HYDERABAD: The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 686.39 crore to Telangana over the past 10 years under multiple flagship schemes, reflecting sustained support to strengthen pilgrimage, heritage, eco-tourism, wellness and experiential destinations across the state.
According to data accessed by TNIE, Telangana received Rs 146.50 crore under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme for four major religious sites. These include the Jogulamba Devi Temple at Alampur (Rs 38.9 crore), Ramappa (Rudreshwara) Temple at Mulugu (Rs 62 crore), Bhadrachalam Temple area development (Rs 41.38 crore) and basic infrastructure works at Renuka Yellamma Devasthanam (Rs 4.22 crore).
The projects focus on access roads, sanitation, lighting, interpretation centres and pilgrim amenities, while preserving the spiritual character of the sites.
The state also saw substantial funding under the original Swadesh Darshan scheme, which promotes integrated thematic tourism circuits. Telangana was sanctioned Rs 268.39 crore for three circuits: the Eco-Tourism Circuit in Mahbubnagar district (Rs 91.62 crore), the Tribal Circuit covering Mulugu–Laknavaram–Bogatha waterfalls (Rs 79.87 crore), and the Heritage Circuit in Hyderabad, including Qutb Shahi Heritage Park and Paigah Tombs (Rs 96.90 crore). These projects emphasise last-mile connectivity, visitor facilities, landscaping, signage and cultural interpretation.
Sustainable tourism
With the Centre’s renewed focus on immersive and sustainable travel, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 brought Rs 94.83 crore to Telangana for two projects — experiential tourism development at Bhongir Fort (Rs 56.82 crore) and eco-tourism infrastructure at Ananthagiri forests (Rs 38.01 crore).
Under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) component of Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Telangana emerged as a focus state, securing Rs 34.83 crore during 2024-25. This includes Rs 24.85 crore for a Digital and Cultural Experience Centre at Buddhavanam in Nalgonda, a site of Buddhist and cultural significance, and Rs 9.98 crore for eco-tourism development at Nizamsagar in Kamareddy.
‘The Challenge-Based Destination Development component of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 focuses on destination-centric planning, sustainability and community participation. Projects sanctioned for Telangana during 2024-25 were
selected through a structured evaluation process based on tourism potential and readiness,’ Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary, Tourism and Culture, told TNIE.
Iconic projects under SASCI
The largest strategic investments were made through SASCI, which supports capital-intensive and iconic tourism projects with long-term economic impact.
Telangana received Rs 141.84 crore under this scheme for the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit (Rs 73.74 crore) and the Somasila Wellness and Spiritual Tourism Project in the Nallamala region (Rs 68.10 crore).
Officials said Telangana’s selection reflects the state’s growing emphasis on diversified tourism, combining heritage, spirituality, eco-tourism and digital experiences.