Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is an initiative launched by the Government of India to promote integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits across the country. Introduced in 2014–15 by the Ministry of Tourism, the scheme aims to harness India’s rich cultural, spiritual, historical, and natural heritage to enhance tourism infrastructure, boost regional economies, and generate employment. It represents a significant policy step towards sustainable and inclusive tourism development in line with India’s broader vision of cultural preservation and economic growth.

Background and Rationale

Tourism in India has long been recognised as a sector with immense potential for generating income, employment, and cross-cultural understanding. However, prior to the 2010s, tourism infrastructure remained unevenly developed, with most investments concentrated in a few popular destinations. Recognising this imbalance, the Government of India introduced the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to systematically develop theme-based circuits, focusing on holistic planning and interconnectivity rather than isolated site development.
The scheme complements other major tourism initiatives, including the PRASAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive), which focuses on pilgrimage destinations, and the Dekho Apna Desh campaign, promoting domestic travel. Together, these programmes form part of the government’s vision to make India a globally competitive and sustainable tourism destination.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was designed with the following key objectives:

• To develop integrated theme-based tourist circuits in a planned and prioritised manner.
• To promote cultural and heritage values by showcasing India’s diversity.
• To ensure development of world-class infrastructure for both domestic and international tourists.
• To generate employment and economic growth in rural and semi-urban regions.
• To enhance the visitor experience through improved connectivity, signage, amenities, and safety.
• To promote sustainable tourism practices that protect natural and cultural resources.

Concept of Theme-Based Circuits

The unique feature of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme lies in its circuit-based approach. Each circuit connects multiple destinations that share a common theme, such as spirituality, culture, nature, or heritage. This approach ensures the comprehensive development of linked sites, creating seamless tourist experiences and maximising economic benefits along the circuit.
As of its implementation, fifteen thematic circuits were identified under the scheme:

1. Buddhist Circuit – Sites associated with Lord Buddha’s life and teachings (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, etc.).
2. Coastal Circuit – Destinations along India’s vast coastline promoting beach and marine tourism.
3. Desert Circuit – Focused on Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, showcasing desert landscapes and culture.
4. Eco Circuit – Emphasising nature-based and ecotourism destinations such as Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
5. Heritage Circuit – Highlighting historical monuments and heritage cities across states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
6. Himalayan Circuit – Covering hill states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-Eastern region.
7. Krishna Circuit – Focusing on sites related to Lord Krishna’s life in states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
8. North-East Circuit – Developing the North-Eastern states as major tourism hubs with unique cultural and natural attractions.
9. Ramayana Circuit – Connecting locations associated with Lord Rama’s life across India.
10. Rural Circuit – Promoting rural life, handicrafts, and traditions to encourage village tourism.
11. Spiritual Circuit – Emphasising inter-faith and spiritual tourism beyond specific religions.
12. Sufi Circuit – Highlighting Sufi shrines and spiritual centres, mainly in North India.
13. Tirthankar Circuit – Covering Jain pilgrimage sites across different states.
14. Tribal Circuit – Promoting tribal culture and lifestyle in regions such as Chhattisgarh and Nagaland.
15. Wildlife Circuit – Showcasing national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for eco-tourism and conservation awareness.

Each circuit is carefully selected to reflect the diversity and uniqueness of India’s tourism potential, combining natural beauty with cultural and spiritual heritage.

Implementation and Funding Mechanism

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with state governments and union territories. The projects are executed through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model wherever feasible, with central financial assistance provided for infrastructure development.

• The scheme operates on a 100% centrally funded basis for Union Territories and on a shared cost basis for states.
• Projects are sanctioned based on Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by states or implementing agencies.
• Components funded include wayside amenities, tourist facilitation centres, sound and light shows, eco-friendly infrastructure, parking, public conveniences, and safety measures.

Between 2014 and 2022, more than 70 projects were sanctioned across various states with a cumulative outlay exceeding ₹5,500 crore, covering themes such as Buddhist, Coastal, and Heritage circuits.

Key Achievements and Impact

Since its inception, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has made significant progress in enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure and regional connectivity. Notable achievements include:

• Development of iconic sites: Projects have been completed in locations such as Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Ajanta–Ellora (Maharashtra), and Puri (Odisha).
• Boost to regional economies: The scheme has generated employment for local communities through homestays, handicrafts, and hospitality services.
• Promotion of sustainable tourism: Emphasis on eco-friendly construction, renewable energy use, and waste management systems.
• Integration with other initiatives: The scheme aligns with the Smart Cities Mission, Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), and Incredible India 2.0 campaign.

Tourist arrivals in several regions have shown measurable growth following infrastructure improvements under the scheme, contributing to local development and community participation.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 – The Revised Framework

In 2022, the Ministry of Tourism launched Swadesh Darshan 2.0, an upgraded version of the original scheme, to align with changing tourism trends and sustainability goals. The new phase shifts focus from infrastructure creation to destination management and sustainable development.
The key features of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 include:

• Destination-Centric Approach: Prioritising the holistic development of selected destinations rather than entire circuits.
• Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Integrating the principles of environmental sustainability, local community benefit, and cultural preservation.
• Tourism Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation and start-ups in the tourism sector.
• Digital Infrastructure: Promoting smart tourism technologies, including digital mapping, information systems, and mobile applications.
• Community Participation: Ensuring local involvement in planning, operations, and maintenance for long-term benefits.

This reform aims to position India as a global leader in sustainable tourism by focusing on quality visitor experiences and inclusive growth.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its success, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme faces several implementation challenges:

• Coordination Issues: The involvement of multiple agencies sometimes causes delays in project approval and execution.
• Maintenance and Upkeep: Ensuring long-term maintenance of developed sites remains a concern, particularly after project completion.
• Funding Constraints: Variation in state-level financial and administrative capacity affects uniform implementation.
• Environmental Concerns: Infrastructure development in ecologically sensitive areas requires careful monitoring to prevent degradation.