The Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting tourism development through various schemes, with a focus on sustainability and emerging trends. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS), launched in 2014-15, was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to develop sustainable tourism destinations. Under SD2.0, 52 projects have been sanctioned. Additionally, 36 projects were sanctioned under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme, and 40 projects were sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. These projects were sanctioned based on proposals from states, assessment, and fund availability.
SD2.0 emphasizes sustainable and responsible tourism, incorporating environmental, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability principles. While no specific study was undertaken to incorporate emerging trends, the scheme guidelines provide an illustrative list of components to enhance tourism potential, including core products, activities, infrastructure, sanitation, safety, connectivity, and soft interventions.
Sanctioned projects under SD2.0, CBDD, and SASCI encompass a variety of tourism trends and immersive experiences, such as beach experiences, cave explorations, adventure activities, border tourism, meditation centers, convention centers, religious and spiritual sites, bird sanctuaries, historical theme parks, tribal culture experiences, forts, biodiversity and eco-recreation, and submarine tourism.
To improve connectivity, the Ministry supports last-mile connectivity and coordinates with other ministries. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) on October 21, 2016, to enhance regional air connectivity. During the 3rd round of bidding under the UDAN Scheme, 106 tourism-specific routes were incorporated at the request of the Ministry of Tourism. 53 Tourism RCS routes operated until January 31, 2025, with VGF support from the Ministry of Tourism. A modified UDAN Scheme aims to increase regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and cater to 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.
The Ministry has also revamped the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP), using AI to personalize visitor experiences. The platform has partnered with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) for seamless booking of flights, hotels, and tickets.
Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat provided this information in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
For additional information, contact Sunil Kumar Tiwari at tourism4pibatgmaildotcom.
A detailed annexure provides a list of sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD, and SASCI, including the state, destination, experience name, year of sanction, and cost in crores. The total amount sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is 2108.87 crore, under CBDD is 648.10 crore, and under SASCI is 3295.76 crore.
Key Entities Referenced
Swadesh Darshan scheme SDS: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop tourism infrastructure in India.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 SD2.0: A revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan scheme with a focus on sustainable tourism destinations.
Challenge Based Destination Development CBDD: A sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan focused on destination development.
Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment SASCI: A scheme by the Government of India to provide special assistance to states for capital investment in tourism.
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Ministry of Civil Aviation MoCA: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of civil aviation in India.
Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik RCSUDAN: A scheme launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to enhance regional air connectivity.
Incredible India Digital Platform IIDP: A comprehensive resource for travellers interested in exploring India's cultural heritage and attractions.
Ministry of Tourism
Inclusion of Emerging Tourism Trends in SDS 2.0
Posted On: 04 AUG 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi
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
tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com
ANNEXURE
List of Sanctioned Projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0
Y e a r o f Sanctioned Cost
S No. State Destination Name of the Experience
Sanction (₹ Crore)
Development of Suryalanka
1 Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 Bapatala 97.52
Beach Experience
Borra Cave Experience at
2 Andhra Pradesh 2023-24 Araku-Lambasingi 29.87
Araku
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
Kokrajhar Wetland
6 Assam 2023-24 Kokrajhar 26.67
Experience
Reimagining Cinnamara Tea
7 Assam 2023-24 Jorhat 23.88
Estate
Development of the Buddhist
8 Bihar 2024-25 Bodh Gaya Meditation & Experience 165.44
Centre, Bodh Gaya
Bhoramdeo Corridor
145.99
9 Chhattisgarh 2024-25 Kawardha Development, Kabirdham
District
Dadra Nagar &
10 Haveli and Daman 2024-25 Daman Daman Convention Centre 147.13
& Diu
11 Goa 2023-24 Porvorim Porvorim Creek Experience 24.07
12 Goa 2023-24 Colva Colva Beach Experience 19.98
Development of Adventure
26.68
13 Haryana 2024-25 Panchkula Tourism Hub at Tikkar Taal
and Adventure Park
Rejuvenation of Yadavindra
14 Haryana 2024-25 Panchkula 65.82
Garden
Maa Chintpurni
Development of Maa
15 Himachal Pradesh 2024-25 Temple (District - 56.26
Chintpurni Devi Temple, Una
Una)
Setting up of ‘Traveller
16 Karnataka 2023-24 Hampi 25.63
nooks’Tonga ride Heritage
17 Karnataka 2023-24 Mysuru 2.71
experience zone
18 Karnataka 2023-24 Mysuru Ecological Experience Zone 18.48
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
19 Kerala 2023-24 Kumarakom 13.92
Experience
Alappuzha: A Global Water 93.17
20 Kerala 2024-25 Alappuzha
Wonderland
Enhancement of Tourist
21 Kerala 2024-25 Malampuzha Experience at Malampuzha 75.87
Garden and Leisure Park
22 Ladakh 2023-24 Leh Julley Leh Biodiversity Park 23.16
Exploring LOC and
23 Ladakh 2023-24 Kargil Hundarman village 11.91
Experience
Enhancement of Tourist
24 Lakshadweep 2024-25 Bangaram 81.18
Experience at Bangaram
25 Madhya Pradesh 2023-24 Gwalior Phoolbagh Experience Zone 16.73
Spiritual experience at
26 Madhya Pradesh 2023-24 Chitrakoot 27.21
Chitrakoot
Pitambara Peeth, Development of Pitambara
27 Madhya Pradesh 2024-25 44.24
Datia Peeth Datia
Shivsrushti Historical Theme
28 Maharashtra 2023-24 Pune 76.22
Park- Phase 3
29 Meghalaya 2023-24 Sohra Waterfall Trails Experience 27.84
Meghalayan Age Cave
30 Meghalaya 2023-24 Sohra 32.45
Experience
Eco Resort Experience at
31 Mizoram 2024-25 Champhai Keilungliah, Zote, Ngur & 38.85
Mualbuhvum, Champhai
Heritage and Cultural Centre,
32 Mizoram 2024-25 Champhai 33.87
Champhai
Eco-Tourism Exp at
33 Nagaland 2023-24 Chumoukedima 7.87
Chumoukedima viewpoint
Tribal Cultural Experience at
34 Nagaland 2023-24 Chumuoukedima 21.56
Midway Retreat
Adventure Tourism
35 Nagaland 2024-25 Chumuoukedima Experience at Jacob Village, 32.54
Chumoukediema
Karaikal beach and
36 Puducherry 2023-24 Karaikal 20.29
waterfront experience
Eco Tourism experience at
37 Punjab 2023-24 Kapurthala 20.06
Kanjli wetland
Border Tourism Experience
38 Punjab 2023-24 Amritsar 25.90
at Attari
Spiritual Experience,
39 Rajasthan 2023-24 Bundi 21.65
KeshavraipatanDevelopment works at Shri
40 Rajasthan 2024-25 Sikar Khatu Shyam Ji Temple 87.87
(Sikar)
Karni Mata temple, Development Works at Shri 22.57
41 Rajasthan 2024-25
Bikaner dist. Karni mata mandir, Bikaner
Malaseri Dungari Development of Malaseri
42 Rajasthan 2024-25 48.73
(District - Bhilwara) Dungri, Bhilwara District
Eco-Wellness Experience at
43 Sikkim 2023-24 Gyalshing 15.40
Yuksom Cluster
44 Sikkim 2023-24 Gangtok Gangtok Cultural Village 22.59
Immersive experience at
45 Tamil Nadu 2023-24 Mamallapuram 30.02
Shore Temple
Bhongir Fort Experiential
46 Telangana 2023-24 Bhongir 56.81
Zone
Eco tourism zone at
47 Telangana 2023-24 Ananathagiri 38.00
Ananathgiri forest
Tripura Heritage Village &
48 Tripura 2024-25 Agartala Sangeet Experience at 48.94
Agartala (Phase-1 &2)
Azad Park and Dekho
49 Uttar Pradesh 2023-24 Prayagraj 14.52
Prayagraj Trail Exp
50 Uttar Pradesh 2023-24 Naimisaranya Vedic- wellness Experience 17.80
Rural Tourism Cluster
51 Uttarakhand 2023-24 Pithoragarh 17.86
Experience at Gunji
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
Y e a r o f Sanctioned Cost
S. No. State/UT Name of the Project
Sanction (In ₹ Crore)
1 Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 Ahobilam-A spiritual Odyssey 25.00
Enriching Buddhist Heritage and Cultural
2 Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 25.00
Experiences at Nagarjuna Sagar
Bichom Dam Adventure & Eco-Tourism
3 Arunachal Pradesh 2024-25 9.90
Project
Kibhito Frontier Tourism - Gateway to
4 Arunachal Pradesh 2024-25 4.96
Serenity
5 Assam 2024-25 Panidhing Bird Sanctuary, Sivasagar 9.99
Development of Tourist Facilities at Sonepur
6 Bihar 2024-25 24.29
Mela Ground, Saran
Development of Mayali Bagicha as Eco
7 Chhattisgarh 2024-25 9.97
Tourism Destination
Beautification and Development of Harvalem
8 Goa 2024-25 9.81
Waterfall at Mayem VillageTransformation of sharmishtha Lake: Light &
9 Gujarat 2024-25 17.29
culture at Vadnagar
The Sacred Ocean Retreat at Harsiddhi Shore,
10 Gujarat 2024-25 24.66
Porbandar
THOL: Transformative Tourism' Harmonious
11 Gujarat 2024-25 Sustainability, Optimized Skilling' Leading 9.96
Technology
12 Himachal Pradesh 2024-25 Tourism Infrastructure Development at Kaza 24.82
Tourism Infrastructure Development at
13 Himachal Pradesh 2024-25 4.96
Rakchham, Chhitkul
Tourism Infrastructure Development at
14 Jharkhand 2024-25 18.87
Ramrekha Dham, Simdega
15 Kerala 2024-25 Thalassery: The Spiritual Nexus 25.00
16 Kerala 2024-25 Varkala- Dakshin Kashi 25.00
Advancing Mushkoh as a Sustainable Tourism
17 Ladakh 2024-25 Hub: Integrating wildlife Sightings and 9.82
community progress
18 Madhya Pradesh 2024-25 Medieval Splendor 2.0, Orchha 25.00
19 Maharashtra 2024-25 Development of Ahmednagar Fort 25.00
Development of Ancient capital of Manipur,
20 Manipur 2024-25 24.69
Langthabal Konug
21 Meghalaya 2024-25 Mawphlang cultural & Heritage centre 24.87
22 Meghalaya 2024-25 Nartiang Spiritual & Cultural Centre 24.87
Soulful Trails: The Impur Heritage
23 Nagaland 2024-25 24.94
Experience, Impur Village
Deveropment of wings over Doyang: An Eco-
24 Nagaland 2024-25 10.00
Tourism Haven' Doyang Reservoir
25 Puducherry 2024-25 Development of White Town 22.19
Cultural and Heritage Strech at Hussainiwala
26 Punjab 2024-25 25.00
Border, Ferozepur
Heritage street -A symbor of peace and
27 Punjab 2024-25 24.90
Harmony at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Rupnagar
Echoes of Valor: The Gnathang Valley
28 Sikkim 2024-25 5.00
Experience," Gnathang Village
Kabi Chronicles: A journey through Unity and
29 Sikkim 2024-25 24.96
Heritage, Kabi, Mangan
30 Tamil Nadu 2024-25 lconic Transformation of Rameswaram 20.01
Digital Experience Centre at Bhuddhavanam
31 Telangana 2024-25 24.85
in Nalgonda
Development of Eco-TourisJn Proiect at
32 Telangana 2024-25 9.98
Nizam Sagar, Kamareddy
Development of Cultural Landscape at
33 Uttar Pradesh 2024-25 24.98
Mahoba
Development of Jadung Festive Ground',
34 Uttarakhand 2024-25 4.99
JadungDevelopment of Kainchidham campus,
35 Uttarakhand 2024-25 17.60
Kainchidham
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
Y e a r o f Sanctioned Cost
S. No. State Name of the Project
Sanction (In ₹ Crore)
Enriching the fort and Gorge Experience in
1 Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 77.91
Gandikota
Akhanda Godavari- (Havelok Bridge & Pushkar
2 Andhra Pradesh 2024-25 94.44
Ghat) in Raja Mahendravaram,
3 Arunachal Pradesh 2024-25 Siang Adventure & Eco-Retreat in Pasighat 46.48
Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in
4 Assam 2024-25 97.12
Guwahati
5 Assam 2024-25 Beautification of Rang Ghar in Sivasagar 94.76
6 Bihar 2024-25 Development of Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa 97.61
Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub in
7 Bihar 2024-25 49.51
Karamchat
8 Chhattisgarh 2024-25 Development of Chitrotpala Film City in Raipur 95.79
Development of Tribal & Cultural Convention
9 Chhattisgarh 2024-25 51.87
Centre in Raipur
10 Goa 2024-25 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Ponda 97.46
11 Goa 2024-25 Townsquare in Porvorim 90.74
Ecotourism Destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in
12 Gujarat 2024-25 99.50
Porbandar
13 Gujarat 2024-25 Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo 51.56
Eco-Tourism Development of Tilaiyya” in
14 Jharkhand 2024-25 34.87
Koderma
Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and
15 Karnataka 2024-25 99.17
Devika Rani Estate Tataguni in Bengaluru
Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda in
16 Karnataka 2024-25 100.00
Belgavi
Ashtamudi Biodiversity and Eco-recreational Hub
17 Kerala 2024-25 59.71
in Kollam
Global Gateway to Malabar's Cultural Crucible in
18 Kerala 2024-25 95.34
Sargaalayaa
19 Madhya Pradesh 2024-25 Orchha A Medieval Splendour in Orchha 99.92
International Convention Centre for MICE in
20 Madhya Pradesh 2024-25 99.38
Bhopal
INS-Guldar Underwater Museum, Artificial Reef,
21 Maharashtra 2024-25 46.91
and submarine Tourism in Sindhudurg22 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
Development of Heritage Street as a tribute to
28 Punjab 2024-25 Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar Bhaghat Singh at 53.45
Khatkar Kalan in SBS Nagar
Development at Amber-Nahargarh and
29 Rajasthan 2024-25 49.31
Surrounding Area in Jaipur
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
Development of Nandavanam Heritage Park in
33 Tamil Nadu 2024-25 99.67
Mammallapuram
34 Tamil Nadu 2024-25 Garden of Flowers in Devala 70.23
Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in
35 Telangana 2024-25 73.74
Ramappa
Somasilla Wellness & Spiritual Retreat in
36 Telangana 2024-25 68.10
Nallamala
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
Integrated Buddhist Tourism Development in
39 Uttar Pradesh 2024-25 80.24
Shrawasti
Iconic City Rishikesh: Rafting Base Station in
40 Uttarakhand 2024-25 100.00
Rishikesh
TOTAL AMOUNT 3295.76
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(Release ID: 2152149)