RELIGIOUS TOURISM
Maha Kumbh 2025¡¯s cultural makeover: Art, music, & spirituality to collide in Prayagraj
Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is preparing for the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Spanning 45 days from January 13 to February 26, this event will include art installations, cultural performances, and exhibitions to celebrate India¡¯s diverse heritage, attracting millions of devotees globally.
Planning to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025? Here's how to book your accommodation at the world's largest religious gathering
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, commencing 13 January in Prayagraj, will welcome millions of pilgrims for a spiritual journey. Ensuring a comfortable stay is crucial for attendees. From luxury tents in IRCTC¡¯s Tent City to homestays via Mahakumbh.in, various options suit all budgets. This guide explains the booking process, highlights unique experiences like cultural tours, and details services like transport and security.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath launches "Dekho Apna Desh - People's Choice 2024" campaign from Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the "Dekho Apna Desh - People's Choice 2024" campaign, aiming to identify and promote the state's top tourist destinations. The campaign encourages public participation through voting and selfie uploads, with the goal of developing world-class tourist attractions based on public feedback.
Great Goaing: Goa is struggling to cope with the aftereffects of overtourism, but you cannot write it off
Goa's tourism industry is witnessing a resurgence, with domestic arrivals projected to reach record highs. Despite concerns about overtourism and its impact on infrastructure and the environment, the state remains a popular destination, attracting both domestic and international travelers.
Decreasing population in the hill parts is quite worrying: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed concern about the decreasing population in Uttarakhand's hills due to migration. He highlighted the need to address this issue by promoting spiritual and adventure tourism, creating employment opportunities, and utilizing solar energy. Adityanath also stressed the importance of protecting Uttarakhand's forests from deforestation and fires.
PM Modi vows to fulfil resolution of Viksit Uttarakhand in next 25 years while extending wishes on Foundation Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 25th Uttarakhand State Foundation Day, promised to make the state a key contributor to India's development in the next 25 years. He highlighted the state's economic growth and urged tourists to practice responsible tourism. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored five individuals with the Uttarakhand Ratna Award during the celebrations.
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BJP to implement Uniform Civil Code in Jharkhand, tribals to be out of its ambit: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the BJP will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Jharkhand, excluding tribals from its ambit. The BJP's manifesto also promises job creation, investigation into paper leaks, a law against illegal immigrants, and the formation of a Displacement Commission for rehabilitation.
Calls to charge tourists to enter Paris' Notre-Dame cathedral
French ministers have contemplated imposing a fee for tourists to enter the Notre-Dame cathedral when it reopens after restoration. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has proposed a five-euro charge to fund religious heritage conservation. The idea has received support from Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau.
India of 2024 is not that of 1962, says Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the Kameng Culture and Heritage Museum, emphasizing India's advancements since 1962. Located in Dirang, the museum aims to preserve the state's cultural legacy and promote socio-economic growth. It was developed with the Indian Army's support, aligning with the Government of India's Vibrant Village Programme.
Infrastructure projects help in boosting tourism, creating jobs, says Nitin Gadkari
New expressways and tourist site facilities are boosting tourism and creating jobs, says Minister Nitin Gadkari. The government is developing 18 tourist destinations to enhance tourism. The FHRAI conference discussed sustainability and trends in the hospitality industry. Wedding tourism was noted as a growth opportunity, emphasizing direct flights, simple visa processes, and unique travel plans.
Uttar Pradesh travel guide: Top destinations, costs, accommodations and best local cuisine
If, instead of foreign holidays, you prefer to travel within India, here¡¯s a series to help you plan the best vacations in each of the 28 states and 8 Union Territories. We highlight tourist attractions, culinary choices, modes of travel, and the costs involved. In the 25th part of the series, Riju Mehta takes you to Uttar Pradesh.
Silver service: Hotels are changing for senior citizens. Here's what they have to offer
Hotels are increasingly catering to senior citizens, offering personalized services and senior-friendly amenities. With the global population aging, the hospitality industry is adapting to meet the needs of older travelers. Discounts, accessible rooms, and wellness packages are among the offerings aimed at attracting this growing demographic.
Six new Vande Bharat trains flagged off today: Routes, fares, dates, and timings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched six new Vande Bharat Express trains on various routes, enhancing religious tourism and local industries. He will also inaugurate railway projects worth Rs 660 crore and distribute sanction letters for rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ¨C Gramin in Tatanagar.
India¡¯s religious tourism can become gateway to global travel
Religious tourism in India is growing with better connectivity. The country can boost international tourism by enhancing air linkages and hospitality, especially in religious circuits like the Buddhist one across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Improving infrastructure and offering cultural attractions can attract more foreign tourists and reduce pressure on domestic tourism infrastructure.
UP govt set to launch electric boats in Ayodhya, Varanasi to boost religious tourism
The state-of-the-art AC boats will have a steel catamaran hull, while the non-air-conditioned ones will feature an FRP catamaran hull, the government said. The ghats will have the facilities for the docking and charging of these boats, which will be managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
Cambodia expects number of Indians visitors to increase 3-4 times in 2024
In 2023, Cambodia hosted 68,836 India travellers. The figure was over 91 per cent of the pre-Covid (2019) levels, he said. In 2019 Cambodia received 75,286 visitors from India. This year, in the first six months (January-June 2024) the number of tourists coming from India to Cambodia was around 32,000-33,000, around 17 per cent more compared to the figure of the same time a year ago, he said.
Budget 2024: Nirmala Sitharaman provides big push for temple towns to promote tourism
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple corridors in Bihar into world-class tourist attractions, inspired by the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor model. Additionally, the government will enhance tourism in Rajgir, Nalanda, and Odisha, with a significant increase in the tourism budget aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation.
Budget 2024: Travel agents body demands industry status, GST rate rationalization for tourism sector
Union Budget 2024: On Monday, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) called for several measures to support the domestic travel and tourism sector. These include streamlined visa requirements, promoting visa-free entry for tourists, rationalising GST rates and GST credit, and granting industry status to all stakeholders. The sector contributes 5.8 percent to India's GDP and has an ambitious target of reaching USD 1 trillion by 2047.
Cambodia-India Tourism Year launched in New Delhi
The first Cambodia-India Tourism Year was inaugurated in New Delhi, marking the commencement of the inaugural direct flight service by Cambodia Angkor Air between Phnom Penh and New Delhi. The event, officiated by Manisha Saxena, emphasized the significance of the initiative for boosting tourism between the two countries.
Pakistan minister proposes Kartarpur-like corridor in Sindh to allow Hindus and Jains to visit religious sites
Sindh Tourism Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah proposed the idea of opening a Kartarpur-like religious corridor in Sindh province areas, bordering India, to allow Hindus and Jains to visit their historical religious sites. He suggested building the corridor in Umarkot and Nagarparkar, home to the ancient Shri Shiv Mandir and abandoned Jain temples, respectively.
Varanasi Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7: Date, schedule, candidates challenging PM Modi
Varanasi Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7: Varanasi constituency, nestled within the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, stands as a bastion of political importance among the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in the region. With a rich electoral history, Varanasi has been predominantly represented by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 1991, with a lone term claimed by the Congress in 2004. Here's all you need to know about this constituency.
How Uttarakhand plans to put a stop to Char Dham chaos
Uttarakhand government plans 'Dharmik Yatra Authority' to regulate Char Dham Yatra and other pilgrimages like Kanwar yatra. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj mentions studying UP's regulatory model. The authority will manage pilgrim limits, routes, health, and security arrangements. Concerned departments to follow guidelines. Discussions with CM Pushkar Singh Dhami for planned guidelines. R Meenakshi Sundaram to monitor Gangotri and Yamunotri pilgrimages.
Religious Tourism spots like Varanasi and Ayodhya may soon outshine Goa and Agra
India experiences a surge in religious tourism post-COVID. Kashi Vishwanath corridor boosts UP tourism with 10 crore tourists in 2023. The golden triangle of Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi emerges as popular destinations.
Family trips over solo trips, holiday coupons as wedding shagun: MakeMyTrip survey reveals Indians' travel habits
Indian travelers are redefining domestic tourism and asserting a significant presence in international travel markets, according to MakeMyTrip's "India Travel Trends Report". The number of Indians embarking on more than three trips per year surged by 25% in 2023 compared to 2019, with a notable increase of 46% in spontaneous bookings. Domestic travel is increasingly embracing spiritual journeys, with searches for destinations featuring or around religious spots growing by 97% in the last two years.
Religious tourism sees a surge in Uttar Pradesh ahead of festivals
Religious cities in Uttar Pradesh see a surge in tourism as devotees visit Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya for blessings before festivals. Kashi Vishwanath Temple donations hit a record Rs 83.34 crore by March, with significant increases observed. Prakhar Mishra, director, tourism, at Government of Uttar Pradesh said Varanasi saw a record-breaking influx of 95.63 lakh pilgrims in March, flocking to seek the blessings of Kashi Vishwanath, while Ayodhya saw more than two lakh visitors each day for the newly constructed Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi last month.
Thomas Cook launches helicopter darshan to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat
The base camp for the tour will be Pithoragarh, in Uttarakhand. The darshans will start from the second day onwards. On the day-2 of the trip Manokamna temple darshan will be organised and on day-3 onwards there will be Adi Kailash & Om Parvat darshan.
Retail brands flocking to religious cities with rise in spiritual tourism
According to CBRE, retail brands across segments, including fashion & apparel, food & beverage, hypermarkets, homeware & department stores and consumer electronics brands, are expanding by tailoring the offerings to the pilgrim¡¯s needs.
Realtors home in on religious cities to build business
Property development in religious cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Vrindavan, Haridwar, and Tirupati is booming due to spiritual tourism. Developers are launching residential projects, with increased interest and investment opportunities in these areas.
Offbeat Bucket List: Tourism departments promote unique travel experiences across India
Looking for a unique holiday experience? Consider skydiving in Madhya Pradesh, exploring a ¡°seabeach¡± in Rajasthan, or going on a temple trail in Goa. State tourism departments are promoting new destinations and activities to attract more travelers. Goa is promoting unexplored attractions beyond its beaches, while Rajasthan is developing new tourist spots like a seabeach near the India-Pakistan border. Uttarakhand is also developing lesser-known destinations and offering a special tourist train to explore its picturesque locations.
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