Uttar Pradesh has taken a major step towards positioning itself as a global eco-tourism hub with the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board (UPETDB) inviting private investors to operate and maintain 11 world-class eco-tourism destinations across the state. Spread over Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Barabanki, Lalitpur, Banda, Jalaun, Kushinagar, Sitapur, Maharajganj, and Milkipur in Ayodhya district, these projects blend natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-friendly infrastructure to offer investors a first-mover advantage in underexplored tourism circuits. From a floating restaurant on the Saryu River in Ayodhya to the spectacular Pachanada confluence of five rivers in Jalaun, from Baghar Lake near Mahadeva Temple in Barabanki to Sohrauna Tal in Kushinagar, and from Kalinjar Fort’s eco gateway in Banda to the scenic Kakrawal Waterfalls in Lalitpur, each destination promises unique experiences. Facilities including amphitheatres, watch towers, wellness zones, cottages, boating, craft markets, and cultural arenas are already in place, making these sites investment-ready with multiple revenue streams such as ticketing, wellness retreats, cultural festivals, food courts, and souvenirs. Backed by a 15-year concession model extendable to 30 years, the projects combine sustainability with profitability. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said these destinations are designed to conserve nature, showcase heritage, and empower local communities while offering world-class experiences. Prakhar Misra, Director (Eco), UP Tourism, added that the projects reflect ecological sensitivity alongside tourism potential, strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s brand as a leader in responsible and experiential travel. The government has ensured transparency through e-tendering at, with allocation based on the highest premium (H1) bidders. With 65 crore visitors in 2024, Uttar Pradesh has already emerged as India’s tourism powerhouse, and these eco-tourism projects are set to become signature attractions that generate livelihoods, drive inclusive growth, and put the state firmly on the global eco-tourism map.
