17-07-2025
FAM trip to Kannauj on scent trail
Lucknow: To promote perfume tourism and establish Kannauj as a prominent destination on the global tourism map, Uttar Pradesh Tourism department has sent off a delegation of 28 stakeholders on a day-long special Familiarization Trip (FAM Trip) on Thursday.
The trip was flagged off by tourism minister Jaiveer Singh.
The delegation included key players from the tourism ecosystem, such as prominent tour and travel operators, hoteliers, and social media influencers.
Urging the participants to promote the distinct features of Kannauj as a unique tourism destination, the minister said: "This is not merely a journey, but a cultural immersion into the fragrance and essence of UP.
The initiative reflects the department's vision to position UP's traditional, cultural, and experiential sites on the global tourism map." He added that his expectation from the visit would not be limited to the alleys of perfume but would lead to a broader vision.
"As tourism stakeholders, I urge you all to become active contributors in elevating Kannauj's tourism profile. I also invite you to share your valuable suggestions post this trip, so we may together position Kannauj on the world stage, similar to Grasse in France, known as the perfume capital of the world," he their visit to Kannauj, the participants explored the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) and other perfume-making units.
They closely observed the traditional steam distillation techniques used to create natural attars (perfumes) from elements like mitti (earth), rose, jasmine, kewra, and bela.
The process left a lasting impression on the delegates. They also visited heritage attractions such as the Kannauj Archaeological Museum, the 52-Khamba Makhdoom Jahanian Mosque, Bada Bazaar, and the ancient Gauri Shankar Baba Temple.