DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand Ecotourism Corporation will submit a proposal to the Centre for launching two tourism circuits under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Uttarakhand plans to develop Thano-Sanjay Jheel-Chaurasi Kutia-Ranichauri-Dhanolti-Devalsari and Chila-Rasiyabad-Sneh-Kolhuchaur-Kanvashram circuits connecting Rishikesh, Rajaji National Park, Haridwar, Tehri, Mussoorie and Kotdwar. Covering the three circuit concepts of Himalayan, ecotourism and wildlife, the proposal is at its final stage. Officials are working on the expenditure involved in developing these places. The proposal will be submitted this month.
The Union ministry of tourism had launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme for developing theme-based tourist circuits across the country. Under the scheme, Northeast, Buddhist, Himalayan, Coastal, Krishna, Desert, Tribal, Ecotourism, Wildlife, Rural, Spiritual, Ramayana and Heritage circuits have been identified for development.
Forest rest houses in the two identified circuits will be linked to a few tourist spots under the proposal. Rasiyabad forest rest house in Chiriapur range of Haridwar forest division was built in 1889. Close to Jhilmil Jheel, home to endangered Swamp Deer, the rest house will welcome tourists for a comfortable stay.
Similarly, Thano rest house in Dehradun forest division is a vintage bungalow built in 1890. An 8-km uphill trek from the rest house leads to a dilapidated rest house of Madan bungalow from where one can get a bird’s eye view of Doon valley. Frequented by wild animals, the Thano rest house is a promising tourist destinations located in Doon division.
“The concept of tourism under both circuits revolves around our forest rest houses. Some rest houses are historic which will be connected with some important tourist spots,” Uttarakhand Ecotourism Corporation managing director Anup Mallik told Hindustan Times.
{{/usCountry}}“The concept of tourism under both circuits revolves around our forest rest houses. Some rest houses are historic which will be connected with some important tourist spots,” Uttarakhand Ecotourism Corporation managing director Anup Mallik told Hindustan Times.
{{/usCountry}}The funds sought under the project will be used for renovation and for providing better facilities to tourists. Local people will be engaged for various activities such as housekeeping, kitchen and others.
According to the scheme guidelines, tourism circuits shall be identified on the basis of current tourist traffic, connectivity, potential and significance attached to the sites and holistic tourist experience. It further emphasises on theme based tourism - religion, culture, heritage, leisure and others.