Gandhinagar: UNESCO celebrates World Heritage Week every year from November 19 to 25 to promote the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage. Also in India this week is organized in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to promote historical heritage sites. This year’s theme is “Exploring and experiencing diversity”, highlighting the importance of diverse cultural heritages.
Gujarat, which is rich in historical and cultural heritage, has many important heritage sites that attract millions of tourists. According to the data of the Gujarat Tourism Department, more than 21 lakh tourists visited the historical heritage sites of the state in the year 2023-24, which is a major milestone for Gujarat tourism.
development of tourist facilities
The Gujarat government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has initiated development works at a cost of over Rs 428 crore to make historical heritage sites attractive and convenient. Also included are attractive activities such as lights and shows aimed at night tourism, which provide a special experience to tourists.
Investment in Vadnagar and Dholavira
Special attention has been paid to Vadnagar, birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Basic and modern tourism facilities have been developed in Vadnagar with an expenditure of Rs 70 crore in the last three years. The number of tourists increased three times to around 7 lakh in 2023-24, while in 2022-23 the number was only 2.45 lakh.
Development work is also being carried out at UNESCO World Heritage Site Dholavira at a cost of Rs 185 crore. In this, work worth Rs 76 crore is being carried out in Phase 1. The number of tourists in Dholavira more than doubled to 2.32 lakh in 2023-24, while in 2022-23 the number was 1 .41 lakh.
Tourist numbers also increased in other major locations.
Other historical sites of Gujarat like Modhera Sun Temple, Rani Ki Vav and Adalaj Ki Vav have also seen a rise in the number of tourists. Tourism facilities have been developed at these places by spending Rs 20 million, Rs 18 million and Rs 5 million respectively. The number of tourists to these destinations increased in 2023-24, higher than the 2022-23 figures.
Restoration of historic forts
The Gujarat government has also paid special attention to preserving the historic forts of the state. Reconstruction work of Uparkot Fort in Junagadh was completed at a cost of Rs 74 million. Apart from this, Amreli palace and Lakhpat fort are being reconstructed at a cost of Rs 21 crore and Rs 25 crore.
Hafeshwar village got the honor of Best Heritage Tourist Village
Hafeshwar village in Gujarat has been awarded Best Heritage Tourism Village in 2024 by the Government of India. To further enhance the experience of tourists visiting here, the state government is developing several tourist facilities at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
New era of heritage tourism in Gujarat
Thanks to these efforts of the Government of Gujarat, the state’s historical heritage sites are gaining global recognition. These development works will not only provide a better experience to the tourists but also strengthen the economic condition of the state. With this new era of heritage tourism in Gujarat, the state is expected to soon make a special mark among the top heritage tourism destinations in the country and the world.
Read this too-
Regarding his resignation, the speaker of this state assembly said – God will decide this
Maharashtra Live: Suspense continues over CM post in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis is leading in the race.