Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme to fund development of theme based tourism circuits in India. These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.

Salient Features

The scheme has been launched for the integrated development of Infrastructure in the identified theme based circuits. So far, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. These are: Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. The salient features of the scheme are as follows:

• It has been launched as a 100% centrally funded scheme. Further, the government will also leverage the voluntary funding available for CSR initiatives of CPSUs.
• The overall funding powers have been kept under National Steering Committee (NSC) under Tourism Minister of India.
• The funding will be decided on state-to-state basis, and on the basis of project reports created by PMC (Programme Management Consultant), which will be appointed by Mission Directorate under Member Secretary NSC.
• Government also thinks to create awareness about tourism in local communities, promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc to generate livelihoods in the identified regions; and harness tourism potential for its direct and multiplier effects in employment generation and economic development.

Funded Circuits so far

Till October, 2016, the Union Government has approved around 450 crore rupees for Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

Heritage Circuit, Madhya Pradesh

It covers Gwalior- Orchha- Khajuraho-Chanderi-Bhimbetka-Mandu with total project cost of approximately Rs. 100.00 Crore. The project envisages world class infrastructural development of the sites which includes developing a Theme Park and Convention centre in Khajuraho, Sound and Light Show in Mandu.

Heritage Circuit, Uttarakhand

It covers Jageshwar-Devidhura-Katarmal-Baijnath sites with total project cost of approximately Rs.83 Crore. The highlights of project in Uttarakhand are development of Eco Log Huts, Sound and Light Show and Upgradation of Temple Pathways.

Coastal circuit, Tamil Nadu

It covers Chennai- Mamamallapuram-Rameshwaram-Manpadu–Kanyakumari with total project cost of approximately Rs.100 Crore has been approved. Sound and Light Show, development of Beach amenities, Construction of Pedestrian Bridge connecting Vivekanand memorial with Tiruvalluvar Statue are major highlights of project.

Ramayana Circuit, Uttar Pradesh

It covers two destinations viz. Chitrakoot and Shringverpur. The Project cost for this circuit is approximately Rs.70 Crore for development of Parikrama marg, food Plaza, Laser Show, Foot Over Bridge connecting MP and UP part of Chitrakoot.

North East circuit, Sikkim

Rs.95.50 Crore have been provided for development of eco log huts, cultural centre, paragliding centre, craft bazaar, base camp for mountaineering and meditation hall.

Apart from the above, central government has approved Sabarimala-Erumeli- Pampa-Sannidhanam as a Spiritual Circuit.