###With Heritage State Status, Rajasthan Can Emerge as India’s Biggest Hub for Foreign Tourists and Revenue

Rajasthan, with its vibrant and multi-hued culture, has long remained the first choice of tourists from India and across the globe. The state is often described as a colourful bouquet—where flowers of every shade and fragrance come together to create an unforgettable experience. On one hand, Rajasthan offers the timeless charm of vast deserts and rolling sand dunes; on the other, it boasts majestic forts, magnificent palaces, exquisite havelis, serene lakes, ancient stepwells, and several tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

The echo of “Padharo Mhare Des”, the sight of people dressed in dazzling traditional attire, flavoursome cuisine prepared with heartfelt hospitality, captivating folk dances and music, and the joyous celebration of festivals like Teej create an irresistible pull that draws visitors back to Rajasthan time and again. Though the state has neither long coastlines nor snow-laden valleys, Mount Abu—Rajasthan’s only hill station—often witnesses winter frost, adding a unique charm. Churu holds the rare distinction of recording both the lowest and highest temperatures in the country. Rivers like Chambal and Mahi, along with Asia’s largest man-made lakes such as Jaisamand, compensate for the absence of the sea and offer immense potential—much like Kerala’s famed backwater tourism.

It is often said that in Rajasthan, a new heritage site can be found every three kos (miles), giving rise to the famous tagline: “Jaane Kya Dikh Jaye!” (You never know what you might discover).

Holding a prominent position on the global tourism map, Rajasthan has witnessed an encouraging rise in domestic and international tourist arrivals over the past two years. This growing attraction is evident from the fact that by August 2025 alone, over 150 million domestic tourists and nearly 1.2 million foreign tourists visited the state. Millions travel here every year to explore its ancient, historical, and religious landmarks. To further enhance their experience, the state government has undertaken unprecedented initiatives in religious tourism.

A comprehensive Religious Tourism Circuit is being developed by linking world-renowned pilgrimage sites such as Khatu Shyam Ji, Salasar Hanuman Ji, Mehndipur Balaji, Pushkar, Nathdwara, Shri Mahavir Ji, and Galta Tirth. In 2024, Rajasthan secured 5th rank nationally in domestic and foreign tourist visits. That year saw a remarkable 28.50% growth in domestic tourists and a 21.92% rise in foreign tourists. Similarly, by August 2025, tourist footfall increased by 11.71% compared to the same period in 2024.

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi” (Development along with Heritage), the state government has, over the past two years, strengthened Rajasthan’s cultural and historical legacy while giving tourism a renewed identity. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, consistent efforts have ensured world-class facilities, safety, and a welcoming environment for tourists—leaving them with memorable experiences.

To offer fresh experiences and attract tourists of all age groups, the government is actively developing diverse tourism dimensions, including heritage, religious, rural, adventure, eco, and wellness tourism. Over ₹5,000 crore worth of development projects are planned for tourism infrastructure, facilities, and branding, supported by the creation of the Rajasthan Tourism Infrastructure and Capacity Building Fund.

To boost investment and employment generation, the Rajasthan Tourism Unit Policy, implemented on 4 December 2024, has accelerated tourism’s growth as an industry. This policy has encouraged private investment, the establishment of new tourism units, and opened up new employment avenues for youth.

Further strengthening tourism circuits, the state is developing the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit and the Tribal Tourist Circuit, each with an investment of ₹100 crore. The Maharana Pratap Circuit will include historic sites such as Chavand, Haldighati, Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, Dewair, and Udaipur, while the Tribal Circuit focuses on preserving tribal culture and heritage through destinations like Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rishabhdev, Gautameshwar Temple, and Matrikundiya. Projects like Braj Chaurasi Parikrama and Krishna Gaman Path are also underway.

Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASHAD 2.0 schemes, development work is progressing at major religious sites including Khatu Shyam Ji, Karni Mata Temple, and Malaseri Dungri, along with restoration and upgradation of 252 religious tourism sites across the state. Island tourism is being actively explored in the Mahi Dam region, while border tourism is being promoted through projects such as the development of Tanot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer and the BSF Retreat Ceremony complex near the India–Pakistan border.

In heritage conservation, the Shekhawati Haveli Conservation Scheme has identified 662 havelis across Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu districts. So far, 62 new heritage hotels and properties have been granted heritage certification. Rajasthan’s majestic palaces, forts, heritage hotels, golden dunes, and legendary hospitality have made it a preferred destination for royal weddings and film tourism. Recognising this, the government has actively promoted destination weddings and film shoots—granting 86 filming permissions in 2024–25 alone. Hosting the 25th IIFA Awards in Jaipur further elevated Rajasthan’s global image, as did the first-ever Wed in India Expo held in the state.

With world-class healthcare facilities, wellness tourism is also gaining momentum beyond traditional sightseeing. To bring cultural heritage closer to the masses, Ghoomar Festivals were organised for the first time at all divisional headquarters, while Jaipur hosted its first exclusive Teej Fair for women at Pondrik Park. In collaboration with UNESCO India, 214 artists and artisans received training for self-employment. Additionally, the Indian Responsible Tourism State Summit and Awards were held in Jaipur to promote responsible and sustainable tourism.

Efforts are also underway to promote year-round tourism and night tourism, while Rajasthan continues to gain recognition as one of the world’s finest destination wedding locations.

If the Government of India grants Rajasthan the status of a Heritage State along with 100% central assistance, the state has the potential to establish itself as the largest hub for foreign tourists and tourism-generated revenue in the country—truly becoming India’s global gateway to heritage, culture, and prosperity.