Government to introduce adventure tourism at Gajoldoba

Kolkata: State Tourism department has chalked out an elaborate plan to introduce adventure tourism at Gajoldoba which is emerging to be a potential tourist destination in the state.

According to sources, the adventure tourism may be introduced at Gajoldoba before Puja this year. As a part of the initiative, visitors can take part in boating along river Teesta.

Another attraction of Gajoldoba would be hot air balloon rides which may draw a huge number of North Bengal bound tourists. People visiting the area can also take a stroll inside the Saraswatipur tea garden. Apart from this, there would be facilities like car and jungle safari in the area.

The construction of mega tourism hub at Gajoldoba would be completed within Puja this year. State tourism minister Goutam Deb held a high-level meeting with representatives from 12 departments to accelerate the process.

According to Deb, the workers have been working in a war footing.

The minister also said there are plans that houseboats would also be introduced at Gajoldoba while another houseboat would be introduced at Mirik. Watching birds while riding on a boat can be a favourite passtime of the tourists. Hence, the boats are being developed.

Some budget hotels are also coming up in the area to accommodate tourists. According to the initial plans, an elephant safari would also be started there. To maintain law and order situation in a better way, a separate police station would be set up in the area. A helipad will also be constructed, the minister said.

It may be mentioned that around 52 overseas delegates from 30 countries including those from the USA, UK, Russia, France, Germany and Japan visited 'Bhorer Alo' (twilight), the dream tourism hotspot being developed by the state government at Gajoldoba in January to get a first-hand experience of the unique eco-tourism project.