Chhattarpur (MP), Jun 15 : After Kingfisher and Jet Airways, it is the national carrier Air India that has suspended flights to the world-famous Khajuraho, in this district, as the number of tourists has declined drastically due to the soaring mercury levels.
Air India, which operates flights to Khajuraho twice a week, did not ply any flight to this destination today. "We have suspended our flight following a considerable dip in the number of tourists due to hot weather," an AI official told PTI.
Kingfisher suspended its air service to Khajuraho on March 26 and Jet Airways followed the suit on April 30. However, AI continued to operate flights, despite the scorching heat, which shot up to 48 degree Celsius 10 days back. But, the last AI flight to come to Khajuraho was on Monday.
According to officials, only 6778 tourists, including 514 foreigners, visited Khajuraho between June 1 and 11 due to the unbearable temperature.
Official figures say that 44,929 tourists, including 12,247 foreigners came in January, 35,921, including 13,610 foreigners in February, 34,067, including 11,264 foreigners in March, 20,702, with 6,224 foreigners in April and 18,373 tourists, including 2,125 foreigners in May, came to enjoy the beauty of the Khajuraho temples
constructed between 950 and 1050 AD, during the reign of Chandela Empire.
Last year, 3,25,671 tourists, including 90,721 foreigners, visited Khajuraho. After the Taj Mahal and the state of Rajasthan, Khajuraho is the most favoured destination for the foreign tourists. PTI
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