Madhya Pradesh(MP), the central Indian state known for its wilderness and heritage will be the first city in Asia to host AdventureNEXT, the event that offers strategic solutions and a robust eco-system for adventure tourism. The event will be held at Bhopal, the state’s capital, from 3 to 5 December 2018.
Announcing the news at MP Travel Mart 2018, Hari Ranjan Rao, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Public Service Management, Tourism and Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, said: “Also known as ‘tiger state’ for successfully conserving the king of the wild, Madhya Pradesh has nine national parks, 25 wildlife sanctuaries and six tiger reserves.
The second largest (in area)Indian state has a third of its 308,252 square kilometre area covered in forest. The same forests inspired Rudyard Kipping to pen Jungle Book stories.
Adventure travel is growing in the country and India Tourism has declared 2018 as the Year of Adventure. AdventureNEXT is organised by United States based Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). The theme of the upcoming event in Madhya Pradesh is ‘Pulse of Tomorrow’. The event will have a marketplace for buyer-seller interaction, educating sessions and multi-day adventure excursions.
Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) said: “ATTA is among the largest associations of adventure operators in the world. This signature event is held in different destinations, prior to the associations Adventure Summit which is held in different countries every year. MP Tourism is making all efforts to see that India creates a good opportunity to bring international tour operators from the field.”
MP’s forests with hills, rivers and dams have given rise to many waterbodies. Mr Rao said: “We have opened waterbodies for tourism since 4 years. Some large dams and their backwaters are as big as 500 to 900 square kilometres and almost look like oceans. Ships and houseboats also ply to islands where tourists can camp for that adventure experience.
Hari Ranjan Rao & Capt.Swadesh Kumar
Local culture is among key attractions in MP. People revere Narmada, the lifeline of the state and walk along 3000 kilometres of its banks as a homage to the mighty waterbody.
King Rama, the just and loved ruler from Indian epic Ramayana is said to have spent two years of his exile in forests of MP and many edifices related to the episode are places of interest for visitors. A special ceremony to render Guard of Honour to King Rama continues till date at Ram Raja temple in Orchha.
Mr Rao said: “AdventureNEXT event will be held at Minto Hall, Bhopal, is a 100 year old heritage place that is thoughtfully restored to retain heritage while upgrading it to hold modern events. Buyers from 40 countries will be interacting with sellers from across India.”
MARBLE ROCKS at BHEDAGHAT along River Narmada
Bhopal, known as city of lakes, has many heritage complexes that line the two large lakes that cover most of the old city. The three World Heritage Sites of Madhya Pradesh are uniquely different and create curiosity and a sense of pride through insights on human development. Bhimbetka Caves have pre-historic cave paintings dating back up to 100,000 years ago depicting signs of earliest civilisation. Khajuraho Temples have intricately carved stone depictions of historic lifestyle, many of which are relevant even today. Sanchi Stupa, a Buddhist Monastery built on vast complex is a solace for peace seekers.
AdventureNEXT is expected to be attended by over 300 delegates from across the world who will have a choice of 11 pre-event adventure tours within MP and 7 post-tours that cover Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Capt. Kumar said: “Adventure Tour Operators Association of India(ATOAI) is hoping that this will be a game changer for adventure tourism in India, especially for the state of Madhya Pradesh and that business doubles in next three years.”
Written by Anand & Madhura Katti
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