Unexplored-tourism-destinations-of-India
Unexplored-tourism-destinations-of-India
Unexplored-tourism-destinations-of-India
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Connectivity: Auroville is located around 150 km south <strong>of</strong> Chennai and 10 km north <strong>of</strong><br />
Pondicherry town. It can be easily reached by the East Coast Road connecting Chennai and<br />
Pondicherry. The town is around a three-hour taxi journey away from Chennai. Moreover,<br />
one can take a Chennai-Pondicherry bypass bus to the Pondicherry bus station, and a taxi<br />
or auto rickshaw onwards to Auroville. The nearest airport is the Chennai International<br />
Airport and the nearest railway station the Chennai Central Railway Station.<br />
Getting around: A visit to the Visitors’ Centre provides information on activities in the<br />
town through videos and brochures. There are boutiques selling products manufactured at<br />
Auroville, restaurants, cycle rentals, etc. The Mantrimandir is a 15-minute walk from the<br />
Centre. Guided tours are also available.<br />
Accommodation: Guest houses, maintained as Auroville units, <strong>of</strong>fer simple options,<br />
depending on space and budgets. Home stays are another accommodation option. These<br />
can be booked through the Auroville Guest Accommodation Service located at the Visitor’s<br />
Centre or online.<br />
Recommendations: The town is not designed with a specific goal to attract tourists, and<br />
the following would help it build its potential as a tourist destination:<br />
Accommodation options for tourists looking for a more luxurious stay while<br />
enjoying the peace and serenity <strong>of</strong> the town<br />
Restaurants serving multi-cultural cuisine<br />
Involvement <strong>of</strong> tourists in city’s activities in the areas <strong>of</strong> education, culture and<br />
art,and green practices<br />
Nature tours in the Green Belt, which can be conducted by locals<br />
Eco-friendly conveyance within the city and to nearby areas to maintain the<br />
environmental balance<br />
4<br />
1.2 Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh)<br />
Background: Chitrakoot is a town and Nagar Panchayatlocated in the Satna district in<br />
Madhya Pradesh. It borders the Chitrakoot district <strong>of</strong> Uttar Pradesh and lies in the<br />
Chitrakoot region, which has significant historical and religious significance. The region is<br />
known for its many temples and sites (mentioned in the Hindu scriptures).<br />
4<br />
“Chitrakoot – Official District Website”, http://chitrakoot.nic.in/, accessed 23 March 2015.<br />
“Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh”, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrakoot,_Madhya_Pradesh, accessed 23<br />
March 2015.<br />
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