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Bhopal, Nov 25 (IANS) Promoting religious, wellness and wildlife tourism, the Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday announced the creation of a separate helipad for the recently launched ‘PM-Shri Heli Tourism Service’, which will offer helicopter connectivity to the state’s most iconic spiritual sites.
Dedicated helipads have already been completed at three key locations: Bicholi Hapsi near Indore, behind police lines in Ujjain and Mandhata in Omkareshwar.
With these facilities now operational, pilgrims and tourists will soon be able to visit both the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain and the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the banks of the Narmada in the same day – a journey which currently takes 6-8 hours by road, will now be completed in less than 90 minutes by air.
Heli service was started on 20 November.
“The PM-Shri Heli tourism service will change the way devotees experience the holy sites of Madhya Pradesh,” state urban minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said after the cabinet meeting. “This will save time, reduce fatigue and allow visitors to worship at two of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas in one spiritually enriching day,” he said.
This initiative extends beyond religious tourism. Land has been allotted for state-of-the-art wellness centers inside the ancient forests of the capital Bhopal and Pachmarhi.
Expected to open within a few months, these luxury facilities will offer Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy and meditation relaxation amidst nature.
Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife tourism is also witnessing unprecedented global interest.
World famous tiger reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura continue to attract wildlife lovers from all over the world.
The Marble Rocks of Bhedaghat, where the Narmada flows like a river of milk among the dazzling white rocks, are being ranked as one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the planet.
He said, “The state’s landmark cheetah and leopard reintroduction projects have become global conservation success stories. Cheetahs translocated from Africa and leopards from other countries have not only adapted to the forests of Madhya Pradesh, but are thriving, breeding and raising cubs – a testament to the dedication of the state forest department.”
“With seamless helicopter connectivity, world-class wellness retreats and thriving wildlife sanctuaries, Madhya Pradesh is fast emerging as India’s ultimate destination for spiritual seekers, nature lovers and conscious travellers,” the minister said.
Tourism department sources indicate that investor interest has increased, with several international hospitality chains in talks for partnerships.
Madhya Pradesh is clearly writing a new chapter as a hub of spiritual and eco-tourism in India.
–IANS
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