Latest news with #UttarPradeshTourismDepartment


Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
UP: 50 delegates from 5 ASEAN countries participated in six-day ‘Bodhi yatra'
Lucknow, In a bid to place Uttar Pradesh's Buddhist heritage on the world map, the Yogi Adityanath-led government organised a special six-day "Bodhi Yatra", which saw the participation of 50 delegates from five ASEAN countries. As part of this mission, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, in association with the Union Ministry of External Affairs, organised the "Bodhi Yatra" under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework, an official statement said on Sunday. The yatra, held from June 2 to June 7, aimed to showcase key destinations within the state's Buddhist circuit. A 50-member delegation from five ASEAN nations Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the tour. The group included Buddhist monks, travel agents, and social media influencers. UP's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that under CM Yogi Adityanath's leadership, Uttar Pradesh is committed to promote its rich Buddhist heritage on a global platform. The recently held 'Bodhi Yatra' aimed to showcase major Buddhist sites like Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar and Sarnath, as well as Varanasi, Lucknow, and Agra to the world tourism map, he said. He informed that during the trip, the visiting delegation explored important sites such as the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Jetavana Monastery, Piprahwa Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and several Buddhist museums. Jaiveer Singh added that the state government has focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing tourist facilities, and preserving the cultural significance of these sacred places. Earlier in Lucknow, the international delegation met CM Adityanath and learned about Uttar Pradesh's rich and deeply rooted Buddhist heritage. The Tourism Department extended a warm welcome with traditional hospitality and special presentations, showcasing the spiritual and cultural significance of each site on the 'Bodhi Yatra' itinerary. Business-to-business meetings were also held during the 'Bodhi Yatra', helping strengthen tourism and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asian countries. The Tourism Minister said that this effort will not only bring global recognition to UP's Buddhist legacy, but also boost tourism and contribute to the state's economic growth.


Hans India
a day ago
- Hans India
Uttar Pradesh: 50 delegates from 5 countries take part in 'Bodhi Yatra', meet CM Yogi
In a bid to place Uttar Pradesh's Buddhist heritage on the world map, Uttar Pradesh government is promoting the state's Buddhist pilgrimage sites through international collaboration and strategic tourism initiatives. As part of this mission, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, in association with the Union Ministry of External Affairs organized a special week-long 'Bodhi Yatra', under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework. The familiarisation trip, held from June 2 to June 7, aimed to showcase key destinations within the state's Buddhist circuit. A 50-member delegation from five ASEAN nations -- Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam -- participated in the tour. The group included Buddhist monks, travel agents, and social media influencers. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, speaking to the press, said that Uttar Pradesh is committed to promoting its rich Buddhist heritage on a global platform, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership. The recently held 'Bodhi Yatra' aimed to showcase major Buddhist sites like Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kushinagar and Sarnath, as well as Varanasi, Lucknow, and Agra to the world tourism map. He said that during the trip, the visiting delegation explored important sites such as the Ananda Bodhi Tree, Jetavana Monastery, Piprahwa Stupa, Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Dhamek Stupa, Ashokan Pillar, and several Buddhist museums. He added that the Yogi government has focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing tourist facilities, and preserving the cultural significance of these sacred places. Earlier, the international delegation also met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and learned about Uttar Pradesh's rich and deeply rooted Buddhist heritage. The Tourism Department extended a warm welcome with traditional hospitality and special presentations, showcasing the spiritual and cultural significance of each site on the 'Bodhi Yatra' itinerary. Meetings were also held during the 'Bodhi Yatra', helping strengthen tourism and cultural ties between India and Southeast Asian countries.


Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chitrakoot, Mahoba to get world-class ropeways soon
In a major move to modernising religious tourism infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has announced plans to develop world-class ropeway systems at two of the state's most revered pilgrimage destinations—Valmiki Ashram in Chitrakoot and the Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri Hill in Mahoba. According to tourism department officials the ropeways, designed to meet international standards, aim to make access to these hilltop temples safer, faster, and more convenient for lakhs of pilgrims who visit each year. This initiative not only strengthens connectivity but blend heritage with modern infrastructure and boost tourism across the state. The proposed ropeway projects will be equipped with advanced safety features, durable components, and all-weather operational capability. The routes will be designed keeping in mind the local topography, seismic activity, seasonal variations, and travel patterns to ensure reliable and secure travel throughout the year. 'These ropeways are not merely about convenience—they are about enriching the spiritual experience for millions by making sacred sites more accessible,' said a senior tourism department official. 'We are connecting tradition with technology.' At Chitrakoot Valmiki Ashram a ropeway will be developed near Bagrehi village, along the Chitrakoot–Prayagraj highway, to connect devotees with the ancient ashram of Maharishi Valmiki, author of the Ramayana. The site is revered for its spiritual significance and attracts pilgrims year-round. The department has identified 8,920 sq meters land for the same. While in Mahoba Gorakh Giri Hill – Siddh Baba Temple, the ropeway will connect pilgrims to the Siddh Baba Temple, a sacred site associated with Guru Gorakhnath, located around 2 km from Mahoba city in Raheliya village. Here the department has identified 9,750 sq meters of land. Both systems will be built using state-of-the-art technology to ensure high reliability and safety, offering a comfortable experience for all age groups, especially the elderly and physically challenged pilgrims. The number of devotees visiting these locations annually is expected to rise significantly with the introduction of ropeways, which aim to enhance safety, ease congestion, and boost local employment opportunities. Principle secretary culture and tourism Mukesh Meshram said, 'The construction is expected to begin soon following final approvals and surveys. We hope to have these ropeway systems could become operational as early as next year.'