Jaipur, Aug 2026 : Rajasthan has long been a major attraction for tourists from across the world because of its rich historical and cultural diversity. To further expand this heritage, the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma is taking effective steps to give the tribal regions a new identity on the global tourism map. Along with developing local tourist destinations, the government is also working to preserve and promote natural resources, handicrafts and folk traditions.
The state government’s objective is not merely to promote tourism, but also to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities through local employment and give fresh impetus to the rural economy. As part of this effort, the government is developing the Tribal Tourist Circuit and Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit, while tourism projects worth more than Rs 306 crore are being undertaken in tribal areas.
Rs 100-crore Tribal Tourism Circuit
Under the Tribal Tourism Circuit, Rs 49.40 crore will be spent on Beneshwar Dham in Dungarpur, popularly known as the Kumbh of the tribals, while Rs 13.41 crore will be spent on Mangarh Dham in Banswara. The circuit will also include Matrikundiya in Chittorgarh, known as the Prayag of Mewar, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary and Gautameshwar Mahadev Temple in Pratapgarh, Tripura Sundari Temple in Banswara and Rishabhdev Temple in Udaipur.
History to be integrated through the Maharana Pratap Tourism Circuit
More than Rs 206 crore is proposed to be spent on developing the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit to integrate Rajasthan’s historical heritage. The circuit will include Chavand, Haldighati, Gogunda, Kumbhalgarh, Diver and Udaipur. In addition, work is progressing on the development of Shilpgram in Dungarpur and a heritage walkway in Chittorgarh, along with conservation and development of religious and historical sites such as Baiji ki Baori in Gogunda, Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur and Neemach Mata Temple. A special action plan is also being implemented to promote rural tourism in tribal areas.
Preserving tribal faith and art, products to be promoted under ‘Banphool’ brand
The government is also implementing the Soundh Mati Aadi Dharohar Documentation Scheme to preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of tribal communities. Under the initiative, documentation is being undertaken of tribal musical instruments, cuisine, paintings, murals, wood and stone art, dance and singing traditions. Initiatives such as the Banphool Tribal Design Studio and Banphool branding are being used to catalogue tribal artists and provide markets for their products.
Tribal centres of faith, including Sitabari in Baran, Kamalnath Mahadev and Ramkunda Mahadev temples in Jhadol, Jawar Mata Temple in Udaipur, Sonar Mata Temple in Salumbar and Salakeshwar Mahadev Temple in Banswara, have also been included in the plan. Documentaries will also be prepared on the rich tribal culture, contributions of freedom fighters and the communities’ close relationship with water and forests at sites of historical importance.
Tourism to drive socio-economic empowerment
Under the Chief Minister’s leadership, ‘Tourism in Tribes’ is no longer merely a tourism initiative but is emerging as a powerful means of socio-economic empowerment and cultural pride. The state government’s efforts are expected to increase the duration of tourist stays in tribal areas while creating wider employment opportunities for local residents and self-employment opportunities for self-help groups.
In the coming years, these regions are expected to emerge not only as major attractions for domestic and international tourists but also as strong centres of prosperity for tribal communities and economic growth for Rajasthan.
