Kumarakom finds place in Union Budget

Kumarakom
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New Delhi: The Center has earmarked funds for the overall development of tourist destinations in 11 states, including Kerala's own Kumarakam, in the Budget. With participation from the private sector, these spots will be developed as model destinations and have found place among the top tier of tourism centers in the country.

The other destinations in the list are: the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri (UP), Ajantha, Ellora caves (Maharashtra), Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar (Delhi), Morjem beach (Goa), Amer Fort (Rajasthan), Somanath temple (Gujarat), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), Humpi (Karnataka), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Kaziranga (Assam). While Kumarakom was not initially under consideration, the Central government took the advice of the Tourism Ministry and included it later, said minister Alphons Kannanthanam.

Meanwhile, Rs1,100 crore was kept aside for the Swadesh Darshan project which aims to connect various key tourism destinations to each other. The Pathanamthitta–Gavi–Vagamon–Thekkady tourist route is one such corridor that comes under this plan. Facilities for tourists will be further developed at 110 centers which are under the Archaeological Society of India's Adarsh Smarak Yojana. Rs 70 crore for development of basic facilities related to the tourism sector and a further Rs 150 crore for rejuvenating pilgrimage centers under the PRASAD scheme have also been announced.

In a bid to attract more foreign tourists, the government promised that e-visa regulations will be made simpler. With applications made online, the visa will be issued within two days. The budget also made clear that the government will look to promote seaplane connectivity, particularly to link small towns.

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