GovtSchemesRegister EN | हिंदी

File No. CS-TRV-003 · Central Scheme · Ministry of Tourism

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

Central funding to states and UTs to turn selected destinations into complete, sustainable tourist experiences — improving connectivity, facilities and local infrastructure.

Note: this is a destination-development scheme funding State/UT governments, not an individual benefit — there's no personal application. This page explains how destinations are chosen and how local communities and travellers benefit.

What this scheme offers

Originally launched in 2015 to develop theme-based tourist circuits (Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Heritage, Himalayan and more), the scheme was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to shift from a circuit-wide approach to building individual destinations into complete, self-contained experiences — covering tourism infrastructure, visitor facilities, human capital development, destination management, and local promotion. It works alongside the related PRASHAD scheme for pilgrimage and heritage site rejuvenation. As of February 2026, 53 projects worth over ₹2,208 crore had been sanctioned under SD2.0, with allocations spanning sites like the Borra Caves and Suryalanka Beach in Andhra Pradesh, among many others nationally.

How destinations are chosen and who's involved

  • State Governments and Union Territory administrations identify and submit destination proposals for central approval and funding.
  • A "Challenge Based Destination Development" (CBDD) component selects destinations competitively across categories like Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Vibrant Village Programme and Ecotourism.
  • Approved projects are 100% centrally funded (Central Sector Scheme), though Operation & Maintenance of completed projects becomes the responsibility of the respective State/UT.
  • The scheme also supports skill development in hospitality and MUDRA loan access for local homestay operators, giving nearby communities a direct economic stake.

How this benefits travellers and local communities

  1. Travellers get improved connectivity, accommodation, visitor facilities and interpretation centres at developed destinations.
  2. Local residents can access hospitality skill-development programmes to work in the growing tourism economy around their area.
  3. Homestay operators in developed circuits can access MUDRA loans (see our separate PM Mudra Yojana page) to set up or expand their properties.
  4. If you'd like a destination near you considered, that request is best raised through your State Tourism Department, since proposals originate at the state level.

Related schemes