Aspirant Academy

Geography

Model Answer Frameworks

Tourism in Rajasthan

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 10 of 14 0 PYQs 41 min
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Model Answer Frameworks

5-Mark Answer Template A — Circuit-Based

Question: Name the major tourism circuits of Rajasthan and mention one key attraction of each.

Model Answer:

Rajasthan has five major tourism circuits: (1) Desert Circuit — Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner; Sam Sand Dunes/Mehrangarh Fort. (2) Mewar Circuit — Udaipur, Chittorgarh; Lake Palace/Chittorgarh Fort (UNESCO). (3) Shekhawati Circuit — Sikar, Jhunjhunu; painted havelis. (4) Hadoti Circuit — Kota, Bundi; Chambal riverfront. (5) Dhundhar Circuit — Jaipur, Amber; Amber Fort (UNESCO). Together, these circuits received ~5.3 crore domestic and ~18 lakh foreign tourists in 2022-23.

Word count: ~50 words | Word budget: Circuit list (25) + Key attractions (15) + Statistical anchor (10) = 50

5-Mark Answer Template B — Luxury Trains

Question: Write a brief note on Palace on Wheels.

Model Answer:

Palace on Wheels is India's first luxury tourist train, launched in 1982 by RTDC. It covers 8 destinations — Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur — in 7 nights. Ranked among the world's top 10 luxury train journeys, it operates October–March and charges USD 3,500–8,000 per person. RTDC also operates the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (launched 2009). These trains are Rajasthan's premier international tourism product.

Word count: ~50 words | Word budget: Definition + launch year (15) + destinations (15) + global ranking + fare (10) + conclusion (10) = 50

10-Mark Answer Template — Challenges

Question: Discuss the major challenges facing tourism in Rajasthan and examine the government's responses to address them. (10 marks, 150 words)

Model Answer:

Introduction: Rajasthan's tourism sector, contributing ₹65,000+ crore annually and ranking 4th in India for foreign arrivals (~18 lakh, 2022-23), faces structural challenges that constrain its full potential.

Key Points:

  1. Seasonality concentration: 70% of tourist footfall is compressed into October–March. April–September sees extreme heat (40–50°C) and monsoon. Government response: monsoon and summer festivals; promoting Mount Abu and Kumbhalgarh as summer destinations.

  2. Water scarcity vs. tourism growth: Heritage hotels in desert zones consume 500–800 litres per guest-night against local household access of 30–50 litres/day. Rajasthan Ground Water Act (2006) mandates rainwater harvesting, though enforcement is uneven.

  3. Conservation-development tension: Jaisalmer Fort faces structural degradation from tourist load; UNESCO issued conservation warnings in 2012 and 2017. Pushkar Lake faces hotel effluent pollution despite Ramsar wetland (2020) status.

  4. Uneven distribution: Golden Triangle and Desert Circuit capture ~85% of foreign visits; Hadoti and Shekhawati remain under-visited. Infrastructure investment and Swadesh Darshan scheme funding aim to rebalance.

Conclusion: Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020's 10-year framework — targeting 6 lakh additional jobs and balancing conservation with development — addresses these challenges, but water scarcity and seasonal concentration remain structurally unresolved.

Word count: ~155 words