Agartala, Nov 24, 2023, By Special Correspondent

Agartala, Nov 24: Agartala and Unakoti in Tripura are among the 15 destinations in North Eastern region selected for development under the central government's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme to boost tourism in the region rich in cultural and natural heritage.

Once the power centre of mighty rulers, Agartala is known for spectacular palaces like the Ujjayanta Palace, stunning lakes and several beautiful temples. The city, which is the second-largest in the North-east after Guwahati, is surrounded by pristine forests, beautiful valleys and roaring waterfalls.

On the other hand, Unakoti in Tripura is famous for its colossal rock cut panels depicting Hindu deities providing evidence of ancient Saiva worship in Tripura from 8th-9th centuries. The site of Unakoti is known to the people as an ancient holy place associated with Saiva worship.

The destinations, selected by the Union Tourism Ministry in consultation with state governments and Union territories, include one from Manipur and two each from the other states in the northeast, an official said, adding that the move aims to not only boost tourism in the eight states but also help in further development in the region.

Northeastern states, some of which share borders with other countries, are known for their pristine beauty, blessed with majestic hills, scenic waterfalls and adventurous treks, and many of these sites have not been explored by tourists in general.

The Union Tourism Ministry held the 11th edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) in Shillong from November 21-23 during which details on SD 2.0 scheme were unveiled.

The ministry has sanctioned Rs 29.32 crore for development of four key iconic religious tourism sites in Meghalaya under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme -- Nartiang Shakti Peeth, Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church, Aitnar Pool and Charantala Kali Temple.

Nartiang Shakti Peeth is a centuries-old Durga temple in West Jaintia Hills and believed to be a Shakti Peeth; while Nongsawlia Presbyterian Church is located in Sohra in East Khasi Hills; Aitnar Pool hosts a popular festival in West Jaintia Hills; and Charantala Kali Temple is in West Garo Hillsi district dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Nacho and Mechuka have been selected from Arunachal Pradesh; Shillong and Sohra from Meghalaya, Aizawl and Champhai from Mizoram; Jorhat and Kokrajhar from Assam; Moirang (Bishnupur) in Manipur; Niuland and Chumukedima in Nagaland; Gangtok and Gyalshing in Sikkim; and Agartala and Unakoti in Tripura.

A number of planned "tourism experiences" have received an "in-principle approval" under SD 2.0 scheme, according to officials.

The project includes Police Bazaar-Wards Lake Cultural Zone in Shillong; Meghalayan-age cave experience in Sohra; MG Road experience in Gangtok in Sikkim; Mechuka Cultural Haat in Arunachal Pradesh; and rock-cut heritage experience is in Unakoti in Tripura.

The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme for creating jobs, including self-employment for local communities, and preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources. Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments or Union Territory administrations or central agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

The ITM is an annual event held by the Ministry of Tourism in one of the northeastern states on a rotation basis with an objective to provide a bigger platform to the stakeholders in the northeast to interact with their counterparts from both within the country and overseas markets as well as to create awareness about the tourism potential of northeast region, the ministry said.

Earlier editions of the ITM have been held in Guwahati, Tawang, Shillong, Gangtok, Agartala, Imphal, Kohima and Aizwal. Shillong hosted the event for the second time since its inception.

The ITM aims to highlight the northeast region's unique tourism products, rich biodiversity, its intangible heritage, including local traditions, dance forms, arts, handicrafts and handlooms to both domestic and international audiences.