Chhattisgarh vying for top tourist destination slot

By agencies   |   Monday, 11 September 2006, 19:30 IST
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RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has begun its journey towards promoting tourism in the world. Days after state Tourism Minister, Brijmohan Agarwal unveiled the new policy granting an additional $22.7 million to the state’s tourism development, he is planning to launch the government's 10-day tourism campaign beginning Saturday in Hong Kong in a meeting with travel agents. Displaying its archaeological splendor, historical Buddhist sites and natural beauty in China and Japan, the state will be vying for the image of a dream destination for Asian tourists. Currently attracting about a million tourists every year, Agarwal said that the trip to Japan and China is aimed at seeking foreign investment in tourism infrastructure development and creating a good impression about Chhattisgarh's tourist destinations India’s 26th state, carved out of India’s (then) largest state of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh is thickly forested and one third of their population is tribal. It boasts of numerous ancient monuments, exquisitely carved temples and caves. It houses, Kutumbsar, the oldest living cave in the world, and also Chitrakoot, known to be the largest waterfall in the world. "The trip to Hong Kong, Japan and China is basically to convince nature lovers to come and have a look at dream tourist spots in Chhattisgarh," Agrawal said. Leading a four-member team, Agrawal, is planning to tour Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing for five days to study the infrastructure at key tourist points in these places as well.

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