Just beyond Ayodhya, Gonda district is blossoming as a captivating destination for pilgrims and nature lovers. With upgrades to Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, enhancing their spiritual journeys at the revered Lord Shri Ram temple. Gonda is quickly becoming the perfect complement to a memorable pilgrimage.
Efforts to Attract Pilgrims
Efforts are underway to attract both domestic and international pilgrims visiting Ayodhya to the neighboring Gonda district. By improving facilities at Tikri Forest and Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, officials aim to enhance the overall visitor experience. This initiative seeks to complement the spiritual journey of those coming to Ayodhya, home to the revered Lord Shri Ram temple.
Discovering Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary
Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, highlighted the potential of the Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary.
Covering 1,084 hectares, this sanctuary is part of the Ramsar project and is celebrated for its rich biodiversity. It is home to numerous Siberian birds and over thirty local species. During winter, migratory birds from Tibet, China, Europe, and Siberia flock here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Singh noted that these migratory birds typically arrive in the latter half of October and stay for about four months. Remarkably, some undertake journeys exceeding 5,000 kilometers. Among the notable species are Eurasian coots, mallards, greylag geese, northern pintails, northern shovelers, cotton teals, red-crested pochards, and gadwalls.
Tikri Forest: A Natural Retreat
The Tikri Forest, spanning approximately 7,500 hectares, is another focal point for development. Rich in valuable tree species like Sal and Teak, it is being transformed into an eco-tourism hotspot. Singh indicated that necessary budget allocations for these improvements will be made soon.
“Ayodhya’s proximity makes these initiatives particularly appealing to pilgrims,” Singh remarked. By offering natural experiences alongside spiritual journeys, Gonda district aims to enrich visits for countless devotees.
Developing Cultural Landmarks
Gonda district also has historical significance that enhances its tourism potential. Each year, thousands of devotees visit Chapia village, the birthplace of Bhagwan Ghanshyam, the founder of the Swami Narayan sect. Many pilgrims come from Gujarat, reflecting the site’s importance. Additionally, officials are working to develop the birthplace of Maharishi Patanjali, known as ‘Kondar,’ into a prominent tourist attraction.
A grand temple is currently under construction near Wazirganj along the Gonda-Ayodhya highway. Soon, a two-ton, six-and-a-half-foot statue of Maharishi Patanjali, carved from red granite sourced from Jaipur, will be installed. A two-lane road is also being constructed to connect the highway to this significant birthplace, which is expected to attract international tourists.
Promoting Literary Heritage
Development is also rapidly progressing at the birthplace of Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the revered Ramcharitmanas. Located near Sukarkhet by the banks of the Saryu River, this site is another key attraction for pilgrims.
District Magistrate Neha Sharma emphasized the vast tourism potential of Gonda district. “With its historical significance and proximity to Ayodhya, we are actively pursuing tourism development in collaboration with the tourism department,” she stated.
Efforts to promote Parvati Arga Lake and Tikri Forest as key tourist destinations will help position Gonda prominently on the tourism map. With these developments, Gonda district is set to become an essential stop for pilgrims, enriching their spiritual journeys with natural beauty and historical significance.
Conclusion
In summary, the improvements in Gonda district aim not only to enhance the experience for visitors to Ayodhya but also to promote sustainable tourism that respects and preserves the area’s natural and cultural heritage. With its blend of spirituality, nature, and history, Gonda is poised to become a must-visit destination for all pilgrims.
