The famous sunrise point of Netarhat. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Sept. 26: Good news for travel-buffs this Puja. Netarhat and Betla are close, now that bookings to these destinations are available through the state tourism department.

The response to the new project has been so tremendously positive that officials of the tourism department have already started claiming that the government rest houses in Netarhat and Betla are booked till the end of Durga Puja.

Various units of the Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) are doing the bookings for the trips, in the state. The same can also be done through Calcutta-based travel agents, which in turn are attracting tourists from the neighbouring state of West Bengal.

The officials of the tourism department and JTDC maintained the package was started after the positive response received in Calcutta during the Travel and Tourism Fair, organised recently.

The department also organised a road show in which more than 200 travel agents participated. The agents had a lot of queries, mainly related to Netarhat and Betla. And interestingly, more than 10 spot bookings for the trip were done in Calcutta alone, the officials maintained.

?Jharkhand gets most of its tourists from West Bengal and that is why there was a need to exploit the potential, which could bring in the maximum benefits to the state. Therefore, these travel agents were also roped in, so that they could help in booking tours to Jharkhand. The cost of the total package has also been kept nominal. And it includes travelling and accommodation, too,? maintained director of the department S.S. Prasad. However, with neither the government nor JTDC having adequate vehicles for transportation, a bit of hassle may be expected.

The trip ? two nights and three days ? covers Koel View, also called Sunrise Point, Netarhat dam, upper and lower reaches of Ghagri, Magnolia Point or Sunset Point, Sadni Falls, Betla Wildlife Sanctuary and the fort of the Chiro Kings. The charges are Rs 1,800 per person, inclusive of accommodation, food, sightseeing, bus services and AC transportation. Contact Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation, 5 Main Road, Ranchi-834001. Tel: 0651-2330538, 2331828, 2331643; email: jharkhandtourism@ yahoo.co.in.