Thailand Reopens To Quarantine-Free Travel

 Thailand has reopened its Test & Go program for vaccinated travelers to be able to bypass mandatory quarantines, expecting the program to welcome between 200,000 to 300,000 travelers this month alone.

According to Bloomberg, the country has proven resilient after the few years of the pandemic, growing its vaccination rates and closing its quarantine-free entry program when the Omicron variant was first discovered back in December.

The new reopening extends the program to apply to all vaccinated travelers from any country; previously, it was only available for travelers from a list of sixty countries.

Thailand is expecting to welcome about 5 million visitors this year, with the majority of travelers coming from the U.S. and Europe. That number could rise to 9 million if Chinese and Indian travelers also use the Test & Go program.

The Test & Go program requires an application with full vaccination or at least one dose for children between 12 and 17, or a recovery certificate for adults. All travelers must also provide proof of a recent negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of traveling to Thailand, as well as test again on day one and day five after entering Thailand. A travel insurance plan with COVID-19 protection worth at least $50,000, proof of payment for at least two nights of accommodations and downloading the government tracking app MorChana are also required.

“It’s a fine balance between tourism recovery and public health,” said Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association. “We have to create confidence among the Thai society as there’s still a large group of people hesitant about foreign travelers. If other nations are still hesitant they can come and look at the Thai Test & Go model.”

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3546/Thailand-Reopens-To-Quarantine-Free-Travel

Delhi to get a Bollywood Park and a host of other new parks

 South Delhi is soon going to get a Bollywood Park in Jangpura. Furthermore the South Delhi Municipal Corporation has also announced that there is going to be a Dinosaur Park in Sarai Kale Khan. The theme parks are going to be made out of scrap material.

The dinosaur theme park is going to be named Waste to Wonder Park, while there are talks of opening a Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav themed park as well at the Shaheed Park in ITO. The Municipal Corporation is also planning to start a phase-2 development of Bharat Darshan Park in Punjabi Bagh.

The Bharat Darshan Park will have replicas of monuments and historical sites from 14 states that were left out in phase-1.

There are going to be 17 more replicas that are going to cost INR 51 crore, which is likely to include Sirpur Temple, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Lepakshi Temple, Sheesh Mahal, Patiala Punjab, and Rang Ghar. The proposal says the park should represent all the states, and ensure that tourists do not feel that their state is excluded from the list.

The Bollywood Park will be home to different sides of the film industry, which includes blockbuster films, and also iconic characters. The park is all set to show visitors the history and the journey of the Indian film industry with the help of murals, figures, sets, and scenes.

You could take some amazing pictures and selfies with your favourite movie sets. Scraps from old trucks, cars, electricity poles, pipes, and other things will be used for the parks.

The dinosaur park on the other hand will have a total of 15 sculptures, with various types of species, from velociraptor, to brontosaurus. It promises to be a fun place for children.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3537/Delhi-to-get-a-Bollywood-Park-and-a-host-of-other-new-parks

Economic Survey: Indian aviation sector has started to rebound

 The Indian aviation sector has started to rebound with accelerated pace of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out and easing of travel restrictions globally, stated the Economic Survey released on Monday.

In 2021, the Centre took various initiatives to boost the aviation sector which included calibrated opening of the domestic sector as the first wave of the pandemic ebbed and introduction of air transport bubbles or air travel arrangements with specific countries, it mentioned.

"The domestic traffic in India has more than doubled from around 61 million in 2013-14 to around 137 million in 2019-20, registering a growth of over 14 percent per annum," said the Economic Survey released by the Centre.

The Survey stated that the Centre in 2021 also took other steps to boost the Indian aviation sector such as disinvestment of Air India, privatisation, modernisation and expansion of airports, boost to the regional connectivity scheme - UDAN and incentivisation of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MROs) operations.

UDAN is a regional airport development program of the Indian government and part of the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) of upgrading under-serviced air routes, it mentioned.

"Till launching of UDAN in 2016, India had 74 airports having scheduled operations," it noted.

However, within four years under UDAN, four rounds of bidding under RCS-UDAN have taken place and 153 RCS airports including 12 water aerodromes and 36 helipads have been identified for operation of RCS flights, it stated.

"During the last four years after commencement of the scheme, 948 valid awarded routes have been allotted to various airlines and out of which 389 RCS routes connecting 62 unserved and underserved airports (including six heliports and two water aerodromes) have been operationalized so far," it mentioned.

With the help of these supportive measures, India's aviation sector is on the path of gradual recovery from the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it stated.

Also, the government has liberalised Drone Rules in August 2021 and released PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme for drones in September 2021, it mentioned.

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer tremendous benefits to almost all sectors of the economy and can become an important propeller for growth due to their reach, versatility, and ease of use, especially in India's remote and inaccessible areas, it noted.

"The policy reforms will therefore catalyse super-normal growth in the upcoming drone sector. A resurgence of the sector is foreseen as a result of swift measures adopted by the government and industry," it mentioned.

"With the accelerated pace of vaccine roll-out and easing of travel restrictions globally, Indian aviation sector has started to rebound," it noted.

Despite the travel restrictions, the total passengers carried in October 2021 reached 99.58 lakhs, which was approximately 68 percent of the pre-Covid level of 146.25 lakh, it mentioned.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3540/Economic-Survey-Indian-aviation-sector-has-started-to-rebound

India's First Geo Park To Come Up In MP's Jabalpur District

 Jabalpur, Jan 30 (PTI) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has approved the setting up of the country's first geo park at Lamheta village on the banks of the Narmada river in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, local MP Rakesh Singh said on Sunday.

He said the GSI has sanctioned Rs 1.30 crore to prepare a detailed project report of the geological rock formations in five acres in the Lamheta village, located 20 km away from the Jabalpur district headquarter, where the park will come up.

The estimated cost of this project is Rs 35 crore and there is a provision to sanction additional funds if required, as the area around the upcoming geo park will be developed, Singh told reporters.

A geopark is a unified area that advances the protection and use of geological heritage in a sustainable way and promotes the economic well-being of the people who live there.

"This site is already there in the UNESCO geo-heritage tentative list for the conservation of the natural heritage. Several dinosaur fossils had been found in the Narmada valley, particularly in the Bhedaghat-Lameta Ghat area of Jabalpur," Singh said.

In 1828, the first dinosaur fossil was collected from the Lameta Bed by Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer William Sleeman, he said.

"It is for the first time in the country that such an initiative is being taken for the conservation of the rock formations of geological significance," Singh added.

He also said that a science centre will come up at Bhedaghat, also in the Jabalpur district, known for white marble rock formations and a famous tourist hotspot, at the cost of Rs 15.20 crore, to be shared by the Centre and the state, Singh said.

The science centre would shed light on modern science, including scientific theories of various topics such as food, water and soil, he added.

This project will be spread on seven acres of land that has already been transferred by the Jabalpur district administration to the MP Science and Technology Council, Singh said.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3526/India-s-First-Geo-Park-To-Come-Up-In-MP-s-Jabalpur-District

Flyers, agents seek more int’l routes, better services from revamped Air India

 The return of flights on international routes out of Kolkata; better connectivity across domestic sectors; revival of world-class in-flight service; reliable and on-time performance: these are among multiple expectations flyers and travel agents have from the revamped Air India under the Tata group.

Corporate executive and frequent flyer Shankho Chowdhury, who has travelled AI in its heyday and witnessed its decline, believes Tatas will be able to engineer a turnaround because there are emotions involved. “I believe there will be an extra effort to revive the airline’s glory. I look forward to better connectivity and service, perhaps a direct flight from Kolkata to Germany, or France in continental Europe, regularisation of the London flight and an onward connection to the US,” he said, pointing to the service excellence in the hospitality sector with its Taj Hotels chain.

Corporate advisor Soumitra Ghatak felt the Maharaja that had lost its sheen over the past three-four decades could gradually regain it if it improved reliability and service orientation. “Reliability is a hygiene factor. That’s why so many people prefer IndiGo. The erstwhile Jet Airways had a feel-good factor. If AI is able to offer them both, it will be an airline to reckon with,” he said.

Travel agent BT Ramnani of Vensimal World Travel became emotional speaking about the airline. After all, the company that his grandfather Vensimal Ramnani had set up in 1928 with offices in Mumbai and Karachi had supported AI when the Tatas started it in 1932. The Kolkata office was set up in 1933. “Until the 1970s, AI had flights to London, Tokyo, and Yangon. There is a lot of scope for revival of some of these flights and introduction of flights on new routes,” he said.

Travel Agents Federation of India Chairman (East) Anil Punjabi hopes the airline will improve domestic connectivity with at least four daily flights to Delhi, three daily flights to Mumbai and Chennai, two daily flights to Pune, Bengaluru and Goa, and a daily flight to Cochin and Ahmedabad.

Travel Agents Association of India Chairman (East) Manav Soni, though, warned that expectations are so high that managing them could pose a challenge. “There will be incremental improvements. But we must remember that the former glorious AI operated in an environment when there was no competition and only the rich and famous travelled,” said Soni.

Recounting how Singapore and Hong Kong had taken cues from AI to shape Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific into world-class carriers, travel agent Manoj Saraf said the troika of AI, Vistara and AirAsia India could set new benchmarks in the Indian market.

“One area where we definitely hope to see improvement is aircraft utilization. While IndiGo uses an aircraft to operate seven-eight flights a day, there were only five-six AI flights. We travel agents were frustrated with AI. During the pandemic, the refund took a year-and-a-half when all other airlines gave it in six months,” he said.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3509/Flyers-agents-seek-more-int-l-routes-better-services-from-revamped-Air-India

Tamara Leisure Experiences acquires 167 room hotel in Coimbatore

 Tamara Leisure Experiences (TLE), headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, recently announced the acquisition of a 167-room hotel in the heart of Coimbatore, the second-largest city in the state of Tamil Nadu. Formerly operated under the Aloft brand, this hotel is located close to Singanallur, a major textile and engineering hub in South India.

Speaking on this latest acquisition, Shruti Shibulal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamara Leisure Experiences, says, "The acquisition marks the company's first in India and showcases our commitment to investing in the Indian tourism industry. O by Tamara is a brand that we launched in Trivandrum and found success with just two years ago. We believe the Outstanding Hospitality that we are now known for there will be welcomed and embraced by the city of Coimbatore. We will continue to look for suitable opportunities to expand our footprint across India and globally using our three signature brands - The Tamara Resorts, O by Tamara, and Lilac Hotels. Tamara Leisure Experiences acquired 167 room upscale business hotel at Singanallur, Coimbatore, as its first Indian hotel acquisition, now pushing past 1000 keys globally.

With the acquisition complete, Tamara Leisure Experiences will be giving the hotel's service and guest areas a complete makeover. The hotel will be named O By Tamara Coimbatore, and both the facade and the rooms will be redesigned to give it a contemporary touch, catering perfectly to business and leisure travelers. The hotel's banqueting space will be enhanced, and the facilities will see the addition of signature restaurant, O Cafe, and include a bar, spa, and swimming pool.

Tamara Leisure Experiences is a leading hospitality brand based in India, currently operating The Tamara Coorg, a luxury resort in a sprawling coffee plantation in Coorg, The Tamara Kodai, a luxury heritage resort in the hills of Kodaikanal, and O by Tamara, a luxury business hotel in the lively city of Trivandrum. Very recently, Amal Tamara, an Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, was launched in Alleppey. The company also operates Lilac, an affordable midsegment hotel in the heart of South Bangalore.

Tamara Leisure Experiences' international properties include Holiday Inn Express Gutersloh, Prizeotel Hannover, Moxy Bremen, and Courtyard by Marriott Wolfsburg, all based in Germany. Responsible Hospitality has been at the core of every venture, making the organization an industry leader in the shift towards responsible and sustainable tourism.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3510/Tamara-Leisure-Experiences-acquires-167-room-hotel-in-Coimbatore

A wildlife corridor connecting Ranthambore to Panna and more

 A wildlife corridor is all set to be developed, according to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The idea is to create a wildlife corridor that starts from Ranthambore in Rajasthan, covering national parks in Madhya Pradesh. The wildlife corridor will uplift tourism in the state, and also help in development activities.

The corridor will cover Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Kuno-Palpur wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district, and Panna Tiger Reserve in Panna district.

Scindia said in a statement, "There is a plan to make a wildlife corridor connecting Ranthambore (which houses a national park), Kuno-Palpur (Sheopur), the Madhav National Park (Shivpuri) and the Panna Tiger Reserve. This will result in economic and tourism development of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and also MP's Bundelkhand region."

There is however a delay in bringing cheetahs from South Africa to the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier the cheetahs were supposed to reach in the month of March, but now there is a delay of about four weeks.

The minister also chaired a meeting to review the situation of coronavirus. The effect of the Omicron variant has been limited due to rapid vaccination. However, people have been asked not to lower their guard against the pandemic.

Madhya Pradesh is a wonderful wildlife destination with some of the best national parks and sanctuaries in the country. Connecting these destinations with Rajasthan’s famed Ranthambore National Park is a great move to create a wholesome wildlife travel experience.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3512/A-wildlife-corridor-connecting-Ranthambore-to-Panna-and-more

Iran foreign minister to travel to Hyderabad during India visit

 Iran's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will be travelling to the southern Indian city of Hyderabad during his India visit on Tuesday. Iran has a consulate in Hyderabad.

It will be his first visit to India after taking charge last year. The Iranian foreign minister will hold talks with Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar on Monday in Delhi after arriving on Sunday. On the table will be a number of issues on connectivity, trade and Afghanistan.

Both the ministers spoke on January 8 on a number of issues including Afghanistan. The Iranian side offered to transfer India's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan including wheat, medicine to the country.

India is developing the first phase of Shahid Beheshti port at Chabahar. After operations began at the Chabahar port in December 2018, the port has handled more than 8,200 TEUs and 1.28 million tonnes of bulk cargo. The port also provides Central Asia connectivity with India.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, regular exchanges have been taking place with New Delhi sending out supplies of Covaxin to the country. Ahead of the visit, Iran's FM had extended his greetings on India's Republic day. He said, "Will continue to work towards further expansion of all-out relations, bilaterally, regionally and at international fora."

After his India visit, Iran's FM will travel to Sri Lanka. The Iranian foreign minister's visit to Colombo comes a month after both sides concluded an agreement under which Sri Lanka will pay off its oil import bill with tea, a deal dubbed as tea-for-oil pact.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3514/Iran-foreign-minister-to-travel-to-Hyderabad-during-India-visit

Trans Bhutan Trail is reopening for travellers after 60 years

 For the first time in 60 years, the Trans Bhutan Trail is reopening to travellers. The 402 km trail connects 9 districts, 28 local governments, 2 municipalities, one national park, and 400 historic and cultural sites.

The trail is opening from April 2022, and will allow travellers from across the world to walk this breathtaking trail. The restoration work of the Trans Bhutan Trail has been funded by the Bhutan Canada Foundation, which is the principal donor of this project.

Travellers will be able to explore 18 major bridges, and even climb 10000 stairs, besides being able to take mountain bikes through the route.

The trail will take you through the incredible eastern Himalayan region. It is an opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Bhutan, something that not travellers don't get to explore in their Bhutan trips. The trail has a 500-year old history, with historic and cultural sites all along the route. It used to serve as a pilgrimage route for Buddhists who were looking to explore sacred destinations in Tibet and the western part of Bhutan.

Tourists can take guided walking and biking tours on the trail, the proceedings for which will go to the communities here. You could explore the entire trail by foot, which will take over a month's time. For adventurers, photographers, and birdwatchers, this can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Moreover, the trail is going to be a major hit among pilgrims, and travellers who are looking for spiritual and wellness experiences.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3517/Trans-Bhutan-Trail-is-reopening-for-travellers-after-60-years

Camper vans to get tax relief in Maharashtra

 Camper vans to get tax relief in Maharashtra To boost campervan tourism, the state transport department has decided to grant exemption from tax imposed under Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Tax Act (LXV of 1958) to all caravans or camper vans, registered with the Directorate of Tourism. “Many people prefe to travel alone and caravans provide safety during pandemic,” said an official.

The Maharashtra government also plans to deploy electric vehicles (EV) to transport tourists in the renowned world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, state tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray said in Aurangabad on Thursday. He was speaking to media after visiting Ellora and Ajanta tourist centres that have been shut for a long time due to non availability of electricity.

He also said centres will be started here so that scholars can come and study the region, which is replete with history. On people lining up along the roads on some stretches to welcome him, the minister said he might get a call from the chief minister as the state government is very strict about not allowing over-crowding amid the coronavirus pandemic.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3518/Camper-vans-to-get-tax-relief-in-Maharashtra

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort reopens after renovations

 Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Offshore Island has welcomed its first guests following a $55 million dollar renovation.

The reopening is the first of a series of milestones in this commemorative 40th anniversary year for the Sandals Resorts brand.

Situated on 15 sprawling acres, the 404-room Sandals Royal Bahamian embraces the easy-going spirit of the Bahamas from the pastel pink of the flamingo to the vibes of traditional Junkanoo.

From basking in new beachfront swim-up butler and club level suites to trying new culinary concepts at a choice of 13 restaurants, guests can enjoy a combination of authenticity and luxury at Sandals Royal Bahamian.

“The new Sandals Royal Bahamian encompasses a new era in travel, inviting our guests in love to connect with the vibrant culture, natural wonders and authentic traditions of the beautiful Bahamas — and in turn, reconnect with each other,” said Sandals Resorts executive chairman, Adam Stewart.

The new Island Village is comprised of standalone villas named after remote Bahamian cays, which represent the provincial Bahamas in pink, blue and white accents with striped awnings.

Butler villa suites each have private pools and outdoor Tranquility Soaking Tubs.

The refreshed East and West Bay accommodations offer a dynamic array of room and suite categories, including beachfront butler suites in the east bay, where a new infinity swim-up pool ends where the sand begins.

Deserted beaches and colourful coral reefs await guests at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay, located just one mile from the shore.

Couples can sail aboard the resort’s new Love Runner boat and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a pool bar with swings, an infinity-edge jacuzzi, outdoor shower and new restaurant, Aralia House - serving up fresh seafood and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3504/Sandals-Royal-Bahamian-Resort-reopens-after-renovations

AirAsia changes name to Capital A as it grows beyond an airline

 Malaysia's AirAsia Group Bhd said on Friday it had finalised the name change of its listed holding company to Capital A Bhd as it seeks market recognition of its growing portfolio of businesses beyond the core budget airline.

The company's airline business has been hard-hit during the pandemic due to strict travel rules in Asia, leading Malaysia's stock exchange to this month classify the firm as financially distressed though it has been raising funds to bolster its balance sheet.

Capital A has been investing heavily in payments business BigPay, logistics arm Teleport and its mobile Super App to gain other sources of revenue, though they remain in growth phases and were loss-making in the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2021.

"Over the past two years we have spent the downturn in flying building a solid foundation for a viable and successful future, which is not solely reliant on airfares alone," Capital A Chief Executive Tony Fernandes said in a statement. The airline business will retain the AirAsia brand, which is well known in Asia, he added.

The carrier on Thursday reported it filled 80 per cent of seats on offer in the fourth quarter of 2021 and had the highest number of passengers since the start of the pandemic as travel rules began to ease. "Domestic travel has already started to rebound in our key markets," Fernandes said. "I am hopeful borders will reopen gradually throughout 2022 and we will see a return to normal capacity for our international services by the middle to third quarter of this year."

https://www.rehanshienterprises.com/news/3508/AirAsia-changes-name-to-Capital-A-as-it-grows-beyond-an-airline

Unexplored destinations of Central India to fuel your wanderlust

 When planning a holiday, we usually think about going to those places that we have heard of often or have been to before. Popular tourist destinations like Munnar, Goa, Pondicherry and Coorg are the places we tend to head to time and time again instead of trying out the road less travelled.

Our country has a lot more to offer in terms of a fulfilling holiday than what we are aware of. Many undiscovered destinations and lesser-known jewels are just waiting to be explored! Read on to know about some of the relatively unknown and unexplored travel jewels in Central India.

1. Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

Interested in learning about human life in India from the Stone Ages? Head to Bhimbetka. Located 45 kms away from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters for 10 kms inhabited more than 100,000 years ago! Some of the rock shelters feature prehistoric cave paintings about 30,000 years old.

These cave paintings show animals, early evidence of dance and hunting. The Bhimbetka site has the oldestknown rock art in India, considered the oldest petroglyphs in the world. Interestingly, Bhimbetka gets its name from Bhima (the second Pandava brother) and Baithaka, meaning seat or lounge – Bhimbetka meaning Bhima’s resting place or Bhima’s Lounge.

2. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Located in the Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh, Gandikota is a small village and a historical fort situated on the right bank of the Penna River, which used to be the seat of power for many rulers like the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Pemmasani Nayakas and the Golconda sultanate. The fort was initially made of sand by the Kakatiya Raja in 1123 and later was transformed into a major fort with 101 towers by the Nayakas.

Gandikota is also known for the Gandikota Canyon – a 300-foot-deep gorge that is said to be carved by the Penna River. The top of the gorge gives a breathtaking view of the fort, the surrounding forests and the Penna River.

3. Patan, Gujarat

Once the capital of Gujarat for 650 years, Patan (108 kms away from Ahmedabad) was founded by Vanraj Chavda - the first of the Chavda kings in the 8th century. It was considered to be the world’s tenth largest city at the beginning of the 11th century.

Patan is a city that overflows with a rich historical past and legacy. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rani Ki Vav, an 11th century, 7-storey step-well that boasts of more than 500 intricately carved sculptures and the Mara-Gurjara style of architecture.

What’s more? Patan is located on the banks of the Saraswati River (of what probably remains of the ancient extinct river) and is also famous for the finest hand-woven Patola sarees produced here to date.

4. Tarkali, Maharashtra

Known for its beautiful Tarkali beach, this small village is located in Malvan in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, 410 km away from Pune, at the confluence of the Karli River. The Tarkali beach has recently been declared the ‘Queen Beach’ of the Konkan region. It offers several water sports options and activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing and dolphin spotting – all following the international standards of safety and guidance.

Tarkali is one of the best places to come and learn scuba diving under the guidance of some of the best trainers. The Sindhudurg Fort stands on a small island on the Arabian Sea, just a few metres away from the Tarkali beach and is a great place to reminisce about the Maratha Empire and the valour of the great King Shivaji Bhonsle. And that’s not all!

You can even stay in a houseboat on the backwaters of the Karli River, much like in Alleppey in Kerala and also satiate your taste buds to your heart’s content with some delicious, finger-licking local Malvani cuisine. So, step aside Goa and Kerala… Here comes Tarkali!

5. Sirpur, Chhattisgarh

Located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, Sirpur was the capital of the Panduvanshi dynasty in ancient times. Sirpur (78kms away from Raipur), also referred to as Shripur, is a major archaeological site known for its temple ruins related to Shaivism, Shaktism, Buddhism and Jainism. There are currently 22 Shiva temples, 5 Vishnu temples, 10 Buddhist viharas and 3 Jain viharas. The archaeological site containing these monuments is known as the Sirpur Group of Monuments.

Interestingly Sirpur, or Shripur as it was known in ancient texts, was also visited by the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Hieun Tsang in the 7th century. According to his memoir, some 10,000 Mahayana Buddhist bhikshus (monks) lived in Shripur in some 100 monasteries, and there were over 100 temples.

6. Konark, Orissa

Konark, located 22kms away from Puri and 35 km away from Bhubaneswar in Orissa, is famous for the Konark Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, built by Narasimhadeva I in the 13th century. The temple has been built to resemble a 100 ft high chariot with massive wheels – all built out of stone.

Also known as Surya Devalaya, the temple is a classic example of the Kalinga style of architecture. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus who gather here for the Chandrabhaga Mela in February.

7. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh

Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh is a town that speaks of a rich past, heritage and culture. Mainly known for hand-woven Chanderi sarees, this 11th-century town is also quite famous for its fort, temples and the surrounding hills. The Chanderi Fort dates back to the famous Battle of Chanderi in 1528, whereby the Mughal emperor Babur defeated the then ruler Medini Rai and took over the city.

Chanderi is also famous for its ancient Jain temples like the Shri Choubeesee Bara Mandir, built in the 11th century. The temple has 24 idols for the 24 Tirthankaras, the Parasnath Digamber Jain temple built in the 7th century and many others.

We hope that this list of undiscovered and lesser-known places has left you excited enough to visit them soon. Do include some of these places in your itinerary the next time you plan for a trip. We assure you; you will be amazed at what you discover!

rehanshienterprises.com/news/3492/Unexplored-destinations-of-Central-India-to-fuel-your-wanderlust