Govt to develop 17 iconic tourist sites in 12 clusters
24 Jul 2019
The ministry of tourism has identified 17 sites in 12 clusters in the country for development as Iconic tourism sites. This will be done in a holistic manner in collaboration with the central ministries, state governments and local bodies, minister of state for culture and tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel, has said.
The tourist sites planned for development include Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).
The focus of development will be on issues concerning connectivity to the destination, better facilities/experience for the tourists at the site, skill development, involvement of local community, promotion and branding and by bringing private investment.
In reply to another question, the minister stated that various projects worth Rs549.97 core has been sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes for Kerala so far beginning the 2-15-16 financial year.
These include:
- Development of Pathanamthitta- Gavi- Vagamon- Thekkady under Eco Tourism Circuit in Idduki and Pathanamthitta districts - Rs76.55 crore (2015-16);
- Development of Sabarimala - Erumeli-Pampa-Sannidhanam under Spiritual Circuit in Pathanamthitta district - Rs99.99 crore (2016-17);
- Development of Sree Padmanabha Arnamula-Sabrimala under spiritual circuit - Rs92.22 crore (2016-17);
- Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project under Rural Circuit - Rs80.37 (2018-19);
- Development of Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Ashram- Arruvipuram- Kunnumpara Sree Subrahmania- Chembazhanthi Sree Narayana Gurukulam under Spiritual Circuit - Rs69.47 crore (2018-19);
- Development of Kasaragod, Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Mallapuram, Thrichur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Allaphuza, Pathananamithitta, Kollam, Trivandrum under Spiritual Circuit - Rs85.23 crore (2018-19);
- Development at Guruvayur Temple - Rs46.14 crore (2016-17);