Latest news with #PrakharMishra
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
UP's Salkhan Fossil Park in Unesco tentative list for heritage sites
Lucknow: Unesco has included the Salkhan Fossil Park, in UP's Sonbhadra, in its tentative list of World Heritage Centre. The revised list, dated June 4, was published by Unesco on Tuesday and released by UP Tourism on Thursday. The park has been recognised for its exceptional palaeobiological and geological significance. "The rings of Salkhan are more than fossils. They are our connection with Earth's earliest days. The state made concerted efforts to make the world understand the importance of this prehistoric site nestled in UP's eastern end," said Prakhar Mishra, director (ecotourism), UP tourism department. He said the Unesco tag, if it comes, would help UP "protect this treasure" and provide "economic opportunities to locals". "The inclusion would bring global recognition to one of the Earth's most ancient life-bearing records. Salkhan Fossil Park would figure among the world's most significant natural heritage sites, securing its place as a geological and cultural cornerstone not just for India, but for humanity," Mishra added. In its note on Salkhan, the Unesco said: "Salkhan Fossil Park is a remarkable geological site, nestled amidst the verdant embrace of the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Spanning approximately 25 hectares, it sits within the Vindhyan mountain range, characterised by rugged terrain, steep escarpments, and a unique geological landscape. The park is home to a rich repository of fossils dating back approximately 1.4 billion years, making it one of the oldest and most well-preserved fossil sites in the world. " It said the site's fossil assemblage, scattered across various formations, features an exceptional collection of stromatolites (formations created by communities of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, which are indicators of ancient environmental conditions and microbial life) while noting that the 'fossils appear as ripple or ring-like/circular or oval stony formations scattered across limestone rock surfaces. ' The document also noted that Salkhan's fossils are meticulously preserved, offering invaluable insights into the earliest forms of life that populated our planet during the Proterozoic Eon — a critical time in geological history, essential for understanding the evolution of life forms on Earth. "The park boasts a variety of stromatolitic morphologies, preserved within the Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, which features one of the most extensive and well-preserved collections of Proterozoic sedimentary rocks on Earth. Salkhan Park is situated within the 'Semri Group', the oldest part of the Supergroup," read the description. In Feb this year, six other sites from India were included in the Unesco World Heritage Centre tentative list — Kanger Valley National Park, Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, Serial nomination for Ashokan Edict sites along the Mauryan Routes, Serial nomination of Chausath Yogini Temples, Serial nomination of Gupta Temples in North India, and Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas.
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Business Standard
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Uttar Pradesh govt launches India's 1st Vistadome jungle safari train
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a Vistadome coach service connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in Bahraich district with Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit, making it the first state in India to offer a jungle safari through a Vistadome train, according to an official statement released on Saturday. The tourist train features specially designed coaches with large glass windows and transparent roofs. The initiative aims to deliver an exciting wildlife experience while highlighting the state's natural beauty, the statement mentioned. Currently operating on Saturdays and Sundays, there are plans to extend the service to daily operations, increasing accessibility for tourists throughout the year. The initiative is also expected to create local employment and boost the regional economy. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra stated that the objective is to promote the state's forest regions under the brand 'One Destination Three Forests' at both national and international levels. As part of this initiative, Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary have been integrated to offer tourists a convenient and engaging experience through the Vistadome coach service. The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has introduced the service providing visitors with year-round access to distinctive nature trails and jungle safari experiences, he elaborated. The Vistadome coach allows tourists to travel 107 km within the forest, offering close encounters with natural landscapes, biodiversity, and wildlife. The experience takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes, with tickets costing Rs 275 per person for this route. According to Mishra, the board is developing a package to transport tourists from Lucknow to Katarniaghat. The government is exploring subsidy options for this package to enhance its affordability for visitors. Sharing details about the Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train (train number 52259), which traverses 107 kilometers of abundant biodiversity, Mishra stated that it departs from Bichia station in Bahraich at 11.45 am, passing through multiple stations before arriving at Mailani station in Lakhimpur Kheri at 4.10 pm. The return service, Mailani to Bichia Tourist Passenger Train (train number 52260), departs Mailani at 6:05 am and reaches Bichia by 10.30 am. The train stops at nine stations including Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani. The board is developing a package to facilitate tourist travel from the state capital, Lucknow, to Katarniaghat. The government is exploring the possibility of offering subsidies on this package to enhance its affordability for visitors. (With agency inputs)
The Star
18-05-2025
- The Star
Uttar Pradesh launches India's first vistadome jungle safari train
NEW DELHI: In a significant move to boost eco-tourism and attract nature enthusiasts, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with Indian Railways, has launched a first-of-its-kind Vistadome coach service connecting the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This pioneering initiative makes Uttar Pradesh the first state in India to offer a jungle safari experience via a Vistadome train. The specially designed coaches feature large glass windows and transparent roofs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the forest landscapes. This unique service allows travellers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the region. Currently operating on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), the service is expected to be expanded to daily operations based on the growing interest and positive feedback from tourists. The initiative not only enriches nature-based tourism but is also poised to generate local employment and boost the regional economy. UP Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra stated on Saturday that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is working to brand the state's forest zones under the theme 'One Destination, Three Forests' integrating Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary to offer a unified and thrilling tourist experience via the Vistadome service. The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has launched this project to offer year-round jungle safari and nature trail experiences. Passengers can enjoy a 107-kilometer journey through the forest, lasting about 4 hours and 25 minutes, for an affordable fare of just Rs 275 per tourist for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa. The Board is also preparing special travel packages from Lucknow to Katarniaghat, with plans to offer subsidies to make them more accessible. The service is currently offered via the Bichia to Mailani Tourist Passenger Train (No. 52259), which departs Bichia (Bahraich) at 11.45am and arrives at Mailani (Lakhimpur Kheri) at 4.10pm. The return train (No. 52260) departs Mailani at 6.05am and reaches Bichia at 10.30am. Along the way, the train halts at nine stations – Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani. Apart from forests and wildlife sanctuaries, the route also showcases diverse natural landscapes such as wetlands, grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands, ensuring a scenic ride even during the monsoon season. This innovative venture is expected to empower the local economy by involving home-stay owners, resort operators, and travel agents, while creating employment opportunities and enhancing regional tourism. Additionally, weekly curated tours are organized under the Youth Tourism Club for students from government schools. Familiarisation (fame) tours for influencers and travel bloggers are also being conducted to promote the experience digitally and raise awareness about biodiversity conservation. - The Statesman/ANN
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Hans India
UP govt launches India's first Vistadome jungle safari train
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a first-of-its-kind Vistadome coach service connecting the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in a bid to promote tourism, according to a statement. This initiative marks Uttar Pradesh as the first state in the country to offer a jungle safari experience via a Vistadome train. The new tourist train offers breathtaking panoramic views of the forest landscape, thanks to specially designed coaches equipped with large glass windows and transparent roofs, the statement said. The initiative aims to offer travellers a thrilling wildlife experience while showcasing the natural beauty of the state, it said. Currently, the service operates on weekends but plans are underway to expand it to daily operations, making it accessible to more visitors. This initiative also provides a new dimension to nature-based tourism and is expected to generate local employment opportunities and boost the region's economy. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra said, "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is working hard to make the state's forest areas famous nationally and internationally as 'One Destination Three Forests'." "As part of this initiative, Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary have been integrated to provide tourists with an accessible and exciting experience through the operation of the Vistadome coach," Mishra said. He explained that the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has launched this service to offer tourists a unique nature trail and jungle safari experience throughout the year. Through the Vistadome coach, tourists can travel 107 kilometres inside the forest and closely experience natural scenery, biodiversity and wildlife. The journey lasts approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes with tickets priced at Rs 275 per tourist for the route.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Time of India
UP govt to increase trips of vistadome safari in Dudhwa
Lucknow: Now, you will be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of nature without leaving your seat. In a major push to promote eco-tourism and attract nature lovers, the Yogi govt has decided to expand the services of first-of-its-kind vistadome coach service connecting Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to Dudhwa Tiger Reserve . Currently, the service operates on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays, but plans are underway to expand it to daily operations, making it accessible to more visitors year-round. Not only will this initiative give a new dimension to nature-based tourism, but it is also expected to generate local employment opportunities and boost the region's economy. The initiative had marked UP as the first state in the country to offer a jungle safari experience via a vistadome train. The new tourist train offers panoramic views of the forest landscape, thanks to specially designed coaches equipped with large glass windows and transparent roofs. The initiative aims to offer travellers a thrilling wildlife experience while showcasing the natural beauty of the state. Through vistadome coach, tourists can travel 107 kilometres inside the forest and closely experience natural scenery, biodiversity, and wildlife. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo The journey lasts approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. The train service is also quite affordable, with a ticket priced at just Rs 275 per tourist for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park. Tourism director Prakhar Mishra said that CM Yogi is working hard to make the state's forest areas famous nationally and internationally as "One Destination Three Forests". As part of this initiative, Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary have been integrated to provide tourists with an accessible and exciting experience through the operation of the vistadome coach. He said that the Uttar Pradesh eco-tourism development board launched this service to offer tourists a unique nature trail and jungle safari experience throughout the year. Mishra said the board is preparing a package to transport tourists from Lucknow to Katarniaghat. The govt is considering providing subsidies on this package to make it more accessible to visitors. He further shared details about the Bichia to Mailani tourist passenger train (No. 52259), which offers a 107km journey filled with rich biodiversity.
