From Ancient Temples to Eco-Lakes: Mehsana Set to Shine as Gujarat’s Next Big Tourism Circuit
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The Ministry of Tourism has allocated significant funds for key infrastructure projects aimed at transforming Gujarat’s cultural and heritage landscape.
A key approval is a ₹17.29 crore project sanctioned under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) initiative for FY 2024–25. Titled “Transformation of Sharmishtha Lake: Light & Culture at Vadnagar,” the project aims to elevate the ancient town into a premier cultural destination.
The investment builds on earlier funding under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, which allocated ₹91.12 crore for developing the Vadnagar–Modhera circuit in 2016–17. Another ₹26.68 crore was sanctioned in 2017–18 for a multi-district tourism circuit covering Mehsana.
Gujarat Receives Major Boost for Eco and Pilgrimage Tourism
Beyond Mehsana, the Union Government has backed several high-value tourism projects across Gujarat under central sector schemes.
Under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme in FY 2024–25, ₹99.50 crore was approved for an eco-tourism destination at Kerly (Mokarsagar) in Porbandar, while ₹51.56 crore was sanctioned for a Tented City and Convention Centre in Dhordo. In addition, the PRASHAD scheme has allocated more than ₹150 crore to strengthen pilgrimage infrastructure at Dwarka, Somnath, and Ambaji.
Mehsana Heritage Circuit to Link Iconic Destinations
These investments support the Gujarat government’s vision of an integrated heritage, pilgrimage, and eco-tourism circuit in Mehsana district.
The proposed circuit will connect major attractions, including the Modhera Sun Temple, Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary, Taranga Hills, Dharoi Dam, Sharmishtha Lake, Kirti Toran, and Vadnagar.
According to the state government, these destinations already have essential visitor infrastructure, including approach roads, signage, parking, and basic amenities. Central funding will further enhance the circuit through architectural illumination, digital tourism tools, interpretation centres, and global marketing initiatives.
