Cultural Tourism in India: Sites, Schemes & Significance

Cultural Heritage and Tourist Destinations in India

India is a land of vast cultural diversity, attracting tourists worldwide to explore its majestic monuments, ancient temples, vibrant traditions, and scenic landscapes.

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✨ Present Scenario of Tourism in India

• 🌍 1.52 million foreign tourists visited India in 2021

• 💰 Earned approx $8.8 billion in foreign exchange

• 🌎 Around 680 million domestic travellers

• ⭐ India has 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • 32 Cultural | 7 Natural | 1 Mixed

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🌎 What is Cultural Tourism?

🌟 Tourism that involves:

• Participation in local festivals, traditions, rituals

• Experiencing heritage sites, art, music, food, and languages

• Enables cultural exchange between visitors and locals

• Boosts local pride and economic development

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🇮🇳 Why is Cultural Tourism Important for India?

🇵🇭 India is:

• Home to ancient civilizations & birthplaces of major religions

• Rich in architecture, folk arts, classical dances, cuisine & rituals

• Full of World Heritage Sites like Taj Mahal, Hampi, Ajanta & Ellora

• Vibrant regional diversity = Unique cultural experiences

🌟 Cultural tourism fuels:

• ✈ Tourism growth

• 💼 Local employment

• 🚀 National economy

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📍 Major Cultural Tourism Sites in India

👉 Uttar Pradesh: Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Allahabad 👉 Rajasthan: Jaipur forts, Hawa Mahal, Pushkar Fair, Camel Festival 👉 Tamil Nadu: Dravidian temples in Mahabalipuram, rich spiritual heritage 👉 Maharashtra: Ajanta & Ellora Caves 👉 Karnataka: Hampi 👉 Uttarakhand: Temples in Kumaon & Garhwal

🌺 Fairs & Festivals:

• Pushkar Fair (Rajasthan)

• Taj Mahotsav (Uttar Pradesh)

• Surajkund Mela (Haryana)

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🚀 Government Initiatives to Promote Cultural Tourism

🙏 PRASHAD Scheme

• Full form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive

• Focus: Develop pilgrimage sites holistically

• Funding: 100% Central Financial Assistance

• Encourages: CSR & PPP involvement

✨ HRIDAY Scheme

• Full form: Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana

• Focus: Preserve & improve heritage cities

• Emphasizes: Cleanliness, safety, economy, & access in heritage zones

📍 Buddhist Circuit

• Route: Lumbini → Bodh Gaya → Sarnath → Kushinagar

• Promotes Buddhist heritage tourism in India & Nepal

🚂 Palace on Wheels

• A luxury heritage train showcasing royal India

• Promotes cultural tourism across Rajasthan

• Interiors designed with regional handicrafts & art

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🚗 What Else Is Being Done?

🏨 Hospitality & Food

• Growth of luxury & budget hotels and resorts

• Focus on regional cuisines and hospitality

🎭 Cultural Activities

• Events & festivals by ICCR & Ministry of Culture

• Yoga, music, language, dance classes for international tourists

• Global Engagement Scheme for overseas promotion

🛏️ Tourism Infrastructure

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme = theme-based circuits

• 27 projects in 21 states/UTs

🌍 Global Promotion

• Integrated marketing campaigns in top 20 tourist source countries

• Events abroad like Spirit of Gujarat to promote Indian heritage

🚀 Tech & Startup Support

• Easy setup of tourism businesses

• Launch of mobile apps for info, booking, & guidance

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📢 In the News

• Cultural tourism continues to be a focus area in India’s tourism roadmap

• Emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth

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📝 Conclusion

India’s cultural richness, historic landmarks, and spiritual depth make it a world-class destination. With proactive government schemes and increasing global interest, cultural tourism in India is scaling greater heights. Embracing and promoting this diversity ensures cultural preservation and economic growth for future generations.

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Created by: lunotes.in