February 24, 2019
State Govt developing tourism circuit centred on Siliguri
The Bangla Government is developing a tourism circuit centred on Siliguri, which is surrounded by lush forests and hills, said the State Tourism Minister recently.
As a result of measures taken by the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress Government, tourist footfalls have been increasing steadily and at the same time, new destinations and infrastructure have come up, all over north Bengal.
Tourism is now no longer limited to the few traditionally well-known spots. Lesser-known locations have been drawing many tourists too. The State Government is thus ensuring the socio-economic development of the whole region, the minister said.
The Bengal Safari: North Bengal Wild Animals Park and Bhorer Alo in Gajoldoba, one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in Bangla, both Tourism Department projects and both not too far from Siliguri, are drawing a lot of tourists.
Underground cottages like the houses of the Hobbits in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rrings, which are also famous due to the films based on the novel, and elephant shelters would be constructed at Bhorer Alo, and adventure activities like rope ladders and ziplines would be introduced, at a cost of Rs 1.65 crore, said the minister.
The Forest Department is developing a cycling and trekking circuit from Saraswatipur to the safari park (Bhorer Alo), a stretch of around 9km, through the Baikunthapur forest.
The Tourism Department will also build 15 cottages in the Laltong and Chamakdangi villages near the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Cottages and watchtowers would be built in Sevoke too.
As per other plans, the Tourism Department will set up parks for butterflies, moths and snakes, as well as cottages and restaurants, near the Mahananda Barrage.
The irrigation and Waterways Department has already constructed parks on the left and right banks of the barrage. A ropeway service is in the pipeline there.
Some projects have also been taken up by the government near the ancient Bhamri Devi Temple and Devi Choudhurani Temple near the town of Jalpaiguri.
Source: The Statesman
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