Himachal Pradesh plans to introduce houseboats in the state's prominent lakes, on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir, to attract more tourists. Beautiful houseboats in Kashmir's Dal Lake are among the state's biggest tourist attractions.
"Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has directed the
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to explore the possibility of starting houseboats in the lakes to promote tourism and generate employment avenues for the local people," an official statement said.
The HPTDC is also planning to announce a special package for visitors to woo foreign tourists to the hills during the October Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The state has already offered a week's free hospitality to all world record holder players who choose to visit the state during the Games.