In a bid to capitalise on the tourism boom in the country, Bihar Tourism today said it is planning to invest Rs 300 crore to strengthen its infrastructure. "Work on setting up Ramayan and Sufi tourism circuits have commenced and a total of Rs 300 crore is being allocated by the State Tourism Department to develop the required infrastructure," Information Officer at the Bihar Department of Tourism Information Officer said in a release issued here. 

Meanwhile, for the year 2011-12 Rs 3,043.89 lakh was announced by the Central administration for development of tourism in Bihar. As per the Corporations plans, the Ramayan circuit will include places mentioned in the epic, like Tar in Bhojpur, Ahirauli in Buxar, Pretshila Hills in Gaya, Ramchura, Panth Pakar and Valmiki Nagar. The Sufi circuit will include Biharsharif, Manersharif, Munger and Phulwarisharif. Work on both circuits has begun and the Corporation will announce packages for the circuits soon. 

Besides, to attract international tourists, BSTDCplans to promote its traditional circuits - Buddhist, Jain and Sikh - in Southeast Asian countries. Going ahead, BSTDC also plans to develop tourism activities centred around the river Ganga. At present, the corporation already has launched a floating restaurant and it also provides cruise services on the river between Kolkata, Varanasi and Faraka Patna. 

The Corporation is also planning open the Ganga River Island, which will offer camel rides and food courts. It will also promote aqua tourism for the domestic and international markets.