Rajasthan government will now promote `night tourism' to give a push to the tourism industry in the State.
Night tourism is likely to start from November, and this would mean that historic monuments like forts and palaces which, at present, close to public by 6 p.m. will remain open until 11 p.m.
``The electrification / flood lighting work on the monuments has begun,'' Principal Secretary Tourism, Shailendra Agarwal announced on the concluding day of the 49th annual convention of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India.
Night tourism will attract tourists to the state even during the summer months, he said.
To woo repeat tourists, 'activity-based' circuits were being planned in Rajasthan. To begin with there would be 'Handicraft Circuit', 'Birding Circuit' and 'Spirituality Circuit'.
The tourists and visitors would get to see first hand how artisans work in the villages and will also be exposed to their lives in the rural hinterland. The 'Birding Circuit' will take the tourists to Keoladeo National Park, Sambhar Lake, and Tal Chhapar for bird watching. The 'Spiritual Circuit' will take the tourists to the various temples for which the State is known.
Mr Agarwal also offered 35 forts to the private sector to develop them on lease basis or in a joint venture. There were other State assets too which could be taken over by the private sector for maintenance. These include Dak Bunglows, forest Rest Houses and Circuit Houses.
“Tourism is aptly recognized as the 'bread and butter' of the State,'' he said.
