Modi takes history lessons for tourism

Behind the rehaul of sorts is the realisation by the state that neighbouring states have successfully leveraged a similar history into successful tourist ventures. Rajasthan’s medieval monuments, Modi admitted, had become magnets for tourists, and Gujarat needed to get its act together.

Part of that list is the Gurdwara at Lakhpat, a location of prominence in the life of Guru Nanak, which has since been reconstructed by the local people, with government help. ‘‘On the other hand, there is Udwara, where the Parsis first settled in the 16th century,’’ the CM said. It would remind visitors that Gujarat had a history of ‘‘sheltering communities fleeing persecution and terrorism’’, he added.

Of the tourist circuits being envisaged is the ‘‘Krishna Circuit’’ with Dwarka at the forefront. Then, there is the ‘‘Gandhi circuit’’ including Porbandar, Sabarmati Ashram and Rajkot. Other plans on the anvil, officials said, include sea cruises from Mumbai to Mandvi.