Basic HTML Version

|  | Table of Contents |  | View Full Version

Page 48 - The Indian EYE 082126
P. 48

    The Indian Eye
             TRAVEL & TOURISM                                                          AUGUST 21, 2026                                      48

               Abu Dhabi Offers Free Entry                                                                              Odisha Seeks

                        Visas to Indian Tourists                                                                  UNESCO Heritage Tag
                                                                                                                     for Puri Rath Yatra

               ndian travellers planning a holi-                                                                         disha  has  intensified  its  ef-
               day in Abu Dhabi can now avail                                                                            forts to secure UNESCO’s
            Ithemselves of complimentary                                                                          OIntangible Cultural Heritage
            UAE entry visas under a new travel                                                                    status for the world-renowned Puri
            initiative launched by the Depart-                                                                    Rath Yatra, with Chief Minister Mo-
            ment of Culture and Tourism – Abu                                                                     han Charan Majhi urging the Centre
            Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The                                                                            to support the state’s nomination for
            programme will run from August                                                                        one of India’s oldest and most cele-
            through October 2026 and is aimed                                                                     brated religious festivals.
            at making travel to the emirate more                                                                      The move is aimed at securing
            accessible while attracting more visi-                                                                global recognition for the centu-
            tors from India.                                                                                      ries-old chariot festival dedicated to
                Under the initiative, eligible In-                                                                Lord Jagannath, which attracts mil-
            dian passport holders who book qual-                                                                  lions  of  devotees  from  across  India
            ifying Abu Dhabi holidays through                                                                     and abroad every year.
            participating travel trade partners                                                                       The state government has re-
            can receive a UAE entry visa without                                                                  quested the Union Ministry of Cul-
            paying the usual visa fee. The offer                                                                  ture  to  facilitate  the  nomination
            is  linked to holiday bookings made                                                                   process  with  UNESCO.  Officials
            through authorised partners,  rather                                                                  said recognition would not only ac-
            than being a blanket visa waiver for   Dhabi for short holidays.    tions for Indian nationals. Separate   knowledge the festival’s outstanding
            all Indian tourists. Participating trav-  Travellers interested in the offer   visa-on-arrival  provisions  already   cultural  and  spiritual  significance
            el partners will facilitate the com-  will need to book their Abu Dhabi   exist for eligible Indian passport   but also strengthen conservation ef-
            plimentary visa as part of the travel   holiday through one of the partici-  holders  who  meet  specific  condi-  forts, documentation of rituals, and
            booking process.                  pating travel partners during the pro-  tions, including holding qualifying   international promotion of Odisha’s
                The initiative comes as Abu   gramme period. The visa arrange-  visas or residence permits from cer-  rich heritage.
            Dhabi seeks to strengthen its posi-  ment and eligibility will be handled   tain countries.               The Shree Jagannatha Temple
            tion as a preferred international hol-  by the partner as part of the booking   Travel experts, however, advise   Administration  (SJTA)  is  preparing
            iday destination for Indian travellers.   process, with travellers advised to   tourists to verify the latest entry re-  a comprehensive nomination dossier
            India remains an important source   check  the  specific  terms  and  docu-  quirements before departure, as   in consultation with cultural experts,
            market for the emirate, with the new   mentation requirements before mak-  UAE  visa  rules  and  eligibility  con-  temple  servitors,  and  officials.  The
            programme designed to reduce one   ing their reservations.          ditions can vary. The Abu Dhabi   proposal will be routed through the
            of the additional costs associated    The announcement also comes   tourism authority also recommends   Ministry of Culture, the nodal agen-
            with international travel and encour-  at a time when the UAE continues   checking current visa guidance be-  cy responsible for forwarding India’s
            age more Indians to consider Abu   to expand and streamline entry op-  fore travelling.               nominations to UNESCO.
                                                                                                                      Odisha’s pursuit of UNESCO
                  India’s Historic Forts Attract Heritage Travellers                                              recognition began in 2022, when the
                                                                                                                  state initiated documentation of the
                                                                                                                  Rath Yatra’s unique traditions, ritu-
               ndia’s centuries-old forts are wit-  chapter  of  India’s  history  through   alongside its Portuguese-era his-  als, craftsmanship, and community
               nessing renewed interest among   its architecture, military significance   tory, making it a favourite among   participation. After renewed mo-
            Idomestic and international trav-  and cultural legacy.             travellers seeking both heritage and   mentum, the government has now
            ellers,  with heritage  tourism con-  Amer Fort is renowned for its   scenic beauty. Jaisalmer Fort, often   sought  stronger  coordination  with
            tinuing to gain momentum as visi-  intricate Sheesh Mahal and sweeping   called the “Golden Fort”, remains   the Centre to advance the proposal.
            tors seek destinations that combine   views of Maota Lake, while Meh-  one of the world’s few living forts,   The annual Rath Yatra, regard-
            history, architecture and immersive   rangarh Fort dominates Jodhpur’s   where residents, shops and temples   ed as one of the world’s largest pub-
            cultural experiences. From majestic   skyline  with  expansive  courtyards   continue to thrive within its sand-  lic religious processions, is known for
            hilltop citadels in Rajasthan to coast-  and museums showcasing royal arte-  stone walls.             its massive  wooden  chariots, elabo-
            al strongholds in Goa, these monu-  facts. Agra Fort, a UNESCO World    With the best travel season ex-  rate rituals, and the participation of
            ments are increasingly featuring on   Heritage Site, highlights Mughal ar-  tending from October to March,   devotees irrespective of caste, creed,
            travel wish lists for 2026.       chitectural excellence, whereas Chit-  tourism experts advise visitors to al-  or nationality. Heritage experts be-
                Travel experts recommend icon-  torgarh Fort symbolises Rajput cour-  locate at least two to four hours for   lieve that inscription on UNESCO’s
            ic landmarks such as Amer Fort in   age and sacrifice through its palaces,   each fort to fully appreciate their   Representative List of the Intangi-
            Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodh-  temples and victory towers.       historical  significance  and  architec-  ble Cultural  Heritage  of Humanity
            pur, Agra Fort in Uttar Pradesh,      Further south, Golconda Fort   tural grandeur. As interest in cultur-  would enhance global visibility, en-
            Chittorgarh Fort, Golconda Fort   continues to fascinate visitors with   al tourism continues to rise, India’s   courage preservation of traditional
            in Hyderabad, Aguada Fort in Goa   its ingenious acoustics and im-  forts remain enduring symbols of the   knowledge, and further boost cultur-
            and Jaisalmer Fort as among the   pressive  fortifications.  On  India’s   nation’s rich and diverse heritage,   al tourism in Odisha while safeguard-
            country’s most rewarding heritage   western coast, Aguada Fort of-  offering travellers a journey through   ing the festival’s living traditions for
            experiences. Each reflects a distinct   fers panoramic Arabian Sea views   centuries of royal history.   future generations.

                                                                   www.TheIndianEYE.com

| 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 |