Vinay Express Special Feature.
Dr. Manish Jain (Author) : Media Officer, Govt. of Rajasthan
The tourism sector in present times has opened itself up to varied fragments, now it is not about visiting a hill station in summers or basking on sun kissed beaches, there are various other aspects of travelling that the travel enthusiasts want to explore like adventure tourism, rural tourism, heritage tourism, nature tourism etc. One such tangible fragment that has been an attraction for the tourists visiting many states including Rajasthan is Border Tourism.
Rajasthan being a border state where India and Pakistan borders meet at various places and so there are many peace time posts and outposts that pose as tempting options for travel enthusiasts. Much constructive efforts are being put in to utilize the truest potential of border tourism in the state.
Captivating Border Districts of the State
There are many peace time posts and outposts in Rajasthan that pose as tempting options for travel enthusiasts.
The places where maximum tourists get drawn for relinquishing their zest for border tourism are Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar. Jaisalmer district has the largest area of desert terrain in the state of Rajasthan. Since many decades Jaisalmer has remained as a centre of attraction for both domestic as well as international tourists. The temple of Tanot Rai in Tanot on the Indo-Pak international border which is 125 km to the west of Jaisalmer district headquarters is the main point of attraction for indigenous tourists and devotees.
The upkeep of this temple which is situated amidst a vast sea of desert has been undertaken by the local contingent of BSF (Border Security Force) with a view to perform puja and devotional celebrations. This place of faith for soldiers and BSF jawans has also been portrayed in the much talked about Bollywood movie Border. Hundreds and thousands of tourists and devotees from across the country visit this temple to seek a sight of Mata Tanot Rai. The international Indo-Pak border which is at a short distance from the temple is a major spot of attraction for the visiting tourists. By getting a prior permission, the indigenous tourists can cross over the barbed wire barricade on the international border and relish the unforgettable experience. There is also a fort near this place known as Kishangarh, being made of bricks and mortar the fort reflects a complete feeling of exoticness to the area.
In close vicinity is the site of Longewala, which is witness to the much popular incident during the I1971 Indo-Pak war, the military vehicles and tanks of the Pakistan army which were destroyed by the Indian army have been kept for display here which deem as a major attraction for the tourists. There is also a theatre at this place that is run by the Indian army in which films of triumph and victory of the Indian armed forces during the Indo-Pak war of 1971 are showcased for the tourists. The fort located in Ghotas in this area also pulls the tourists and arouses their curiosity. A railway station named Munnabad is in operation in Barmer Dist which is adjacent to Jaisalmer Dist, this railway station caters to the movement of Indo-Pak passengers and provides for tourist attraction.
The Famed Sanchu Post
The tourists are shown the post of the Pakistan side and also the museum. The sand streams that are visible on the roadside while travelling are an enchanting sight for the travelers.
The Sanchu post of the BSF that is on the Indo-Pak international border in Bikaner Dist and attracts travelers as it is surrounded by large sand streams, this post is situated at a distance of 175 km from the Bikaner city. The post also houses a museum, a guest house and a canteen that are all run by the BSF. The road that connects Bikaner to this post is in an excellent condition, at some parts the road intercedes with the Bharat Mala Road that is built near the Indo-Pak International Border. Whilst travelling to this place, one can see the handicrafts and witness the famous art and folk of the local artists. The sand streams that are visible on the roadside while travelling provide for an alluring sight for the travelers to capture in their memories for ever. For visiting the Sanchu post, the domestic tourists need to take a prior permission from BSF Bikaner. The tourists are shown the post of the Pakistan side and also the museum. There is a facility extended by BSF of providing food to tourists on payment. During the tourist season, every month almost 40-50 tourists visit the Sanchu post.
Encapsulating Experience of Sri Ganganagar
As is about the area of Dist Sri Ganganagar, so this area is filled with vegetation and greenery entire up to the international border. The tourists are attracted by vast fields of golden colored mustard flowers and the plantations of the orange colored kinnow fruit. The Hindumal Kot border outpost that is located at a distance of 18 km from Sri Ganganagar is quite famous, the tourists who come to Sri Ganganagar make sure that they do visit this spot. The outpost has been named after cheif dewan Hindumal of the erstwhile princely state of Bikaner. This place used to be the major commercial centre in the past. The railway station located on this post is quite famous, it used to connect India and Pakistan through the rail route and also provided for import and export of goods between the two countries. The entire geographical area of districts Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Barmer that stretches towards the international border is quite commodious for camel safari because of an absolute desert. Therefore, it is a requirement to allow entry and facilitate the movement of domestic tourists through the entire area. Owing to the materialization of the Indira Gandhi canal in Khajuwala, much flora has developed and greenery can be witnessed in the fields, farms and gardens of the entire area. As the surrounding and atmosphere of the area are free of pollution, so the sand streams here spread a golden aura and provide for a majestic feeling in the shining sun. The long wide roads (especially Bharat Mala) which are still free from the vehicular traffic provide a unique driving experience for the tourists.
The consistent and integrated efforts that are being made by the State Government in communion with the Department of Tourism, BSF and other allied departments are commendable and have yielded positive results over the time of attracting tourists. This facet of tourism will surely prove to be another golden feather for the Royal State of the golden desert.
This Article written by Dr. Manish Jain (Author): Media officer, Rajasthan Govt.
Author: विनय थानवी
