Country's first 'water tourism' to begin in MP in February

The country's first 'water tourism' will begin in Madhya Pradesh next month with the aim of attracting more tourists to the state.

Named as 'Jal Mahotsav', the 10-day extravaganza will be inaugurated on February 12 in Hanuwantiya at Indra Sagar Dam, one of Asia's largest man-made water reservoir.

"It is a first-of-its-kind event going to be organised in Madhya Pradesh. The aim is to encourage more tourists to this destination. The mega event will be inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan," said Om Vijay Choudhary, Executive Director, Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC).

He said various adventure sports will also be organised during the event that ends on February 21.

Hanuwantiya, which is under Khandwa district of the state, is about 130 kms from Indore and 280 kms from state capital Bhopal.

"This Jal Mahotsav is also the first ever water adventure sorts carnival of central India," Choudhary told reporters here in a press conference.

Mamata Pandey, senior liaison and marketing officer MPSTDC, said the state government expects a good response to this initiative.

"We are getting many enquiries. The rates being offered as a special package for this water tourism are highly subsidised. We hope to get many footfalls," Pandey said.

She said events like tug of war, treasure hunt, night camping, para-sailing and visit on bullock cart to nearby villages are going to be major attractions of the festival.