Gujarat is developing a world-class facility, close to the Archaeological Survey of India in Lothal. It is about 80 km away from the city of Ahmedabad, and is the National Maritime Heritage Complex. The new tourist destination is going to be an international tourist attraction that is all about the maritime heritage of India from the ancient times to the modern times.
The idea is to create an edutainment (education with entertainment) approach for this destination that would be of great interest for the visitors.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is going to cover an area of 400 ac, with structures such as Heritage Theme Park, National Maritime Heritage Museum, Lighthouse Museum, Maritime Institute, eco-resorts, and more. All of this would be developed over a period of time.
Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister, Culture and Tourism, has said that it is important to bring this all together in order to showcase the cultural heritage. The Cultural Ministry has agreed to extend all support as a knowledge partner for the development of this project. Already, the land transfer formalities have been completed, and environment clearances have been received.
This is a first-of-its-kind project that is going to put the country’s rich and diverse maritime glory on display. The country’s great Maritime Heritage will be celebrated on an international level through this tourist destination. Moreover, Indians will also become aware of this heritage.