INSIDE THIS ISSUE
   
   
   
  01 MAIN
   
   
  02 TRADE & ECONOMY
   
   
  03 INVESTMENT UPDATE
   
   
  04 NEWSMAKERS
   
   
  05 INFOTECH
   
   
  06 CULTURE
   
   
  07 TRAVEL
   
   
  08 CALENDAR
   

   
  HIGHLIGHTS
   
 

Foreign Direct Investment in retail
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  Surajkund
Mela

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  Uttaranchal
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  07. TRAVEL
 
  Scenic, adventurous, spiritual Uttaranchal
 
  The cool mountain breeze and a mild fragrance of flowers filled the air, I swirled around and looked at the beautiful snow-clad mountains and was in a spin at the awesome sight. Magnificent glaciers, skiing slopes and dense forests, this 'Abode of Gods' includes many shrines and places of pilgrimage, there is so much to do see and experience in Uttranchal. A picturesque state, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, Uttaranchal promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.
   
 

     

Nestling in the lofty peaks are the four most holy pilgrimages of India- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, collectively referred to as the Char Dham. Up in the misty heights of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas that adorn the magnificent state of Uttaranchal, awaits a rejuvenating spiritual experience.

For centuries, saints and pilgrims, in their search for the divine, have walked these mystical vales known in the ancient Hindu scriptures as " Kedarkhand". Holy confluences, scenic surroundings and an aura of spiritual serenity make an ideal abode for the Gods and are a refreshing reward for the pilgrims who visit from all over the world.

Traditionally, the yatra is done from the west to the east- starting from Yamunotri, then proceeding to Gangotri and finally to Kedarnath and Badrinath. The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3048 mts. amidst captivating surroundings.

Gangotri is located at an distance of

  99 kms. from Uttarkashi.

The hills of Uttaranchal Pradesh have all the ingredients for adventure packed with excitement and thrills - an unexplored valley, towering peaks, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, a splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow. The region also provides immense opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and the thrilling water sports which make Uttaranchal Pradesh an ideal venue for adventure seekers.

The large slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon covered with seasonal snow became an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. With their wide open spaces above the snowline, Garhwal & Kumaon offer yet another exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10-20 kms. are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow, away from criss-crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the European Alps.
  Because of their height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other sectors of the Himalayas, are in position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing round the year.

AULI : THE SKI SLOPES

One of the best skiing slopes in India are located in Auli in the hill state of Uttaranchal. Auli, 16 kms. from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. The Auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Season:
End December to March

Equipment:
GMVN provides modern ski equipment. Participants are advised to bring heavy woolen clothing like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a torch for personal use.

Package Tours:
GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors. click on the image to know more about Auli.

For more information log on to:
http://gov.ua.nic.in/
uttaranchaltourism

 
   
  TOURISM IN BRIEF
   
   
     
  DEMAND IN CIVIL AVAITION
Between 2006 and 2025, Indian carriers will require 1,100 passenger and freight aircraft valued at US$105 billion to serve the strong demand for air travel. India will become the fastest growing country for air travel demand for the next decade, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast. Airbus' Global Market Forecast predicts India will average an annual passenger traffic growth of 7.7 per cent until 2025, well above the world average 4.8 per cent and China at 7.2 per cent.

SPECIAL TOURISM DRIVE LAUNCHED
Tourism Minister Ambika Soni has launched a special drive for the expansion of cultural tourism with a focus on illuminating heritage monuments. Besides Delhi's monuments heritage centers like Hampi, Gwalior Fort, Chail, Naggar etc will be promoted together with the rural arts, culture and heritage of the region. Holistic traditional healing and rejuvenation packages will be encouraged. Since January, 30, 61,446 foreign tourists visited India, up 13% compared to the same period last year. Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Bombay, Goa and Bangalore remained the favorite destinations.
 
     

 

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