Government initiatives can make tourism more commercially viable in Sindh, focusing on preserving historical sites, improving facilities at resorts, and promoting the region’s rich culture and natural beauty
By Dolat Ram Khatri
Tourism holds great importance worldwide, with several countries gaining significant recognition due to their historical and tourist sites. Some nations, such as Switzerland and Thailand, rely heavily on tourism for their economy. European countries dominate the list of popular tourist destinations, followed by countries in Africa, America, and Asia. Globally, Switzerland and Singapore stand out as exceptionally beautiful countries, with notable attractions like the islands of Java in Indonesia, museums in France and Germany, and the pyramids in Egypt and Algeria. These destinations remain crowded with tourists year-round.
In Pakistan, places like Kashmir and other regions also offer numerous historical and tourist spots. However, these locations have not yet reached their full commercial potential. September 27 is celebrated as World Tourism Day annually. On this occasion, tourism departments worldwide plan initiatives to boost tourism, offering necessary facilities at resorts and tourist spots to attract more visitors, which in turn benefits the economy.
The Karoonjhar Mountain Range, with its natural beauty, can become a major commercial tourist hub if properly developed.
In Sindh, the region’s rich history and traditions include several forts and historical sites. From Mohenjo-Daro to Karoonjhar and from Kot Diji Fort to the Umerkot Fort, there are numerous locations of historical significance. The Gorakh Hill Station and the sites of Makli, Ranikot, Bhit Shah, and Sehwan Sharif all attract crowds throughout the year. However, many of these sites have deteriorated due to recent floods, though exact data on the damage is yet to be released.
Globally, tourism is run on a commercial basis, which differs from the situation in Sindh. The lack of commercial planning has prevented many historical sites from receiving due recognition. Several forts and castles in Sindh have also been affected by recent rains. While Sindh has historical forts and castles, it also has Jain temples around Nagarparkar in Thar, which are known as “Jain Bhons.”
The historical sites in Thar, including the fort of Naukot, Karoonjhar, Sardharo, Dham Kasbo, Bhodesar, the village of Marvi, Bhalwa, Gori Temple, Choorio Temple, and the sand dune of Mithi – all of significant importance. Every year during the monsoon season, these places are crowded with tourists. However, many of these sites are in a state of disrepair, such as Naukot Fort, which was built by Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur in 1814. Mithi’s sand dune is a popular picnic spot, but it lacks proper facilities, such as a well-maintained park for children. Additionally, the site lacks hotels or restaurants for visitors.
The lack of commercial planning has prevented many historical sites from receiving due recognition
Near Mithi, there is a newly developed hill station called “Nai Gadhi Bhitt” where development work is ongoing. Forty kilometers from Mithi is Islamkot, home to the Sant Nenuram Ashram, a symbol of religious harmony in Thar that attracting many visitors. Further along, the Gori Temple stands as a remarkable example of ancient art and architecture. Most of the temples around Nagarparkar date back to the 11th century and are made of marble.
The village of Bhalwa is known for being the home of Marvi, a legendary character in Sindhi folklore. The village has a well associated with Marvi and a small museum set up by the Department of Culture and Tourism that draws many visitors. Bhodesar, located in the plains near Nagarparkar, is home to an ancient mosque and Jain temple. These sites, including Bhodesar Lake, have been badly affected by recent rains.
The area around Karoonjhar Mountain, with its Hindu temples and beautiful streams like Gordharo and Bhitiyani, is a significant tourist attraction. The Department of Culture and Tourism has constructed a cultural complex in this area. Ten kilometers from Nagarparkar lies the lush village of Kasbo, home to two temples frequently visited by tourists. Nearby, the visually impaired artist Yousuf Faqir is known for his musical performances. Choorio Temple, located 40 kilometers southeast of Nagarparkar, is a stunning site, with the surrounding views adding to its beauty.
Despite government efforts to develop the Choorio Temple, much more needs to be done to preserve the historical monuments around Bhodesar and Virawah. The Karoonjhar Mountain Range, with its natural beauty, can become a major commercial tourist hub if properly developed. Government initiatives can make tourism more commercially viable in Sindh, focusing on preserving historical sites, improving facilities at resorts, and promoting the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Read: Jain delegation from India visits ancient temples in Thar Desert of Sindh
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Writer is Lecturer in Chemistry at Sadiq Faqeer Boys’ Degree College, Mithi, the headquarter town of District Tharparkar Sindh. He is writer and columnist and regularly contributes to various newspapers. He is author of a book ‘Dharti, Dard Pukaroon’, a compilation of his articles.
