Heritage Tourism Policy

Heritage Tourism Policy | UPSC – Why In The News ?

Recently, the Gujarat government announced its first Heritage Tourism Policy. In these five years, the government will give 100 per cent relief in electricity duty, marketing support and rent assistance in national and international events. The state government in a statement claimed that the move will boost tourism and create jobs.

Highlights of the Policy  

• It allowed opening up of heritage hotels, museums, banquet halls and restaurants inside historic palaces, forts and buildings.  
• It is applicable to historic structures that existed before January 1, 1950. 
• Under this policy, a new heritage hotel or an existing one will get financial assistance of Rs 5-10 crore for renovation or expansion. 
• The basic heritage structure should not be altered during this process.  
• In the next five years, the government will give 100 per cent relief in electricity duty, marketing support and rent assistance in national and international events.

Some Historical places in Gujarat | Heritage Tourism Policy

Read Also – Buddhist Councils UPSC | First | Second | Third & Fourth Councils

Kanthkot Fort & Temple :

• A Jain & Sun temple. Capital of the Kathi people. 

Tera fort :

• Built by Jadejas during the reign of Deshalji I (18th century). 

Rani ki Vav, Patan (UNESCO’s World Heritage Site) :

• Built by Udaymati, queen of Solanki Dynasty. Situated on the banks of Saraswati river, 

Sarkhej Roza Tomb :

• Prominent centre of Sufi culture. Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmed Ganj Baksh lived here. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of the Sabarmati 

Read Also – Hampi Stone Chariot UPSC

Vijaya Vilas Palace :

• Summer palace of Jadeja Maharao of Kutch. Built during reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III 

Lakshmi Vilas Palace :

• Styled on the Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture
• It Was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890 

Prag Mahal :

• Built by Rao Pragmalji II (Jadeja dynasty). 
• Indo-Saracenic Revival style 

Champaner-Pavagadh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 

• Founded by Vanraj Chavda (Chavda Dynasty) 

Sun Temple, Modhera :

• Built during the rule of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty. 
• On the bank of the river Pushpavati. 
• Protected under Archaeological Survey of India.

Source – Indian Express