In a move to open new attractions for tourists in Rajasthan, the state tourism officials have confirmed that the body will open its borders as designated spots for travellers. This policy has been devised on the lines of Wagah-Attari border tourism, between Amritsar and Lahore. As per officials, this idea has stemmed from the state’s desire to serve new destinations on its travel platter to attract tourists in the post-pandemic era.
Theatres, museums and war sites to attract tourists to Rajasthan borders
The state of Rajasthan and the Tourism Department has decided to cater a novel experience for all tourists, by popularising the beauty of its borders. “The places where maximum tourists come for relinquishing their zest for border tourism are Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar”, said officials.
Rajasthan borders; the tourist magnets
The senior tourism officials have highlighted the reigning attraction of the temple of Tanot Rai in Tanot, on the Indo-Pak international board, 125 km to the west of Jaisalmer district headquarters. People of faith, tourists and travellers, flock to this place to witness the devotional celebrations and pujas which are held by the Border Security Force jawans here. The upkeep of the temple and the boundary, which is a short distance from this point, are managed by this local contingent only, the official added.
Besides, a fort near this place, by the name Kishangarh, also attracts several tourists all year long. The fort is made of brick and mortar. Among other attractions here, the site of Longewala is another place that catches the interest of several travellers. Located in close vicinity to the fort, this place witnessed the 1971 Indo-Pak war and still anchors the destroyed military tanks of the Pakistan troops.
This site also holds a theatre, where films of triumph and victory of the Indian armed forces in the War of ’71 are screened for the tourists. The fort in Ghotas near the stare periphery, also pulls and arouses the curiosity of travellers. A railway station named Munabao is in operation in Barmer, which facilitates the movement of Indo-Pak passengers.
On the other hand, Bikaner holds the Sanchu post of the BSF, which is marked as one of the international check posts between the two nations. This area is most popular for its large sand stream as well as a BSF-run museum, guesthouse and canteen. Reportedly, domestic tourists are permitted here only after the approval of the BSF in Bikaner. The tourists are shown the Pakistani post and museum too. Visitors can also avail of the canteen facility here on payment, read reports.
Hindumal Kot border outpost, located at a distance of 18 km from Sri Ganganagar, is yet another tourist magnet. This outpost has been named so after the Chief Dawan Hindumal of the erstwhile princely state of Bikaner. The railway line here is very popular too. It not only shuttles passengers through the border but also facilitates the import and export of goods between India and Pakistan.
Knock Knock
While Rajasthan is famous for its regal identity and exotic desert safaris, the ‘border tourism’ aims to open yet another aspect of the desert state. Besides adding a contemporary identity to the state, it highlights Rajasthan’s present-day relevancy as a crucial geographical watchman between India and Pakistan.
– with inputs from IANS
