India'>India’s government has announced plans to develop three major heritage sites as leading tourist and spiritual destinations in the state of Assam.

The three sites – Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Island and Gandhi Mandap Temple – all in the city of Guwahati, will be developed so they can be recognised as leading tourist destinations within India.

“Our Government is planning to develop Kamakhya Temple into a world class tourist and spiritual destination by upgrading the prevailing infrastructure and ensuring cleanliness in and around the temple,” said Sarbananda Sonowal, chief minister of Assam.

“We will also be upgrading Umananda Island, which with its temple is a natural treasure in the heart of the Brahmaputra river and if utilised to its full potential, can be a huge boon for the state in terms of developing tourism in Assam.

“We are also planning to renovate Mandap to create a beautiful hilltop environment.”

In addition to renovating Mandap, the government also is planning to build a viewing tower at the site, where visitors will be able to see panoramic views of Guwahati and surrounding countryside.

These plans, coupled with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – a national campaign by the Indian government to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country – will boost the regional brand “Awesome Assam” and bring further development to the area, according to the minister.