TOURISM IN RAJASTHAN

INTRODUCTION

• Tourism as an Industry: Tourism in Rajasthan was granted industry status on March 4, 1989, following recommendations by the Mohammad Yunus Committee. This move was made to boost the development of tourism infrastructure and improve its contribution to the state’s economy.
• People-Industry Status: Tourism was later elevated to the status of “People-Industry” in 2004-05, marking it as a major sector involving large-scale employment and engagement of the local population.
• Tourism Divisions: Rajasthan has four tourism divisions, which are:
  1. Jodhpur
  2. Ajmer
  3. Udaipur
  4. Kota

These divisions serve as administrative regions for better management of tourism activities and tourist facilities.

• Tagline and Symbolism: Rajasthan’s tourism department operates under the tagline “Rajasthan – Incredible State of India”, emphasizing its rich cultural and historical heritage. The slogan “Padharo Mhare Desh” (meaning “Welcome to My Land”) reflects the state’s hospitality. The camel is used as a symbolic animal to represent the state’s association with desert landscapes and traditional modes of transport.

Tourist Arrivals

Tourist arrivals in Rajasthan have seen fluctuations, especially during the pandemic years, but remain a vital aspect of the state’s economy.

• 2020 Tourist Data:
  • Total tourist arrivals in Rajasthan in 2020 amounted to 155.63 lakh (15.563 million).
  • Out of these, domestic tourists accounted for 151.17 lakh, while foreign tourists made up 4.46 lakh.
• 2021 Tourist Data:
  • In 2021, the total number of tourists increased to 220.24 lakh.
  • Domestic tourist numbers surged to 219.89 lakh, while foreign tourists dropped significantly to 0.35 lakh due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions.

Insights:

• Domestic tourist arrivals increased by 45.46% in 2021, which reflects the recovery in domestic travel post-pandemic.
• Foreign tourist numbers plummeted by 92.15%, largely due to international travel restrictions and concerns around global health safety.

Foreign Tourist Origins (2020): The majority of foreign tourists visiting Rajasthan in 2020 came from:

• France – 14%
• UK – 12%
• USA – 11%
• Germany – 7%

Key Domestic Market: Gujarat remains a significant source of domestic tourists visiting Rajasthan, contributing heavily to the state’s tourism numbers. Every third tourist who comes to India makes a visit to Rajasthan, underlining the state’s prominence in Indian tourism.

Tourist Arrival Time

• Peak periods for domestic tourism are between January and March, while foreign tourists tend to visit during the January to April season.
• Lower tourist footfalls are observed between April and June for both domestic and foreign tourists due to the extreme summer temperatures in the state.

TOURIST CIRCUITS

To streamline tourism and encourage diverse tourist activities, Rajasthan is divided into several circuits based on attractions, historical significance, and geographical locations.

General Tourist Circuit 

This circuit covers well-known tourist hotspots and major attractions, which are further divided into 10 sub-circuits for effective management:

• Shekhawati Circuit: Includes Churu, Sikar, Jhunjhunu. This region is famous for its Havelis and frescoes.
• Alwar Circuit: Covers Alwar along with the Siliserh-Sariska region, known for its wildlife and historical sites.
• Bharatpur Circuit: Encompasses Bharatpur, home to the famous Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Dhundhar Circuit: Includes Jaipur, Amer, Samod, Ramgarh, Dausa, and Abhaneri. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a key tourist hub in this circuit.
• Ranthambore Circuit: Covers Ranthambore, Sawai Madhopur, and Tonk, primarily famous for the Ranthambore National Park and its tiger population.
• Hadoti Circuit: Consists of Kota, Bundi, and Jhalawar, known for their forts, palaces, and the Chambal River.
• Mewar Circuit: This circuit covers the historically significant region of Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Nathdwara. Known for its forts, palaces, and temples, the Mewar region is central to Rajasthan’s rich heritage.
• Mount Abu Circuit: Includes Mount Abu, Ranakpur, and Jalore. Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station and is renowned for its scenic beauty, cool climate, and the Dilwara Temples.
• Merwara Circuit: Comprising Ajmer, Pushkar, Nagaur, and Merta, this circuit is famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the annual Pushkar Camel Fair, a major cultural event attracting international attention.
• Desert Triangle: The Desert Triangle circuit includes Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Barmer. This region is famous for its desert landscapes, sand dunes, and traditional desert festivals.

Archaeological Circuit

The Archaeological Circuit in Rajasthan covers the seven divisional headquarters of the state, which are rich in ancient heritage and archaeological treasures:

1. Jodhpur Circuit
2. Ajmer Circuit
3. Jaipur Circuit
4. Bikaner Circuit
5. Udaipur Circuit
6. Kota Circuit
7. Bharatpur Circuit
   

These circuits include numerous ancient sites, forts, and palaces that depict the grandeur of Rajasthan’s past civilizations.

Eco Adventure Circuit

Rajasthan’s Eco Adventure Circuit focuses on adventure tourism and ecological conservation. The circuit spans 10 districts, including:

• Jaipur
• Alwar
• Dholpur
• Kota
• Udaipur
• Chittorgarh
• Rajsamand
• Jaisalmer
• Jodhpur
• Sirohi
  

These districts offer eco-friendly activities such as trekking, wildlife safaris, and camping, blending natural beauty with sustainable tourism practices.

Wildlife Circuit

The Wildlife Circuit includes the rich biodiversity of Rajasthan’s forests and wildlife reserves. The following districts are part of this circuit:

• Alwar (famous for Sariska Tiger Reserve)
• Karauli
• Dholpur
• Jaipur
• Sirohi
• Rajsamand
• Pratapgarh
  

Rajasthan’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries offer tourists the opportunity to explore India’s wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and migratory birds.

Tribal Tourism Circuit

This circuit focuses on promoting the culture and traditions of Rajasthan’s tribal communities. It includes districts like:

• Banswara
• Dungarpur
• Pratapgarh
• Udaipur
  

Tribal tourism in these areas provides insight into the lives, art, and customs of Rajasthan’s indigenous tribes.

Spiritual Circuit

Rajasthan is also a center for spiritual tourism, attracting visitors to its sacred temples and pilgrimage sites.

• Buddha Circuit: This circuit connects places related to Buddhism in Jaipur and Jhalawar to attract Buddhist pilgrims. It is part of India’s larger initiative to promote Buddhist heritage.
• Krishna Circuit: Under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana (2014-15), the Union Ministry of Tourism is developing 12 Krishna sites across five states, including Rajasthan. The sites in Rajasthan include Rajsamand and Shrinathji.
• Balaji Circuit: Important temples in the Balaji Circuit include:

• Salasar in Churu
• Pandupol in Alwar
• Mehandipur in Dausa
• Samod Veer Hanuman Mandir in Jaipur

These temples attract thousands of devotees annually.

Pilgrim Circuit: This circuit includes prominent religious centers like Ajmer, Pushkar, Nathdwara, and Mahavir Ji (Karauli), all of which are key pilgrimage destinations in Rajasthan.

TOURIST SPOTS OF RAJASTHAN

Tourist spots in Rajasthan are categorized into three major types:

TOURISM FESTIVALS IN RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan is renowned for its vibrant and culturally rich festivals, which attract tourists from across the globe. The following table presents an overview of the major festivals held in Rajasthan, organized by month:

Explanation of Key Festivals:

• Camel Festival (January, Bikaner): Held in the city of Bikaner, this festival celebrates Rajasthan’s iconic desert animal—the camel. The event includes camel races, performances, and a display of the desert’s vibrant cultural heritage.
• Jaipur Literature Festival (January, Jaipur): This festival is the world’s largest free literary festival. Held at Diggi Palace, it gathers renowned authors, poets, and thinkers from across the globe.
• Beneshwar Fair (February, Dungarpur): Known as a tribal festival, it is celebrated near the confluence of the Mahi, Som, and Jakham rivers in Dungarpur. This fair is a major draw for Rajasthan’s tribal communities and tourists interested in tribal culture.
• Marwar Utsav (October, Jodhpur): This festival pays homage to Rajasthan’s heroes and celebrates the rich cultural traditions of the Marwar region. The event includes folk music, dance performances, and camel rides in the backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort.
• Pushkar Camel Fair (November, Ajmer): A world-famous event held in Pushkar, this fair is an incredible blend of cultural activities and cattle trading. The fair is a major pilgrimage event as well, with a visit to the sacred Pushkar Lake and its Brahma temple.

The festivals of Rajasthan provide a colorful glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage. Tourists flock to these events to witness the traditional art, music, dance, and rituals that have been part of Rajasthan’s identity for centuries. These festivals also play a significant role in boosting the state’s tourism sector, drawing visitors from all over the world.

TOURISM POLICIES

Rajasthan’s Leadership in Tourism Policy: Rajasthan holds the distinction of being the first state in India to introduce an official Tourism Policy. This pioneering move was aimed at formalizing the tourism sector, boosting infrastructure, and ensuring the sustainable growth of tourism activities.

Timeline of Tourism Policies in Rajasthan: Rajasthan’s Tourism Policy has undergone several iterations over the years:

• 2001
• 2007
• 2015
• September 9, 2020 (the most recent update)

Eco-Tourism Policy: Rajasthan’s Eco-Tourism Policy has evolved to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. This policy focuses on preserving ecological balance while allowing tourists to experience the state’s natural beauty. Key dates of policy implementation include:

• 1st – 4th February 2010
• 2nd – 15th July 2021

Rajasthan Hotel Policy – 2006: This policy aimed to regulate the hospitality sector by establishing standards for hotel operations, especially heritage hotels, and encouraging private investments in tourism infrastructure.

TOURIST-RELATED SCHEMES

Paying Guest Scheme:

• Launch: September 27, 1991
• Expanded in 2012: Initially launched in select regions, the scheme was extended statewide in 2012. It aimed to promote affordable accommodation for tourists by allowing residents to offer paying guest facilities.

Heritage Hotel Scheme:

• Launch: 1991 The Government of India recognized heritage hotels as a new category in 1991, aimed at conserving historical palaces, havelis, and forts by converting them into luxury accommodations.

Conditions for Heritage Hotel Status:

• Buildings must be over 50 years old (e.g., forts, palaces, havelis).
• Heritage hotels are classified into three categories based on service and facilities:
  1. Heritage
  2. Heritage Classic
  3. Heritage Grand

Mewar Complex Yojna/Mewar Complex:

• In 1997, on the 400th death anniversary of Maharana Pratap, the state government initiated the development of places related to his life (e.g., Gogunda, Chavand, Diver, Haldighati). This initiative was primarily aimed at attracting heritage and cultural tourism focused on the life of the Rajput warrior.

HRIDAY Yojna (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana):

• Launch: 2015
• Purpose: This scheme is focused on the development and promotion of national heritage sites across India. Ajmer in Rajasthan was included in the list of cities to be developed under the scheme.

PRASAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive):

• Launch: January 2015
• Implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the PRASAD scheme focuses on developing pilgrimage sites and spiritual heritage centers. Under this scheme, Ajmer-Pushkar was selected for development.

Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme:

• Launched by the Devsthan Department
• Beginning of the scheme: 2013 This scheme aims to assist senior citizens in undertaking religious pilgrimages by providing subsidies and organized tours.

TOURISM INSTITUTES

Tourism Department: Established in the year 1956 in Jaipur The Tourism Department was established to manage and conduct all tourism-related activities within Rajasthan, helping develop infrastructure and promote tourism.

Training Institutes for Human Resource Development: The department runs several training institutes aimed at enhancing the skills of professionals in the tourism sector. These include:

• Institute of Hotel Management in Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur
• Food Craft Institute in Ajmer, Sumerpur (Pali)

Tourist Information Centers: The department also operates tourist reception and information centers outside the state, located in major metro cities like:

• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Mumbai

The total number of information centers across Rajasthan is 42.

Institutes Operated Under the Tourism Department:

There are four major institutions governed by Rajasthan’s tourism department:

1. Rajasthan State Hotel Corporation Limited (RSHCL):
   • Established: June 7, 1965, in Jaipur
   • Objective: The corporation manages and operates heritage hotels in Rajasthan, contributing to the promotion of luxury tourism and accommodation for visitors.
2. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC):
   • Established: April 1, 1979, in Jaipur
   • Objective: The RTDC provides accommodation, food, and transport facilities for tourists. It manages state-run hotels, motels, and restaurants.
3. Rajasthan Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (RITTMAN):
   • Established: April 29, 1996, in Jaipur
   • Objective: This institute focuses on developing resources to increase tourism activities and offers the latest information related to tourism development.
4. State Fair Authority:
   • Formed in 2011 under the Devsthan Department to regulate and organize fairs across Rajasthan. As of December 2019, a total of 42 fairs had been registered under the authority.

ADDITIONAL INITIATIVES

Center of Excellence for Tourism Training (CETT):

• Launch: October 6, 2016, in Udaipur
• Collaboration: The CETT was launched in collaboration with Singapore to offer world-class tourism-related training programs aimed at professionalizing the tourism sector.

Mini Goa Development:

• Plans are underway to develop Bisalpur Dam as a Mini Goa to attract more tourists to the region.
• An aquarium and a breeding center for colorful fish have already been established in the area as part of the tourism project.

HERITAGE SITES IN RAJASTHAN INCLUDED IN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

Rajasthan has several important sites recognized by UNESCO for their cultural, natural, and abstract significance: