15 Thematic Circuits to Boost Tourism in India

IN ORDER to boost tourism in India, the Ministry of Tourism, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme has decided to develop 15 thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritized manner, informed Minister of Culture and Tourism, Prahlad Singh Patel in the Lok Sabha. Under the scheme, the identified circuits for development are: North-East 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, Sufi Circuit, and Tirthankara Circuit.

Submission of proposals by the State Governments under the scheme is a continuous process. The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

The union ministry of tourism has taken several steps for development of tourism in the country such as Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes for development of tourism infrastructure in the country, development and promotion of ‘Niche Tourism’ products to attract tourist with specific interest and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage, Revamp of Incredible India Website etc.