New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Tourism has identified 17 sites across the country to develop them as Iconic Tourist Sites, and they will also serve as a model for other tourist destinations.
The sites identified are- Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh), Ajanta & Ellora (Maharashtra), Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort & Qutub Minar (Delhi), Colva (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somnath & Dholavira (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Hampi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Kaziranga (Assam), Kumarakom (Kerala) and Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar).
The provision for development of these sites was announced in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 budget by the Centre.
The Tourism Ministry will develop these sites in an integrated manner with focus on issues concerning connectivity to the destination, better facilities/experience for the tourists, skill development, involvement of local community, promotion & branding and by bringing private investment.
Availability of land free from all encumbrances for the proposed developments under the scheme is the responsibility of the respective State Governments/UT administrations, Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
