Exploring Devbhoomi Uttarakhand’s Unique Blend of Spirituality and Adventure

As Secretary, Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand and CEO, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Shri Sachin Kurve plays a crucial role in the development of tourism in an idyllic but fragile setting. Kurve’s leadership exemplifies a commitment to showcasing Uttarakhand’s unique cultural history, adventure activities, and ecotourism projects, driven by a passion for maximising the state’s tourism potential. His commitment to promoting environmentally friendly tourism methods fits in perfectly with Uttarakhand’s ethos, offering visitors from all over the world a peaceful fusion of spirituality, nature, and enlightening experiences. Here he shares his views and vision for tourism in Uttarakhand.

What is the USP of Uttarakhand as a tourist destination and what are some of its major tourist attractions?

Uttarakhand’s USP lies in its unparalleled natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand offers a pristine environment that appeals to nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike.

We are home to some of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, including the Char Dham—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—which attract millions of devotees every year. Besides these, Haridwar and Rishikesh are globally renowned for their spiritual significance, yoga, and wellness retreats.

For those inclined towards nature and adventure, Uttarakhand offers a myriad of options. The scenic hill stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, and Almora provide breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot the majestic Bengal tiger and a variety of other fauna.

In recent years, the tourism department has starting promoting new destinations and activities for visitors. The Kartik Swami Temple in District Rudraprayag is the only temple of Lord Kartikeya (Lord Murugan) in North India. A short 3 km trek leads to the temple offering a mesmerising 360 degree view of the Himalayas.

The Manaskhand Express Train being operated by Uttarakhand Tourism is an attempt to restore and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kumaon region of the state. This unique concept of facilitating tourists to reach lesser known destinations of the state, is a first of its kind initiative by any State Tourism Department in the country. The train trips are planned in association with IRCTC and the train originates from different parts of the country. So far, three trips have been successfully operated from Pune and Madurai catering to close to 700 tourists. The next trip is scheduled from Bengaluru on 22^nd August 2024.

The department has given an impetus to a number of Adventure Tourism activities in the state with an aim to proliferate tourism to farther corners and generate employment for the local youth. The User Fee for River Rafting has been waived off for Rafting Operators in rivers other than the Ganga, which has helped in the spread of rafting activity to other rivers also. The first ever International Paragliding Acrobatic Festival was held at Tehri in Nov 2024, in which international acrobatic paragliders from more than 30 countries participated. The Tehri Lake area is being touted as one of the best paragliding spots in the world.

With an aim to promote Border Tourism, the department has taken several initiates. At Jadung in Uttarakashi District, the department is restoring the abandoned houses, which shall then be handed over to the original inhabitants to be operated as homestays. Homestays are being promoted at Border Villages with activities, which are the requirement of today’s tourists.

Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like trekking, river rafting, skiing, and mountaineering in regions such as Auli, Rishikesh, and the Valley of Flowers. The state’s diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Brahma Kamal flower, make it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

In essence, Uttarakhand is a complete package that offers a blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a unique and compelling destination for tourists from around the world.

What are the key highlights of the Uttarakhand Tourism Policy 2023?

The Uttarakhand Tourism Policy 2023 introduces several strategic initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the overall tourist experience in the state. A key focus of the policy is to diversify tourism offerings beyond the traditional religious tourism and yoga-based wellness that Uttarakhand is known for. The policy seeks to promote a mix of heritage, nature, wildlife, health, and wellness tourism, positioning Uttarakhand as an all-weather destination, including the promotion of winter and Alpine tourism.

To provide tourists with authentic travel experiences, the policy emphasizes creating clusters and circuits, developing new tourism destinations, and unique tourism products. This approach aims to engage tourists with local communities and culture, offering them a genuine and immersive travel experience.

The policy also underscores the importance of resilient tourism products and infrastructure. This involves not only preserving the state’s natural assets, such as forest reserves and wildlife but also its intangible assets, like cultural heritage. The policy supports the revival of lost natural and cultural assets and aims to develop Uttarakhand as a safe and tourist-friendly destination.

A significant aspect of the policy is its “Digital First” approach, which leverages technology for promotion, marketing, bookings, and reservations. It aims to gather and disseminate tourism-related information to provide tourists with comfort and confidence, enhancing their overall travel experience.

The policy encourages private sector investment in tourism development, reducing the government’s role in areas where private sector involvement is preferred. It aims to enhance the ease of doing business through a strengthened single window clearance process, facilitating faster approvals for tourism projects.

Promoting high-value tourism is another critical element of the policy. The focus is on sustainable tourism that minimizes cultural and environmental impact, ensuring that Uttarakhand benefits economically while preserving its natural and cultural assets.

The policy also aims for balanced regional development through the Hub & Spoke model, addressing carrying capacity issues, and ensuring that necessary basic amenities are available at all tourist destinations.

The policy provides generous Capital Subsidy ranging from 50% to 100% in different areas on eligible tourism assets. In order to speed up the process of subsidy grant, a Single Window mechanism has been established at Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. In addition to Capital Subsidy, there are incentives for Marketing, Skill Training and adopting Green Practices.

Recognizing the role of small and mid-sized units in tourism development, the policy explores the inclusion of tourism sector units in the MSME Policy to support growth and incentivize investments. Additionally, the creation of a Single Window Portal for one-stop clearances for private sector projects is intended to streamline the investment process.

Overall, these initiatives are designed to transform Uttarakhand into a leading global tourism hub, providing world-class tourism experiences while ensuring sustainable development and the preservation of the state’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

What steps is Uttarakhand taking to promote sustainable tourism in the state?

Uttarakhand is taking several initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, focusing on environmental conservation, community involvement, and responsible travel practices. One key strategy is the development of eco-tourism projects across various regions, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint of tourism activities and ensure the conservation of natural resources. The state is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Jim Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park, where efforts are made to promote responsible tourism, preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Additionally, tourist facilities and accommodations are encouraged to use renewable energy sources, like solar power, to reduce their carbon footprint, incorporating solar lighting and heating systems in eco-lodges and hotels.

Community involvement plays a significant role in Uttarakhand’s sustainable tourism strategy. The state is promoting community-based tourism, where local communities actively participate in tourism activities, ensuring that economic benefits are shared with the local population and cultural heritage and traditions are preserved. Training programs are conducted to enhance the skills of locals in hospitality, guiding, and eco-friendly practices, empowering them with sustainable livelihoods through tourism.

To encourage responsible travel practices, Uttarakhand runs awareness campaigns to educate tourists on respecting local customs, minimizing waste, and following eco-friendly practices. Effective waste management systems are being implemented in tourist destinations, including waste segregation and recycling facilities. Infrastructure development also focuses on sustainability, with the construction of eco-friendly accommodations and green buildings using sustainable materials and practices. Efforts to improve transportation include promoting electric vehicles and enhancing public transportation to reduce environmental impact.

The department has taken up development of tourism related activities through a Tourism Destination Plan approach at several locations such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Timmersain Mahadev and Mahasu Temple, Hanol. There is a great emphasis on use of local vernacular architecture in development of infrastructure under the Tourism Destination Plans.

The promotion of eco-friendly adventure sports, such as trekking, camping, and river rafting, follows strict guidelines to ensure minimal environmental impact, preserving natural surroundings. Nature trails and interpretation centers are being developed to educate tourists about the local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation, providing information on sustainable practices and encouraging ecoey focus-friendly tourism.k

Regulatory measures are in place to ensure environmental sustainability. Strict environmental guidelines and regulations for tourism operators and developers ensure that tourism activities are conducted in an environmentally sustainable manner. Regular monitoring and enforcement of these standards are conducted to ensure compliance, including checking the impact of tourism activities on natural resources and taking corrective measures when necessary.

Through these comprehensive initiatives, Uttarakhand is making significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism, ensuring that the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are preserved for future generations.

Tell us something about the new Nakshatra Sabha initiative.

The Nakshatra Sabha initiative is a pioneering effort to promote astro tourism in Uttarakhand. Recognizing the state’s clear skies and minimal light pollution, we’ve launched this initiative to offer visitors a unique and enriching experience of stargazing and astronomy.

Under the Nakshatra Sabha initiative, we have identified several prime locations across the state where the night skies are exceptionally clear and ideal for astronomical observations. These locations are equipped with advanced telescopes and guided by trained astronomers who help tourists explore the wonders of the universe. The initiative aims to educate visitors about the constellations, planets, and other celestial phenomena, making astronomy accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

The first Nakshatra Sabha was organized in Mussoorie recently. Going forward, Nakshatra Sabhas will be organized regularly, where enthusiasts can participate in night sky observation sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions about the cosmos. These events are designed to cater to all age groups, from children to adults, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the universe.

We believe that astro tourism has great potential to attract a new segment of tourists who are keen to experience the celestial beauty of Uttarakhand’s skies. By integrating astro tourism with our existing natural and cultural attractions, we aim to provide a holistic and unforgettable experience for our visitors. The Nakshatra Sabha initiative is not just about tourism; it’s about inspiring people to look up, wonder, and explore the vastness of the universe from the serene and beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand.

What are some new destinations being developed for tourism in Uttarakhand?

In recent years, Uttarakhand has been focusing on developing several new destinations to boost tourism. One such destination is Tehri Lake, where the Tehri Dam reservoir is being transformed into an adventure tourism hub, offering activities like boating, jet skiing, and paragliding. The scenic beauty and water sports make it a major attraction. Another emerging spot is Chopta, often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India.’ Chopta is gaining popularity for its pristine beauty and serves as a base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, making it an excellent spot for trekking, camping, and bird watching.

Munsiyari, located in the Pithoragarh district, is being promoted for its stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks and as a base for treks to various glaciers, including Milam and Ralam. Similarly, Pithoragarh is being developed as a tourism hub, offering a gateway to the Himalayan ranges and several trekking routes. This area is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Pauri, a serene hill station, is being promoted for its panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and as a peaceful getaway with a tranquil environment, lush greenery, and a glimpse of local culture.

Binsar, known for its wildlife sanctuary and panoramic views of the Himalayas, is gaining attention as a nature lover’s paradise. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great spot for eco-tourism. Near Almora, Kasar Devi is becoming popular due to its spiritual and cultural significance. It is known for the Kasar Devi Temple and its magnetic field, which has attracted numerous spiritual seekers over the years.

While Hemkund Sahib is already known to many, efforts are being made to enhance the facilities and infrastructure around this revered Sikh pilgrimage site, which also serves as a base for the trek to the Valley of Flowers. Kanatal, a quiet hill station near Mussoorie, is being developed for eco-tourism and adventure activities. It offers stunning views, pleasant weather, and activities like camping, trekking, and nature walks. Lastly, Lansdowne, a charming cantonment town with a serene environment and colonial-era architecture, is being further developed to attract more tourists.

The Kartik Swami Temple area in Rudraprayag district will be developed as a Homestay cluster with clusters being developed by the department in nearby villages like Ghimtoli, Kanakchauri, Chopta etc. These homestay clusters will follow a community model, in which the land shall be pooled by the village community, homestays shall be developed by the tourism department and handed over to a village level committee to be operated.

These emerging destinations are part of Uttarakhand’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings, ensuring visitors can experience the state’s rich natural, cultural, and adventure opportunities.

Are you promoting homestays as well?

Yes, Uttarakhand is promoting homestays as part of its tourism strategy. The state supports this through training and certification for locals, helping them offer quality and authentic experiences. Homestays provide tourists with a personalized and immersive experience, while benefiting local communities economically and culturally. This approach also aligns with sustainable tourism practices by promoting eco-friendly and community-based tourism.

In order to support the homestays in the state, an Online Booking Portal, www.uttarastays.com has been launched, which is helping the homestay owners reach out to the masses through technology. The department plans to integrate all homestays in the state with this portal. No integration fee or facilitation fee or commission is being charged by the department from the homestay owners.

What measures are you taking to ensure the safety of tourists?

Uttarakhand has implemented several measures to ensure tourist safety, focusing on preparedness, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks. Early warning systems for natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and avalanches have been established, providing timely alerts to tourists and locals. Local authorities and tourism operators receive disaster management training to handle emergencies effectively. Dedicated helplines are available for tourists to seek assistance during emergencies, offering support in multiple languages.

The state is enhancing road infrastructure to improve safety, with the construction of barriers, proper signage, and regular maintenance of roads, especially in hilly and remote areas. Safety standards for trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and other adventure sports are strictly enforced, requiring certified guides and safety gear for tourists. Medical facilities in tourist hotspots are upgraded to ensure quick access to healthcare services, with first-aid centers and emergency medical response teams strategically placed in remote and high-altitude areas.

Special tourism police units are deployed in popular destinations to ensure safety and provide assistance. Licensing and certification for tourism operators are mandatory, with regular inspections to ensure compliance. Tourists are encouraged to opt for travel insurance covering emergencies, and some adventure sports operators offer insurance coverage for their activities.

Local communities are engaged in tourism activities, ensuring they are vigilant and responsive to safety concerns. Safety awareness campaigns educate tourists on safety practices, including respecting local guidelines and staying informed about weather conditions. Mobile apps and digital platforms provide real-time information on weather, road status, safety guidelines, and emergency contacts. GPS and tracking systems for trekking and adventure sports help monitor tourists’ locations, ensuring quick response in emergencies.

What are your key focus areas for the future development of tourism in Uttarakhand?

The ecological fragility of the state’s topography has led the administration to focus the promotion of lesser-known hidden jewels in recent years, realising the importance of these sites for the state’s future. In order to accomplish this goal, our department has started a number of projects. The main goals of these initiatives are to promote eco-friendly travel, encourage adventurous travel in outlying areas, ease traffic in heavily trafficked places, and launch new tourist initiatives in the state. At the same time, the administration is still dedicated to improving the basic infrastructure, especially with regard to communication and connectivity, in order to meet the demands of pilgrims and visitors who are touring the state. The goal of Uttarakhand Tourism is to promote adventure tourism in the state by way of trekking, water sports, and aviation sports. We are sure that by using this approach, the benefits of tourism will be shared more fairly while the negative effects on the environment be kept to a minimum. To achieve this objective, the department has introduced paragliding courses to prepare our children to be skilled paragliding pilots. In addition, new policies have eliminated fees for water sports like rafting and kayaking on rivers other than the Ganga, with the goal of promoting these activities in less-travelled regions and easing traffic in busy locations. Notably, the National Rafting Championship and an Angling Meet were part of a successful three-day event that took place at Tanakpur on the Sharda River in the Champawat region on World Tourism Day in 2023. Furthermore, there are plans to start construction of the Dehradun–Mussoorie Ropeway and Yamunotri Ropeway shortly, with the goal of improving amenities for travellers and pilgrims to these locations and introducing cutting-edge tourism experiences.

Beyond its natural beauty, Uttarakhand’s temples are steeped in spiritual significance. Immersed in the stories of the Mahabharata, these temples are more than just religious icons. They create a social tie among the local population by acting as guardians of the indigenous culture. Even though pilgrimage routes like the Chardham Yatra and well-known locations like Haridwar and Rishikesh are quite popular, many more temples are being actively promoted by the government. For example, the only Murugan temple in the area is the Kartik Swami Temple in Rudraprayag district. It is thought that Adi Shankaracharya founded the Jagganath Temple in Uttarkashi. In an effort to promote temples in the Kumaon area, the state has also come up with the Manaskhand Mandir Mala project.

The state is also attempting to provide improved connectivity through roads, railways and aerial routes. The tourism department in association with the Civil Aviation Department of the State has provided connectivity to several destinations under the UDAN Scheme. With flights from Varanasi and Amritsar, the connectivity to these areas has improved. More flights have also been added within the state through heli-services, which is being touted as a future tourism model for Breakfast Tourism. The department is eyeing to develop heli-strips at several scenic locations and connect them with helicopter services.

Manaskhand Express Train is an aim to provide last mile connectivity to the lesser known destinations of an area. The packages on this train, which are being developed and booked by IRCTC, aim to offer a complete tour package including train journey, road journey, hotel stays, sight seeing etc. A typical package includes visit to some popular and some hidden gems of the state.

The Adi Kailash Yatra is also gaining in popularity…

Yes, that’s right. The Adi Kailash Yatra, or Chhota Kailash Yatra, is a sacred pilgrimage to Adi Kailash in Uttarakhand, associated with Lord Shiva. Starting from Dharchula, pilgrims travel to Gunji and trek through scenic landscapes to reach the sacred site. The journey includes challenging terrain and high altitudes, with breathtaking views of the Himalayas and notable landmarks like Om Parvat. Pilgrims undertake this journey for spiritual blessings and to experience the divine presence. Preparation for high altitude and obtaining necessary permits are crucial. Guided tours are available to assist with logistics and ensure a safe and enriching experience. We ensure that pilgrims are able to participate in the Yatra without any hassles and provide the requisite infrastructure. Recently, we have also launched an option to do the yatra by helicopter.

The Adi Kailash and Om Parvat Yatra, which was earlier limited to a short season only, is now being offered as an Aerial Darshan Package by Helicopter opening up the tourism possibilities in the region during the winter season also. A trial of the Aerial Darshan Package was conducted on 1^st April 2024, in which 29 tourists participated, which was followed by pilot project operations commencing on 15th April-10th May 2024 in which 208 tourists availed the facility.

Uttarakhand is renowned for its many national parks and rich biodiversity. How is the state encouraging the preservation of wildlife and ecotourism?

With six national parks, seven animal sanctuaries, one biosphere reserve, four conservation reserves, and an astounding 70% forest cover, Uttarakhand is a haven for lovers of wildlife. The Tourism Department’s Ecotourism Policy places a strong emphasis on empowering local youth by developing their talents to become “Ecopreneurs” inside the state, in order to take use of this natural resource. Travellers seeking immersive experiences in nature, such as hiking nature paths and learning about the regional flora and fauna, are drawn to Uttarakhand from all over the world. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has trained rural youngsters in birding, identifying bird sounds, and understanding native plants and animals to help with this. This program has been successful in creating jobs for young people in the area as “Nature Guides.” Realising the value of lodging in the community, the tourism agency actively helps different communities create experiences like farm stays and village-based activities. The villages profit economically from this assistance while also improving the overall tourism experience. The state Forest Department is in charge of managing wildlife, and it leads a number of programs to preserve Uttarakhand’s varied wildlife and lessen conflicts between people and animals. The Ecotourism division of the Forest Department aggressively advocates for wildlife tourism across the state, coordinating initiatives with conservation goals.

Uttarakhand is a wellness hub with Rishikesh being labelled as the Yoga Capital of the World. The erstwhile famous Beatles Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi n Rishikesh iis being developed by the department in association with the Forest Department as a hub for wellness and cultural activities. This will add another dimension to the tourism activity in Rishikesh.

In order to promote wellness activities, the department is promoting the AYUSH Wellness Centers by linking them to the homestays in the vicinity. Informative material about the various activities available at the Wellness Centers is being provided to the tourists staying in the homestays.

Could you point out the advancements in infrastructure and transport that have made it simpler for visitors to see the state’s many regions?

Recently, the state has worked with the Indian government to launch a number of infrastructure projects, including railway projects and All Weather Roads. When these ongoing projects are finished, they will greatly improve connection between different parts of the state. The upcoming opening of the Delhi-Dehradun motorway is expected to boost tourism and become a crucial economic corridor. A concerted effort is being made by the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation to provide aviation connection to rural regions of the state. Soon, Pithoragarh is anticipated to be connected by air via Dehradun and Pantnagar, a development that is anticipated to significantly increase the region’s tourism industry. Furthermore, it is anticipated that increased tourist trips to neighbouring sites will result from the better railway connections, notably in areas like Karnprayag. This improvement in accessibility is expected to have a positive effect on the dynamics of tourism in these areas.

Connectivity by air has also improved with the state’s UDAN scheme connectivity destinations like Amritsar and Varanasi. This is expected to be a game changes for Tour Operators who wish to offer a Spiritual Circuit Tour connecting Varanasi, Rishikesh and Amritsar, offering three different kinds of spiritual experiences.

Could you provide some instances of how Uttarakhand is involved in and gains from the active involvement of local people in the development and operations of the tourism industry?

A major migratory concern that Uttarakhand faces is the migration of people from hilly areas to the plains in search of better prospects. In this scenario, tourism becomes a critical component in providing local youngsters with opportunities for a livelihood. The government is aggressively giving local communities the authority to choose events that suit the interests of modern travellers. The state is home to several community-based tourism communities that could serve as inspiration for other areas. Pithoragarh district’s Sarmauli Village serves as an excellent example of how the locals have developed homestays, worked in agriculture, and created tourist-friendly outdoor activities including birdwatching, hiking, and footpaths. In a similar vein, the state’s several Goat Villages provide training and empowerment to local populations through projects including farming, guesthouse establishment, and cow keeping. These communities attract tourists looking for genuine experiences since they offer immersive opportunities to engage with the local population. The tourist agency often trains local youngsters in several state regions to be environment and history guides. These programs teach young people how to identify plants and animals, how to go birdwatching, and about local deities, temples, folklore, and heritage buildings. These certified guides then work with visiting parties to enhance their experience. Recently, the department conducted a trial project in the Pithoragarh district, teaching four young people from the area three weeks of professional nature photography and videography. The goal of this program was to teach a skill set that would enable rural kids to support themselves. These people, who understand the value of content production in the social media age, will now work with Uttarakhand Tourism to produce content that highlights the state’s distinctive ecological and cultural variety. Building on this endeavor’s success, the department hopes to replicate this model in other locations, equipping young people with skills that will allow them to support themselves while improving the tourism experience for tourists visiting their individual locales.

Would you like to highlight any recent or forthcoming projects or advancements in Uttarakhand’s tourist industry?

The Uttarakhand government has unveiled the Tourism Investor Policy 2023–2030 in an effort to draw in investors for the hospitality and experiential industries. The development of tourism experiences like hiking trails, hot-air balloon rides, and other ecologically friendly tourism endeavours is the main goal of the experiential sector. With the expectation that adventure tourism would play a major role in driving tourist growth in the future, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) Adventure Wing is hard at work creating a number of locations for hiking, mountaineering, water sports, and aero-tourism.

The historic home of Sir George Everest, located close to Mussoorie, is being developed into the George Everest Estate, which will serve as a focus for a variety of tourism-related activities. The Himalaya Darshan Scheme, which starts at this estate, provides visitors with a 15–20 minute helicopter flight that gives them an aerial perspective of the magnificent Himalayan peaks. Plans are in place to launch the idea of “breakfast tourism,” which would allow visitors to take helicopter trips from George Everest Estate to peaceful locations such as Dayara Bugyal for a peaceful breakfast in the middle of the wilderness. The trip would take three to four hours to complete. A number of tourism amenities are being developed for locations like Jageshwar Temple in villages in the districts of Almora, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi in an effort to increase the number of tourists visiting these areas outside of the typical tourist hotspots. By spreading out visitor traffic throughout the state, these initiatives hope to reduce congestion in already busy tourist locations. The department plans to use Tehri Lake as a regular venue for international water and aero sports competitions. In addition, the first Tehri Acro Festival, which took place in Tehri from November 24 to 28, 2023, was a huge success. This historic event featured over 150 paragliding athletes, including 54 international competitors from 26 different countries. It was the first of its kind in the country.

Additionally, the state of Uttarakhand prioritises developing air connection, with plans to connect the airports at Dehradun and Pantnagar to Amritsar, Varanasi, and Kathmandu. The goal of these programs is to greatly increase accessibility for tourists. Furthermore, Uttarakhand is going to be the first state to launch helicopters from Haridwar in the history of aerosports, which is a groundbreaking move. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already granted the required clearances.