1. VIDARBHA a feast for the senses

2. The Region of Maharashtra with its vibrant life, rich historical background, ethnicity, biodiversity and mineral wealth

3. This verdant land with its undulating hills, forests and meandering rivers has many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks (perhaps some of the best in the country itself), geological sites, forts and temples, hill-stations and water sports locations. Cont.

4. A veritable cornucopia of nature’s bounty; A lavish feast sure to fill up every visitor’s senses. In other words Vidarbha is a well-rounded tourism destination packing Eco-Tourism, Wildlife, Heritage Tourism, Religious Tourism, Leisure and MICE.

5. Over 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. Melghat – Kolkaz, Pench, Nagzira,Tadoba… to name a few. Hill Stations like Chikhaldhara, waterbodys & watersports locations like Toltladoh, Khindsi etc. Vidarbha has Lonar Crater. The geo-site which is the outcome of the awesome geo-physical phenomena. A 2 million ton meteorite collided with the earth 50,000 years ago, creating a depression 150 mtrs deep and almost 2 km in diameter. One of the only 3 largest meteorite craters in the world. A major location of interest for geo- scientists, nature lovers researchers and explorers Cont.

6. Vidarbha has Tadoba Tadoba Tiger project, the major tiger reserve in Vidarbha. It is densely forested with teak and bamboo, making it the ideal habitat for tigers and leopards. Besides this big wild cats Tadoba is home to nilgai, sambhar, chital, jaur, crocodiles and a variety of birds. Cont.

7. Pench Tiger Reserve (Silari) Pench Reserve takes its name from Pench river, which meanders through the verdant landscape. A great sanctuary for tigers, leopards and other large animals in their natural habitat.. Cont.

8. Chikhaldara The idyllic hill-station of rolling hills, waterfalls, lakes, valleys and winding streams. About 1100 meters above sea level. Cont.

9. There are many forts, temples to take you back through the glorious by-gone era, besides the many modern day social upliftment centres like Sevagram, Pavnar, Anandvan.

10. Tourism Policy Operative period : extended New units under incentive schemes like - Youth Hostels - Bed and Breakfast ( B & B) units - Permanent Exhibition Complexes Cont. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

11. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES  Relaxation in state excise licensing  Concession in registration fee for sight- seeing buses  Concession in water charges  Rationalisation of property charges  Liberalisation in renewal of licenses  Land reservation for Tourism Projects Cont.

12.  New land policy.  Govt. land with tourism potential transferable to MTDC.  Govt. guest houses / rest houses in tourism potential areas transferable to MTDC.  Formation of Eco –Tourism Board GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Cont.

13. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES  Formation of Tourism Promotion Council to facilitate orderly State Tourism development  Fairs & Festivals to highlight culture and heritage of the State.  Increased Govt. financial help for Tourism Promotion and Marketing

14. The new government policies and initiatives for State Tourism Sector is bound to give it the boost. Vidarbha the Jewel in the Crown of Maharashtra will have its fair share of pride and benefits.

15. THANK YOU