Tourism potential in Himachal Pradesh is expanding with the Androli area near Govind Sagar Lake in Bangana tehsil of Una district developing into a prominent destination for adventure tourism and water sports. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said the initiative is being pursued in accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to strengthen adventure tourism across the state.
Water sports operations in the area have been launched after an agreement was signed with Mayfield Adventures through the Kutlehar Tourism Development Society. The company has begun providing multiple recreational facilities for tourists as well as local residents, adding new momentum to tourism activities in the region.
Highlighting the state’s natural charm, the Deputy Commissioner said Devbhoomi Himachal has long been a preferred tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and cultural richness. He said that consistent efforts by the state government are now translating into new opportunities in adventure tourism. Set against a picturesque mountain backdrop, Govind Sagar Lake, along with newly introduced water-based attractions, is giving Androli a unique place on the state’s tourism map.
At present, visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, jet skiing, ATV rides, hot air ballooning, speed boating and dragon rides. Plans are also underway to introduce additional activities such as banana-bumper rides, water jetovators, shikara rides, a cruise with a capacity of over 100 passengers, zip lining, paramotoring, floating jetties and paragliding in the coming days.
The project is expected to generate employment and business opportunities for local youth. During a recent visit to the site, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal participated in several adventure activities, including a hot air balloon ride, and said the facility has emerged as an attractive option for families, children and tourists seeking leisure, sightseeing and adventure experiences.
He noted that earlier, people either had to travel to far-off destinations for such activities or return disappointed due to inadequate facilities. The availability of water sports at Androli has now made these experiences easily accessible within the district.
The Deputy Commissioner said the water sports operations were finalised through a competitive and transparent tender process. Mayfield Adventures secured the contract after submitting the highest bid of Rs 80.05 lakh. The entire process was conducted under the supervision of a committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Una, to ensure transparency.
To further strengthen Androli’s development as an organised adventure tourism hub, a proposal for an investment of Rs 10 crore with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been prepared. He said improved connectivity through the Mandli–Lathiani bridge and road project over Govind Sagar Lake would further accelerate tourism growth in the area.
He also pointed out that adventure sports meets organised by the police department in recent years have brought national-level recognition to Androli, with participants from across the country taking part.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal reiterated that promoting tourism is a key component of the Chief Minister’s strategy to create self-employment opportunities for youth, and the introduction of water sports at Govind Sagar Lake is a major step towards boosting the local economy.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
