With the tourism master plan being finalised, the Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to focus on some of the offbeat tourist destinations, which have the potential to transform local economy and become part of country’s tourism circuit in the next few years. The Centre has also agreed to substantially fund Himachal’s drive on offbeat tourism.

Some of these destinations, chosen by the state’s Tourism department, are Solan, Baridhar, Gaura, Chail, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi and Una.

Principal Secretary (Tourism) Manisha Nanda said: “The state Government received a special grant of Rs 30 crore last month to create new facilities for development and improvements at new destinations identified to attract tourists. These places were not popular despite unique advantages.”

Dharon-ki-Dhar in Solan district has always been a much talked about destination but there was no effort to add new facilities. The Government will now spend Rs 35 lakh to beautify the place. The waterfalls at Geva and Chail, which have been attracting tourists occasionally, have also been included in the scheme and nearly Rs 40 lakh would be spent on landscaping of the area and new camping sites, Nanda said.

Funds have also been received for illumination at Bilaspur and development of parking near Bilaspur bus stand. Kangra, Nagrota, Barot and Dal Lake in Kangra are other areas under consideration.

Besides, the Government is also planning to spruce up temples of Narvdeshwar, Tauni Devi, Awh Devi, Shikari Devi, Dev Mandir and Kanchna Mata in Hamirpur and Mandi districts.

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