Delhi proud with the Best Heritage City award

The Capital on Wednesday bagged four top honours in different categories at the National Tourism Awards as tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahay hinted at developing India as a "365-day destination with a special thrust on places for cruise and film tourism". Besides Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Sikkim received many awards from President Pratibha Patil.

Sikkim, particularly, was the best choice for "innovative execution of Clean India Campaign of the Tourism ministry". Chief minister Pawan Chamling received the award for initiatives in maintaining a clean and green state, efficient garbage management and disposal, health and hygiene, green mission and maintaining biodiversity.

The north-eastern state also bagged the Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Project Award 2010-11 for the vision and construction of world-class pilgrimage-cum cultural tourism complex (Siddesvara Dham) at Solophok, Namchi in south Sikkim.

Delhi was voted the "perfect" choice for Best Heritage City and Best Heritage Walk. While Delhi tourism received the first award, INTACH's Delhi chapter grabbed the second trophy. There were a few surprises in store too.

The newlook New Delhi railway station also received the award for Best Tourism-Friendly Railway Station. The other National Tourism Award in the category of most innovative/unique tourism project for the year 2010-11 was given to Delhi Division's Rewari Steam Loco Shed for making it a tourist spot.

(Source: www.tourexpi.com)