The IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (IL&FS IDC), the national-level consultant (NLC) appointed by the Central Ministry of Tourism for identification of tourism circuits across India, has identified four circuits for integrated development in Uttar Pradesh.

The tourism circuits identified in UP are Braj-Agra Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Awadh-Ayodhya Circuit, and Allahabad-Varanasi circuit. These circuits have been proposed for the development during the 12th Plan. The IL&FS IDC submitted its interim report to the Union Ministry of Tourism in February 2012.

According to the report, a detailed report carrying capacity assessment has been prepared to understand the existing capacity of the short-listed circuits as well as destinations. This assessment is, primarily, based on the residential and tourist population densities of the cities.

As per the report, Uttar Pradesh has possibly one of the largest numbers of tourist-worthy spots present in any state in India. The state is not only important for domestic tourism but is also famed for its presence on the World Tourist Map.

Additionally, it draws a large number of tourists to a host of locations for religious purposes, heritage monuments, historical importance or wildlife. Besides, its proximity to other important tourist destination states like Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttaranchal provides the state a competitive advantage.

As per the statistics available from ministry of tourism, in 2010, Uttar Pradesh contributed 19.6% and 9.4% of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals, respectively, in the country. However, these tourist arrivals occur in either specific pockets or only for religious purposes. For example, in 2009, more than 60% of the foreign tourist arrivals to UP were for the Agra circle -- Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Similarly, the domestic tourists are largely concentrated around places like Allahabad, Varanasi, Mathura and Ayodhya.

According to the report, UP offers a huge range of destinations and activities to the potential tourist, comprising historical cities, wildlife sanctuaries, pilgrim centres and adventure destinations. The UP Tourism has also identified some tourist circuits for tourist infrastructure development.

Tourist circuits identified in UP

Circuit 1: Braj-Agra Circuit

Circuit 2: Buddhist Circuit

Circuit 3: Awadh-Ayodhya Ciruit

Circuit 4: Allahabad-Varanasi Circuit

Circuits listed by department of tourism, Government of UP, 2011:

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News