in the middle of June announced a major investment in Macedonia, did not say for the newspaper exactly how much the planned project would cost. Impressed with the people in Macedonia and the country itself, Roy said he plans to invest in something huge. -I intend to start a business that would result in a great production that will be exported. I want my business here to draw many tourists and help with employment, stated the Indian businessman. Despite the announced “Las Vegas” project, the Indians have shown interest in investing in tourism, agriculture and mining. Source: Macedonia tourism & culture news

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Wander Into The Mist Of Lepchajagat , Darjeeling

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Lepchajagat, is an offbeat destination in the district of Darjeeling in West Bengal. It lies on the road connecting Darjeeling (19 km) with Mirik. Located on a hill slope covered with rhododendron and oaks forests, Lepchajagat offers a rich diversity of nature. It is a place for those who enjoys serenity and calmness far from madding crowds, hotels, markets of popular hill stations. The town of Darjeeling is visible from this place and an illuminated

Darjeeling in the night makes an eye-catching view. The sight of the sunrise over Kanchenjunga is awe-inspiring. I often wonder why people visits Darjeeling and not Lepchajagat ..... But then, this is the reason you would enjoy this place so very much. The curious play of colors in the sky strikes you straight away. Partly black and white clouds drift from one hillto another. The other places close by that are not to be missed

include Jorepokri, Mirik and Pashupati. Lepchajagat, although a mere 16 km away from Darjeeling, this hamlet somewhat miraculously has been able to maintain its pristine atmosphere. The weather here is unpredictable - sunny spells interfered most of the times by the foggy surroundings. The enchanting thick foggy weather gives one a mystic feel. If ‘doing nothing’ is your holiday motto then Lepchaghat is the ideal destination for you. The skyscraping trees, clean mountain air and unpretentious natural beauty of Lepchaghat mesmerize the onlooker. The meaningless wandering in the village nestled in fog and mist also leaves a mark on one’s memory forever.

The view of Kanchenjunga turning red during sunrise is unforgettable. Watch the sun slowly come out and as soon as the crimson rays fell on the Kanchendzonga range, the magic begins. For the next 30 minutes or so will be your turn to get mesmerized by the amazing beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Slowly the snow peaks turn from pink to orange to gold and then the whole range come out in its dazzling white attire. The Kanchendzonga, Kabru, Kumbhakarna all are tantalizingly close, looking ethereal against a clear blue sky. No matter how many times you have watched this spectacle, this always comes up with an unprecedented

beauty.Lepchajagat could also be in a different mood the very next day. You may find it draped in thick fog and the visibility was almost zero and may realize that Lepchajagat with its misty mood is even more attractive than in a sunny day. So the next time you are in Darjeeling make sure to visit this sleepy serene hamlet. Source: The Holiday India Travel

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Darjeeling To Hosted Tea and Tourism Festival

By: Mayank Gupta, This December Gorkha Janmukti Morcha will organize Tea and Tourism festival in Darjeeling. The aim of the festival is to aid Darjeeling tourism following the recent earthquake. For past three years tourism in Darjeeling has taken a beating due to the agitation by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) over the Gorkhaland. The violent protests by the GJM saw sharp decline in tourist arrivals to the Darjeeling. Things started to look bright for the Darjeeling after an agreement between West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee and GJM that ended the conflict. But soon after that another tragedy strike Darjeeling and tourism industry paid the price. The earthquake in North East India has affected tourism in Darjeeling. Tourist arrivals has once again dropped in the region following the earthquake To help Darjeeling tourism, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has decided to organize Tea and Tourism Festival in December. The aim of the event is to extend tourist season in Darjeeling that ends in November. The festival will offer tourists a chance to see tea processing in the factories. Tourists will be offered delicious local cuisine as well several other activities to promote tourism and extend tourist season to December and January. The festival will begin on December 20 and end on January 5. Source: Easy Destination Blog

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State Tourism to establish Sikkim as delight for bird-watchers

ISikkim, Gangtok: Sikkim Tourism, in brand new flavor of ‘Eco tourism’ now offers abundant options for the tourists (both locals and non locals) such as mountain biking, paragliding, river rafting, skiing, home stays etc, along with older alternatives as sightseeing, trekking, tour and expedition. The recent add on to the list is bird watching tour. Gradually, bird tourism is setting its foot firmly in Sikkim. Bird walks are being organized every morning for those who are interested. Credit for popularizing bird watching goes to ‘Sikkim Birds’, a much talked group on social networking

site. This group has provided an immensely rich learning platform for its members as they carve up as well as gain knowledge about different species of birds. In order to promote bird tourism, Travel Agent Association of Sikkim (TAAS) and Sikkim Ornithological Society (SOS), along with State Tourism Department is organizing Bird Watching on February 26. Though, on February 19 they already had organized it for the first group of tourists. But the number of spectators appeared less than the expected number. During an interaction with Sikkim Mail the, Executive member of TAAS and also the in charge of ongoing Sikkim Snow & Culture Fest, Madan Gurung informed that in the previous lot only seven tourists and three locals participated. Second group is expected to have more tourists and locals. Further he informed that the birding tour covers an area of 10 km radius which starts from Raj Bhawan and further proceeds to Circuit House Area, then Bulbuley and ends at Selep Tank Area. Though the birding troop starts off from Gangtok at 6:30 early morning, the main bird watching starts at 12 noon since the birds come out of their nests for the evening sun, he added. He also mentioned that the organizers are trying to introduce birding in Dzongu; North Sikkim but e dates have not been fixed yet. They are also planning to set up Bird Clubs in various schools of the state so that the students can gain knowledge about the birds. Not only bird watching is an additional attraction to the state’s tourism, but it also provides an employment opportunity for the locals, Gurung said. Slowly the locals have started realizing that even through bird watching one can earn a decent income by being birding guides. “One does not need to take anything from nature to gain something; instead one can be well aware of the flora and fauna while birding and help conserve them”, he stated. Lastly he appealed public to be more aware about the flora and fauna of the state and to publicly participate in such kind of tours for the benefit of the both. Sikkim is considered to be a paradise for the avid bird lovers. It is an abode for almost 550 species of birds. Apart from East Sikkim, other districts offer great birding opportunities such as Barsey and Khecheopheri Lake in West Sikkim, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhaledhunga in South and Tholung valley in North District. Some important species of birds which can be found in the state are Maroon-Backed Accentor, Red-faced Liocichla, Black- necked and Black- tailed crane, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Brown Parotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Sapphire flycatcher, White browned Bush Robin, Grandala, Rufous – breasted Accentors, White winged and collared Grosbeaks, Spot-winged Rosé finch, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij pheasant, rusty-bellied Shortwing, Minivet, Yuhina, flycatchers, Little Cormorant, Crested Serpent Eagle, Black Eagle, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Spotted Dove, Grey Headed Parakeet, White Rumped Needletail, Himalayan Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Lesser Yellownape, Black Drongo, Long tailed Shrike and many more. Though bird tours were organized earlier it was not frequent and popular among the tourists as well as the locals. Source: ISikkim

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India targets 10 million tourists annually

New Delhi: The government of India will has set its sights on a target of ten million tourist footfalls per year, more than double the current arrivals. Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai, while speaking at a tourism promotion event, said that the government was proactively working towards that figure, which he said was possible in the conceivable future. “India is a high potential tourist destination. We want to double the number of tourists coming here every year,” Sahai said adding that tourist inflows were one of the top priorities of the Government of India. “Currently, India gets about 5.7 million tourists annually, we want to double that as a target in the current five year plan,” Sahai said. India’s planning commission releases a five-year plan every five years that spells out the government’s spending thrust over the next five years over a range of economic sectors. He said that part of the plan already being put in place was the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility for tourists from more than a dozen countries and was seeking greater support from the hospitality sector to achieve the target. “We have started visa on arrival for 13-14 countries and have started working with them to facilitate flow of tourists to India,” Sahay said. Speaking of infrastructure, Sahai said that the country needs at least 20 million hotel rooms to cater to the inflow. “We need at least 20 million hotel rooms in India,” he added. It should be noted that tourism in India is being marred by images of dirty streets and unfriendly, greedy residents, which the government has been actively trying to correct through its ‘Incredible India campaign’ that it has been promoting both within and outside the country. Source: Bikya Masr, Image: flickr.com

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Kaziranga, where rhinos roam

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Hindustan Times, Sneha Mahale, Mumbai: Two national parks in India — the Sunderbans in West Bengal and Kaziranga in Assam — have captured the imagination of tourists and wildlife enthusiasts unlike others. It could be that their apparent inaccessibility or unusual topography add to their aura. Or is it the chance to get that once-in-a-lifetime image of a tiger emerging from the swamps or of an one-horned rhino staring out of the elephant grass at against the backdrop of the setting sun? Who knows. But both find a mention in every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list. So, when the opportunity to

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visit Kaziranga came calling, it was obviously not one to miss. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the globally famous national park draws in foreign and Indian tourists by the hordes, all hoping for a glimpse of the endangered one-horned rhino. Once poached to the brink of extinction, these gentle giants are making a big comeback in the 430 square kilometres reserve, and today account for nearly two thirds of the Great Indian Rhino population in the world. Yet, forest guards take no chances, and are always alert, guns strapped around them. The very experience makes the threat seem more real. The park itself is tourist-friendly, and in a complete rip-off of a concept made famous by Kenya’s Masai Mara, boasts of the must-see ‘Big Five’. Boards at the gate welcome visitors to catch glimpse of the rhino, tiger, elephant, swamp deer and bison. And if the roads leading to the park and the several resorts around are indicators, the government too takes an interest in promoting tourism here. Something that can't be said about the rest of the North-East region, especially Arunachal Pradesh. Inside, the park is divided into four zones but tourists aren’t allowed into the core park area. Our own trip commenced with an elephant ride scheduled at 6.30 am. These rides happen only for two-three hours in the morning and evening, so be on time. If you miss your one-hour ride or

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are late, there is little to no chance of a refund. Also, booking another elephant ride will be difficult. We reached the park by 6 am and since the elephants and mahuts were ready, we started off immediately. Being late November, the weather was chilly, not that it mattered to the huge animal we were seated on, who just strutted past huge trees, swamps and even walked over a few logs. And then, a few metres ahead, was our first rhino. Yes, no drama. No waiting for the perfect moment or luck. It was right there. And before we could react to its presence, another rhino and her calf

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made their appearance. We even had swamp deer, elephant, wild boar and bison sightings. Later, we were told that the jeep safari in the evening would not offer much scope as the animals remain hidden by the elephant grass. But it isn’t true. We saw as much, if not more animals, including several rhinos. The climax was a herd of elephants and their calves coming to see us off as we exited the park. So does Kaziranga live up to its promise? Yes, and in more ways than one. Source: Hindustan Times, 

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Sikkim Tourism to develop 10 model villages

ISikkim, Travel Biz has reported that on January 26, 2012 Sikkim Tourism under its newly constituted Eco-Tourism Directorate of Sikkim came out with a comprehensive policy to promote environment friendly tourism in the Himalayan state. The new Eco-Tourism Policy envisages taking tourists to parts of state other than capital Gangtok and thereby de-congest the capital city. For this State Eco-tourism Directorate has identified ten villages around

Kanchenjunga Sanctuary to be developed as model tourism villages. These ten villages have been zeroed in from a list of 40 villages identified initially. The selection has been done taking into consideration almost nine prerequisites such as accessibility, stakeholders’ interest, scenic attraction of the place, culture, etc. Each village will be developed on a specific theme like water, culture, art and craft, etc. This will improve dispersal of tourists from Gangtok and create employment and wealth for others. The villages identified include Dzongu, an original Lepcha village, Lachung, Lachen, Okharey, etc. The project to be completed over next 5 years is being funded by Japan International Co-op Agency (JICA). The Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) has been funding many a initiative in the Himalayan state including assistance for Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) for a massive plantation drive across the state. Source: iSikkim

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Himachal gets national tourism award

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Hindustan Times, Press Trust Of India, New Delhi: President  Pratibha  Patil
on Wednesday gave away national tourism award to Himachal Pradesh, a state located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Arun Sharma, Director of Tourism of Himachal, who received the award along with Principal Secretary Tourism Manisha Nanda at a function held in Vigyan Bhawan here in the presence of Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, said that the hill state had been honoured with the top
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prize for excellent tourism publicity material. Tourism is the mainstay of Himachal, contributing 10% of its GDP. Over 1.5 crore tourists, both foreign and from within the country, had arrived in the state in 2011, which is almost double the 80 lakh population of the state. He said that the state government had taken several steps under the guidance of chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal to boost tourism in the state. State tourism department has
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brought out a coffee table book "Har ghar kuchh kehta", which narrates historical anecdotes associated with the summer capital of the British empire, said Sharma, who has authored the book. HP is the first state in the country to launch an electronic brochure, he added. Source: Hindustan Times

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The chief minister's appeal to SRK for becoming the West Bengal brand ambassador!

GaramGossips, By Gahoi Ad Online Media: Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan has formally accepted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's proposal to become the state's brand ambassador. This was disclosed by Banerjee at the state secretariat Writers' Buildings Monday. Sources told Shah Rukh's acceptance came in the form of a letter to the chief minister. Banerjee had put the request to the film icon during a tête-à-tête after the inauguration of the 17th Kolkata film Festival last November. Shah Rukh had then verbally agreed to the chief minister's appeal. Source: GaramGossips

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Incredible India Campaign to be Promoted Through Cinemas

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Coresector Communique: Incredible India Campaign to be Promoted Through Cinemas of India Ministry of I&B and Tourism Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) MoUto Promote “India as Filming Destination” In a major initiative to promote the ‘Incredible India Campaign’ and Cinemas of India as a sub brand of Incredible India at various international film festivals and markets abroad, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Ministry of   Tourism   today   signed   a  

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Memorandum  of  Understanding. The  MoU is expected to enhance the reach of “Incredible India” through the Medium of Cinema, develop synergy between tourism and film industry and provide a platform for enabling partnerships between the Indian and global film industry. The MoU was signed in the presence of Smt. Ambika Soni, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Subodh Kant Sahay, Minister of Tourism and Minister of State for Tourism, Shri Sultan Ahmed. The MoU signed today between the two ministries, aims to create and build upon a Film Tourism vertical of Incredible India Campaign by promoting Cinemas of India as a sub-brand of Incredible India. The emphasis will be on its linguistic /cultural /regional diversity. The MoU will  also  provide  an  impetus to  frame policies and guidelines for facilitating shooting of International films in India and promote India as a filming destination, both for international and domestic film  producers. Another key objective of the MoU seeks to to initiate dialogue with State Governments and UTs within India for development of locations for film shootings and promotion of tourism. At the institutional level, the MoU attempts to constitute a National Level Committee for coordination with various stakeholders for promotion of India as a film and tourism destination and for facilitating visas for films units from overseas. On some of the key aspects, the roadmap will be charted out through mutual consultations between the two ministries.As per  the  MoU,  the  Ministry  of   Tourism   would   provide  budgetary  support for identified film festivals, markets and events. The Ministry would facilitate publicity through the available content based onexisting audio visual material and print designs. The joint participation of the two ministries would cover the Cannes Film Festival and Market, IFFI Goa including the Film Festival and Film Bazaar and European Film  Market at Berlin. The MoU reiterates the branding of ‘Incredible India’ at critical outreach positions at the identified film festivals markets and events. This includes the display of the logo of Incredible India, including display through wall hoardings, stalls and the screening of the promotional film. It is expected that this innovative partnership will facilitate the promotion of India as a filming destination for foreign
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producers. In 2009-10, 23 permissions were granted for shooting in India, in 2010-11, 21 permissions were granted and in 2011-12, 20 permissions were granted. The MoU is expected to also enable the increase of India’s share in  world tourist arrivals in the country from 0.6% to 1.0 % by the end of XII Five Year Plan. This would result in achieving 11.37 million foreign tourist arrivals by 2016, as compared to 6.29 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2011. Source: Coresector Communique

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India's first 'Rock Theme Park' in Kerala to woo tourists

Alert Go India: A 1000-feet high  rocky  hill  cluster  at  Chadayamangalam  in

south Kerala, believed to be connected with mythical character 'Jatayu' in epic Ramayana, will woo tourists as the country's first 'Rock Theme Park'. According to local tradition, the rock, 'Jatayupara' in Kollam district, is the place where the mythical bird 'Jatayu' fell after its wings were slain by the ten-headed Ravana by his lethal sword 'Chandrahasam'. As per the epic, Ravana, who ruled Lankapuri (Sri Lanka), chopped off one of the wings of the bird when it tried to block his airship 'Pushpaka Vimanam' in which he was forcibly taking away Rama's consort Sita. The project is a blend of ecological and epic tourism and the state government, through this public-private

partnership venture, is building a high-tech theme park on the rocky terrain with a mammoth statue of 'Jatayu' as its core. A host of facilities such as 4D theatre complex, cable van, ayurveda resorts and massage parlours, ethnic cottages and a mural painting gallery are also taking shape at the spot, located about 50 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. The whole site is conceived as a resort where holidayers can relax and have a peep into the culture, heritage and tradition of India through films, paintings in a fitting ambience of panoramic settings, said Rajiv Anchal,  noted  film  maker
and sculptor, who is the art-director of the project. "The huge statue of Jatayu, laying on its back with wings spread out with raised head, will be the heart of the park. The statue, 65 feet in height, 200 feet length and 150 feet width, is designed as a functional structure within which a 50-seat 4D theatre complex will be built," Rajiv said. Once completed, the Jatayu sculpture would be the biggest functional sculpture in Asia. It can be termed as the tallest as well, he said. "The 'Rock Theme Park' will strengthen Kerala's position in the global tourism map. It will open a fresh destination for foreign as well as global tourists," Rajiv said. Source: Alert Go India

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