Diya Kumari pushes Dark Sky Reserves, astro tourism for Rajasthan's global play
Synopsis
Rajasthan is staking a claim on a niche India has barely tapped — astro tourism. Deputy CM Diya Kumari wants 'Dark Sky Reserves' in the western desert, a Dubai-style adventure circuit in Jaisalmer-Barmer, and an AI travel app, all timed around Jaipur's 300th anniversary in 2027. It is a clear pivot from heritage-only branding to experience-led tourism.
Key Takeaways
Deputy CM Diya Kumari chaired a Tourism Department review at Paryatan Bhawan, Jaipur on 3 June .
Parts of western Rajasthan are being assessed for development as Dark Sky Reserves for astro tourism.
The Jaisalmer-Barmer belt is to be developed as a desert adventure destination on the lines of Dubai .
An AI-powered tourism app is planned for personalised travel services.
A year-long roadmap is being prepared for the 300th anniversary of Jaipur's founding on 18 November 2027 .
Summer push covers Rajsamand, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Jawai, and Kumbhalgarh under 'Pick Your Summer Escape'.
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Wednesday, 3 June directed Tourism Department officials to fast-track flagship projects and aggressively rebrand the state as the world's leading travel destination, with Astro Tourism, desert adventure, and AI-powered visitor services anchoring the new agenda. Chairing a high-level review at Paryatan Bhawan in Jaipur, she called for time-bound execution and a sharper global marketing push.
Key Directives From the Review
Diya Kumari instructed officials to adhere strictly to project deadlines and embrace innovation-led tourism development. She pushed for expanded roadshows, promotional events, and outreach programmes in both domestic and international markets, alongside a more aggressive digital and social media branding strategy.
The meeting was attended by Omkar Singh Lakhawat, Chairman of the Rajasthan Heritage Authority; Tourism Secretary Suchi Tyagi; Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riar; and Tourism Additional Director Anand Tripathi, along with senior departmental officials.
Astro Tourism and Dark Sky Reserves
A central focus was Rajasthan's potential as an astro-tourism hub. Citing expert assessments of the state's clear skies and low light pollution, officials discussed developing parts of western Rajasthan as 'Dark Sky Reserves' — dedicated stargazing zones aimed at astronomy enthusiasts and global travellers.
The Deputy CM also reviewed proposals for Observatory Tourism in Mount Abu and directed officials to draft a structured action plan for astro-tourism rollout.
Desert Adventure and AI-Led Services
Diya Kumari called for transforming the Jaisalmer-Barmer belt into a world-class desert adventure destination, drawing comparisons with Dubai's desert tourism model. She also pushed for an AI-powered tourism application to deliver seamless travel information, personalised itineraries, and enhanced visitor experiences.
Heritage, Culture, and Year-Round Branding
The review covered development at the Mira Bai Temple in Merta, a dedicated wedding tourism promotion event, and a planned Ghoomar Festival in Udaipur. Officials also discussed restoring traditional fresco art across the Shekhawati havelis and Jaipur's Walled City.
Notably, the Deputy CM directed preparations for the 300th anniversary of Jaipur's foundation on 18 November 2027, calling for a comprehensive year-long roadmap showcasing the city's history, architecture, and global significance.
What's Next
Destinations including Rajsamand, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Jawai, and Kumbhalgarh will be promoted under the 'Pick Your Summer Escape' theme to position Rajasthan as a year-round destination. Detailed action plans for astro-tourism and the Jaipur tercentenary are expected in the coming months.
Point of View
Underexploited bet — India has only one designated dark sky reserve (Hanle, Ladakh), and Rajasthan's western desert genuinely has the sky quality to compete globally. But the state's tourism story has always been long on vision documents and short on execution timelines; past 'world-class' promises around Jaisalmer adventure tourism and Walled City restoration have moved slowly. The 2027 Jaipur tercentenary gives this push a hard deadline, which is welcome. The real test is whether 'Dark Sky Reserves' get statutory protection from light pollution — without that, the branding is theatre.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dark Sky Reserves and where will they come up in Rajasthan?
Dark Sky Reserves are designated zones with minimal light pollution, developed for stargazing and astronomy-based tourism. Rajasthan is assessing parts of its western desert region for this designation, citing expert evaluations of clear skies and low ambient light.
What did Diya Kumari announce about Jaisalmer and Barmer?
Deputy CM Diya Kumari directed officials to develop the Jaisalmer-Barmer belt as a world-class desert adventure destination on the lines of Dubai. The plan aims to leverage Rajasthan's unique desert landscape for high-value adventure tourism.
When will Jaipur celebrate its 300th foundation anniversary?
Jaipur will mark 300 years since its founding on 18 November 2027. The Rajasthan government is preparing a year-long programme of cultural, architectural, and heritage-themed events around the milestone.
What is the AI tourism app planned by Rajasthan?
Diya Kumari has directed the development of an AI-powered tourism application to provide travellers with seamless information, personalised recommendations, and enhanced visitor experiences. A detailed rollout timeline has not yet been announced.
Which destinations are part of Rajasthan's summer tourism push?
Rajsamand, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Jawai, and Kumbhalgarh are being promoted under the 'Pick Your Summer Escape' theme. The campaign is aimed at positioning Rajasthan as a year-round tourism destination beyond its traditional winter peak.
