UP to develop 8 tourism circuits

Lucknow, May 9 (UNI) To boost tourism and harness potential in the sector, Uttar Pradesh government is planning to develop eight new tourism circuits, including six religion-specific ones.

The new tourism circuits include Jain circuit, Sufi circuit, Christian circuit, Mahabharat circuit, 'Ram Van Gaman' circuit, Sikh circuit, Handicraft circuit and 1857 First Freedom Struggle circuit.

These circuits would be developed based on specific studies regarding tourism potential and strengths along their course.

UP is a prime destination for international and domestic tourists. The backpackers visiting the state comprise different communities, nationalities and age groups.

According to an estimate, out of every four foreign tourists coming to India, one visits UP. ''The same ratio applies to domestic tourists also,'' Tourism principal secretary and department director general Om Prakash said here today.

The state government had already identified the following tourism circuits -- Buddha, Lucknow-Awadh, Jal-Vihar, Varanasi-Vindhya, Braj (Agra-Mathura) and Wildlife-Eco-Adventure.

Mr Prakash informed that necessary infrastructure including roads, water, power, fooding and lodging was being developed in these circuits.

''There is also proposal to integrate main tourism circuits in the state by developing sub-circuits, so that tourists do not face any hassels and enjoy their UP visit,'' he added.

Similarly, monuments of archaeological and historical interests to international and domestic backpackers would also be linked with major highways passing through the state.

He said the centre also contributes financially towards boosting tourism sector, mainly rural and eco tourism.

The following places in UP have been identified for rural tourism -- Saifai, Pratapgarh, Mirzapur, Saharanpur and Azamgarh.

For eco tourism Katarniaghat, Basohi, Barkharatal, Samaspur, Nawabganj and Dudhwa national park have been identified.

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