Uttarakhand Soon to Become more Traveller-Friendly

While leisure travel was halted for the longest time this year, travel destinations were gearing up to bounce back to welcome tourists. In Uttarakhand, a series of measures have been approved for promotion and revival of tourism in the state. 

One of the decisions include the expansion of the helipad at Kedarnath Dham. With the extension of this helipad, the Chinook helicopter can now also land in Kedarnath. The proposal was approved by the state cabinet in a recent meeting. The size of the helipad will now be expanded to 100x50 meters. 

Additionally, an exemption will be made for tourists staying for three days. Under the Tourist Incentive Coupon Scheme, tourists opting for e-bookings will get a rebate of Rs 1000 for a 3-day stay. According to the tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar, the proposal of the scheme was approved to promote tourism and give discounts to tourists. 

In view of the coronavirus situation in the country, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve was also shut. The government has decided to refund travellers who had already made advance bookings. A sum total nearing two crore will be returned to travellers. 

The proposal to increase the height of Maya Devi Temple and Bhairav Devi Temple which come under Juna Akhara Mahadevi Temple, was also given a nod. Additionally, the Yamanotri ropeway from Kharsali will now be constructed in the PPP mode, with the government deciding to give the outstanding amount to the construction company.