Lucknow: UP is enhancing tourism infrastructure at sites associated with gurus, saints and rishis across the state, as part of a broader effort to preserve spiritual heritage and widen the state’s religious tourism network.The projects cover destinations linked to Guru Gorakhnath, Sant Ravidas, Deoraha Baba, Ved Vyas, Durvasa Rishi and several other revered spiritual figures.The projects include restoration of heritage structures, improvement of approach roads, landscaping, illumination and visitor amenities at temples, ashrams and gurdwaras to make them more accessible for pilgrims and tourists.The project is spread across districts in eastern, central and western UP, reflecting effort to bring lesser-known spiritual destinations into the tourism fold.Among prominent projects are redevelopment of Sant Ravidas’ birthplace at Seer Govardhan Dham in Varanasi, installation of a 51-foot bronze statue of Guru Gorakhnath at Gorakhgiri hill in Mahoba, construction of another bronze statue of the Nath saint in Amethi and tourism development at Deoraha Baba Ashram in Deoria. Development works have also been sanctioned at sites associated with Shringi Rishi, Durvasa Rishi, Ved Vyas, Chyavan Rishi, Maharshi Dayanand, Guru Prahlad Das and Guru Tegh Bahadur, among others.Additional chief secretary, tourism, culture and religious affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said the department was working to preserve the state’s spiritual and cultural heritage while creating quality tourism infrastructure at these destinations. He said improving facilities at such sites would enhance the visitor experience and encourage travellers to explore a wider network of heritage destinations across UP.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the initiative was aimed at preserving the state’s rich guru tradition while connecting younger generations with its spiritual legacy. “By strengthening infrastructure at these sites, we are not only conserving heritage but also creating opportunities for local employment and promoting traditional culture and handicrafts through tourism,” he said.He added that the projects form part of the state’s broader strategy of leveraging religious and heritage tourism to boost local economies while safeguarding sites associated with India’s enduring ‘guru-shishya’ tradition.
