The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is coming up with a new quick response (QR) code-based audio tour portal to boost tourism and enhance visitor experiences at historical and cultural sites. Sites including the Taj Mahal, Varanasi’s ancient temples, Ayodhya’s spiritual landmarks, and other iconic destinations in the state will be among the hundreds of other attractions where tourists can access audio guides.
The audio tour system is part of a broader effort by the state to make its rich heritage more accessible to both domestic and international travellers. Visitors will be able to access immersive audio content on digital platforms and receive in-depth insights into each location's history, architecture and cultural significance. Tourists will be able to use their smartphones to scan the QR codes placed at various sites.
According to reports, the aforementioned audio content will initially be available in English and Hindi. There are plans to add regional and international languages later on. The audio tours will range from one to 15 minutes, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while gaining a richer understanding of each destination. From January to June 2024, Ayodhya saw a tremendous rise in visitors, thanks to the recent construction of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The state tourism department is expecting this flow of tourists to continue.
Key sites that will feature the QR code audio tours include the Taj Mahal, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Fatehpur Sikri and Lucknow’s architectural gems like Hazratganj and Bara Imambara. The mobile-responsive web portal for the audio tours will integrate seamlessly with the QR codes, ensuring easy access to content through smartphones and tablets.
With this new initiative, Uttar Pradesh Tourism hopes to position the state as a leader in cultural tourism in India, providing an enhanced experience that respects the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
(With inputs from various news agencies)