Uttar Pradesh opens investment gateway in ecotourism, invites partners to run 11 world-class destinations

Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board (UPETDB) has taken a landmark step to open its doors for private investment, inviting bids for the operations and maintenance of 11 world-class ecotourism destinations developed across the state.

Spread over Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Barabanki, Lalitpur, Banda, Jalaun, Kushinagar, Sitapur, Maharajganj, and Milkipur in Ayodhya district, these destinations combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern eco-friendly infrastructure, making them India’s next eco-tourism icons.

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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 offers a unique experience for travellers and new opportunities for investors.

With amphitheatres, watch towers, cafés, wellness zones, cottages, boating facilities, craft markets, and cultural performance spaces already in place, these assets are investment-ready and positioned to emerge as signature destinations.

With Uttar Pradesh attracting 65 crore visitors in 2024 alone, the state has firmly established itself as India’s tourism powerhouse. The ecotourism projects provide a first-mover advantage in unexplored circuits where tourist inflow is rising rapidly. Backed by diverse revenue streams such as ticketing, boating, wellness retreats, cultural events, food courts, and souvenirs, and supported by a 15-year concession period extendable to 30 years, the projects ensure both sustainability and profitability.

“Uttar Pradesh is not only developing ecotourism sites, it is also 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 ecotourism landmarks,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh here on Friday.

“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 emphasises inclusive growth by engaging local self-help groups, artisans, and youth in operations, ensuring that community livelihoods rise along with global 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 converting natural lakes, riversides, and heritage sites into eco-friendly destinations, Uttar Pradesh is sending a strong message: sustainable tourism is not a concept of tomorrow but an investment opportunity today.