MUMBAI: Eyeing 36 per cent overall growth in tourist arrivals this calendar year, Chhattisgarh government is planning to develop Sirpur, known for its archaeological monuments, as a Buddhist destination to woo foreign visitors.
Sirpur is 78 km away from Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur and is located on the banks of the river Mahanadi.
“The state is mainly known for its rich natural attractions such as waterfalls, mountains. However, we also have places like Sirpur that has traditional cultural heritage and architecture.
“Even great scholar and traveler from China, Huien Tsang, had visited Sirpur in the 7th century. We are trying to develop Sirpur to attract foreign tourists,” Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Managing Director Santosh Misra told PTI here.
For this, the government is planning to organize national dance and music festivals that will help create awareness about Sirpur and its historical importance, he added.
“We want to promote Sirpur especially in the South Asian countries, where Buddhism is popular,” he said.
The state is expecting over 36 per cent growth in tourist arrivals with about three crore visitors in 2014, he said, adding that Chhattisgarh received 2.2 crore visitors in 2013.
Chhattisgarh is also developing a Buddhist circuit in association with neighboring states to boost tourism.
“We have initiated discussion with the state governments of Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar to jointly promote the Buddhist circuit that will boost tourism. We will work out the routes and the places by the end of this month and the concept is expected to take off by early next year,” he said.
Chhattisgarh has nearly 45 per cent forest cover and 32 per cent tribal population. “We have three national parks, 11 wildlife sanctuaries, over 30 waterfalls, abundant caves and untouched topography. To maintain the beauty, we want to promote responsible tourism so that the ecology is preserved,” Misra said.
The state is investing over Rs 100 crore to develop infrastructure for water sports and eco tourism, which is the major focus area of the state, he said.
“We are mainly looking for public-private participation to develop infrastructure for tourism. Since the last decade the state has spent Rs 1,000 crore for the same and will invest another Rs 100 crore this year to develop infrastructure for water sports and eco tourism,” he added. -PTI
