Chandigarh: Haryana is steadily moving beyond being merely a transit route between different parts of the country to emerging as an attractive tourism destination in its own right. The Haryana Government is working to give the state’s tourism a new identity by bringing together the heritage of Mahabharata and the Gita in Kurukshetra, the historic gardens of Pinjore, the rich craft tradition of Surajkund, the hills of Morni, the historical heritage of Narnaul-Mahendragarh and the Haryanvi culture of its villages.
Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Kumar Sharma said on the occasion of World Tourism Day that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is working to ensure that tourists do not merely pass through Haryana, but stay, explore the state, experience its culture and heritage closely, and return with such memorable experiences that they are eager to visit Haryana again. In line with this vision, the state government’s new message is—‘Ghooman Aao, Haryana Dekho.’
He said significant projects had been completed at Jyotisar to develop Kurukshetra as a spiritual and cultural tourism centre of national and international stature. A Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra has been developed at a cost of Rs. 205.58 crore, while a Virat Swaroop Light and Sound Show has been created at a cost of Rs. 13.63 crore.
The Tourism Minister said it was essential that the income generated through tourism reaches villages and local communities. This would create new opportunities for employment and income for farmers, artisans, guides, transport service providers, restaurants and small businesses.
