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India plans Gandhi Yatra to boost tourism

In an effort to attract more domestic and global tourists, India plans to develop places associated with Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and philosopher-saint Sankaracharya, Tourism Minister Jagmohan has said.

Speaking to reporters in London on Monday, Jagmohan said the government was working on Gandhi Yatra, Vivekananda Yatra and Sankaracharya Yatra.

Jagmohan, who spoke about Government's new Tourism Agenda at the World Travel Mart 2002, said as part of Gandhi Yatra, Porbandar, where Gandhi was born, Agha Khan Palace in Pune, where he was imprisoned and Raj Ghat, his memorial, were being developed.

In addition, places like Sabarmati Ashram, Wardha Ashram, August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai and Mandir Marg in Delhi were being improved. "Our idea is to offer a complete package to tourists," he said.

Similarly, places like Kanyakumari, Kalindi, Belur Mutt, Dakshineswar and Goa associated with Vivekananda and Sankaracharya are also being improved, he said.

Besides, the government has identified for development a 'World Heritage Tourism Corridor' connecting 10 world heritage sites out of the 16 declared by UNESCO in India from Delhi to Mumbai.

This covers heritage sites in Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Sanchi, Ajanta-Ellora in Aurangabad and Elephant Caves in Mumbai and would enable tourists to see the ten world heritage sites in one tour, the minister said.

Referring to the new Tourism Agenda, Jagmohan said: "Diversity, sustainability, environmental sensitivity, modernity and cultural heritage are the watchwords in India's new tourism policy."

"We have already improved some significant areas of historical and cultural importance, such as the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra. The beautiful, ancient paintings and carvings have been lovingly restored, new facilities are now open and we have purchased a fleet of environmentally friendly, battery-operated buses to transport tourists from nearby parking areas to these heritage sites," he said.

"This is the first of many projects India is planning over the coming months and years to deliver a world-class experience for visitors throughout India. All the projects the Ministry is undertaking are firmly focused on a strong approach to eco-tourism and ensuring that the beauty and historical values of these sites are maintained."

The new priorities and initiatives for Indian tourism have been activated on the solid foundation of a new 'National Tourism Policy,' and a five-fold increase in budget allocations to the tourism sector.

"India is branding itself for the first time as a tourist destination and has been working hard on giving the country a brand that tour operators can use to market their products and that consumers can readily recognise," Jagmohan said.

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