The Union Ministry of Tourism has extended financial and programmatic support for the development of Buddhist heritage sites and tourism infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh through multiple central schemes, reinforcing the state’s position on India’s Buddhist tourism map. The information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on February 2, 2026.
According to the Ministry, tourism development is primarily undertaken by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. However, the Centre complements these efforts by extending financial assistance under flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
Major Buddhist Circuit Projects Completed
Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Buddhist Circuit covering Shalihundam, Bavikonda, Bojjanakonda, Amaravati and Anupu was sanctioned in 2017–18 at a cost of ₹35.24 crore, with ₹30.02 crore utilised. The project has been reported as physically complete, significantly upgrading visitor facilities, site interpretation, and last-mile connectivity.
New Investments Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and CBDD
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, experiential tourism projects such as Suryalanka Beach (₹97.52 crore) and Borra Cave Experience at Araku (₹29.88 crore) are currently under implementation. In addition, the CBDD sub-scheme has sanctioned ₹25 crore for Enriching Buddhist Heritage and Cultural Experiences at Nagarjunasagar, focusing on heritage-led destination development.
Integrated Tourism and Global Promotion
Beyond Buddhist destinations, Andhra Pradesh has also received support for spiritual, coastal, and heritage tourism projects, including Amaravati Town, Srisailam, Simhachalam, and Annavaram, under PRASHAD and other schemes. The Ministry noted that these initiatives are aimed at holistic destination development, branding, and marketing at the global scale, particularly in Southeast Asian markets, where Buddhist heritage holds strong cultural resonance.
Boost to Cultural Tourism and Regional Economy
Officials emphasized that the projects focus on improving visitor experience, infrastructure quality, accessibility, and heritage conservation, while also generating employment and supporting local economies. With several projects completed and others progressing, Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a key node in India’s Buddhist and spiritual tourism circuits.
The Centre reiterated that further assistance will be considered based on state proposals, scheme guidelines, availability of funds, and inter-se priority, ensuring sustained momentum for heritage-led tourism development in the state.
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