Jharkhand Tourism Policy Explained: What Does the Policy Still Offer?

The “Land of Forests,” Jharkhand, is renowned for its pristine highlands, majesty of waterfalls, holy sites, and rich tribal heritage.  Even so, the state’s tourism industry has long been understudied—until the Jharkhand Tourism Policy introduced a revolutionary road map to unleash the potential of the travel industry in the state.

This blog is a must-read for policymakers, MSMEs, travel startups, and tourist investors since it offers a thorough analysis of the policy, covering its main priority areas, investment incentives, infrastructure development plans, and economic impact.

Core Objectives of the Jharkhand Tourism Policy

The policy’s strategic development is guided by the following goals:

1. Promote inclusive and environmentally friendly travel in rural and tribal areas.
2. Attract private investment via PPP and MSME participation
3. Preserve and showcase tribal heritage and biodiversity
4. Create employment and skill development avenues for locals
5. Improve tourist experience and destination branding through infrastructure, technology, and safety

Key Tourism Segments Promoted

1. Eco-Tourism

Over 29% of Jharkhand is forest-covered. The policy identifies eco-tourism as a top priority, focusing on:

• Forest treks in Saranda, Palamau, Netarhat
• Waterfalls and eco-lodges at Hundru, Dassam, and Lodh
• Bird watching and wildlife safaris in Betla National Park
• Community-based nature camps with tribal participation

2. Religious Tourism

Important spiritual monuments are the focus of the development of religious circuits:

• Jyotirlinga, Deoghar (Baidyanath Dham) is one of the twelve.
• The Parasnath Hills: a Jain landmark
• Rajrappa Temple: Shaktipeeth site
• Itkhori: Confluence of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain heritage

Dedicated facilities, including rest houses, food courts, ropeways, and public transport links, are being planned. Jharkhand is known for religious tourism.

3. Tribal & Cultural Tourism

More than 30+ tribal communities make  Jharkhand’s cultural treasure trove:

• Supporting tribal holidays (such as Sarhul and Karma)
• Handicrafts tourism: Sohrai painting, dokra art
• Heritage village circuits with homestay models
• Tribal museums, craft centers, and folklore storytelling trails

4. Adventure & Wellness Tourism

The hilly terrain and untouched valleys are ripe for adventure tourism:

• Rock climbing, rappelling, camping in Netarhat & Rajmahal Hills
• Mountain biking & paragliding under PPP mode
• Yoga + wellness retreats in rural hill zones with spiritual themes

Investment Opportunities & Incentives

The Jharkhand Tourism Policy offers one of the most competitive incentive packages in Eastern India.

Capital Investment Subsidy:

• 30% subsidy on eligible fixed capital investment
• Limit: ₹10 crore per project
• An additional 10% for SC/ST/Women/Divyang entrepreneurs

 Interest Subsidy:

• 50% interest reimbursement on loans for 5 years
• ₹1 crore max cap per unit

Land Allotment & Rent Subsidy:

• Land through JIADA at concessional rates
• Lease rent subsidy for eco-tourism and heritage projects

SGST Reimbursement:

• For 5 years, 75% of SGST is reimbursed

Stamp Duty Exemption:

• For qualified projects, 100% exemption from land registration

Travel service units, hotels, resorts, ropeways, caravan parks, and spa facilities are all eligible for these incentives.

Establishment of Infrastructure and Policy

In order to guarantee swift and organized development, the government is concentrating on:

1. Tourism Circuits Development

Five circuits have been identified:

• Religious Circuit: Deoghar–Parasnath–Rajrappa–Itkhori
• Eco Circuit: Netarhat–Betla–Saranda
• Adventure Circuit: Patratu–Kanke Dam–Netarhat
• Tribal Circuit: Ranchi–Khunti–Simdega
• Heritage Circuit: Hazaribagh–Lohardaga–Chatra

2. Connectivity & Logistics

• Operationalization of Deoghar Airport (2022)
• Tourism buses connecting top circuits
• Road upgrades with wayside amenities like toilets, EV stations

3. Digital Infrastructure

• State tourism app with 360° views, bookings, and AR tours
• Online single-window clearance portal for investors
• Digital marketing for tourism branding

Key Takeaways (Facts & Stats)

• Over ₹500 crore allocated under the tourism budget till 2026
• Tourism accounts for 6.3% of Jharkhand’s GSDP
• Over 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs to be created
• Footfall to Deoghar increased 30%+ post-airport launch
• Jharkhand targets doubling tourist arrivals by 2027
• More than 60 tourism projects are being approved under PPP

Who Should Leverage This Policy?

This is a golden opportunity for:

• Tourism & hospitality startups
• MSME investors & hotel chains
• Cultural and eco-tourism operators
• Event and festival planners
• Infrastructure developers
• Local artisans & tribal cooperatives

How Cretum Advisory Can Help You?

Cretum Advisory provides full-stack financial advisory services, compliance, and financial modeling for tourism entrepreneurs and investors. Our services include:

• Project report preparation & DPR filing
• Subsidy application & follow-up
• Business structuring & tax efficiency
• Land allotment & government liaisons
• Complete assistance for startups, LLPs, and MSMEs

To find out if you qualify under the Jharkhand tourist Policy and to begin your tourist business, schedule a free consultation right now.

FAQs – Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2021

1. What is Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2021?
   A government framework to boost eco-tourism, religious tourism, and tribal tourism with incentives for investors.

2. When was the policy launched?
   It was launched on July 23, 2022, and remains active in 2025 with continuous updates.

3. Is there a new policy in 2025?
   No new version yet, but the 2021 policy is being actively implemented with fresh projects.

4. What incentives does the policy offer?
   It offers capital and interest subsidies, SGST reimbursement, stamp duty exemption, and land lease benefits.

5. Which tourism sectors are promoted?
   Eco-tourism, religious circuits, tribal & cultural tourism, wellness, and adventure tourism are the focus.

6. Which regions are included in tourism circuits?
   Key zones include Netarhat, Deoghar, Parasnath, Betla, Rajrappa, and Kanke under 5 defined circuits.