Ajanta – Elloraset to give boost to Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India

INDORE, India - Sept. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Ajanta – Elloraset to give boost to Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India

World class tourist visitor centres opened for tourists at the World Heritage Sites by Union Tourism Minister – Dr K. Chiranjeevi

Aurangabad, There is one more reason for international tourists visiting India to extend their stay here as the highest Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) receiving State Maharashtra is all set to feature prominently on tourist map of world. Tourism Capital of Maharashtra – Aurangabad has received a fillip in the tourism with commissioning of world class tourist visitor centres viz., Ajanta Visitor Centre (AVC) and Ellora Visitor Centre (EVC) near the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. The centres were the key milestones of the prestigious Ajanta-Ellora conservation & tourism Development Plan (AEDP) phase I & II under the auspices of Incredible India and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Honorary Union Minister for Tourism Dr K. Chiranjeeviinaugurated these state-of-the-art centres on Monday and opened for the public. Dr K. Chiranjeevi also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Maharashtra Tourism towards development of world class and environmentally sustainable tourism in the State.

Present with Dr K. Chiranjeevi were HonouraryChief Minister of Maharashtra ShriPrithvirajChavan, HonouraryMinister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, ShriChhaganBhujbal, Honourary Minister of Revenue and Guardian Minister (Aurangabad), Government of Maharashtra, ShriBalasahebThorat, Honourary Minister of Education, Government of Maharashtra, ShriRajendraDarda, HonouraryMinister of Tourism for State, ShriRanjitKamble, Principal Secretary (Tourism, Government of Maharashtra) Mr SumitMullick and senior officials from Maharashtra Tourism.

ShriPrithvirajChavan said, “The Tourist Information Centres were one of the ambitious projects of Maharashtra Tourism. These World Heritage Sites are also major attractions for the foreign tourists and hence, it was required to create world class facilities here. The project was funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through the Union Tourism ministry and the plan was implemented by MTDC under the able guidance of State Tourism department.”

The ancient caves depicting cultures of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism have been restored and now attract foreign tourists in a big number. The objective of the project was to conserve and preserve monuments and natural resources in the Ajanta-Ellora region. The project also endeavoured to improve the infrastructure in order to accommodate increasing number of tourists and enhance their experience by providing world class facilities.

ShriChhaganBhujbal said, “Aurangabad is the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra with rich history, heritage and monuments. Maharashtra Tourism, Archaeological survey of India and Aurangabad Municipal Corporation has undertaken various conversation, development and beautification projects in Aurangabad. These information centres will serve as the one-stop location for all information, history and importance of these destinations for tourists.”

He further said, “MTDC has about 254 Hacter of land adjacent to Ajanta caves and about 34 Hacter of land adjacent to Ellora caves. Considering the importance of these heritage sites from the tourism point of view, MTDC intended to develop world class tourist infrastructure to provide impetus to the tourism activity in the region around Ajanta and Ellora Caves.”

Mr Kiyoshi Asako, Consul-General, Consulate - General of Japan,said, "I am very happy that our official development assistance is contributing to the World Heritage Site to maintain and develop the world heritage site at Ajanta and Ellora. Especially I am very happy to attend the inaugration ceremony of Ajanta and Ellora Visitor centres. I hope that these centers will help many visitors from inside and outside of India."

ShriRanjitKamble said, “When we say Maharashtra Unlimited, it truly captures the imagination of these two small but significantly ideal words. Maharashtra ranks among top states in all spheres and it has now also become a prominent state promoting tourism globally.”

Ajanta Visitor Centre (Part-1) is spread in 17,936 square metres. The replicas of four main caves (No. 1,2,16 and 17) have been createdhere using stimulated stone technology to give shape of the stone, colouring, carving etc.. The centre also houses audio-visual presentations, library, cafeteria, amphitheatre and ample parking space.

Similarly, ElloraVisitor Centre has been erected in 12,090 square meterwith facilities for audio-visual information about the caves, library, cafeteria, parking and shopping area. A real life replica of Kailasha Temple of 1/10 size has been erected here. With the various development phases, the total investment under AEDP is pegged at Rs380crore.

Maharashtra Tourism is confident of translating these investments into long term assets which would not only attract revenues from foreign tourists and investments in the future but also a steady stream of foreign exchange earnings for India.

For more information please contact

Atul Malikra

atul@atulmalikram.in

PR 24x7 Network Ltd.