Gonda's Green and Sacred Pathway: A Tourism Makeover

Efforts are being made to boost tourism in Gonda district by developing the Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary. These developments aim to attract pilgrims visiting nearby Ayodhya. The areas offer rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and valuable trees, enhancing the cultural and natural allure of the region.

The Gonda district is set for a tourism transformation as efforts are underway to attract pilgrims from Ayodhya by developing Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the potential to draw visitors seeking natural beauty alongside spiritual experiences.

The Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, part of the Ramsar project, spans 1,084 hectares and serves as a refuge for Siberian birds and over three dozen local species. Migratory species, such as Eurasian coots and greylag geese, arrive in late October, traveling more than 5,000 km from countries like China and Siberia.

In addition to natural attractions, cultural sites like the birthplaces of Maharishi Patanjali and Goswami Tulsidas are being developed to complement the region's spiritual significance. These initiatives align with local aspirations to elevate Gonda's profile on the international tourism map.

(With inputs from agencies.)