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Ramesh Menon in New Delhi
The famous Pushkar camel fair of Rajasthan may not see many American tourists this year.
The United States embassy has put out an alert asking American citizens to avoid visiting the mela in view of intelligence inputs about a possible terrorist attack.
The fair starts on November 16.
An official of the US embassy refused to divulge any more information of the intelligence input or its source.
"US citizens are reminded that they should exercise vigilance when in the vicinity of government installations, visiting tourist sites or attending public events around India," the warning adds.
Hundreds of Americans visit the sleepy township of Pushkar as the fair comes alive with a riot of colours so typical of Rajasthan. It is the world's largest camel fair.
Thousands of devout Hindus also visit the town to take a dip in the sacred Pushkar lake.
Camel races are a greatest source attraction for foreign tourists.
This year, however, the number of tourists visiting the 'mela' may be very low. "The advice given to Americans is likely to keep away other foreign tourists as well," a Rajasthan tourism official said.
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