New eco-tourism hotspots: Maheshpur and Bhira circuits set to open in Lakhimpur

Lucknow : The Yogi government is set to launch the 2024-25 eco-tourism season on November 6, with all preparations now complete. This year’s season will include new destinations, with Maheshpur Eco-Tourism (Mohammadi) in the South Kheri Forest Division of Lakhimpur and the Bhira Tourism Circuit in the Buffer Division now open for exploration.

In a move to enhance visitor convenience, the government has removed Tuesday holiday from Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and it will now be open seven days a week. Nature guides have also been appointed to assist and educate tourists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Thanks to expanded facilities and the safe environment supported by the Yogi administration, the popularity of eco-tourism destinations such as Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Amangarh Tiger Reserve, and Ranipur Tiger Reserve continues to grow.

On November 8, Forest and Environment Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena will officially inaugurate this year’s tourism season from Katarniaghat in Bahraich, inviting nature enthusiasts to experience Uttar Pradesh’s rich wildlife and scenic beauty.

Dr. Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of State for Forest and Environment, shared that many tourists are drawn to Uttar Pradesh due to its tourism potential. This year, the Yogi government has decided not to raise the tourism fee, while also expanding visitor facilities. The weekly holiday on Tuesday at Dudhwa has been removed, allowing visitors to experience nature every day of the week.

Additionally, 30 hospitality workers have been specially trained to support tourism, receiving instruction in housekeeping and cooking from the Indian Institute of Hotel Management. With the help of the Eco Tourism Board, nature guides have also been trained in Dudhwa, Katarniaghat, Pilibhit, and Ranipur, with guidance from trainers at The Nature School in Bangalore. These efforts aim to make tourist visits more enjoyable and well-supported.

The eco-tourism event will be held across all eco-tourism sites in Uttar Pradesh, with the goal of encouraging people to experience and enjoy eco-tourism. Following the Yogi government’s directive, state ministers and public representatives will be present in it.

This event will take place in various key locations, including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Ranipur Tiger Reserves, as well as Katarniaghat, Wildlife Bihar, Sohelwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Bird Sanctuary in Nawabganj, Sandi Bird Sanctuary in Hardoi, Lakh Bird Sanctuary in Kannauj, Mahavir Swami Wildlife Sanctuary in Lalitpur, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary in Chandauli, Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Rapdi Eco-Tourism Center in Firozabad, among others.

Flow of tourists increases to tiger reserves in UP

Uttar Pradesh’s tiger reserves are drawing an increasing number of tourists each year, thanks to improved facilities and focused eco-tourism efforts under the Yogi government’s initiatives. The annual visitor count across reserves has seen notable growth:

Uttar Pradesh’s tiger reserves are drawing an increasing number of tourists each year, thanks to improved facilities and focused eco-tourism efforts under the Yogi government’s initiatives. The annual visitor count across reserves has seen notable growth:

– Dudhwa Tiger Reserve 

  – 2022-23: 41,815 Indian tourists and 137 foreign tourists, totaling 41,952 visitors.

  – 2023-24: 64,401 Indian tourists and 352 foreign tourists, totaling 64,753 visitors.

– Pilibhit Tiger Reserve 

  – 2022-23: 23,525 Indian tourists and 54 foreign tourists, totaling 23,579 visitors.

  – 2023-24: 54,378 Indian tourists and 189 foreign tourists, totaling 54,567 visitors.

– Amangarh Tiger Reserve 

  – 2022-23: 3,066 Indian tourists and 3 foreign tourists, totaling 3,069 visitors.

  – 2023-24: 4,090 Indian tourists, showing a growth trend.

– Ranipur Tiger Reserve 

  – 2022-23: 4,180 Indian tourists.

  – 2023-24: 13,743 Indian tourists.