Inclusion of Emerging Tourism Trends in SDS 2.0
Inclusion of Emerging Tourism Trends in SDS 2.0
Ministry of Tourism launched its ‘Swadesh Darshan scheme (SDS)’ in 2014-15 with the idea to develop tourism infrastructure under identified thematic tourism circuits in the country. The scheme was revamped as ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’ with the aim to develop sustainable tourism destinations with tourist and destination centric approach and has sanctioned 52 projects. In addition, the Ministry has also sanctioned 36 projects under ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan. Further Government of India under ‘Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’ scheme has also sanctioned 40 projects in the country. The projects under the above-mentioned scheme were sanctioned on receipt of the project proposals from the States, its assessment, availability of funds, inter-se priority etc. Details of projects sanctioned under SD2.0, CBDD and SASCI is annexed.
The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme recognizes that in order to minimize the negative impacts and maximise positive impacts, sustainable and responsible tourism is a key. It encourages adoption of principles of sustainable tourism including environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability. The scheme focuses on development of variety of tourism projects including new emerging trends in order to provide enhanced experience to the tourists.
No specific study has been undertaken to incorporate emerging trends in Swadesh Darshan scheme. However, the scheme guidelines provide an illustrative list of components which can enhance tourism potential covering tourism core products, tourism activities, performing art infra, sanitation & safety, connectivity & parking, general site development, soft interventions etc. The projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD and SASCI schemes include a variety of projects covering various tourism trends and immersive experiences such as beach experience, cave experience, adventure, border experience, meditation centre, convention centre, religious & spiritual aspects, bird sanctuary, historical theme park, tribal culture experience, fort, bio-diversity and eco-recreation, sub-marine tourism etc.
In order to provide better connectivity, the Ministry under its schemes also provides assistance for last mile connectivity. The Ministry co-ordinates with concerned line Ministries to improve connectivity including road and air connectivity.
As informed by Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), MoCA has launched Regional Connectivity Scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) on 21.10.2016 to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country and make air travel affordable to the masses. During the 3rd round of bidding under the UDAN Scheme, a total of 106 tourism-specific routes were incorporated at the request of Ministry of Tourism.
A total of 53 Tourism RCS routes operated till 31.01.2025 under UDAN with 100% VGF support by Ministry of Tourism, providing direct air connectivity to tourist destinations and cultural sites in the country.
The government has also announced the launch of modified UDAN Scheme to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations across the country and cater to 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years. The scheme will also support helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational and North East Region districts.
The Ministry has launched the revamped version of Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) as a comprehensive resource of travellers and stakeholders interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and diverse attractions. The IIDP uses an AI-powered tool that personalizes visitor experiences by offering real-time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services. The portal has also partnered with several Online Travel Agents (OTAs) and stakeholders for seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs & buses and tickets for ASI monuments.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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Sunil Kumar Tiwari
ANNEXURE
List of Sanctioned Projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0
S No.
State
Year of Sanction
Destination
Name of the Experience
Sanctioned Cost
(₹ Crore)
1
Andhra Pradesh
2024-25
Bapatala
Development of Suryalanka Beach Experience
97.52
2
Andhra Pradesh
2023-24
Araku-Lambasingi
Borra Cave Experience at Araku
29.87
3
Arunachal Pradesh
2023-24
Nacho
Unlock Nacho Expedition
14.02
4
Arunachal Pradesh
2023-24
Mechuka
Mechuka Cultural Haat
18.48
5
Arunachal Pradesh
2023-24
Mechuka
Mechuka Adventure Park
12.75
6
Assam
2023-24
Kokrajhar
Kokrajhar Wetland Experience
26.67
7
Assam
2023-24
Jorhat
Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate
23.88
8
Bihar
2024-25
Bodh Gaya
Development of the Buddhist Meditation & Experience Centre, Bodh Gaya
165.44
9
Chhattisgarh
2024-25
Kawardha
Bhoramdeo Corridor Development, Kabirdham District
145.99
10
Dadra Nagar & Haveli and Daman & Diu
2024-25
Daman
Daman Convention Centre
147.13
11
Goa
2023-24
Porvorim
Porvorim Creek Experience
24.07
12
Goa
2023-24
Colva
Colva Beach Experience
19.98
13
Haryana
2024-25
Panchkula
Development of Adventure Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal and Adventure Park
26.68
14
Haryana
2024-25
Panchkula
Rejuvenation of Yadavindra Garden
65.82
15
Himachal Pradesh
2024-25
Maa Chintpurni Temple (District – Una)
Development of Maa Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una
56.26
16
Karnataka
2023-24
Hampi
Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’
25.63
17
Karnataka
2023-24
Mysuru
Tonga ride Heritage experience zone
2.71
18
Karnataka
2023-24
Mysuru
Ecological Experience Zone
18.48
19
Kerala
2023-24
Kumarakom
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience
13.92
20
Kerala
2024-25
Alappuzha
Alappuzha: A Global Water Wonderland
93.17
21
Kerala
2024-25
Malampuzha
Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park
75.87
22
Ladakh
2023-24
Leh
Julley Leh Biodiversity Park
23.16
23
Ladakh
2023-24
Kargil
Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience
11.91
24
Lakshadweep
2024-25
Bangaram
Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Bangaram
81.18
25
Madhya Pradesh
2023-24
Gwalior
Phoolbagh Experience Zone
16.73
26
Madhya Pradesh
2023-24
Chitrakoot
Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot
27.21
27
Madhya Pradesh
2024-25
Pitambara Peeth, Datia
Development of Pitambara Peeth Datia
44.24
28
Maharashtra
2023-24
Pune
Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3
76.22
29
Meghalaya
2023-24
Sohra
Waterfall Trails Experience
27.84
30
Meghalaya
2023-24
Sohra
Meghalayan Age Cave Experience
32.45
31
Mizoram
2024-25
Champhai
Eco Resort Experience at Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur & Mualbuhvum, Champhai
38.85
32
Mizoram
2024-25
Champhai
Heritage and Cultural Centre, Champhai
33.87
33
Nagaland
2023-24
Chumoukedima
Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint
7.87
34
Nagaland
2023-24
Chumuoukedima
Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat
21.56
35
Nagaland
2024-25
Chumuoukedima
Adventure Tourism Experience at Jacob Village, Chumoukediema
32.54
36
Puducherry
2023-24
Karaikal
Karaikal beach and waterfront experience
20.29
37
Punjab
2023-24
Kapurthala
Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland
20.06
38
Punjab
2023-24
Amritsar
Border Tourism Experience at Attari
25.90
39
Rajasthan
2023-24
Bundi
Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan
21.65
40
Rajasthan
2024-25
Sikar
Development works at Shri Khatu Shyam Ji Temple (Sikar)
87.87
41
Rajasthan
2024-25
Karni Mata temple, Bikaner dist.
Development Works at Shri Karni mata mandir, Bikaner
22.57
42
Rajasthan
2024-25
Malaseri Dungari (District – Bhilwara)
Development of Malaseri Dungri, Bhilwara District
48.73
43
Sikkim
2023-24
Gyalshing
Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster
15.40
44
Sikkim
2023-24
Gangtok
Gangtok Cultural Village
22.59
45
Tamil Nadu
2023-24
Mamallapuram
Immersive experience at Shore Temple
30.02
46
Telangana
2023-24
Bhongir
Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone
56.81
47
Telangana
2023-24
Ananathagiri
Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest
38.00
48
Tripura
2024-25
Agartala
Tripura Heritage Village & Sangeet Experience at Agartala (Phase-1 &2)
48.94
49
Uttar Pradesh
2023-24
Prayagraj
Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp
14.52
50
Uttar Pradesh
2023-24
Naimisaranya
Vedic- wellness Experience
17.80
51
Uttarakhand
2023-24
Pithoragarh
Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji
17.86
52
Uttarakhand
2023-24
Champawat
Tea Garden Experience
19.89
TOTAL AMOUNT
2108.87
List of Sanctioned Projects under Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-Scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme
S. No.
State/UT
Year of Sanction
Name of the Project
Sanctioned Cost (In ₹ Crore)
1
Andhra Pradesh
2024-25
Ahobilam-A spiritual Odyssey
25.00
2
Andhra Pradesh
2024-25
Enriching Buddhist Heritage and Cultural Experiences at Nagarjuna Sagar
25.00
3
Arunachal Pradesh
2024-25
Bichom Dam Adventure & Eco-Tourism Project
9.90
4
Arunachal Pradesh
2024-25
Kibhito Frontier Tourism – Gateway to Serenity
4.96
5
Assam
2024-25
Panidhing Bird Sanctuary, Sivasagar
9.99
6
Bihar
2024-25
Development of Tourist Facilities at Sonepur Mela Ground, Saran
24.29
7
Chhattisgarh
2024-25
Development of Mayali Bagicha as Eco Tourism Destination
9.97
8
Goa
2024-25
Beautification and Development of Harvalem Waterfall at Mayem Village
9.81
9
Gujarat
2024-25
Transformation of sharmishtha Lake: Light & culture at Vadnagar
17.29
10
Gujarat
2024-25
The Sacred Ocean Retreat at Harsiddhi Shore, Porbandar
24.66
11
Gujarat
2024-25
THOL: Transformative Tourism’ Harmonious Sustainability, Optimized Skilling’ Leading Technology
9.96
12
Himachal Pradesh
2024-25
Tourism Infrastructure Development at Kaza
24.82
13
Himachal Pradesh
2024-25
Tourism Infrastructure Development at Rakchham, Chhitkul
4.96
14
Jharkhand
2024-25
Tourism Infrastructure Development at Ramrekha Dham, Simdega
18.87
15
Kerala
2024-25
Thalassery: The Spiritual Nexus
25.00
16
Kerala
2024-25
Varkala- Dakshin Kashi
25.00
17
Ladakh
2024-25
Advancing Mushkoh as a Sustainable Tourism Hub: Integrating wildlife Sightings and community progress
9.82
18
Madhya Pradesh
2024-25
Medieval Splendor 2.0, Orchha
25.00
19
Maharashtra
2024-25
Development of Ahmednagar Fort
25.00
20
Manipur
2024-25
Development of Ancient capital of Manipur, Langthabal Konug
24.69
21
Meghalaya
2024-25
Mawphlang cultural & Heritage centre
24.87
22
Meghalaya
2024-25
Nartiang Spiritual & Cultural Centre
24.87
23
Nagaland
2024-25
Soulful Trails: The Impur Heritage Experience, Impur Village
24.94
24
Nagaland
2024-25
Deveropment of wings over Doyang: An Eco-Tourism Haven’ Doyang Reservoir
10.00
25
Puducherry
2024-25
Development of White Town
22.19
26
Punjab
2024-25
Cultural and Heritage Strech at Hussainiwala Border, Ferozepur
25.00
27
Punjab
2024-25
Heritage street -A symbor of peace and Harmony at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar
24.90
28
Sikkim
2024-25
Echoes of Valor: The Gnathang Valley Experience,” Gnathang Village
5.00
29
Sikkim
2024-25
Kabi Chronicles: A journey through Unity and Heritage, Kabi, Mangan
24.96
30
Tamil Nadu
2024-25
lconic Transformation of Rameswaram
20.01
31
Telangana
2024-25
Digital Experience Centre at Bhuddhavanam in Nalgonda
24.85
32
Telangana
2024-25
Development of Eco-TourisJn Proiect at Nizam Sagar, Kamareddy
9.98
33
Uttar Pradesh
2024-25
Development of Cultural Landscape at Mahoba
24.98
34
Uttarakhand
2024-25
Development of Jadung Festive Ground’, Jadung
4.99
35
Uttarakhand
2024-25
Development of Kainchidham campus, Kainchidham
17.60
36
Uttarakhand
2024-25
Mana Haat project
4.99
TOTAL AMOUNT
648.10
List of Projects Sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI Scheme) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale
S. No.
State
Year of Sanction
Name of the Project
Sanctioned Cost
(In ₹ Crore)
1
Andhra Pradesh
2024-25
Enriching the fort and Gorge Experience in Gandikota
77.91
2
Andhra Pradesh
2024-25
Akhanda Godavari- (Havelok Bridge & Pushkar Ghat) in Raja Mahendravaram,
94.44
3
Arunachal Pradesh
2024-25
Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat in Pasighat
46.48
4
Assam
2024-25
Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati
97.12
5
Assam
2024-25
Beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar
94.76
6
Bihar
2024-25
Development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa
97.61
7
Bihar
2024-25
Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in Karamchat
49.51
8
Chhattisgarh
2024-25
Development of Chitrotpala Film City in Raipur
95.79
9
Chhattisgarh
2024-25
Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention Centre in Raipur
51.87
10
Goa
2024-25
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda
97.46
11
Goa
2024-25
Townsquare in Porvorim
90.74
12
Gujarat
2024-25
Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar
99.50
13
Gujarat
2024-25
Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo
51.56
14
Jharkhand
2024-25
Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya” in Koderma
34.87
15
Karnataka
2024-25
Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru
99.17
16
Karnataka
2024-25
Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda in Belgavi
100.00
17
Kerala
2024-25
Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub in Kollam
59.71
18
Kerala
2024-25
Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible in Sargaalayaa
95.34
19
Madhya Pradesh
2024-25
Orchha A Medieval Splendour in Orchha
99.92
20
Madhya Pradesh
2024-25
International Convention Centre for MICE in Bhopal
99.38
21
Maharashtra
2024-25
INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef, and submarine Tourism in Sindhudurg
46.91
22
Maharashtra
2024-25
Development of RAM-KAL PATH in Nashik
99.14
23
Manipur
2024-25
Loktak Lake Experience in Loktak
89.48
24
Meghalaya
2024-25
MICE Infrastructure in Mawkhanu
99.27
25
Meghalaya
2024-25
Redevelopment of Umiam Lake in Shillong
99.27
26
Odisha
2024-25
Development of Hirakund
99.90
27
Odisha
2024-25
Development of Satkosia
99.99
28
Punjab
2024-25
Development of Heritage Street as a tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar Bhaghat Singh at Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar
53.45
29
Rajasthan
2024-25
Development at Amber-Nahargarh and Surrounding Area in Jaipur
49.31
30
Rajasthan
2024-25
Development at Jalmahal in Jaipur
96.61
31
Sikkim
2024-25
Skywalk, Bhaleydhunga, Yangang in Namchi
97.37
32
Sikkim
2024-25
Border Experience in Nathula
68.19
33
Tamil Nadu
2024-25
Development of Nandavanam Heritage Park in Mammallapuram
99.67
34
Tamil Nadu
2024-25
Garden of Flowers in Devala
70.23
35
Telangana
2024-25
Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Ramappa
73.74
36
Telangana
2024-25
Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat in Nallamala
68.10
37
Tripura
2024-25
Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati
97.70
38
Uttar Pradesh
2024-25
Development of Bateshwar in District-Agra
74.05
39
Uttar Pradesh
2024-25
Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in Shrawasti
80.24
40
Uttarakhand
2024-25
Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station in Rishikesh
100.00
TOTAL AMOUNT