With the onset of summer vacations and well before the festivals of Ram Navami and Navratri, cities crucial for religious tourism in Uttar Pradesh—Varanasi, Mathura, and Ayodhya—are witnessing an influx of millions of devotees. Varanasi alone saw a record-breaking influx of 95.63 lakhs pilgrims in the month of March, flocking to seek the blessings of Kashi Vishwanath.
Preparations are in full swing to transform the inaugural Navratri festival at the Ayodhya temple, following the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol earlier this year, into a grand and momentous occasion. The event is expected to draw a significant influx of religious tourists from all corners of the country.
Typically, the month of Sawan witnesses such massive gatherings at Kashi Vishwanath. Similarly, in Ayodhya, more than two lakh visitors each day visited the newly constructed Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi during the month of March. In Mathura-Vrindavan, the surge in crowds began 15 days before the festival of Holi and has shown no signs of abating yet, with pilgrims even seeking accommodation in Agra due to the lack of space in hotels, ashrams, and guesthouses.
The official envisions a holistic transformation through these initiatives, where tourism not only facilitates cultural exchange and economic growth but also fosters community development and empowerment.
Observing the heavy footfall for darshan at Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, there has been a notable increase in the number of flights operating from the recently operational airport. Presently, there are 24 daily flights operating from Ayodhya, with some routes being serviced twice a week and others four times a week, including services to Hyderabad initiated this week. Flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad have been operational since earlier.
At present, Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple is experiencing the highest footfall among religious tourism sites in Uttar Pradesh. Since the construction of the new corridor, there has been a significant surge in tourists visiting Varanasi.
Additionally, donations to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple have seen a considerable rise. On March 31, donations amounted to INR 83.34 crores for the fiscal year, marking a 42.43 per cent increase compared to the 2022-23 fiscal year when donations totaled INR 58.51 crores. Prior to the construction of the corridor, donations were approximately INR 26 crores up to the fiscal year 2019-20.
The surge in donations during March alone has broken all previous records, with contributions amounting to INR 11.14 crores, the highest for any single month according to temple management. This indicates a revival in pilgrimage travel post-pandemic and an enduring spiritual fervor among devotees.
Chief Medical Superintendent of the Ayodhya district hospital Dr Arun Prakash Shrivastava said, “We have been asked to be ready to deal with Covid-19. So we have established four special quarantine wards in the district hospital, where we will quarantine the foreigners for 14 days if symptoms of Covid-19 are found in them during their Ayodhya visit on Ram Navami, which is on April 17.”
The state’s religious tourism sites are experiencing an unprecedented surge, indicating a revival in pilgrimage travel post-pandemic and an enduring spiritual fervor among devotees.
Prakhar Mishra, Director Tourism, Governement of UP expressed high expectations regarding the impact of recent developments, including the newly constructed Ram Lalla Temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, and the Mathura-Vrindavan Corridor.
“We are expecting a significant surge of tourists prior to the festive season begins. The newly constructed Ram Lalla Temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, and the Mathura-Vrindavan Corridor will not only attract tourists from all corners of the country but also significantly boost local markets, particularly those associated with the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative,” he said.
The official further said, that these projects will set new records in terms of tourist footfall, drawing visitors eager to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of Uttar Pradesh. “Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity and amenities provided by these developments are expected to create a ripple effect in the local economy, leading to increased demand for locally produced goods and services. This, in turn, is projected to generate a surge in employment opportunities, providing indirect livelihoods to the local populace,” he added.
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In a bid to catapult Tehri onto the global tourism stage, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) announced the maiden edition of Tehri Acro Festival, slated from November 24 to 28, 2023. Billed as India’s premier International Aerial Acrobatic Show, the festival is set to feature over 150 paragliders, including 35 international athletes.
“The primary aim with the Tehri Acro Festival is twofold,” the UTDB official emphasised. “We aim to propel Tehri as a leading paragliding and acrobatics capital of the world while simultaneously captivating the attention of international tourists,” he said.
During a recent interaction with ETTravelWorld, Col Ashvini Pundir, Additional Chief Executive Officer (Adventure), Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board stressed that the key focus lies in the comprehensive destination development, aligning with the government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme. “Tehri, although burgeoning, requires more upliftment in tourism aspects. Through this festival, we aim to position it not just for sightseeing but as a hub for watersports, parasailing, and high-octane acrobatic flying experiences,” he shared.
Addressing the recent surge in tourist footfalls, specifically to Tehri, Pundir attributed the spike to improved road connectivity and Tehri’s diverse range of attractions beyond traditional sightseeing spots including watersports and parasailing.
“Post-pandemic, we’ve witnessed almost doubling of tourist arrivals to the region,” he told ETTravelWorld.
“Few years back, we presented Tehri as one of our booming tourism destinations to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). As part of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, we constructed 22 floating huts in Tehri, while the ADB supported the building of 8 wooden huts alongside a hotel. Following this, the focus shifted to introducing water and adventure sports,” Pundir continued, adding that a 10-room boat hut for accommodation is nearing its launch in the upcoming months.
These infrastructural advancements are part of the broader strategy to boost tourism and address the demand for better facilities, he said.
Pundir further revealed that a substantial investment of USD 117 million by ADB, the Government of India, and the Uttarakhand Government has been designated towards the Tehri Acro Festival which also aligns with meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the region. “Tehri attracting this kind of an investment is a testimony that the destination is already at a development phase and has potential. Also, through the Acro festival, our aim isn’t just restricted to drawing foreign tourists; it’s about addressing regional issues like unemployment and migration,” he explained.
Despite efforts, remote border areas in India struggle with the provision of basic amenities and efficient transportation options for potential tourists. This gap limits tourist footfall and also obstructs the growth of related commercial activities. Urging a comprehensive approach, the sector experts that ETTravelWorld spoke to emphasised on revising policies, effective marketing, simplified visa structures, investment in infrastructure, better accessibility, among others.
Even though around 20,000 visitors are expected to attend and participate in the festival, Pundir stressed that UTDB’s goal extends beyond numbers. “We’re striving for niche tourism development with stringent regulations, safety measures, and a focus on eco-tourism. This involves creating new destinations, managing capacities, and championing sustainable practices,” he said.
“While our objective involves attracting substantial inbound numbers through this festival, our focus remains on first crafting an exceptional product tailored for foreign tourists, rather than fixating on specific numerical targets,” he added.
The upcoming festival is set to unveil an array of aerial acrobatics alongside three competitive events, marking Tehri’s induction into the realm of paragliding. Positioned at a towering height of approximately 1400 meters, the take-off points at Pratap Nagar stand as the world’s second-highest, rivaling only Turkey’s OluDeniz.
Participants from over 26 countries have confirmed their presence, including India, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Lebanon, Turkey, Spain, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Iran, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Taiwan, United States, Colombia, France, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Britain and Nepal.
In anticipation of this event, the UTDB has also inked an agreement with Paragliding Mantra, experts in paragliding, to provide comprehensive training to local youth. This initiative encompasses various courses, including P1, P2, P3, and SIV, offered free of cost.
“Paragliding not only promotes adventure sports but also opens doors to new opportunities for employment. Our aim is to train more than 100 pilots by the end of 2023,” said Tourism Secretary Sachin Kurve, in an official statement.
Speaking during the pre-launch conference, Tana ji Takve, Chief Flying Instructor and Founder of Paragliding Mantra said, “Through Tehri Acro Festival, we aim to exhibit to the global audience that this specific region and Uttarakhand at large offer acrobatic flying experiences at an international caliber, akin to those found in Turkey and Italy. Moreover, India stands out for offering these adventure sports at relatively cheaper rates, coupled with excellent connectivity to Uttarakhand, making it an advantageous choice.”
He said that Indian pilots frequently venture abroad, notably in countries like Turkey, to immerse themselves in water-centric activities and flight experiences. “While it may be perceived as a safety-oriented course, the true essence lies in the thrill of acrobatic flying. In Tehri, our aspiration is to replicate this very exhilaration. Notably, we’ve extended invitations to 30-40 European pilots, who are esteemed world champions in this field,” said Takve.
Featuring an exhilarating lineup including Solo Syncro Acro flights, Wingsuit Jumps, D-bag shows, Free flights, and Acro & SIV cups, the Tehri Acro Festival stands poised as a key platform spotlighting paragliding to the global community. UTDB believes that this event will solidify the region’s stature on the worldwide paragliding stage, beckoning increased foreign tourist arrivals in near future as well as during the event.
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With barely a month to go, the forthcoming Hornbill Festival is already over booked, revealed Temjen Imna Along, Nagaland‘s Tourism and Higher Education Minister.
“Things have taken a positive turn, especially after the G20 meeting in the state. We’re nearly booked out for the upcoming Hornbill festival. We now look at how to cater to the influx of tourists in terms of accommodating. Besides domestic, we’re even receiving inquiries from foreign tourists, including from Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and even places like Libya and Mongolia,” the minister told ETTravelWorld.
According to him, while the surge in interest has made positive waves for Nagaland’s tourism sector, the key hurdle remains the need for more affordable flight options to accommodate this growing demand. “In the near future, we hope that the aviation industry and the Central Ministry of tourism can provide more affordable flights to the state to accommodate this demand,” he stated.
The foreigners need RAP or PAP to visit certain parts of the North East, particularly the border states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. “Now any foreign traveller can visit these states through organised tours which have to be handled by a local tour operator based in that particular state,” he said.
Regarding hotel accommodations, the minister also mentioned a keen interest from various hotel brands eager to establish a presence in Nagaland. “A project by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is on the horizon while big brands like Taj Group have shown keen interest too,” the minister stated, adding that it’s best to await official announcements, without disclosing specific details at the moment.Asked what were the recorded tourist numbers after the pandemic, the minister pointed out that there’s no clear distinction between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, as the pandemic affected festivities, bringing down the visitor numbers. “Nevertheless, Nagaland has experienced steady growth in tourist numbers over a few years. While foreign tourists continue to visit, there’s a noticeable increase in domestic tourists too, keen to immerse themselves in Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage,” he asserted.
“We don’t necessarily rely on specific marketing strategies for Nagaland tourism. Our state itself is an epitome of cultural and traditional heritage, with vibrant people who add a unique flavor. Our aim is to share this with the world,” said Along.
When asked about the substantial changes witnessed in Nagaland’s tourism landscape over the past 5-10 years, particularly regarding connectivity and infrastructure, minister Along acknowledged the considerable progress made during this time. He attributed this transformation to improved road connectivity, aviation access, and railway infrastructure, crediting the current government’s efforts to promote tourism in the North East. “The enhanced accessibility has allowed people from all over the world to explore Nagaland,” he highlighted.
Besides Gwalior, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network welcomed a diverse array of new members, including another Indian city, Kozhikode. Each of these contributed their unique cultural strengths to the global stage. These cities, representing seven fields including Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music, were recognised for their commitment to integrating culture and creativity into their development strategies.
As the Hornbill festival is scheduled to take place between December 1 and 10, 2023 at Kisama approaches, the minister highlighted the increasing diversity of visitors over the years. “While domestic travellers remain a core audience, Nagaland is getting interest from markets like Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. With this surge, we also aim to expand the festival’s reach and global appeal,” shared Along.
With Nagaland’s 16 to 17 distinct tribes as its backdrop, the Hornbill festival has emerged as a global phenomenon, fostering the traditional music, dance, arts, and activities, drawing crowds from all corners of the world, while cementing its international status.
The Minister was interacting with ETTravelWorld on the sidelines of the 2nd edition of the Autumn Festival, held in Delhi last week. “This vibrant prelude to the Hornbill Festival is a testament to our shared heritage and the spirit of unity that defines Nagaland,” he said during his welcome address.
Also present on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Manisha Saxena IAS, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, commended the North Eastern states for their significant contributions.
“The Northeastern states comprise eight per cent of India’s total area, four per cent of its population, and nearly four per cent of its GDP but in terms of experience, the region offers a 100 per cent experience of fun, sustainability, and beauty,” she said. She also acknowledged the Hornbill Festival’s well-deserved reputation as a brand and expressed her hope that through the Autumn Festival, the people of Delhi could catch a glimpse of Nagaland’s culinary, handloom, and handicraft offerings.
Saxena also announced the upcoming International Travel Mart organised by the Ministry of Tourism, to be held in Shillong, Meghalaya from November 21 to 23, adding that the government is committed to promoting the unique cultural wealth of the North East.
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Although, Laya, a remote village in Bhutan has long been renowned for its pristine natural beauty and breathtaking mountain views, it was after the Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck initiated the Royal Highland Festival that the village got all the limelight, Bhutan Live reported.
Laya, is nestled at an elevation of 3,830 meters above sea level. The festival was designed to celebrate the village’s unique highland culture and stunning landscapes, and it has successfully drawn over 2,000 visitors to this secluded corner of Bhutan.
The Royal Highland Festival’s popularity has posed a significant challenge for Laya – how to manage the high influx of visitors while preserving the environment, culture, and well-being of its citizens.
Besides Gwalior, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network welcomed a diverse array of new members, including another Indian city, Kozhikode. Each of these contributed their unique cultural strengths to the global stage. These cities, representing seven fields including Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music, were recognised for their commitment to integrating culture and creativity into their development strategies.
The solution lies in the principles of ecotourism, which the Bhutanese government defines as responsible travel that aligns with Gross National Happiness and implements a “high-value low-volume” tourism policy, Bhutan Live reported.For achieving this, the Dzongkhag (district) and Gewog (block) administrations collaborate closely with the local community, giving them responsibilities and ownership throughout the preparation, during the festival, and after the festival. This approach allows Laya to maintain its pristine environment while benefiting from tourism.
The preparations for the Royal Highland Festival began on October 13 and continued until October 20. Each household was asked to provide a volunteer for two days, taking turns alternately.
The children, led by their teachers, went around the neighbourhoods with gunnysacks, collecting waste in the wake of the festival, showcasing the village’s commitment to cleanliness.
Moreover, Langothang, the festival ground, sees representatives from each household going up to dismantle tents and clean up the area after the festival concludes. De-suups, a volunteer organization in Bhutan, have also played their part by collecting trash from the festival ground and taking it down to Wangdue for proper disposal, Bhutan Live reported.
Government data shows Indian visitor arrivals up 15.5 per cent to 792,935 for the first nine months of this year compared to the same period last year. Mark Shaw, Chairman of Orchard Road Business Association said according to an industry survey Indian travellers are among the highest spenders globally.
The community also manages homestay and porter businesses, sharing the benefits with community members. Seventy-four out of the 280 households in Laya open their doors to guests, providing a unique opportunity for both Bhutanese and international visitors to live with Layap households, learn about their daily lives, their culture, and share meals together like a family. The homestay rates are modest and fixed by committee members of dzongkhag and gewog to ensure fair pricing.
According to Bhutan Live, the importance of preserving the environment is not lost on the villagers. Laya’s mangmi, Pema Jamtsho, emphasized the need to maintain the pristine environment.
“Our land is undisturbed, and we must maintain our pristine environment at all times,” he said. “People are always more than willing participants in this initiative.”
The Royal Highland Festival is also an opportunity for many households in Laya to engage in brisk porter business. While the usual rate for porters is Nu 800 per horse, they charge Nu 600 for festival-related services, keeping the focus on providing a service to visitors rather than pursuing profit.
The festival not only celebrates Laya’s unique culture and natural beauty but also serves as a shining example of sustainable and responsible tourism, as per Bhutan Live
By actively involving the community, promoting cleanliness, and embracing principles of ecotourism, Laya continues to be a popular cultural and ecotourism hotspot while safeguarding its environment and cultural heritage.
As Bhutan’s Royal Highland Festival demonstrates, it is indeed possible to strike a harmonious balance between tourism and conservation, all while ensuring the well-being and happiness of its citizens, Bhutan Live reported.
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