Udaipur tourism is set for more heritage destinations in the form of mineral-rich Jhamarkotda and Zawar Mines. In order  to increase the tourist footfall in the region, without putting too much stress on Udaipur city itself, the Rajasthan government is undertaking development of the Zawar Mines region and Jhamar Kotda, both mineral hubs of Udaipur and Mewar. Both these areas are being developed as Geo Heritage Sites and with all the necessary infra in place, these mineral rich destinations that have been seeing industrial growth, will also witness tourism boom with the related economies benefitting.

Development of tourism in Zawar region, famous for its mining since decades, will also provide employment opportunities to the local people in the tourism sector. In accordance with the announcements of the recently released budget, the regional tourism office has started preparations to implement the budget announcements at the ground level.  In this connection, on July 18, officials of the Tourism Department visited the Zawar area and discussed with the local public representatives and residents and took suggestions regarding the development of tourism in the area and prepared a survey report keeping in mind the technical points and sent it to the state government.

What is Geo Heritage Tourism

Geographical Heritage Tourism, is a special type of tourism based on the geographical features of an area, such as mountains, rivers, and geological mineral wealth. In this, local geographical structures, their formation processes, and their historical importance are highlighted. It's purpose is to provide tourists with an understanding of natural and geological heritage and to increase the importance of preserving it. This type of tourism not only increases education and awareness, but also boosts the local economy. Zawar of Udaipur district is also an ancient geo heritage site. There are immense possibilities of developing geo tourism here, which will include boundary walls, an entrance gate, parking, public facilities, informative display boards, signages, seating arrangements, solar lights, etc. are proposed at identified areas in Zawar. The famous Zawar Mata Temple, the ancient Jain temple, stepwell, etc. are located within a radius of three kilometers around this area, due to which there are strong possibilities of developing this area as a tourism hub.

Jawar Mata Temple

Expansion of public facilities is proposed at the famous Zawar Mata Temple and the surrounding areas. In accordance with the budget announcement made in this regard, the regional tourism office has prepared a survey report and sent it to the state government. Under this, construction of parking outside Zawar Mata Temple, seating arrangements, solar lights, construction of retaining wall and ring road from near the temple towards the school, garden development, renovation of the stepwell near the temple, signage etc. are proposed.

Jhamar Kotda

Along with Zawar, development works will also be done in Jhamar Kotda, to attract tourists. On July 13, officials of the Tourism Department and Geology and Mines Department visited Jhamar Kotda and explored the possibility of developing a Fossil Park. In this connection, a survey report related to the boundary wall, entrance gate, parking, public facilities, fossil display area, etc. has been prepared and sent to the state government. Actually, 180 crore years old rocks have been found in Jhamarkotda. The importance of the Fossil Park is important in the study of natural history and science. The proposed Fossil Park will be dedicated to the conservation and study of ancient fossils, which will provide information about the ancient life structure and ecosystem of the Earth. The Fossil Park will not only help researchers in discovering and analysing fossils but will also provide information about the ancient period to the tourists.