The journey of life passing through different dimensions of life connects the human mind with the divine. The human mind completes its life cycle encompassing the journey from Lok to Parlok , from materialism to spirituality, darkness to light and Atma to Parmatma. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has taken a unique initiative to connect these various stages and dimensions of life's journey with tourism. To give concrete shape to this initiative, the Department of Tourism has adopted an inter-departmental and multi-pronged approach.
The Tourism department has developed various stages and dimensions of the journey of life of the human beings by connecting them with religion, culture, spirituality and health, so that religious, cultural and spiritual upliftment of man is possible with comfortable and accessible tourism.
In the journey of man from childhood to old age, there are constant changes in his interests and needs. Keeping this in mind, the Tourism department has provided interesting activities like cycling, kite flying and indoor games for children, paragliding for youth, adventure activities like balloon safaris, wellness for elderly people and Ayurvedic Panchakarma facilities at tourist spots. In this way, Madhya Pradesh Tourism has been ranked third among the 'Best Value Destinations' in the year 2020 by the world's prestigious travel publication 'Lonely Planet', as a result of innovations and policy changes to conduct enough interesting, adventurous and recreational activities at tourist places for every age group.
Religious, spiritual and cultural upgradation is also necessary for the development of personality, along with enrichment of knowledge. The Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Spirituality, has included various aspects of tourism for personality development, including innovations such as Anubhuti tourism, Adventure tourism, Rural tourism, Monsoon tourism, Religious tourism, Wellness tourism and Rock art tourism. providing interesting information and experiences that will contribute to their personality development.
Tourism circuits are being developed by connecting other important tourist and historical places near the major tourist places of the state. While tourists will get an opportunity to get acquainted with important historical buildings, museum and local culture of the surrounding areas along with tourism, local residents will have sources for economic upliftment. This will be a win-win situation for both, which will ensure overall development of the region.
Villages in six major cultural areas of Madhya Pradesh are being developed as heritage villages under Rural Tourism program. More than 1500 homestays will be developed in this. Tourists will get an opportunity to get acquainted with the local culture, taste the local cuisine, buy handicraft products near the tourist destination. This will also provide employment opportunities at the local level. Recently, Ladpurakhas village of Orchha has been nominated for the 'Best Tourism Village' category in the United Nations World Tourism Organization award by the Union Ministry of Tourism. In the next 5 years, 100 villages of the state will be developed from the point of view of rural tourism. In these areas, Orchha, Khajuraho, Mandu, Sanchi, Pachmarhi, Tamia, Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Sanjay Dubri National Park, Pench and Kanha National Park etc. will be developed by selecting suitable sites.