Not just forts and beaches, hop into Maharashtra resorts’ libraries too to make your stay memorable
If it isn’t the water park that takes your fancy or a long trek in the lush environs of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra’s Satara district, then the ideal place to catch a few quiet hours is at the newly set up library at the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) resort. The project has taken off on a pilot basis at two tourist spots – Mahabaleshwar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) –to rediscover the joy of reading.
“This is part of a new model that we are working on, mainly responsible tourism,” Deepak Harane, MTDC regional manager, told The Indian Express. “We want our youngsters not only to visit forts, winding ghats, and overflowing waterfalls but also be aware of our cultural heritage and traditions,” he says.
According to officials, lined along the shelves at the tourist resort of Mahabaleshwar are books such as Dr Sheshrao Pathade’s `Tamasha -Loknatyatil Abhinay’ on the traditional form of Marathi theatre, Professor Chandrakant Gaikwad’s `Gadkillyancha Safarnama’ on the history of forts, Renuka Kad’s `Ekal Mahilanche Charcha Vishwa’ to novels and religious texts like The Quran.
Officials say the MTDC is keen on replicating the library project across 28 other resorts. Books will be purchased as per the room strength at the resort. For instance, some locations such as the Mahabaleshwar resort have more than 100 rooms while another one at Koynanagar has only 24 rooms. Books will be purchased accordingly, they say.
Plans are afoot to start reading rooms at Lonar in Buldhana district and at MTDC- Ajanta Fardapur village in Aurangabad
An initiative of Maharashtra Tourism Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MTDC officials said that they were told to make the visitors’ stay an entertaining and memorable one.
“Plans were made to start a library not only to encourage tourists to read on varied topics but also to wean youngsters away from their mobile phones. Instead of staring at their mobile screens they can wander through the library and pick up a book of their choice,” Harane said.
For those visiting Maharashtra for the first time, it can be fascinating to read about the culture of the place and different lifestyles, he said.
Apart from the focus on tourism in Maharashtra, and information about saints and revolutionaries, officials also plan to purchase books on science, fiction, and comics for children. These books are in Hindi, English and Marathi. At times most visitors also donate books.
The MTDC manages 30 tourist resorts and has identified other operators to coordinate accommodation and food at 55 other locations in Maharashtra. These locations range from religious sites, historic forts, dense forests, and hill stations to pristine beaches.
According to MTDC officials, bookings at their 30 tourist resorts are almost full till the end of April. “Most tourists prefer weekend getaways and already an 85 per cent occupancy has been registered at our resorts for the month of May,” Harane said.
As part of the responsible tourism concept, MTDC officials are also promoting local food items in its canteens and special dishes such as pithale and usal, among many others from the local cuisine are being offered to tourists.
