Paryatan Mahotsav in June

Tribune News Service

Mandi, March 20

To promote tourism in the Seraj valley of Mandi district, the local administration is going to organise two-day Paryatan Mahotsav (Tourism fair) at Deem Kataru in Mandi in June to attract more tourists to the area.

The valley is blessed with bounty of nature, which receives a considerable snow in the area during winter every year. Besides, it is a favourite destination for trekkers in the district.

Despite having a vast opportunity for adventurous sport and other tourism-related activities, the area was lacking all these facilities to attract a considerable number of tourists towards it.

Talking to The Tribune here today, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Janjehali, Ashwani Kumar said it was the first time that the local administration would organise the two-day festival in June to promote tourism in the area.

“During the fair, we will arrange a travel agents’ meet to explore the possibilities of promoting best tourist destinations of the area, introduction of mountain biking, beauty pageants, display of local products and dishes,” he remarked.

“Its motive was to provide livelihood opportunity to the people of the area. We have sent a proposal of Rs 1.44 crore to the state government to develop main tourist points like Janjehali, Shikari Devi temple and other places for tourism purposes,” he said.

He said around 20 youths of the area had been trained at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, in adventurous sport. They formed an association to promote adventurous sports like paragliding, waterfall rappelling, heli skiing and others to facilitate tourists with adventurous sport activity in the coming days.

The scenic Janjehli valley, 67 km from Mandi, is a quiet place. The beauty of which is enhanced by its lush surroundings and soothing greenery.