The ministry of tourism has included 36 destinations from 19 states/Union Territories in the first phase of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

These destinations are picked up based on the State Perspective Plans submitted by respective states to the ministry.

These destinations are:

• Andhra Pradesh - Gandikota, Arakku-Lambassingi

• Arunachal Pradesh - Bomjir, Mechuka

• Assam - Jorhat, Kokrajhar (Manas)

• Bihar - Gaya, Nalanda

• Chandigarh - Chandigarh

• Goa - Porvorim, Colva

• Gujarat - Dholavira, Dwarka

• Karnataka - Hampi, Mysuru

• Kerala - Kumarakom, Beypore (Kozhikode)

• Ladakh - Leh, Kargil

• Lakshadweep - Lakshadweep

• Nagaland - Niuland, Chumoukedima

• Meghalaya - Shillong, Sohra

• Mizoram - Aizawl, Champhai

• Puducherry - Puducherry, Karaikal

• Punjab - Amritsar, Kapurthala

• Rajasthan - Bundi (Kesoripatan), Jodhpur

• Tamil Nadu - Mamallapuram, The Nilgiris

• Tripura - Agartala, Unakoti.

Swadesh Darshan

For tourism infrastructure creation in the country, the ministry of tourism has two major schemes, launched during 2014-15.

They are:

i) Swadesh Darshan: Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

ii) PRASHAD: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive for development of tourism infrastructure in the country including historical places and heritage cities.

Swadesh Darshan

Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the government has developed critical tourism infrastructure in the country in a sustainable and inclusive manner to make India into a world class tourist destination. 

Swadesh Darshan scheme has a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. 

Under the scheme, 15 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are:

• North-East India Circuit

• Buddhist Circuit

• Himalayan Circuit

• Coastal Circuit

• Krishna Circuit

• Desert Circuit

• Tribal Circuit

• Eco Circuit

• Wildlife Circuit

• Rural Circuit

• Spiritual Circuit

• Ramayana Circuit

• Heritage Circuit

• Tirthankar Circuit

• Sufi Circuit. 

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The ministry of tourism has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in order to develop sustainable and responsible destination centric approach with objectives such as:

i) Enhancing contribution of tourism to local economies.

ii) Creating jobs including self-employment for local communities.

iii) Enhancing skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality.

iv) Increasing private sector investment in tourism and hospitality.

v) Preserving and enhancing local cultural and natural resources.

The ministry under this scheme provides financial assistance to state governments or Union Territory administrations or central agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

The projects under this scheme are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports (DPR), adherence to scheme guidelines and utilisation of funds released earlier, among others.

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