New Delhi: Tourism Ministry is contemplating throwing open historic monuments across the country in the night hours in a bid to promote tourism in the country.

The Tourism Department will be extending the visiting hours in the night apart from morning hours, Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan told reporters on July 20.

In every state at least one monument would be illuminated and plans are also afoot to make films on the majestic Red Fort and Kurukshetra for projection abroad, he said.

Government also plans to set up a tourist hub in every state in order to give a boost to domestic tourism, he said, adding efforts are on to set up such facilities in Hampi, Mahabalipuram and Kurukshetra.

Jagmohan said his ministry has taken upon itself the task to restore Ajanta Caves, one of the world heritage monuments, its original glory.

Under the Rs 40 crore project, a new centre has already been created three km away from the cave complex with all facilities for the visiting tourists.

"In a few months time tourists visiting Aurangabad will be ferried to the Ajanta caves in battery-run buses to provide a pollution-free ambience there," he said.

"The road leading to a horse-shoe shaped mountain in Sayadhri Hills, where these caves are situated, will have a new look as the shanties and kiosks near the caves have been removed and a new centre for shopping and other tourist facilities have been built three km away from the foothills of the mountains," the minister said.

PTI