|
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
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
Low Cost Ganga River Cruise from Kolkata to Patna to Start in October 
A river cruise on the holy Ganga River from Patna in Bihar to Kolkata in West Bengal is all set to begin in the festive season, starting October.
A Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") will be signed to this effect between Bihar State Tourism Development of Corporation ("BSTDC") and Assam based Assam Bengal Naviation ("ABD"). The formalities of the MoU are still to be finalized and final negotiations will be made in the next week. Each cruise will have a capacity to accommodate 24 passengers. Though rates are still not finalized, the cruise will stop at Rajmahal, Bateshwarsthan, Sultanganj, Munger, Simariaghat and Patna. This river cruise on the Ganga River is a low cost cruise for both domestic and foreign tourist. The cruise, with have various luxury facilities including 12 cabins double bed (A/C) rooms, open deck, dining hall, bar, restaurant, massage centre, big hall and emergency medical facilities. The cruise will stop at various places such as Rajmahal which was once an early Mughul capital of Bengal. Munger is a visitor's delight for its Mughal Fort further expanded by the East India Company and a world famous first Yoga University. Source: www.rang7.com Low Cost Ganga River Cruise from Kolkata to Patna to Start in October Click On "Full Story" For More... (487 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Wed Aug 18, 2010 at 12:21:42 AM EST
BSTDC Set To Sign MoU For Cruise In Ganga
The Bihar State Tourism Development of Corporation (BSTDC) is all set to sign a MoU next week with Assam-based Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) for launching a river cruise in the Ganga from Kolkata to Patna. It would be operational during festive season starting October.
The cruise will have a capacity to accommodate 24 tourists which will have stoppages at Rajmahal, Bateshwarsthan, Sultanganj, Munger, Simariaghat and Patna. ABNdirectorAshish Phukan and general manager Nirmal Choudhari are expected here next week to finalise the formalities of the MoU. The rates are yet to be finalised. Final negotiation would be made during their meeting next week, said an official. ABN, an Indo-British joint venture, has offices in Guwahati and the UK. In 2003, ABN pioneered long-distance river cruising in India with unique cruises on the river Brahmaputra in Assam, and in 2007 it was the first to run cruises on the river Hugli, Choudhari told TOI over phone. Source: Times Of India BSTDC set to sign MoU for cruise in Ganga Click On "Full Story" For More... (494 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Tue Aug 17, 2010 at 12:27:03 AM EST
Govt Signs MoU To Develop Tourist Sites
Bihar toursim ministerRam Pravesh Rai on Thursday said an MoU has been signed with Archeaological Society of India to develop sites of tourist interests in the state such as Kesaria, Manersharif, Rohtas fort and Sher Shah masouleum.
The minister said the plan outlay for tourism development which was a meagre Rs 7.43 crore in 2005-06 has been increased to Rs 29.78 crore by 2009-10 and was further increased to Rs 30.44 crore in 2010-11. He said during this period the number of domestic and foreign tourists coming to the state increased to over 1.55 crore and 4.23 lakh respectively and added that Gaya international airport alone records arrival of around 50,000 foreign tourists, he added. Besides, a special force for protection of foreign and domestic tourists had been formed and tourist guides are being trained, said Rai. He said religous sites, including Mundeshwari temple in Kaimur district and Baikunthnath temple at Baikutpur in rural Patna, would also be developed to attract tourists, Rai said. Principal secretary, department of tourism, Rashmi Verma said that along with developing different circuits such as Buddhist, Jain, Ramayana, Gandhi and Sufi, the government has also planned to develop different ghats along river Ganges to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Source: Times Of India Govt signs MoU to develop tourist sites Click On "Full Story" For More.... (320 words in story) Full Story By Tiwari, Section TourismPosted on Thu Aug 12, 2010 at 11:58:31 PM EST
Tourism Given Industry Status In Bihar
Tourism has been given industry status in Bihar and the government has initiated a number of measures to woo visitors, particularly from Buddhist countries, state Minister for Tourism Ram Pravesh Rai said today.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
The plan outlay for tourism development was increased from the meagre Rs 7.43 crore during the erstwhile RJD regime to Rs 29.78 crore in 2009-10 and the NDA government had earmarked Rs 30.44 for the purpose during the current fiscal, he told newsmen here. Besides, a special force for the protection of foreign as well domestic tourists had been formed and a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Archeaological Society of India to develop sites of tourist intersts such as Kesaria, Manersharif, Rohtas fort and the mauseloum of Sher Shah. Religous sites including Mundeshwari temple in Kaimur district and the famous Baikunthnath temple at Baikutpur in rural Patna would also be developed to attract tourists, he said. Principal secretary, tourism development Rashmi Verma said a number of circuits - like Buddhist, Jain, Ramayana, Gandhi and Sufi circuits had been developed to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Quality accomodation and transport were being provided to the tourists visiting the various spots in the circuits, he said. The number of tourists to the state had grown in recent years following proper propagation of the importance of the historical and religious sites, Verma added. Source:ibnlive.in.com Tourism given industry status in Bihar Posted on Thu Aug 12, 2010 at 11:50:15 PM EST
Bihar Failed To Meet Challenges Despite Tourist Potential: CAG
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has lashed out against the Bihar government for "failing" to tap its tourist potential due to a lack of planning and professional approach.In its latest report, the CAG pointed out that the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Limited (BSTDC) failed to meet the challenges despite immense tourist potential.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
It recommended the formation of a state tourism policy and the preparation of a long-term perspective defining targets to be achieved."Though tourism is recognised as an industry, the government has not laid down any tourism policy for the state," the CAG report tabled in the state Assembly last week said.Despite a 52.76 per cent increase in tourist inflow during 2004-05 to 2008-09, the percentage of tourists availing the company's accommodation facilities remained abysmally low in the range of 0.43 and 0.51 per cent for domestic tourists and 0.60 and 3.73 per cent for foreign tourists. Efforts should be made to infuse professionalism in management with a view to provide qualitative services, adopt aggressive marketing and publicity practises to attract tourist and promote tourism in the state and undertake serious efforts to improve the process involved in planning and execution of the infrastructural projects with an aim to avoid procedural delays and to complete the projects in due time, it said.The company suffered a loss of Rs 0.43 crore during 2005-06 but posted a profit of Rs 0.66 crore in the year 2006-07.Profits increased to Rs 1.45 crore in 2008-09 and was mainly due to an increase in earnings from transport and ropeway unit, the report said.The targeted occupancy level of 60 per cent could not be achieved in almost all the hotels of the company during the period 2004-05 and 2008-09. The target of occupancy was never reviewed by the board and further non-achievement of the minimum targeted occupancy levels resulted in a potential loss of revenue of Rs 5.15 crore during the period 2004-09, the CAG report highlights.Being a nodal agency, the company receives fund from the ministry of tourism, Centre and the state government for development of infrastructural facilities.The utilisation percentage of available funds ranged between a dismal 1.34 per cent and 23.52 per cent, it said.Despite availability of funds, the company failed to commence projects. Source:ibnlive.in.com Bihar failed to meet challenges despite tourist potential: CAG Posted on Sat Jul 31, 2010 at 11:38:50 PM EST
Discount Fares For Buddhist Circuit Train
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has decided to reduce fares of the package tour by Buddhist Circuit special train as a discount offer to passengers, including foreign tourists.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
This offer will be valid from February 13 to February 20 only. Railways has started booking for the tour package. According to IRCTC tour manager Anand Jha, the Buddhist Circuit special train originates from Safdarjung station in New Delhi and covers Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Sarnath, Varanasi, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti and Agra before returning to Safdarjung. The seven-night-six-day package tour includes hotel accommodation, road transportation, sight seeing, tour guide service, travel insurance, on-board security and other facilities, he said. Jha said the revised fares under the discount scheme are Rs 19,999 per person in AC-2 and Rs 14,999 per person in AC-3 against the normal fares of Rs 41,650 per person in AC-2 and Rs 34,650 in AC-3 per passenger. "We hope the package tour would attract more tourists now," he said. According to him, the Buddhist Circuit special train has the proud distinction of having won the National Tourism Award for giving quality service to tourists. Its itinerary was declared the most innovative by the ministry of tourism in 2008, he said. According to sources, the railways introduced this special train a few years ago on the demand of foreign tourists. The IRCTC also provides online ticket booking facility for this train, the sources said. Source: Times Of India By Kumod Verma Discount fares for Buddhist circuit train Posted on Wed Jun 23, 2010 at 04:08:16 AM EST
DoT, Govt of Bihar Plans To Deploy Government-Approved Guides At Important Historical Sites
Also plans to form Tourist Protection Force to assist foreign tourists
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
The Department of Tourism (DoT), Government of Bihar is planning to deploy government-approved guides at all important historical sites, including Nalanda, Rajgir, Bodh Gaya and Kesaria to provide better information to foreign tourists. Rashmi Verma, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism, Bihar said, "The state tourism department has initiated the process for selection of guides. The aspirants should be a graduate and the state tourism department will hold written examination for their selection. After the selection, these aspirants will be sent to the Indian Institute of Travel Management, Gwalior, where they will get training for nine weeks. The institute is run by the Central government" According to a report in Times of India, Verma mentioned that after completion of the training, the candidates will have to appear for another examination for their selection as guides. After this they will be given licenses by the state tourism department. She said that the guides thus selected will not be government servants, but government-approved guides. They will be given permission by the state government to act as guides at historical sites in the state. These guides will be given badges with state-approved guides written on it so that the foreign tourists can know about them during their visit to the historical sites. The state tourism department is also planning to form a Tourist Protection Force (TPF) to assist foreign tourists. Source:www.travelbizmonitor.com DoT, Govt of Bihar plans to deploy government-approved guides at important historical sites Posted on Fri May 07, 2010 at 12:06:05 AM EST
Few Takers Of BSTDC Tour Package
Though the number of foreign and domestic tourists have shown marked increase in the last one year yet there is hardly any taker of the idea of the tour package floated by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
The tour package was introduced for the Buddhist sites like the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, the World Peace Pagoda at Rajgir, ruins of the Nalanda University, the Ashoka Pillar at the Nandangarh, Areraj, the Rajgir hotspring and other places. The package was introduced as these places attract foreign as well as domestic tourists. The idea was to generate revenue by bringing in more tourists. According to a BSTDC official the two-day or day-long trips offered by the BSTDC shows poor bookings during tourists' season between October and March. There were hardly eight to 10 bookings of tour packages, including those by the corporate units during the last tourism season of 180 days. Inadequate transporation facilities of the BSTDC was the main reason for the poor response of tourists towards the packages. There is acute shortage of big vehicles to take tourists to their destination. The four air-conditioned Volvos are engaged in regular routes between Patna and Ranchi and Patna and Purnea. The small luxury vehicles have failed to create any impact. The BSTDC figures show that the inflow of foreign tourists to the state increased by 22 per cent while the number of domestic tourists increased by 30 per cent last year in comparison to 2008. Source: bihartimes.com Few takers of BSTDC tour package Posted on Wed Apr 28, 2010 at 10:35:06 PM EST
Bihar Tourism Plans To Focus On Tourism Infrastructure Development
With an aim to further boost tourism in the state, Bihar Tourism is planning to focus on developing tourism infrastructure by constructing four lane express highway between Patna and Bodhgaya. Besides it is also looking at increasing hotel rooms, trained guides and setting up tourist police in six different locations in the state. This information was divulged by Vinay Kumar, Director Tourism, Bihar Tourism.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Kumar also informed that many budget and luxury hotels chains will also be set up in the near future, besides a huge convention centre in Bodhgaya and Rajgir. He added that the state tourism department is looking at providing a good experience to tourist visiting Bihar. About 90 per cent of tourists visiting Bihar are from South East Asian countries. Source: www.hospitalitybizindia.com By Anish V Punnackattu Bihar Tourism plans to focus on tourism infrastructure development Posted on Thu Apr 22, 2010 at 02:51:55 AM EST
India's New Visa Regime Problematic: Travel Agents
Indian flagSingaporean travel agents have complained to Indian officials here that the new visa restrictions that require multiple journey visa holders to return to India only after two months of leaving its shores, is hindering the travel plans of many visitors.
Speaking at a tourism ministry's Singapore roadshow for promoting the Delhi Commonwealth Games and visa on arrival on Monday night, the agents said travelers were no longer comfortable to make a return trip to India, having landed at one of its airports and then travelling to neighbouring countries. The ministry and the Indian high commission officials, led by assistant director Neela Lad, explained that the New Delhi had liberalised the visa restrictions by giving authority to immigration officials at entry points to allow a person of Indian origin to revisit within the two months. The agents were not satisfies by the clarification given by the officials and said there were no certainty that Indian immigration officials would allow re-entry to a traveler who had landed in India, and then went on to visit places such as Kathmandu or elsewhere in Pakistan or Bangladesh. Source:www.mydigitalfc.com India's new visa regime problematic: Travel agents Click On "Full Story" For More... (330 words in story) Full Story By ugesh sarkar, Section TourismPosted on Wed Apr 14, 2010 at 11:21:15 PM EST
Rs 3 cr For Eco Tourism In Valmiki
Bihar government has sanctioned over Rs 3 crore to promote eco tourism at Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran, tourism minister Ram Pravesh Rai told the legislative council on Wednesday.
By ugesh sarkar, Section Tourism
Replying to a question of CPI's Kedar Nath Pandey, the minister said the building construction department has been entrusted certain development work at Valmiki Nagar. The project includes construction of a guest house and a cafetaria as well as beautification of the area. The minister said several religious and historical places, including `Allah Udal', Nar Devi Sthan and Mahakaleshwar Sthan, are located in the dense Valmiki forests. The West Champaran DM has been asked to send a proposal for development of these religious places, he said. Source: Times Of India Rs 3 cr for eco tourism in Valmiki Posted on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 09:59:32 PM EST
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
|
