Promoting Delhi as spiritual, architectural tourism hub: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, Aug 11
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday that the Capital's identity is not limited to historical monuments such as the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, and the government wants to attract tourists to its world-class spiritual and architectural sites such as Akshardham, temples, gurdwaras, churches, mosques, Buddhist and Jain religious sites.
Speaking at the 'Spiritual and Heritage Tourism Conclave-2026' organised at Akshardham Temple on the theme 'Delhi: The Capital of Spirituality, Heritage and Experiences', she said the event aims to present Delhi's spiritual, cultural and historical heritage to people in India and across the world.
The city aspires to offer an integrated tourism experience and develop from a 'Transit City' into a 'Destination City', she said.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister launched four spiritual and heritage tourism circuits. Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was also present.
The four circuits bring together religious, spiritual, cultural and historical sites located across different parts of Delhi as a single travel experience. The government aims to encourage tourists to explore Delhi's diverse heritage more closely, rather than simply visiting a few prominent monuments, and spend more time in the capital, she said.
The Chief Minister said Delhi's greatest strength lies in its unity in diversity. People from almost every state of the country live in Delhi and keep their cultures, traditions and festivals alive here.
From Gujarat's Garba and Maharashtra's Ganesh Chaturthi to Assam's Bihu, South India's cultural traditions and festivals of North India, Delhi brings the culture of the entire country together. This is why Delhi is a living reflection of India's cultural and spiritual ethos, she said.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the purpose of these circuits is not merely to connect different tourist spots, but to develop Delhi as a complete tourism experience.
Tourists should be able to experience the city's spirituality, history, architecture, culture, cuisine, folk traditions and diverse faiths, she said.
The government wants tourists visiting Delhi to stay not just for a few hours or a day, but for longer and explore different parts of the capital, she said, adding that this will also create new opportunities for employment and economic activity for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local guides, artists, artisans and small entrepreneurs.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great concept but I hope they also focus on cleanliness and basic infrastructure around these sites. Tourists won't stay longer if the roads are bumpy and there's no proper drainage during monsoon. Practical issues matter too!
As someone who visited Delhi last year, I was amazed by the spiritual diversity. From the majestic Akshardham to serene Buddhist temples, the city has so much depth. This is a smart move to showcase India's real essence to the world. 🌏
The idea of 'Destination City' is excellent, but let's not forget that Delhi's street food and local markets are equally big attractions. Maybe they can include Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat in these circuits too. Just a thought!
Unity in diversity - this is exactly why Delhi is special. Every Sunday at Bangla Sahib, you see people from all faiths and backgrounds sharing langar together. That's real India. Hope these circuits capture that spirit. 🙏
Interesting approach! I've been to Delhi multiple times and always end up just seeing the usual monuments. Having these structured spiritual circuits would definitely encourage deeper exploration and longer stays. Hope they include good multilingual guides and audio tours.
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