Uttarakhand tourism minister Satpal Maharaj keen to develop Yoga and Wellness Centers; at home stays across state
Uttarakhand Government to unviel new tourism policy in October
Dehradun: In order to increase tourist flow in the state, tourism minister Satpal Maharaj is constantly looking for opportunities and venues that can be beneficial in bringing tourists to Uttarakhand. Speaking at a press conference organized at Tourism office in Nimbuwala, Dehradun, Maharaj apprised the gathering about his recent visit to Maharshi Mahesh Yogi Ashram better known as Chaurasi Kutia and popularly known as ‘Beatles Ashram’. The minister was mesmerized by the beauty of the area and said that the scenic atmosphere and calm nature’s views there would attract a considerable number of foreign tourists. He said that this area has been very close to the Beatles Group. In the year 2018, the Beatles Group’s 50th anniversary will be jointly celebrated by the Department of Forests with the Tourism Department.
Apart from this the government is also planning to promote at home stay concept to promote rural tourism of Uttarakhand. “Honing up skills specially spoken English, culinary skills and knowledge of local flora and fauna along with the help of Deendayal Upadhyay Tourism Development scheme will be catch for promotion of rural tourism via home stay which is the part of urban tourism. Creating land bank will be another feature of the new tourism policy,” tourism secretary Sundaram said. We want to see Uttarakhand among top 10 tourism destinations in the country against present 17th position added the secretary.
Want to make Rishikesh the Yoga capital of India: Maharaj
Speaking about his visit to France few months back, the tourism minister said he had received positive feedback from cancer patients on how yoga was helping them in recovering from the effects of Chemotherapy. Maharaj stressed upon the fact that holy cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh have been home to many saints and sages over the years and they should be developed into world class Yoga and wellness centers. The government also plans to set up a Yoga university in the near future.
Satapal Maharaj briefed the media about representatives from BOCA communications and Shashi Group LLC who were keen to invest in Uttarakhand. While the BOCA communications group was keen to develop ropeways and adventure sports in Uttarakhand, Shashi Group represented by Mr. Vipesh Gupta proposed to develop a world class chain of Yoga and wellness centers in Uttarakhand.
