Signalling a bold step in sustainable tourism, the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board (UPETDB) has opened its doors for private investment, inviting bids for the operations and maintenance of 11 world-class eco-tourism destinations developed across the state.
Spanning Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Barabanki, Lalitpur, Banda, Jalaun, Kushinagar, Sitapur, Maharajganj, and Milkipur in Ayodhya district, these destinations bring together natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern eco-friendly infrastructure, positioning Uttar Pradesh as India’s emerging eco-tourism leader.
From a floating restaurant on the Saryu in Ayodhya to the majestic Pachanada confluence of five rivers in Jalaun, from Baghar Lake near Mahadeva Temple in Barabanki to the serene Sohrauna Tal in Kushinagar, and from Kalinjar Fort’s eco gateway in Banda to Kakrawal Waterfalls in Lalitpur—each project is designed to offer distinctive traveller experiences while creating high-value opportunities for investors. With amphitheatres, watch towers, cafés, wellness zones, cottages, boating facilities, craft markets, and cultural performance spaces already developed, the projects are investment-ready and primed to become signature eco-tourism attractions.
With Uttar Pradesh attracting 65 crore visitors in 2024, the state has emerged as India’s tourism powerhouse. These eco-tourism assets offer a first-mover advantage in underexplored circuits where tourist footfall is rising rapidly. Backed by multiple revenue streams—including ticketing, boating, wellness retreats, cultural festivals, food courts, and souvenirs—and supported by a 15-year concession period extendable to 30 years, the projects combine sustainability with profitability.
“Uttar Pradesh is not only developing eco-tourism sites, it is creating destinations of pride and prosperity. These projects are designed to conserve nature, showcase our heritage, and at the same time, generate employment and empower local communities. I invite investors and operators to partner with us in shaping these sites into India’s most admired eco-tourism landmarks,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh.
“These 11 destinations are a carefully curated mix of nature, heritage, and culture. Whether it is river confluences like Pachanada, spiritual wetlands like Sohrauna Tal near Kushinagar, or wellness escapes like Udhela Lake in Ayodhya, we have ensured that each site reflects both ecological sensitivity and tourism potential. Our goal is to position Uttar Pradesh as a global leader in responsible and experiential tourism,” said Prakhar Misra, Director (Eco), UP Tourism.
The model ensures inclusive growth by engaging local self-help groups, artisans, and youth in operations, strengthening community livelihoods alongside world-class tourist experiences.
Transparent e-tendering at etender.up.nic.in will allocate sites to the highest premium (H1) bidders, reinforcing credibility and openness in the process.
By transforming natural lakes, riversides, and heritage landscapes into sustainable destinations, Uttar Pradesh is making a clear statement: eco-tourism is not the future—it is the opportunity of today.
