1. ₹686.39 crore sanctioned by the Union government to Telangana under five tourism schemes in the last 10 years.
2. Major funding under PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan boosted pilgrimage sites, heritage zones and eco-tourism circuits.
3. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and CBDD focused on experiential, sustainable and digital tourism destinations like Bhongir Fort and Buddhavanam.
4. SASCI funds supported large, iconic projects such as the Ramappa region circuit and Somasila wellness tourism hub.

The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a total of ₹686.39 crore to Telangana over the last ten years under multiple flagship tourism development schemes, signalling sustained Central support for strengthening pilgrimage, heritage, eco-tourism, wellness and experiential destinations across the State. The funding has been channelled through structured schemes designed to improve infrastructure, enhance visitor experience, generate local employment and promote sustainable tourism.

The assistance has been extended under PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), each with a distinct objective and focus area.

Reviving Pilgrimage and Thematic Circuits

Under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme — whose core objective is to upgrade infrastructure and amenities at major pilgrimage destinations while preserving their spiritual and cultural essence — Telangana received ₹146.50 crore for four key religious sites. These include Jogulamba Devi Temple at Alampur (₹38.90 crore), Ramappa (Rudreshwara) Temple at Mulugu (₹62 crore), Bhadrachalam Temple area development (₹41.38 crore) and basic infrastructure works at Renuka Yellamma Devasthanam (₹4.22 crore). The projects focus on access roads, sanitation, lighting, interpretation centres and pilgrim facilities.

The State also benefited substantially under the original Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which aims to develop integrated thematic tourism circuits to distribute tourist footfall beyond major cities. Telangana was sanctioned ₹268.39 crore for three circuits. These include the Eco Tourism Circuit in Mahabubnagar district (₹91.62 crore), the Tribal Circuit covering Mulugu–Laknavaram–Bogatha waterfalls (₹79.87 crore), and the Heritage Circuit in Hyderabad, including Qutub Shahi Heritage Park and Paigah Tombs (₹96.90 crore). The projects focus on last-mile connectivity, visitor facilities, landscaping, signage and cultural interpretation.

Experiential, Sustainable and Iconic Destinations

With a shift towards immersive and sustainable travel, the Ministry launched Swadesh Darshan 2.0, whose objective is to develop high-quality, experience-driven destinations with emphasis on sustainability and local livelihoods. Under this scheme, Telangana received ₹94.83 crore for two projects — Bhongir Fort Experiential Tourism Development (₹56.82 crore) and eco-tourism infrastructure at Ananthagiri forests (₹38.01 crore).

Additionally, under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme — aimed at encouraging innovative, destination-specific solutions — Telangana was sanctioned ₹34.83 crore. This includes a Digital and Cultural Experience Centre at Buddhavanam, Nalgonda (₹24.85 crore) and eco-tourism development at Nizam Sagar, Kamareddy (₹9.98 crore).

The largest strategic investments came through SASCI, which supports capital-intensive, iconic tourism projects with long-term economic impact. Telangana received ₹141.84 crore under this window for the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit (₹73.74 crore) and the Somasila Wellness and Spiritual Tourism Project in the Nallamala region (₹68.10 crore).