Declare Puri Jagannath And Konark Sun Temples as Iconic Tourist Sites: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan 

Urging to include the Jagannath Mandir of Puri and Sun Temple of Konark in the proposed list of the iconic tourist sites, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written a letter to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, reports Economic Times.

"Keeping in mind the paramount historical, cultural and religious importance of Konark's Sun Temple and Puri's Lord Jagannath Temple... I request your personal intervention for their inclusion in the list of iconic tourist sites," said Pradhan in his letter to Culture and Tourism Minister (Independent Charge) Prahlad Singh Patel.

Under the Iconic Tourist Sites Development Project, the Centre has identified 17 sites across the country.

"Along with Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark form the golden triangle of tourism in the state, attracting millions of visitors from across the globe," appraised the Petroleum Minister.

Promoting Odisha's handloom and handicraft products, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched the revamped website of Odisha Tourism.

The CM said that tourist arrivals to the state is growing at an 'impressive' annual rate of 9 per cent.