Interview with Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Tourism & Culture Govt of Madhya Pradesh
What makes Madhya Pradesh an offbeat multispecialty destination of first choice?
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of Incredible India is like a mini-India in one State. Being the second largest State in India, it covers a big area of 3,08,245 sq.km. This State of India has been blessed with ample greenery, year-round conducive climate and a variety of terrain and tourism destinations. Madhya Pradesh is home to warm, friendly and welcoming people and offers unique, peaceful and memorable tourism experiences. An ideal destination for the discerning Arab traveller, with a wide and varied bouquet of experiential tourism choices which range from Wildlife, Nature, Hertiage, Adventure to rural life experiences to Spiritual tourism. Rural and Tribal tourism are the USPs of Madhya Pradesh. The State also has a packed event and festivals calendar with many curated annual events. Tourists can enjoy these events and festivals with busy itineraries experiencing many interesting aspects of this State in a short span. This is why Madhya Pradesh is known as an offbeat multispecialty destination, of first choice.
What are the wildlife attractions of Madhya Pradesh?
Madhya Pradesh is also referred to as ‘The green heart of Incredible India’ as it’s a forest rich state that has added to its green cover and is a haven for wildlife spotting. Known as the ‘The Tiger State of India’, Madhya Pradesh is the only State where cheetahs were released in the Kuno National park, where they have settled well and procreated. From deer to wild boar to tigers, Madhya Pradesh is a world of the wild animals. A trip to the wilderness of Madhya Pradesh is a life changing experience. Madhya Pradesh, the land of diversity is one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in India. For avid nature lovers, there are 9 National Parks, 6 Tiger Reserves and 25 Wildlife Sanctuaries to quench the adventure thirst. The heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a kaleidoscope of nature. Plan a jungle tour to Madhya Pradesh to catch the true spirit of the Indian jungle.
What efforts has Madhya Pradesh made in responsible tourism?
Madhya Pradesh’s deep efforts in Responsible Tourism, empowered by community development has created a new benchmark and paradigm in Indian Tourism. Community driven and community led Rural and Tribal Tourism has opened up the doors for quality homestays. Tourists today are very sustainability conscious and feel happy if their travel dollar contributes towards community development. Another global emerging trend of voluntary tourism where tourists travel to a destination, sightsee and then do voluntary work is testimony of social responsibility consciousness.