Chandigarh to promote rural tourism

Tourists travelling to Chandigarh will now have an opportunity to experience the colourful rural ambience as well.

The department of tourism, Chandigarh, has decided to develop rural tourism centres in collaboration with private players.

The UT Administration would soon invite expressions of interest from private investors to build restaurants, joy rides, games and other recreational activities for the tourists in the identified villages.

Tourism Director Vivek Atray told Business Standard that the land has been identified in two villages and two more would be shortlisted very soon.

He said the rural tourists centres would be located in the panchayat land and would be leased out to the private players.

"The income earned from such project would be utilised in the development of the respective villages," he added.

The administration has decided to emulate the model of Chowkidani of Jaipur and Haweli of Jalandhar.

"The advantage of such business model is that with a comparatively low investment it could generate more revenue and employment," Atray added.

About 10,000 visitors per day can be entertained at such spots. The administration expects the project to be completed by the end of next year.

With the expansion of corporate giants and IT players in the tier two towns, Chandigarh has witnessed a surge in the population in the age group of 30- 40 years. The influx of population with a reasonable high spending power has created avenues for the tourism in the region.

The administration has also decided to upgrade the existing tourists spots. The Chandigarh Tourism and Industrial Development Corporation is contemplating introducing glass boats and shikaras at the Sukhana Lake.