Bihar used the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards 2026, held on June 14-15 in Goa, to unveil an ambitious vision of transforming itself into a global heritage destination, positioning tourism not merely as a cultural asset but a major engine of economic growth and investment.
Leading the discussions during the session ‘Reimagining Bihar as a global heritage destination’ was the state’s tourism minister Kedar Prasad Gupta. He said Bihar was determined to shed outdated perceptions and emerge as a world-class tourism destination. Gupta announced plans to introduce subsidised helicopter tourism services and highlighted the government’s efforts to develop Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi—revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita—on the lines of the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya.
“Our effort is to connect Punaura Dham with the wider Ramayana Circuit so that devotees visiting Ayodhya are encouraged to visit Bihar as well,” Gupta said, adding that the project would strengthen both religious tourism and the state’s cultural profile.
Expanding on the tourism vision, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) general manager Chandan Chauhan highlighted the state’s unique civilisational legacy, arguing that few regions in the world possess such a concentration of spiritual, historical and cultural landmarks.
The state showcased impressive tourism numbers, reporting 65.4 million domestic tourist arrivals and 740,000 foreign visitors in 2025. Bihar is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya and the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara—and is widely regarded as the cradle of Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Seeking to move beyond destination-based tourism, the presentation outlined an extensive network of thematic circuits, including Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, Ramayana, Shakti, Sufi, Gandhi, Shiv and eco-tourism routes. Officials argued that Bihar’s greatest opportunity lies in linking these destinations into integrated visitor experiences capable of increasing both tourist footfall and length of stay.
A significant part of the presentation focused on policy reforms designed to attract private investment. Bihar showcased a package of incentives under its tourism policy, including capital subsidies, interest subvention, support for homestays, branding assistance and public-private partnership opportunities. The government identified religious and heritage tourism, river tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and hospitality infrastructure as priority sectors.
The state also highlighted a series of flagship projects currently under development. These include the transformation of Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, the Hariharnath Temple Corridor at Sonepur, the Buddhist Meditation and Experience Centre at Bodh Gaya, premium hospitality projects in Patna and Gaya, and partnerships with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the Isha Foundation.
Alongside heritage tourism, Bihar emphasised emerging opportunities in eco-tourism and river tourism. Projects around the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake and the state’s major river systems are expected to broaden Bihar’s tourism appeal beyond pilgrimage.
The presentation concluded with a broader proposition: Bihar’s challenge is no longer a shortage of attractions but a deficit of perception. By combining infrastructure investment, policy support, digital innovation and its unparalleled civilisational heritage, the state hopes to reposition itself as one of India’s most-compelling tourism destinations.
FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS
* Bihar is rebranding itself as a global heritage destination, leveraging its identity as the cradle of Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, and the home of globally significant sites such as Bodh Gaya and Nalanda.
* Religious tourism remains at the heart of the state’s tourism strategy, with major investments planned in Punaura Dham, Hariharnath Temple Corridor, Bodh Gaya and other pilgr
* The government is actively courting private investment, offering capital subsidies, interest subvention, homestay incentives and public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities to accelerate tourism infrastructure development.
* Tourism diversification is a key objective, with Bihar promoting eco-tourism, river tourism, wildlife tourism, wellness tourism and MICE tourism alongside traditional pilgr
* The state’s biggest challenge is perception rather than potential, with officials arguing that Bihar’s historical and spiritual assets are globally competitive but remain under-recognised due to longstanding
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