|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
Top Headlines
Will Gen Next Save Bihar? 0 comments, 0 new
324, IAS officer threatens cop over parking fine 1 comment, 0 new 3, Lalu offers 11 new trains, a rail division to Bihar in Interim Rail Budget 2009-10 0 comments, 0 new 3, Hitler, Goebbels, Lalu Prasad, Nitish Kumar - who's who? 0 comments, 0 new 54, More Ask Questions>> |
Tourism
Walking In The Footsteps Of The Buddha In Bihar 
 But NRIs may be missing out on some of India’s most unique and timeless attractions, tourism officials said here Feb. 6 — Buddhist sites such as the towering Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, the archaeological wonder that is the ancient university of Nalanda, and the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world at Motihari — all sites with a deep connection to Siddhartha Gautama, and all located right here in Bihar. In an effort to promote travel along the Buddhist Circuit, the country’s highest tourism official, Kumari Selja, India’s minister of tourism, spoke at the two-day Nalanda Conclave, which drew over 100 monks, nuns and tour operators from 16 countries as well as nearly 200 delegates from India. Seated in a grand yellow and white tent on the verdant, eucalyptus-lined grounds of the Xuanzang Memorial Museum here, Selja said, “We do believe the Buddhist sites can attract visitors from only our country but from the rest of the world … But we have to improve infrastructure, and we are in the process of doing so.” A push is on to promote Buddhist sacred sites as memorable tourist destinations. Even Indian Railways has launched an exclusive eight-day Buddhist train journey; and the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation, in an effort to promote ecotourism, recently announced a unique 12-day cruise from Kolkata to Varanasi that travels 300 miles along the Ganga, visiting sacred sites in Bihar. Source: www.indiawest.com By LISA TSERING Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha in Bihar • Bihar’s Law and Order Challenge • Religious Tourism on the Rise • Indian Railways Steps In • Looking Forward click on "Full Story" To Read These Points... (1791 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Thu Feb 25, 2010 at 10:46:08 PM EST
India To Launch Helpline For Tourists
India will soon launch a helpline for tourists to know more about various destinations and to seek help if they are in distress, it was announced Saturday.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Minister of State for Tourism Kumari Selja made the announcement at an International Buddhist Heritage Conference in Nalanda in Bihar. According to a tourism ministry official, any tourist, domestic or international, can call the helpline for information about a place he or she intends to visit. "They can also call the number when in distress or in an emergency," she said. Selja added: "In December 2009, the foreign tourist arrivals in India saw a 21 percent increase over the same period in 2008. The future looks bright. We expect buoyancy to return to the sector soon." Source: Economic Times India to launch helpline for tourists Posted on Sun Feb 07, 2010 at 11:03:13 PM EST
Theme Parks To Showcase Bihar Heritage
You've had amusements parks, zoological parks and botanical parks, but what about theme parks depicting heritage? The concept should not sound too bizarre given the state's rich tradition of art and culture. And in an age of increasing globalisation, sometimes it pays to be in touch with one's roots, especially for Gen-Y.
So get ready to have a day out in the sun in theme parks across the state showcasing art works, including three-dimensional wonders. The state's art and culture department has shortlisted Patna, Darbhanga, Gaya, Bettiah and Chapra for the special makeover. Themes have also been decided for each park. The one to come up at Patna on the premises of Golghar, would depict the city's history from Mauryan times to the modern era. The one at Darbhanga would depict the culture and history of Mithilanchal. Gaya's theme park, to come up near the Mahabodhi temple, would be replete with Buddhist philosophy, while the one at Chapra would showcase rural culture of the region. Bettiah's heritage park would depict the history of Champaran, including the events leading to Mahatma Gandhi's struggle against the Britishers for the local farmers. Source: Times Of India Theme Parks To Showcase Bihar Heritage Click On "Full story" For More... (365 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 01:10:38 AM EST
Efforts To Help Promote Eco-Tourism Begin
While the famed Jim Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal earns an estimated Rs 350 crore annually through promotion of eco-tourism which
attracts a large number of tourists to the area, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar's West Champaran district has not been so lucky given the government's failure to promote the reserve area as a tourist destination. Things are likely to change for better, though. For, field officials of Valmiki Tiger Reserve have now sent proposals to the Bihar government for undertaking works which would help in promoting eco-tourism in the reserve. Among the proposals include improving the condition of forest roads falling under Division-II of the tiger reserve. "We have sent a Rs 30-lakh proposal to the state government for undertaking this work," Valmiki Tiger Reserve director J P Gupta told TOI on Wednesday. He said a similar proposal to improve the condition of roads in Division-I of the reserve would also be sent to the Bihar government very soon. Source: Times Of India Efforts to help promote eco-tourism begin Click On "Full Story" For More.... (432 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Thu Dec 17, 2009 at 01:51:32 AM EST
Visa Rules For US Tourists To Change
Visa regulations for tourists wishing to visit India may soon be changed requiring them to take a 60-day break between each exit from India and re-entry.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Indian security agencies are said to have pushed for the break following revelations about the activities of David Headley, the US citizen with alleged links with the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, who was arrested in October. Details of precisely which categories of tourists will be affected, when and how, are not yet clear. A message from the United States Mission in India to American citizens in the country on Wednesday, said: "The government of India is reviewing its regulations pertaining to the entry of American citizens holding long-term Indian tourist visas. To date, these new regulations are not finalized and are being implemented inconsistently." "...It is clear that the rules will only affect those who wish to enter India on a tourist visa within two months of their last departure from India," it added. Source: Hindustan Times Visa rules for US tourists to change Posted on Wed Dec 09, 2009 at 10:47:13 PM EST
Now No Waiting For Tourists To Get Entry Tickets
Now a tourist/visitor will not have to wait in a long queue to get entry tickets for Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monuments/sites located across the country. Visitors can now buy the entry tickets from any of over 250 ASI protected monuments designated outlets.
Besides the ASI offices and its ticketed monuments, the entry tickets would also be available at ITDC and department of tourism offices. ASI, Patna circle, has as many as 183 protected monuments in which 71 are located in Bihar. The remaining 112 are in UP. The new system came into force on December 2. PM Manmohan Singh had released common entry tickets for visitors to world heritage sites (WHS) and other protected monuments/sites at a function organized at Vigyan Bhawan on Wednesday, said joint DG, ASI, New Delhi, B R Mani. A centrally designed entry ticket has been issued. Under this new system, the entry fee for all ASI protected site museums have now been exempted. Earlier, a visitor had to pay an additional entry fee of Rs 2 for ASI protected site museums, said ASI, Patna circle, superintending archaeologist S K Manjul. Source: Times Of India Now no waiting for tourists to get entry tickets Click On "Full Story" For More... (407 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 11:49:19 PM EST
BSTDC To Use River Cruise To Promote Eco Tourism
Introduction of river cruise, which during its journey from Kolkata to Varanasi covers almost 500 kms through Bihar, is being used by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) to promote eco-tourism in the state. Services of experts have been used to promote some aspects of tourism hitherto not promoted. These pertain to the bird species and gangetic dolphins.
In order to ensure that only correct information are given to tourists, the BSTDC has roped in services of experts. Among them, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) scientist Gopal Sharma will educate tourists about the gangetic dolphins found in Bihar and also their importance in the river eco-system. Bihar is home to about half the total population of gangatic dolphins in India which is estimated to be about 2,500. "Sharing information about the dolphins coupled with interactive sessions with tourists has been a very good experience with most of them showing keen interest in knowing more about this aquatic animal," Sharma said. And encouraged by the tourists' response, he is now working on a proposal, which if approved, would allow tourists to move on country boats to have a closer view of the dolphins. Source: Times Of India BSTDC to use river cruise to promote eco tourism Click On "Full Story" For More... (443 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 10:32:58 PM EST
Govt Plans To Convert Moti Lake Into Tourist Spot
The famous Moti Lake (Motijheel) in North Bihar is finally expected to get a fresh lease of life, after years of neglect and disregard.
The district administration put a blueprint in place for beautification of the lake and will soon get down to basics of resurveying the area and clearing it from encroachments, if any. The government also has an ambitious plan of turning the spot into a tourist attaction by constructing a resort and a park. It also plans to introduce motorboat facilities mainly to target foreign tourists. The big lake, which once was famous for its azure water and white and crimson lotuses has now become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the water has become stagnant. Besides, over the years a lot of silt has accumulated in the lake and part of it is covered with the deadly hyacinth weeds, which makes navigation in the lake difficult. Even more surprisingly, several people have encroached on the banks of the lake, some of whom have managed to construct buildings. Source: Times Of India Govt plans to convert Moti lake into tourist spot (416 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Sun Nov 29, 2009 at 09:38:53 PM EST
River Cruise Boosts Bihar Handicrafts Sale
A range of vibrant handicrafts to choose from, a tour of heritage hotspots and bird-watching in the sylvan thicket. All this, while tourists go sailing down the mighty Ganga.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Western tourists who have been taking the Kolkata-Varanasi river cruise, introduced on September 29 this year, are being feted with these incentives on board. Till date, products (mainly silk and the famous Manjusha art) worth Rs 80,000 have been sold. Principal secretary, Bihar tourism, Rashmi Verma, said, "The famous Bhagalpuri silk, garments and Manjusha paintings were in great demand. The cruise has definitely boosted the sale of handicrafts and art products of Bihar." A wide range of silk items, sikki and paintings were exhibited during the seven-day cruise. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation DGM, Navin Kumar, said, "In just one week we sold products worth Rs 30,000. The cruise will be suspended next month in view of Christmas and New Year when foreign tourists would be busy with their festivities. The cruise will resume in January next year." Encouraged by the spurt in sale, BSTDC is planning to put up more items on sale, including Tikuli art and paintings on paddy husks from January. Kumar said that crafstmen in Madhubani, Jehanabad and Patna have been identified who will supply the paintings. Apart from ethnic shopping, the tourism department has introduced bird-watching for value addition. "Many foreigners are keen avian watchers. We have put a wildlife expert, Raj Vir Singh, on the cruise. Singh spotted dozens of species of birds on the Buxar-Patna and Simaria Ghat stretch," said Kumar. About 500 km of the 800 km cruise covers places like Bhagalpur, Munger, Patna and Buxar. Those with a thirst for history and nature can go on a tour of these places. The Yoga Ashram and the ancient Vikramshila University in Munger will beckon many. The Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur would be fun, while ancient Nalanda, Rajgir and Bodh Gaya would be a trip down the lanes of history. BSTDC and Pandaw Cruise are jointly promoting this cruise on the Ganga. Source: Times Of India River cruise boosts Bihar handicrafts sale Posted on Fri Nov 27, 2009 at 09:44:54 PM EST
Bihar Govt To Form A Heritage Development Society
A heritage development society under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will shortly be formed to improve the condition of heritage sites and monuments in the state, official sources said.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
"A proposal to this effect will soon be sent to the state cabinet for approval," the sources said. The society will take care of exploration, excavation, documentation, conservation and development of the historical sites, heritage buildings and museums, they said. Prominent archaeologists, conservationists, curators and art historians would be members of the proposed society. Source: PTI Bihar govt to form a heritage development society Posted on Thu Nov 19, 2009 at 02:50:20 AM EST
Bihar Gears Up To Woo Tourists And Investors
The NITISH Kumar- led government has made a well- calibrated move to showcase Bihar as a good investment and tourist destination. The government is banking on an improved law and order situation, a liberal incentive regime and better infrastructure support to give a boost to these sectors.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Buoyed by a surprisingly sharp rise in foreign tourist arrivals — it was 3.49 lakh in 2008, only marginally less than Goa — the government is trying to project Bihar as an attractive destination for religious and spiritual tourism. The state has created multiple tourism circuits — Buddhist, Jain, Sufi- Islamic and Gandhian — to attract more tourists. “ The stress is on providing high- end hospitality. We have entered into a partnership with Holiday Inn to set up a fivestar hotel in Patna,” tourism secretary Rashmi Verma said. The government has also upped the scale of investment in food processing and other agro- based industries. It has received over 200 proposals worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore in this sector. Bihar is the first state to release an exclusive policy on food processing industries which enlists an attractive subsidy scheme for investors. The Nitish- led government also hopes to get the Centre’s nod for production of ethanol from sugarcane. “ The Centre has promised to lift the legal restrictions on production of ethanol from sugarcane. We expect a formal notification soon,” Bihar’s industrial development commissioner A. K. Sinha said. At a meeting with Union agriculture ministry officials, the state government representatives projected Bihar as a state set to replace Punjab and Haryana as the green revolution zone that ensures the nation’s food security. “ This is in line with the Prime Minister’s view that eastern states are yet to realise their full potential in agricultural production. Bihar has highly fertile soil and this has been established by pilot projects,” state’s agricultural production commissioner K. C. Saha said. Agricultural marketing has been a key problem area. Saha said agriculture business centres and cargo centres have been set up to address this problem. “ A foodgrain purchase centre has also been established,” he said. Source: Mail Today Bihar gears up to woo tourists and investors Posted on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 10:29:14 PM EST
Peepal Tree To Be Bihar Tourism' New Logo
Bihar Tourism will have a new logo carrying the image of a 'peepal tree' under which Goutama Buddha attained his enlightenment.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
"This is the land of Lord Buddha who attained enlightenment under peepal tree. The logo will also help in promoting the tourism in the state as an attractive brand among tourists," Tourism Minister Ram Pravesh Rai told PTI. The peepal tree created in the newly selected logo, has been designed to represent Bodhi Tree, the peepal tree near the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya under which Lord Buddha has attained enlightenment, he said. The new logo was designed by a two-member team from National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The insignia was selected out of three designs. All the Bihar Tourism infrastructure, monuments, hotels, publications and vehicles would now carry this logo embossed on them. The department was also planning to have a tagline attached to the logo and for this open entries have also been invited. Source: Times Of India Peepal tree to be Bihar tourism's new logo Posted on Thu Oct 08, 2009 at 11:14:39 PM EST
Bihar Govt Readies Bamboo Huts For Gaya Tourists
The Bihar government will set up a bamboo village to provide a comfortable stay for tourists who will visit Gaya during the Pitripaksha Mela.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Devout Hindus from across the country and even abroad come to Gaya during the fair for salvation of their ancestors. The fortnight-long mela starts from September 5. Of late, tourist inflow to Bihar has increased largely because of the improving law and order situation. The state government has also put in place several initiatives to help promote tourism in the state.
And now when the stage is set for Pitripaksha Mela, the tourism department has decided to build 20 state-of-the-art dwelling huts made of bamboo at Bodh Gaya to accommodate the visitors. "Each hut will have sufficient space with four to five rooms, besides attached bathroom facility," said state tourism minister Rampravesh Rai. Apart from the bamboo village, the state government has also decided to beef up security arrangement at Gaya for visitors who may even use the opportunity to visit Mahabodhi temple. Source: Economic Times Bihar govt readies bamboo huts for Gaya tourists Posted on Wed Sep 02, 2009 at 08:58:25 PM EST
Bihar's Bamboo Hamlet Gift To Pilgrims
Egged on by the sharp rise in the number of foreign tourists visiting Bihar in 2008-09, the government has began work on a village to be made primarily of bamboo.
The village will be completed before national and international visitors start arriving for the fortnight-long pitripaksh festival. The puja draws scores of Hindus from Mauritius, Fiji and Trininad, besides England and the US every year. Pitripaksh, a Hindu ritual similar to ancestral worship, is slated to start from September 5 and will last till September 18. The state tourism department has been engaged to construct 20 state-of-the-art spacious huts made of bamboo at Bodh Gaya. "Each hut will have four to five rooms with attached lavatories, besides electricity and drinking water supply," said tourism minister Ram Pravesh Rai. Gaya district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Singh said the administration was expecting at least 10-lakh tourists to converge at Gaya and offering pind (food to appease their ancestors) on the banks of the Falgu that passes through the city. Source: The Telegraph Bihar's bamboo hamlet gift to pilgrims Click On "Full Story" For More..... (442 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Tue Sep 01, 2009 at 11:24:28 PM EST
Inflow Of Tourists In Bihar Sees An Increase
) The inflow of foreign tourists in Bihar saw an increase of 18 per cent in 2008-09 as against around 63,000 visitors from abroad in 2005-06.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
"The number of foreign tourists increased from 63,321 in 2005-06 to 3,56,446 in 2008-09," state's Tourism Minister Ram Pravesh Rai said. "More than 1.14 lakh foreigners have already visited till the end of April in the current fiscal," he added. Moreover, the number of domestic tourists touched an all time high of 1.21 crores in 2008-09 from 86.87 lakhs in 2005-06. Rai attributed the current growth in the number of foreign and domestic tourists to state government's efforts to create a more conducive and secure environment. "People (tourists) are now feeling safe and secured in the NDA regime and that's why they are visiting Bihar in big numbers", Rai said. Source: ptinews.com Inflow of tourists in Bihar sees an increase Posted on Tue Sep 01, 2009 at 01:45:08 AM EST
Selja For Promoting Buddhist Spots In UP, Bihar
Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja today said that the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar would be considered while promoting Buddhist Circuit for tourists.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
She said that Buddhist Circuit is popular among both foreign and domestic tourists and all efforts will be made to make it star attraction. Selja expressed the views during her meeting with Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Vinod Singh here today, according to an official statement. During the meeting, Uttar Pradesh submitted a project on the Buddhist Circuit to the ministry for consideration. Both the leaders discussed tourism related issues. Selja stressed the need to provide hygienic atmosphere at tourist spots in the state to attract more visitors, the statement added. She emphasised on public awareness campaign about cleanliness in places like Agra and suggested for roping in corporate sector in such activities. Source: ptinews.com Selja for promoting Buddhist spots in UP, Bihar Posted on Wed Aug 19, 2009 at 08:24:46 PM EST
Bihar Witnesses 15 Per Cent Rise In Tourist Inflow Last Year
According to a UNI report, Bihar witnessed a 15 per cent rise in tourist's inflow during the past one year despite global economic meltdown. Official sources stated that the number of tourists have been rising since 2005-06. About 1, 07, 64,714 tourists visited Bihar in 2006, which increased to 1, 25, 52,036 in 2008. Number of overseas tourists also increased to 3, 56,446.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
The budgetary allocation had been enhanced to exploit the potential of tourism. The fund earmarked for tourism in the budgetary proposal for the year 2005-06 was Rs 7.43 crore, which was raised to Rs 29.78 crore for the year 2009-10. Outlining the efforts of the state government towards tourism, sources said the state government was trying to promote tourism as an industry. For this the state government had set up a council which would coordinate between the agencies linked with tourism. The state government also formulated its Tourism Policy under which it will provide facilities of tourism guides, travel operators, hospitality, hotel management and catering services. The Bihar government has also outsourced the services required in the tourism industry. Special facilities, including an information centre, had been set up at airports, railway stations and other places for tourists coming to Bihar. Source:www.travelbizmonitor.com Bihar witnesses 15 per cent rise in tourist inflow last year Posted on Wed Aug 12, 2009 at 09:31:03 PM EST
Bihar Cabinet Okays Tourism Policy
In a bid to attract investments, Bihar government today approved the much awaited tourism policy.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
The state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved the tourism policy under which the investors would be entitled to similar benefits which the entreprenuers get for setting up industries in the state under the Bihar Industrial Policy, 2006, official sources said. The prospective investors in the tourism sectors would get rebates in land registration, electricity consumption, luxury tax for seven years and other benefits, the source said. The cabinet also approved the proposal to constitute a separate tourist police force to be deployed at tourist spots such as Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, and Nalanda, the sources said. Source: indopia.in Bihar cabinet okays Tourism policy Posted on Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 11:46:10 PM EST
Solar Eclipse Popularises Astro-Tourism In India
After space tourism, it is astro-tourism that is catching up people's fancy, courtesy the ensuing total solar eclipse.
Air charter and tourist operators in India are receiving an overwhelming response for chartered flights to view total solar eclipse of longest duration in 21st century. All set to take place on July 22, the eclipse holds special interest for scientists and general public as its path of totality passes through thickly populated western, central, eastern and northeastern regions of India. Cox & Kings, a travel agency claims that both amateur astronomers and others are booking for the Boeing-737 that they have hired for the two-hour journey from Delhi to Gaya in Bihar to watch the rare total solar eclipse. Each ticket is priced at rupees 79,000 (around 1,618 dollars). `Well, we have got very strong response. The airline that we are flying has 21 seats facing the sun and 21 more window seats, which are facing away from the sun, facing the earth. We call them the 'sun side seats' and the `earth side seats'. The sun side seats, which will have direct view of the eclipse, cost about 79,000 rupees. We are actually getting very strong response form the amateur astronomy circles in India, from the corporate world and a wide variety of audience,' said Nikhil Pawar, Scientific Officer, Space Technology and Education Private Limited, Mumbai. On July 22, the moon will totally eclipse the sun after a decade. The next total solar eclipse will take place again only in 2034. Source: Sindhtoday.net Solar eclipse popularises astro-tourism in India Click On "Full Story" For More... (539 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Thu Jul 09, 2009 at 12:01:56 AM EST
Bihar To Develop Sher Shah's Tomb As Major Tourist Site
The tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the emperor who built the Grand Trunk Road from Kolkata to Peshawar in the 16th century and thus laid down the foundation of the Indian highway system, is being refurbished here at a cost of Rs.94 crore (Rs.940 million) so that it becomes one of Bihar's major tourist destinations.
Officials in the state tourism department said the surroundings of the tomb, in the emperor's home town, would be beautified; plus a luxury hotel, cafeteria and guest house would be built to attract tourists. "The department has prepared a plan of over Rs.94 crore to develop and beautify the tomb premises," an official said. The state government has applied to the Unesco to accord World Heritage Site status to the tomb. A famous army general, Sher Shah Suri wrested the throne of India from the second Mughal emperor Humayun and ruled for five years (1540-45) till his death. He was also a notable administrator who built resting and watering spots and joined existing roads to establish the Grand Trunk Road, which is now named after him. His successors proved incapable of holding on to the throne, and the Mughals regained power in 1556. Source: Thaindian.com Bihar to develop Sher Shah's tomb as major tourist site Click On "Full Story" For More... (577 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Fri May 22, 2009 at 03:15:48 AM EST
|
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
Internet Services
 |
|