The tourism industry has got a big boost as Udaipur has been included in the list of most beautiful cities of the globe. It is fast becoming one of the most liked holiday destinations. In the list of Trip Advisor travelers’ choice ranking, there are three cities of Rajasthan – Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur – among the top ten. New Delhi is at the top followed by Goa and Jaipur. Udaipur gets the 6th place while Jaipur and Jaisalmer bag the 6th and 8th rank respectively. Not to be left behind, Udaipur hotels have also won laurels. Among the top 25 hotels of India, the ranking of hotels of Udaipur is The Leela Palace (2nd), Taj Lake Palace (4th) and Oberoi Udai Vilas (7th). The Leela Palace, Udaipur has also bagged 13th place among the top 25 hotels of the world. Earlier, Udaipur has been given top ranking as a leisure spot by Conde Nast Traveler India Reader award and as the most beautiful city of the world by travel and leisure magazine.
It augurs well that several agencies such as forest department, tourism dept., Municipal co., and urban improvement trust are making concerted efforts to boost tourism in and around Lake City. Some already existing spots of tourism importance are getting facelift whereas some new ones are being developed. Baghdara Nature Park, that is about 20 km from the city would now be a big attraction for nature lovers as they would not only be able to watch wildlife like panthers and crocodiles at close quarters but spend nights in tents to be in the lap of nature. To make the stay of tourists, more facilities like a zip line, zig-zag adventure sports, and a cafeteria have been provided. On the neighboring hills have been planted 500 plants. The private agency that would be managing all these facilities would also look after the safety of the visitors. The choupati at Swaroop Sagar is the first of its kind to be built on the Swacch Bharat theme, would cost about 2.70 crores. There would be steel frames on either side. Garden area is to be developed in small parts with walking tracks. The 200 by 60 feet choupati is to have 6 stalls with 6 modular kiosks to keep the area clean.
Ecotone Park on the bank of Badi that is about 10 km from the city where one can reach either through Rampura and Gorela or through Fatehsagar bank, has been developed to enable tourists to have a close view of wildlife and stay in the tents at night, according to OP Sharma, DFO. To know more about Ecotone Park and camping, click here.
The badgaon hill that covers an area of about 400 hectares is also being developed as a tourist spot by UIT. Situated in Sector 14 of the city, Nela talab has also been developed on the lines of Fateh Sagar with an attractive main gate, sitting space and LED lights, rows of coconut trees also add to the attraction. Religious places like Amrakhji and Badbadeshwar are also being developed.
According to UIT Chairman Ravendra Shrimali, Nandeshwar is being developed as a tourist spot with an amusement park more greenery, broader approach roads, viewpoints and renovation of the ancient Mahadev Mandir and Baori. Udaipur Paal is also being made more attractive for tourists.
During this monsoon season, tourists on way to Mount Abu would have another new attraction at Kanan Kuteer, Ghata Nadi with facilities for trekking in dense forests, stay in newly built rest house and camps. Van Surakhsa Evam Prabandh Samiti, Thamlaberi would provide food, guides, and safety. At the processing center, tourist can watch how different products like juice and shampoo are made from aloe vera, amla, sitaphal. Segura hill, Bedwas on the road to Chittorgarh is also being developed as eco-park with selfie points having Mewari paintings, models of wild animals, huts for shade, flower, plants and creepers and a long boundary wall for safety.
Located about 100 km from Udaipur, the Kolda region has a green forest, flowing rivers and waterfalls, dense sanctuaries. After traveling about 70 km one comes across high hills and serpentine roads, the view of numerous palm trees near the Kalibor and Sabarmati dams is extremely charming. Between the hills flows the Vakal River, other attractions include the herbal plant gardens near Jogiwad dam, the bridge viewpoint, and the famous Phulwari ki Nal sanctuary spread over 511 sq. km.
To commemorate the sacrifice of Panna Dhai to save Maharana Pratap’s life, Panna Dhai Panorama is coming up fast, near her village Kameri, about 10 km from Amet on the Deogarh road. Located on a hill, it is to have a huge 9 feet statue of Panna Dhai. There would also be an auditorium, tourist resting hall, a museum, and a library.
Nearer home, for the entertainment of tourists at night in Sahelion ki Badi, programmes of music, dance and puppet shows are to be started. At present, the Badi has only ancient fountains and a garden. The work on Kalangan art gallery is also progressing fast. On average, the Badi has a footfall of about 7 lac Indian and foreign tourists every year and the number goes up during festival time. The lawns and the huge variety of colorful flowers in the Vibhuti Park near Fatehsagar Paal have also become a big attraction for tourist. Some creative persons from Gadio Luher community have introduced heritage bullock carts that have brass nails and colored stripes. No wonder tourists in the city enjoy joy rides on them.
It seems with the addition of this attraction, the number of tourists in Udaipur would shoot up.
