Swadesh Darshan is a Government of India scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits. It aims to develop tourism infrastructure in pre-defined tourist circuits in a planned and prioritized manner. The Swadesh Darshad scheme was launched in March, 2015, by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Background:
India’s rich cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage offers a huge potential for tourism development and job creation. In the Budget Speech 2014-15, Central government announced the decision to create tourist circuits around distinct themes. A Tourist Circuit is a route which covers at least three major tourist destinations that are not in the same town, village or city but located in close proximity. A properly planned and developed tourist circuit not only attracts tourists with special interests but also generates employment and contributes to overall socio-economic development of the region.
Thus, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in March, 2015. It is a 100% centrally funded project, which will be implemented in mission mode. Total budget allocation for the project is Rs. 600 crore.
Objectives:
- Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner.
- Integrated development of infrastructure in the identified theme-based circuits.
- Promote cultural and heritage value of the country.
- Provide complete tourism experience with varied thematic circuits.
- Enhancing the tourist attractiveness by developing world-class infrastructure in the circuit destination.
- Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach.
- Creating awareness among local communities about the importance of tourism for overall development of the area.
- Promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, etc. to generate livelihoods in the region.
- Harness tourism potential for its direct and multiplier effects in employment generation and economic development.
- Leverage public capital and expertise in the sector.
Circuits under Swadesh Darshan:
Under the Swadesh Darshan, initially five circuits were identified. Now the scheme is being implemented in thirteen circuits. They are: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Rural Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
Projects under Swadesh Darshan:
North-East Circuits:
- Bhalukpong – Bomdila – Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Imphal-Moirang- Khongjom-Moreh in Manipur.
- Rangpo (entry) – Rorathang-Aritar-Phadamchen- Nathang – Sherathang – Tsongmo – Gangtok – Phodong – Mangan – Lachung -Yumthang – Lachen – Thangu – Gurudongmer – Mangan – Gangtok – Tumin Lingee – Singtam (exit) in Sikkim.
- Agartala – Sipahijala – Melaghar – Udaipur – Amarpur – Tirthamukh – Mandirghat – Dumboor – Narikel Kunja – Gandachara – Ambassa in Tripura
- Adventure Tourism in Arunachal Pradesh
Buddhist Circuits:
- Cultural Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar at Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Coastal Circuits:
- Kakinada – Hope Island – Konaseema in Andhra Pradesh.
- Sri Potti Sriramalu Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.
- Sindhudurg Coastal Circuit in Maharashtra.
- Beach Circuit – Udaipur – Digha – Shankarpur – Tajpur – Mandarmani – Fraserganj – Bakkhlai -Henry Island in West Bengal.
- Development of Union Territory of Puducherry.
Wildlife circuits:
- Manas – Pobitora – Nameri – Kaziranga – Dibru-Saikhowa in Assam.
- Panna – Mukundpur – Sanjay Dubri – Bandhavgarh – Kanha – Mukki – Pench in Madhya Pradesh.
Eco circuits:
- Mahaboobnagar district, Telangana.
- Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Vagamon – Thekkady in Idduki and Parhanamthitta Districts in Kerala.
- Tehri Lake and surroundings in Uttarakhand.
Desert circuits:
- Sambhar Lake Town and other destinations in Rajasthan.
Tribal circuits:
- Peren – Kohima – Wokha, Nagaland.
- Jashpur – Kunkuri – Mainpat – Ambikapur – Maheshpur – Ratanpur – Kurdar – Sarodadadar Gangrel – Kondagaon – Nathyanawagaon – Jagdalpur Chitrakoot – Tirthgarh in Chhattisgar.