Uttar Pradesh government is taking steps to promote ‘Fort Tourism’ in the Bundelkhand region, which is famous for its medieval age forts and exquisite monuments.
According to UP tourism minister Jaiveer Singh, the state has identified about 34 forts in Bundelkhand, which spans 7 districts in the state viz. Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Chitrakoot, and Banda.
In fact, the state tourism department has initiated a public private partnership (PPP) process, wherein these forts will be handed over to private sector companies having experience in the hospitality domain.
The successful bidder will give these forts a facelift and operate the same as a tourism attraction for the concession period of 90 years.
“The company will invest in these properties and showcase them to the discerning domestic and international tourists,” he added.
Meanwhile, the bidding process for a couple of forts is already underway and the financial bids are likely to be opened soon.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also suggested the Yogi Adityanath government to promote fort and monument tourism in Bundelkhand on the lines of Europe, where such a tourism template is quite popular.
“The UP tourism sector will emerge as a major revenue earning sector in the years to come and generate a large number of job opportunities,” Singh added.
UP tourism principal secretary Mukesh Meshram said the state will undertake a comprehensive publicity campaign to market the various tourism attractions in the Bundelkhand region.
“We will also engage social media influencers and bloggers to popularise the tourist attractions in Bundelkhand including forts, water bodies etc,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UP government will launch ‘Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav,’ a 16-day spectacular event, starting Jan 23 through February 18.
The fest will feature attractions such as the Heritage Walk, hot air balloon rides, water sports, and the creation of a grand tent city at Kalinjar Fort in Banda.
It will also entail Heritage Walk, narrating tales of Bundelkhand’s valour including the legendary Alha-Udal sagas.
Visitors can explore historical landmarks like Barua Sagar Fort, Rani Laxmibai’s Fort, Dashavatara Temple, Sarila Fort, Rahila Sun Temple, and Ram Janaki Temple, delving into the region’s history and architecture.
On the occasion, the tourism minister also launched a portal ww.uptourismportal.in dedicated to tours and travel operators.