Govt keen to promote international tourism to Mathura: UP min

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to exploit the rich cultural heritage of Brijbhumi to promote tourism among international tourists. The move is expected to generate local employment in and around Mathura.

“The government has decided to rope in various travel agencies to encourage the Taj Mahal-bound international tourists to visit Mathura as well to explore its various religious and cultural marvels, including the local temples and the museum,” said state Minister for Culture and Minorities Welfare Laxmi Narain Chaudhary.

The state cultural secretary has been instructed to initiate talks with travel agencies to discuss this project and encourage them to include Mathura on the travel itinerary of international tourists. “Mathura district magistrate too has been asked to revise the travel itinerary and include Mathura Museum too in it,” he said.

The antique idols and sculptures kept in Mathura museum belong to Kushan period and are of immense historical and archaeological value. “Owing to their historical and cultural importance, these artefacts are well known the world over, making their replicas a popular gift to foreign dignitaries by the government,” the minister said.