Sorath(Junagadh) circuit to be developed as tourism hub

The government of Gujarat will develop Saputara, Siddhpur, Dev Ni Mori, Sarkhej complex, Champaner, Porbandar, Palitana, Patan, Dandi and Narayan Sarovar-Koteshwar to make them more attractive for tourists. The Gujarat Maritime Board will develop beaches at Sarkheshwar in Amreli, Shivrajpur in Jamnagar, Suvali in Surat and Tithal in Valsad district.

While presenting the budget for 2009-10, state finance minister Vajubhai Vala allocated Rs 600 crore for development of tourism in Gujarat. Apart from developing beaches, airports and other tourist sites, state government plans to develop Junagadh as a tourist spot.

Under the Rs 600 crore Swarnim Jayanti Sorath Vikas project, Junagadh and surrounding areas will be developed. This is also being done considering that this ‘Sorath’ region houses Somnath temple, Ahmedpur-Mandvi beach and the Asiatic lion sanctuary in Gir.

The government has also decided to develop Junagadh-Somnath-Porbander-Dwarka highway.