Uttarakhand's tourism boom: 6 crore visitors driven by adventure, pilgrimage and ecology expected by year-end

NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand has established itself as a prominent tourist destination, with a record-breaking rise in visitor numbers each year. According to the tourism department, According to the tourism department, the state recorded 5.96 crore visitors in 2023, up from 3.68 crore in 2018—a growth of 61.79%. This year alone, nearly 3 crore tourists visited the state by August, and the figure is expected to exceed 6 crore by December. The surge in visitors follows the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and is a clear sign of the state's rising prominence on the national and international tourism map.

The state government has launched a series of new initiatives to further strengthen the tourism sector, with a focus on adventure tourism , eco-tourism, and pilgrimage. These efforts include promoting astro and aero tourism and introducing various training programs for local youth to engage with tourists through adventure activities.

Initiatives and projects by the state government to boost tourism

Here are some of the initiatives by the Uttarakhand government:

• Mansakhand Temple Circuit ’s new tourist train initiative: The Mansakhand Temple Circuit is now being promoted nationwide with the launch of the Bharat Gaurav Mansakhand Express, in collaboration with IRCTC. This special train has already seen departures from Pune, Bengaluru, Madurai, and Mumbai, taking tourists and devotees to key temples like Purnagiri, Hatkalika, and Jageshwar Dham. The tourism department has also prioritized beautifying these temples.
• Adventure training for youth: The state has trained 1,816 local youth in paragliding, mountaineering, and trekking, in partnership with external agencies, providing adventure options for tourists while creating local employment opportunities.
• Kedarnath’s transformation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s restoration project for Kedarnath Dham has transformed it into a major pilgrimage hub, with visitor numbers growing annually. Following the devastating floods of 2013, the restoration project—initiated in 2017—has completed a Rs 225 crore first phase and is progressing on the second.
• Adi Kailash's recognition: Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash in October boosted its popularity, with record tourist arrivals. Located at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet, Adi Kailash has become an alternative to the suspended Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The government has improved road access to ensure safer, easier pilgrimages.
• Revitalisation of Jadung Village: Once abandoned during the 1962 Indo-China war, Jadung village in Uttarkashi district is being restored under the Vibrant Village Scheme. The state government is transforming old structures into homestays, with six buildings currently under renovation.
• Ropeway to cut Dehradun-Mussoorie travel time: The construction of a 5.3 km ropeway between Dehradun’s Purkul village and Mussoorie’s Library Chowk is underway, expected to reduce travel time to just 15 minutes. The ropeway is scheduled for completion by November 2026, with similar projects in progress for Champawat and Uttarkashi districts.
• Growing as a wedding destination: The Uttarakhand government is working to fulfill PM Modi's “Wed in India” vision by developing the state as a premier wedding destination. Known for its Char Dham shrines and natural beauty, the state aims to attract both domestic and international wedding tourism.
• Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali tourism scheme boosts self-employment: The Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Tourism Scheme has provided a boost to both self-employment and tourism. Under the scheme, entrepreneurs in tourism are eligible for grants of up to Rs 33 lakh, while the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme offers grants up to Rs 15 lakh.
• Recognition of four villages as best tourism destinations: Four Uttarakhand villages received the Best Tourism Village Award, enhancing the state’s reputation in adventure, vibrant village, and agro-tourism categories.
• Rs 47,646 crore in tourism investment commitments: The Global Investor Summit held in December 2023 yielded Rs 47,646 crore in tourism sector investments, among Rs 3.56 lakh crore total commitments, highlighting the state’s strong tourism potential.
• Hotel Management Course and Master Plan for Jageshwar Dham: To support hospitality education, the Institute of Hotel Management in Ramnagar has introduced a degree course. Additionally, a master plan for Jageshwar Dham in Almora is underway with approved funding of Rs 21.34 crore.
• Enhanced homestay booking platform: The tourism department has introduced an online travel aggregator for homestay bookings, allowing seamless reservations through the official website.

Other initiatives: Apart from above mentioned schemes and projects, the Mahasu Devta temple at Hanol is set to undergo an upgrade inspired by the Kedarnath model, enhancing its appeal. Also, the state's first Tehri Acro Festival attracted paragliders from 26 countries, showcasing Uttarakhand as a hub for adventure sports. Meanwhile, in Uttarkashi, 720 youth were certified in adventure tourism skills through a training program by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute. Additionally, a special ceremony at the Kartik Swami temple in South India highlighted the state's growing tourism initiatives.

What chief minister Dhami said
Addressing the state government's focus on bolstering tourism,CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Uttarakhand holds a unique place on the global tourism map for its rich culture and heritage. Its natural beauty and vibrant folk traditions have long attracted tourists. The Char Dhams have been centers of faith for millions worldwide for centuries. Tourism plays a vital role in strengthening the state's economy. Along with promoting homestays, we are improving road, rail, and air connectivity. Our special focus is on becoming a leading wedding destination. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Uttarakhand will become not just India's, but the world's best wedding destination in the coming years."