A CULTURAL POTPOURRI

Exploring Uttar Pradesh’s tourism, heritage and food scene

UP Nahi Dekha Toh India Nahi Dekha” (If you have not seen UP then you have not seen India) – reads the tagline of Uttar Pradesh Tourism. And here’s the proof that this stands true – according to a recent report shared by the state’s tourism department, Uttar Pradesh (UP) was one of the most visited states in India among international travellers in 2019, with a share of 23.1 per cent visitors to UP.

Uttar Pradesh, boasting a rich religious and architectural heritage, has always been a top choice for the international travel community with Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi and the religious Buddhist circuit (Sarnath-Kushinagar) being frequented destinations. e state prides itself on many places of cultural and historical importance. Monuments like the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Jhansi Fort draw millions of people each year.

Unfortunately, the adverse e ects of the travel restrictions are hindering the functioning of these attractions. is is evident from the fact that the number of tourists visiting the Taj Mahal is not even touching 5,000 — the daily limit of visitors

xed by the cultural ministry since its reopening on September 21.

Elaborating on the condition of the tourism revival, Sunil Verma, general manager, Novotel Lucknow Gomti Nagar says, “e demand was muted due to the initial months of lockdown, but with the progressive Unlock, the state is witnessing gradual travel especially for weekend getaways and also many takers for religious travel to Ayodhya with the Ram Mandir being constructed. We are hopeful that business travel should start in the next few months.”

Verma further says that major cities of UP are being chosen for lm shoots with Lucknow and Varanasi being the most popular ones, as seen in Indian cinema recently. e UP government is also encouraging the movie industry with easier and friendly guidelines and has a special nodal agency called Film Bandhu (friend) for seamless coordination purposes. “is initiative promotes and facilitates all the

lm production related facilities under a