Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2026

1. Focus on theme-based circuits that include the Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit and more. 

1. The development model is integrated and seeks to create a seamless travel experience through improving infrastructure, connectivity and facilities. 

1. Synergy with other national programmes and initiatives including, but not limited to, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, Skill India, and Make in India through a holistic and integrated approach. 

1. Strengthening tourism as a growth engine and positioning tourism as a portal for contributing to GDP and employment generation. 

1. Sustainable development approach through promoting eco-friendly practices and local community involvement in tourism.

Objectives of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The primary aim of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is to harness India's vast tourism potential while ensuring that both travelers and local communities reap rewards. Here are some of the main objectives: 

1. Stimulate economic advancement by establishing tourism as a significant contributor to GDP. 

1. Generate job opportunities by engaging local populations in tourism-related activities. 

1. Showcase India’s rich cultural and natural heritage to attract both domestic and foreign visitors. 

1. Design well-planned, sustainable tourist routes that adhere to international standards. 

1. Provide top-notch infrastructure, including transport, lodging, sanitation, and safety measures. 

1. Promote community-oriented tourism by raising awareness among locals about their cultural legacy and its preservation significance. 

1. Improve connectivity to ensure convenient access to remote tourist attractions. 

1. Enhance the overall visitor experience with amenities like clean restrooms, parking spaces, ATMs, Wi-Fi access, and information centers. 

1. Encourage private sector involvement in tourism through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. 

1. Support inclusive tourism tailored for marginalized groups and small businesses.

Advantages of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has many direct and indirect advantages for India's economy, society, and tourism. Some of the main advantages of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are: 

1. An opportunity support India's tourism industry by developing globally competitive destinations. 

1. The potential to increase tourist arrivals from both domestic and international tourists, as a result of having internationally compelling circuits. 

1. Theme-based circuits like North East Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Coastal Circuit, etc. Impressive combinations promote original and defined tourist experiences. 

1. The provision of upgraded or improved tourism facilities (or amenities) - clean toilets, parking spaces, Bank ATMs, cloak rooms, cafeterias, and Wi-Fi. 

1. The ability to create more jobs for local communities in areas such as guides, hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and food service. 

1. The potential for economic growth and growth in an emerging economy, as there are circuits that appeal strongly to rural and semi-urban areas. 

1. The ability to safeguard heritage and culture by utilising local art, handicrafts, and cuisine in tourism offer. 

1. Encouraging eco-friendly tourism with solid waste management, clean energy and sustainability. 

1. The potential for more earnings from foreign exchange as more international tourists visit India. 

1. Balanced regional development, circuits look to ensure all aspects of tourism development with popular and less accessible tourism experiences.

Features of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is distinct because it combines infrastructure improvements, recognition of cultural tradition and identity, sustainability, and community participation.  Its characteristics will build world class tourism in India. 

1. Infrastructure improvements  

The scheme is clearly focused on infrastructural improvements of tourist destinations. Passenger terminals, terminals with parking and waiting lounges are built to support the physical comfort of travellers. Facilities that support tourism development, such as tourism facilitation centres, are also being built where there are services or businesses to support visitors, including ticketing counters, help desks, and information centres so visitors can have access to some assistance during their trip. 

1. Improved connections  

Accessibility is another significant characteristic.  The Swadesh Darshan Scheme improves the moving people on roadways, railways, air and waterways to connect the most popular tourist envisioned locations and tourism-based locations that are located relatively unknown so far from the main centres of tourism.  The scheme also emphasizes last-mile connectivity and considers that while targeting well-known major attractions, smaller and lesser-known destinations may also be easily accessed without navigating significant travel burden, to enhance a visitors tourism experience.  

1. Contemporary amenities at destinations 

Today’s tourists expect amenities that will enhance the convenience of their travel.  The scheme has recognized this expectation for access to modern conveniences at large and significant destinations and is supporting facilities which provide clean toilets, cloakrooms, cafeterias, ATMs, and safe drinking water access.  The scheme is also developing eco-friendly comfort stations and recreational areas which will eliminate unnecessary inconvenience that would partially be created by these purposes. 

1. Safety and security features 

The importance of safety is being addressed through the use of CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi coverage across the site, and there are also first-aid centres at significant locations. Nevertheless, the ambitions of the scheme did not stop there: providing emergency services such as mechanical breakdown services for vehicles, and medical services and facilities at tourist hotspots, promoted safer popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists. 

1. Promotion of local arts and crafts 

A critical component of the scheme is to promote India’s rich culture as part of total experience. Craft bazaars, souvenir shops, and performance space for folk arts are all planned as part of the scheme. The retail shops and performance areas are not only intended to amuse tourists, but to stimulate sustainable income opportunities for local craft persons and performers that allows the community to thrive. 

1. Protection of natural resources and shorelines 

The scheme will make natural resources available for tourism, while also showing concern for protecting the natural resources. Eco-friendly interventions are being employed to manage shorelines, rivers, and lakes. Additionally, the planning process also includes being ecologically friendly through renewable energies, efficient drainage, and waste management that maintain natural ecological balance under tourist activity.  

1. Tourism mapping and planning 

A more scientific approach to the tourism redevelopment planning process is to use GIS based tourism mapping. The GIS based tourism mapping facilitates planning, inventory management, and documentation of the cultural, historical, and natural resources. Identifying both tangible and intangible resources will allow for the total development of any tourist circuit that is being planned under this scheme. 

1. Development of human resources and training 

The scheme also aims to develop human resources. Short training programmes & specially designed courses are organized to train residents in guiding, hospitality & other tourism product services. This helps both with bridging the employment gap, as well as empowering communities to engage in tourism content. 

1. Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) 

Every project under the scheme requires a detailed report. The DPRs must necessarily reflect environmentally sensitive infrastructure, sustainability practices, waste disposal practices and safety measures. They form the sources for designating places that support tourism development without compromising the environment or the culture of a destination. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has laid down inclusion criteria to ensure funds are only spent on projects that will have a genuine impact on encouraging sustainable tourism. The scheme is specifically focused on institutions and agencies with the capacity to develop, manage and monitor tourism projects that enhance the experience of the visitors, and benefit local communities. 

Who can apply under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

1. The primary applicant is the State Government. However, local Governments or Agencies of the Union Territory can submit proposals to develop and promote their tourism circuits. 

1. Agencies of the Ministry of Tourism are also recognised as eligible applicants because their activities fall solely within tourism development programmes. 

1. Approved organisations and institutions provided they were properly recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, can apply, though they will need to demonstrate at least some level of competence in tourism project management. 

1. These applicants from Stud Governments, Local Governments, Union Territories and Agencies of the Ministry of Tourism should be able to demonstrate sufficient technical knowledge, financial planning capabilities and administrative capabilities to undertake a project of national significance.

Eligibility criteria for projects

The following are the eligibility criteria for the projects:  

1. Projects must clearly explain their tourism potential, highlighting distinctive cultural, heritage, natural, or thematic experiences. 

1. Infrastructure development must include transport access, sanitation, electric power, cheap hotel/ accommodation. 

1. Proposals must also demonstrate how they will create employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities (e.g. guide services, handicrafts or hospitality). 

1. Each project must have an emphasis on conserving heritage and culture related to the traditional art form, traditional food or local customs. 

1. The scheme shall give preference to those projects which involve the private sector or are framed within a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to provide long-term sustainability. 

1. Proposals must include a commitment to demonstrate development of sustainable tourism in line with environmentally sustainable processes and promoting equitable development. 

Development approach  

1. Projects must demonstrate a holistic approach to development and consider all aspects of the experience for tourists from access to local culture. 

1. There should be adequate attention given to connectivity, because this is a basic requirement for any tourism project, as well as safety and hospitality / service. 

1. A detailed Operation and Management (O&M) plan, which will guide the project for long-term functioning, must be prepared.  

1. This O&M plan must be independently assessed and regularly evaluated to measure project success. 

1. Accountability, transparency and measurable outcomes will be the criteria that applicants will need to demonstrate in their applications.  

Exclusions from the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The following will be excluded from the Swadesh Darshan Scheme:  

1. Land acquisition or the relocation of communities will not be eligible for the scheme.  

1. Any proposal for the improvement of private property is also excluded.  

1. The scheme is not intended to support amusement parks, golf courses, aquariums or theme parks, as they support your entertainment, rather than cultural development.  

1. Convention centers and commercial facilities are also not considered cultural tourism or heritage tourism exhibits.  

1. In so doing, only projects which are culturally significant, ecologically sensitive and have local ownership and or community involvement will be supported by the scheme.

How to Apply for Swadesh Darshan Scheme? 

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is designed to ensure that only excellent projects, which are adequate and properly planned grant approval. The Ministry of Tourism has a very clearly laid out and an open process to assess the feasibility, sustainability, and community impacts.  

Follow the detailed instructions given below:  

Step 1: Find eligible organizations. 

1. Only eligible organizations can apply to the scheme which is an organization, and/or agencies or government agencies that are registered and recognized as approved by the Ministry of Tourism. 

1. The approved organizations include state governments and union territories, or an approved society/agencies which do tourism development. 

1. Private companies cannot apply as a direct application, but private companies can be a part of approved projects through PPP (Public-Private Partnership). 

1. The project proposal submission is necessary to ensure the organization promoting the project has all of the qualifications before they apply so that to meet the scheme's guidelines of acceptability and understands the technical and financial capacities to develop subject project. 

Step 2. Prepare a detailed project proposal. 

1. The project proposal should promote the tourism prospects of the destination or circuit, which can relate to cultural, natural, or heritage potential. 

1. The detailed project proposal must also include components of the infrastructure to be developed, it includes-the links, roads, sanitation, accommodation, tourism facilities, and connectivity. 

1. The successful applicants are asked to elaborate on the techniques of how the project promotes Employment/Livelihoods for the local communities. 

1. Applications for cultural preservation eg: handicrafts, cuisine, folk art, or tradition must be implemented into projects.  

1.  Applications must include a sustainability commitment including eco-friendly practices, renewable energy, and waste management systems.  

 Step 3: Submit Proposal 

1. All applications for projects will be submitted on the official portal of the Ministry of Tourism under Swadesh Darshan Plans. 

1. All necessary documents: feasibility reports, technical designs, and cost estimates will be uploaded as attachments. 

1. The applications must closely follow the guidelines, and format of the Ministry of Tourism to not be disqualified and rejected. 

 Step 4: Expert Review and DPR Preparation 

1.  Upon submission, the proposed projects will be reviewed by a technical expert and consultants.  

1. Recommendations will be documented as a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for assessing whether the proposed projects demonstrate feasibility, sustainability, scope for socio-economic benefit. 

1. The DPR must detail whether the proposed development measures: eco-friendly development, preservation of cultural heritage, inclusion of community in the project, and site safety standards. 

1. The DPR step also allows the Ministry to ensure that approved projects are practical, well-planned, and meet the scheme's top-level objectives.  

Step 5: Approval by Ministry of Tourism. 

The Ministry of Tourism takes a holistic approach to consider the DPR along with the bigger picture that project proposes. The Ministry must look at:  

1. who will use the project and quality of the used infrastructure 

1. the cultural or heritage significance of the project 

1. the tourism opportunities in the proposal that relates to sustainability and cultural heritage significance  

1. along with sustainable tourism development,  

1. job placement opportunities linked to the application.  

Step 6: Release of funds 

1. Financial support is only provided by the Central Government through direct funding upon receipt of the eligibility, funding stage, and memorandum of agreement documentation. 

1. Funding is paid in five disbursements, which are monitored at project milestones. 

1. Funding is paid at each milestone only after the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the project have taken place. 

 Step 7: Implementation and monitoring 

1. Approved projects are implemented under the supervision of the Mission Director as appointed by the Ministry of Tourism. 

1. There will be continuous monitoring of the project to ensure timelines, quality standards and sustainability obligations are met. 

1. There will be independent evaluations and/or assessments at different stages of the project to ensure accountability, transparency and viability for the future. 

Important note for applicants 

1. Projects related to land acquisition, upgrading of private property, amusement parks, or commercial entertainment facilities are not eligible for funding consideration. 

1. The funding scheme is intended only for sustainable, heritage-oriented and community-based tourism projects that provide benefits for tourists and local communities.