Gandhinagar, Jul 16 (IANS): The Gujarat government on Thursday announced it is planning a tourism circuit involving Saurashtra's beaches, pilgrim places and lions.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched projects worth Rs 126.96 crore regarding pilgrim places in Gujarat from Gandhinagar online.

Rupani said that, "The Gujarat government is mulling developing a tourist circuit involving pilgrim places, beaches in Saurashtra and the pride of Gujarat, lions of Gir forest and chalk out a circuit surrounding all these places. Pilgrim places like Jyotirling Somnath and Girnar hill, historical places like Uparkot, the beaches of Somnath and lion sighting in Gir Lion Sanctuary in Saurashtra."

He said that, "The Gujarat government is resolved to make Gujarat a world tourist destination state by development of various tourist centres in the state."

"The ropeway in Girnar which will begin shortly in the coming days will be a new major attraction for tourism in the state," added Rupani.

Rs 45 crore worth of developmental works was carried out at the Somnath temple in Veraval. Union Minister of state for tourism, Prahladsinh Patel was also present for the launch through video link.

"The state government is actively working on developing world class facilities like large parking space, community kitchen, Tourism Information Center, Somnath Museum at the Somnath trust temple. Gujarat is emerging as a new force in economic growth by providing more jobs in service sectors like tourism," added Rupani.

Public dedication of many other pilgrim places was also carried out during the e-launch.