Domestic tourism has received a shot in the arm with campaigns to popularise even lesser-known tourist destinations.
Can you recollect Big B’s ad promoting Gujarat Tourism, Kerala’s ‘Gods own country’ ad campaign and so many others? The tourism ministry is promoting India as a hot destination for discerning traveler under the slogan ‘Incredible India’.
India is abound with rich culture and heritage, ancient monuments, forts, high altitude, snow-capped mountains in the North, beaches in South and a number of exotic virgin destinations to visit.
With the mercury level rising, a vacation to cooler regions is the need of the hour. Some people prefer to relax on the beach whereas a few like seeing the ethnic culture of the city whereas others like to endorse themselves in sports or hiking activities the location has to offer.
According to Sunil Maithani, public relation officer, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd, Uttarakhand has picturesque sights, the weather is salubrious and the people are friendly. “Uttarakhand is the heartland of Himalayas. A wide expanse between the Himalays in the north and the Shivalik range in the south, it offers the most breathtaking views of the mighty peaks; mist covered deep gorges and verdant valleys. This state is also popularly known as ‘Abode of Gods’ as it includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage and nature lovers.”
Uttarakhand is a popular spot for pilgrims. “Chardham, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples- Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are always been hot favourite during summer. The route is blessed with magnificent glaciers, majestic snow-clad mountains, gigantic peaks, valley of flowers and dense forest which attract all ages. Besides Chardham in Garhwal Himalays, Mussoorie, Dhanaulty, Lansdowne, Harsil and in Kumaon Himalayas, Binsar, Mukteshwar, are also known for their pristine beauty. Nature is something to feel and absorb so the only travel tip for those who are planning to visit Uttarakhand is to travel less and stay more. Stroll around the hills, breath pure air to rejuvenate the inner soul, go for a trek, visit local temples and see the mists encircling the town with its mysterious sound in any sudden hour of the day. Just unwind, to recharge your energy,” says Sunil.
Ajit Sane, president of Yuvashakti speaks about adventure tourism, “Adventure tourism is traveling to remote, exotic and possibly virgin areas. Destinations like Manali, Rishikesh, Darjeeling, Nainital and Pithoragarh are becoming the new hubs of adventure tourism in India. These places are continuously adding to their adventure infrastructure in terms of new and safe equipment and trained experts.
Elaborating on the destinations, Ajit adds, “Rishikesh is the center for White Water Rafting with most of the white sand beaches along the Ganges. Very safe rafts with imported material, internationally trained guides and excellent camping facilities are now readily available. Manali is known for its beautiful trekking routes, which attract thousands of student groups.
