LUCKNOW: To harness the tourism potential created by Bundelkhand Expressway and Jhansi and Chitrakoot sectors of the UP Defence Corridor, the state government will showcase caves, forts, ecotourism and adventure sports by mapping, developing and marketing tourist destinations of all seven districts of Bundelkhand.
The region offers a range of tourist spots related to history and heritage, religion, rural, adventure sports and ecotourism. “Bundelkhand has untapped potential which is being anchored by the Bundelkhand Expressway and Defence Corridor. Bundelkhand has a rich treasure of destinations with a character and original narrative that can attract people,” principal secretary, tourism, Mukesh Meshram said.
Industry experts said be it the story of Alha Udal, Bajirao Mastani or Chambal ravines, Bundelkhand’s legacy is genuine and narrative is natural which will draw tourists. “Hidden gems like panchnada (confluence of five rivers in Jalaun), Kalinjar fort in Banda and Devgarh in Lalitpur are major attractions. They draw domestic and foreign tourists and with proper packaging and government leadership, these destinations will become irresistible,” said Prateek Hira, a tourism policy analyst and curator. “Better road connectivity will bring many destinations accessible from Jhansi and Kanpur which will fuel the local tourism economy,” Meshram said. Citing the example of Lalitpur, he said: “Devgarh is one site which has Jain, Buddhist and Hindu architecture. There is a series of caves locally termed ‘mini-Ajanta’. Barely two hours drive from Jhansi, this place is also home to Mata Tila Dam which can be a hub for adventure tourism.”
