First encyclopaedic website on India launched

The site, created at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore, offers extensive data, descriptive details and fascinating images that make India come alive on the net. The company plans to invest another Rs 10 crore in due course, he said.

The list includes Indian architecture, art, culture, festivals, religion, hotels, bazars, industries, companies, their profiles, products and markets, he said.

To cater to information needs of foreign tourists, the website is going online with four popular destinations 8212; Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh 8212; to begin with, while other states will be included by 2000-end.

The highlights of the website includes over 1.5 lakh images, a 360 degree panoramic view, online booking of hotels and airlines, commentary in Indian and foreign languages and a 24-hour on-line help service.

It will also provide in-depth information on business houses, manufacturers and service industries, he said, adding, quot;We plan to make the site profitable through advertisements and tie-ups with industries.quot;