‘Divya Bharat’: NITI Aayog’s tourism anthology offers a peek into the soul of India
Book titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” details curated travel routes, cuisines, local festivals, handicrafts, and lesser-known destinations of every state/UT in the country
Government think tank NITI Aayog on Friday released the country's first comprehensive tourism anthology designed as a year-round companion covering tourism, culture, and heritage across all states and union territories.
The book titled “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” details curated travel routes, cuisines, local festivals, handicrafts, and lesser-known destinations of every state/UT in the country.
It features around 2,100 tourism destinations and 1,200 cultural listings, totaling about 3,000 curated listings. It also uses a "unique seasonal lens", aligning destinations with the rhythm of the months to promote year-round, experiential, and sustainable tourism.
NITI Aayog Launches Anthology “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” to Strengthen India’s Tourism Ecosystem
NITI Aayog launched the publication “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India”, a comprehensive initiative aimed at inspiring citizens and global travellers to… pic.twitter.com/esbPTXu29r
— NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) April 17, 2026
The book includes a monthly travel calendar and detailed state-wise chapters aimed at promoting informed and diverse travel experiences across the country.
NITI Aayog vice chairperson Suman Berry said under the "Tourism Boost Vision 2029", the government is developing at least one, and up to 50, world-class tourist destinations across all states and union territories. The plan focuses on enhancing infrastructure, sustainability, and cultural preservation, aiming to position India as a premier global hub, he said.
"The book is a monumental contribution towards enabling travelers, particularly the domestic tourists, to explore every nook and corner of the country. The effort is also crucial because people themselves usually are not aware of the places to visit or good eating joints in their own state," he said.
Berry noted that while religious tourism forms a significant part of domestic travel, there is a need to enhance the overall tourism experience and develop world-class destinations across the country.
He also stressed the importance of strong Centre-State cooperation in promoting tourism, noting that states have a critical role in developing infrastructure and unlocking local potential.
Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, emphasised the need to further expand the tourism sector, noting its significant potential to contribute to the country’s economy.
He said the book will help citizens access reliable information about destinations and accommodation, and highlighted the growing interest in travel, with over 2 million footfalls recorded last year.
He added that initiatives such as Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan, along with the government’s plan to develop 50 global destinations, reflect continued efforts to promote tourism and enhance infrastructure to global standards.
