Udaipur's Tourism Expands Beyond City Limits to Rural Areas
Udaipur is experiencing a surge in tourism, with approximately 125,000 visitors arriving each month. Tourists are not only exploring the city but also venturing into nearby villages and eco-tourism sites. This trend is highlighting rural areas as new tourism centers.
Experts believe that places like Jhadol, Alsigarh, Sayra, and Gogunda will become popular tourist destinations in the coming years. Over the past few years, 48 hotels and resorts have opened in these regions, catering to all budgets from affordable options to five-star accommodations.
According to Shikha Saxena, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, the increase in tourism is due to the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of these rural areas. The promotion of eco-tourism sites has also attracted more visitors, leading to the establishment of new hotels and resorts.
Survey of Hotels and Resorts
Recently, the district conducted its first police circle-wise survey of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. The survey revealed about 800 tourism units in the district, with the city housing the highest number, approximately 600 hotels and resorts.
Construction of New Highway Increased Connectivity
The construction of a new highway from Udaipur to Idar has significantly improved connectivity to border villages in Gujarat. This development has transformed rural areas like Jhadol, Phalasiya, and Panarwa into emerging tourist hotspots for Gujarati visitors. Currently, 14 hotels and resorts have opened in these regions.
Tourists Visiting Phulwari Ki Naal
Hiren Panchal, a tribal tourism expert from Gujarat, shares that areas like Phulwari ki Naal and Jhadol offer minimal concrete structures. Tourists flock here to enjoy tranquility and nature. Groups from Gandhinagar, Surat, and even Mumbai are increasingly visiting these sites, bringing in around 5,000 to 10,000 tourists each month.
Rural Areas Contributing in Tourism Sector
In Jhadol, there are currently 10 hotels and resorts, while Phalasiya has 3 and Panarwa also features hotels. The Sayra area, near Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, have 11 hotels, and Gogunda has 23. The close proximity to popular tourist sites has fueled a continuous rise in the number of accommodations in both Sayra and Gogunda.
Many visitors come to these sites for wildlife exploration, enjoying the natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. They often choose to stay in nearby hotels and resorts, which provide comfortable accommodations and easy access to adventure activities.