Rajasthan Geography: Tourism Development

[!IMPORTANT] The Soul of India: Tourism is a backbone of Rajasthan's economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and employment. The state is famous for its 'Heritage', 'Desert', and 'Wildlife' tourism. The tagline is 'Padharo Mhare Desh'.

1. Key Tourism Agencies

• RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation): Established in 1978 (operational from 1979). It manages tourist bungalows, hotels, and luxury trains like 'Palace on Wheels'.
• Department of Tourism: Established in 1956. Focuses on policy making and promotion.
• PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association): Rajasthan is a prominent member.
• RITHM (Rajasthan Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management): Located in Jaipur for training professionals.

2. Tourism Policy & Status

• Industrial Status: Rajasthan was the first state in India to grant tourism the status of an Industry in 1989 (Mohammad Yunus Committee).
• Latest Policy: Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020 aims to promote lesser-known destinations and rural tourism.

3. Tourist Circuits of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is divided into 10 major tourist circuits for better management:

1. Desert Circuit: Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer.
2. Mewar Circuit: Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Rajsamand.
3. Dhundhar Circuit: Jaipur, Amer, Dausa.
4. Braj-Mewat Circuit: Alwar, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur.
5. Hadoti Circuit: Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar, Baran.
6. Marwar Circuit: Pali, Jodhpur, Nagaur.
7. Shekhawati Circuit: Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu.
8. Vagad Circuit: Dungarpur, Banswara.
9. Godwar Circuit: Mount Abu, Sirohi, Pali.
10. Merwara Circuit: Ajmer, Pushkar, Merta.

4. Major Fairs & Festivals

• Pushkar Fair (Ajmer): World's largest camel fair (Kartik Purnima).
• Desert Festival (Jaisalmer): Showcases desert culture.
• Marwar Festival (Jodhpur): Dedicated to the music and dance of Marwar.
• Camel Festival (Bikaner): Celebrated in January.
• Teej & Gangaur (Jaipur): Important cultural festivals.

[!TIP] Folk Arts in Tourism:

• Puppetry (Kathputli): Traditional storytelling.
• Ghoomar: State dance of Rajasthan.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh, Gagron, Ranthambore, Jaisalmer Fort, and Keoladeo Ghana (Bharatpur).