Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday launched four spiritual and heritage tourism circuits aimed at transforming the capital from a “transit city” into a destination where visitors stay longer and explore its cultural and spiritual diversity.
The circuits were launched at the Spiritual and Heritage Tourism Conclave 2026 at Akshardham Temple. Spiritual guru Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev was also present at the event.
Held under the theme “Delhi: The Capital of Spirituality, Heritage, and Experiences”, the conclave focused on presenting Delhi’s religious, cultural and historical heritage as an integrated tourism experience.
The four circuits – The Soul of Delhi, The Heritage of Delhi, Delhi Sacred Harmony and Echoes of Delhi – connect major religious, spiritual and heritage sites across the capital.
The first circuit includes Agrasen ki Baoli, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Sacred Heart Cathedral. The second includes Birla Temple, Jhandewalan Mata Mandir, Jantar Mantar, Yogmaya Temple and Jagannath Temple.
The third circuit covers the Ancient Hanuman Temple, Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, Dr Ambedkar Memorial, Purana Qila and Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. The fourth includes the Buddhist Temple, Church of Redemption, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Chhatarpur Temple, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib and Linga Bhairavi Sannidhanam.
Government aims to promote longer stays
Gupta said the objective was not merely to connect tourist spots but to encourage visitors to experience Delhi’s spirituality, history, architecture, culture, cuisine and traditions.
{{/usCountry}}Gupta said the objective was not merely to connect tourist spots but to encourage visitors to experience Delhi’s spirituality, history, architecture, culture, cuisine and traditions.
{{/usCountry}}She said Delhi should not be a city that tourists visit for a few hours or a day before moving on. The government wants visitors to stay overnight and explore different parts of the capital.
According to the government, longer tourist stays could generate employment and economic opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local guides, artists, artisans and small businesses.
Delhi's diversity seen as tourism opportunity
Gupta said Delhi represents India’s cultural and spiritual diversity, with people from different parts of the country living in the capital and maintaining their traditions and festivals.
She said the city’s tourism identity extends beyond monuments such as the Red Fort, Purana Qila and Humayun’s Tomb to its temples, gurdwaras, churches, mosques and Buddhist and Jain sites.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the potential for spiritual tourism, saying global interest in Indian spirituality, yoga, peace and inner balance could create opportunities for Delhi.
She called for participation from spiritual institutions, hospitality businesses, tour operators, local businesses, heritage organisations, experts, content creators and travel influencers to promote the capital’s cultural and spiritual heritage.