Delhi govt launches four tourism circuits linking 21 heritage and religious sites

The Delhi government has launched four themed tourism circuits linking 21 religious, cultural and historical sites. The move aims to make the capital a longer-stay destination by showcasing its living heritage.The Akshardham Temple in East Delhi. (File photo)Delhi has launched four curated tourism circuits linking 21 religious, cultural and historical sites across the city, as the government looks to turn the national capital from a transit point into a destination in itself. The circuits were unveiled on Tuesday by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Spiritual and Heritage Tourism Conclave-2026 at Akshardham Temple, where spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was also present.The four routes - 'The Soul of Delhi', 'The Heritage of Delhi', 'Delhi's Sacred Harmony' and 'Echoes of Delhi' - are designed as connected travel experiences rather than standalone tourist stops. The conclave was organised on the theme, 'Delhi: The Capital of Spirituality, Heritage and Experiences'.According to an official, 'The Soul of Delhi' begins at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Connaught Place and goes to Sacred Heart Cathedral, also in Connaught Place, Agrasen Ki Baoli on Hailey Road, Lotus Temple in Kalkaji and Akshardham Temple in East Delhi. 'The Heritage of Delhi' starts at Birla Temple on Mandir Marg, followed by Jhandewalan Mata Mandir, Jantar Mantar in Connaught Place, Yogmaya Mandir in Mehrauli and Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas.The third route, 'Delhi's Sacred Harmony', starts at Praacheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place and covers Digambar Jain Lal Mandir in Chandni Chowk, Ambedkar Memorial in Civil Lines, Purana Qila on Mathura Road and Hazrat Nizamuddin. The fourth circuit, 'Echoes of Delhi', is the longest and includes six stops: Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, the Buddhist Temple on Mandir Marg, Church of Redemption on North Avenue, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Chhatarpur Mandir and Linga Bhairavi Sannidhanam at Chhatarpur Farms. Officials said Delhi's tourism identity extends beyond its best-known monuments and includes a wide range of religious and cultural sites representing different faiths and traditions. The initiative is aimed at encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore more parts of the city.Gupta said Delhi should be experienced "as a living reflection of India's diverse culture and traditions" and not only through a few prominent monuments. She said the city had preserved its history through different periods and had also become a place where people from across the country live and celebrate their cultures, traditions and festivals. The objective of the circuits, she said, was not merely to connect tourist spots but to create a wider experience around spirituality, history, architecture, culture, cuisine and diverse faiths. She added that encouraging longer stays could create opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local guides, artists, artisans and small entrepreneurs.The Chief Minister also pointed to the scope for spiritual tourism, saying rising global interest in Indian spirituality, yoga, peace and inner well-being could benefit Delhi's religious and spiritual destinations. She said the government, spiritual institutions, the hospitality industry, tour operators, heritage organisations, local businesses, experts, content creators and travel influencers all had a role in promoting Delhi as a tourism destination.Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said, "Beyond the mausoleums, shrines, and minarets, Delhi's true history is imbued with the adornments of Sanatan; our government is committed to bringing that very authentic history to the forefront of the world."Referring to the venue, he said, "At the Akshardham Temple, those myriad aspects connected to Delhi's cultural and architectural heritage have been depicted -- those that were deliberately not mentioned until now."- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 11, 2026 22:47 IST