Introduction
India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical marvels, has always been a paradise for travelers. To enhance and promote tourism in an organized manner, the Government of India launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014. Taking this initiative to the next level, Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 was introduced to focus on sustainable and destination-driven tourism.
What is Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0?
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Tourism, is an upgraded version of the original Swadesh Darshan Scheme. While the first phase of the scheme focused on developing thematic tourism circuits, the second phase prioritizes destination-centric development with a strong emphasis on sustainability, local community involvement, and visitor experience.
Unlike its predecessor, which had a circuit-based approach, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims at holistic development of selected destinations, ensuring they are world-class, eco-friendly, and culturally immersive.
Objectives of Swadesh Darshan 2.0
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has been designed with specific goals in mind to create a sustainable and structured tourism ecosystem in India. The primary objectives include:
- Destination Development:
- Focus on transforming tourist places into high-quality, world-class destinations.
- Sustainability & Eco-tourism:
- Promote eco-friendly tourism practices and ensure minimal environmental impact.
- Community Participation:
- Encourage local communities to participate in tourism-related activities to boost employment and economic growth.
- Cultural & Heritage Conservation:
- Strengthen efforts to preserve and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Improved Tourist Experience:
- Enhance infrastructure, amenities, and accessibility for a seamless tourist experience.
- Technology Integration:
- Use digital tools and smart technology for visitor engagement, ticketing, and information dissemination.
- Global Competitiveness:
- Position India as a leading global tourism destination with world-class facilities.
Key Features of Swadesh Darshan 2.0
1. Destination-Centric Development
Unlike the previous scheme, which focused on circuits, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 prioritizes specific destinations for holistic development.
2. Sustainability & Responsible Tourism
The scheme places great emphasis on sustainable tourism practices such as:
- Promoting eco-friendly infrastructure
- Encouraging carbon-neutral tourism
- Supporting local artisans and handicrafts
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
The scheme encourages collaboration between government and private investors to develop tourism infrastructure efficiently.
4. Skill Development & Local Empowerment
A major focus is on training and upskilling local communities to help them engage in tourism-related professions, including guiding, hospitality, and handicrafts.
5. Smart Tourism
Integration of digital technology for:
- Online bookings & ticketing
- Digital tourism guides
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences
6. Infrastructure & Amenities Enhancement
The scheme ensures the development of modern amenities like better roads, signage, sanitation, safety measures, and tourist information centers.
7. Special Focus on Lesser-Known Destinations
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 gives priority to unexplored and emerging tourism destinations, ensuring that lesser-known places gain recognition.
Top Destinations Covered Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0
The Ministry of Tourism has identified several destinations for holistic development under the scheme. Some of the notable destinations include:
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) –
- One of the world’s oldest cities and a spiritual hub.
- Dholavira (Gujarat) –
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Konark (Odisha) –
- Home to the magnificent Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kaziranga National Park (Assam) –
- A world-famous biodiversity hotspot.
- Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) –
- Renowned for its rock-cut temples and sculptures.
- Mechuka (Arunachal Pradesh) –
- A scenic, unexplored gem in the Northeast.
These destinations will receive state-of-the-art infrastructure, better accessibility, and eco-friendly tourism initiatives under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Impact and Benefits of Swadesh Darshan 2.0
1. Boosts Local Economy
By focusing on employment generation, the scheme helps local artisans, tour guides, and businesses grow.
2. Enhances Tourist Experience
With better infrastructure, smart tourism solutions, and clean surroundings, visitors will have a world-class travel experience.
3. Preserves Culture & Heritage
By supporting restoration and conservation efforts, the scheme helps maintain India’s historical and cultural sites.
4. Promotes Sustainable Tourism
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 ensures that tourism growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
5. Strengthens India’s Global Tourism Position
By creating world-class tourist destinations, India aims to attract more international travelers and boost foreign exchange earnings.
Challenges
While the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 is a groundbreaking initiative, certain challenges need to be addressed:
- Efficient Execution –
- Timely implementation of infrastructure projects is crucial.
- Community Awareness –
- Local populations must be actively engaged in tourism activities.
- Environmental Conservation –
- Ensuring tourism does not lead to environmental harm.
- Marketing & Promotion –
- More global and digital marketing strategies are needed to attract international tourists.
Despite these challenges, the scheme presents a promising roadmap for India’s tourism sector, making it more competitive and sustainable.
Conclusion
Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 is set to redefine the way tourism develops in India. By focusing on destination-centric, sustainable, and community-driven tourism, this initiative has the potential to transform India into a top global travel destination. With improved infrastructure, enhanced visitor experience, and a strong focus on cultural preservation and environmental sustainability, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is a step towards responsible and enriching tourism in India.
