Bhavik Sheth, Chief Operating Officer at Evoke Experiences, noted that the site attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each year, although these figures have varied during the pandemic.
He mentioned that the UNESCO designation has greatly improved the site’s visibility both nationally and internationally.
“Since the recognition, there has been a consistent increase in heritage-driven tourism, academic visits, and culturally inspired domestic travel,” Sheth commented.
Moreover, he pointed out that the visitor demographic has shifted from predominantly regional tourists to a more diverse group that includes researchers, organized travel groups, and experiential travelers.
The policy direction outlined in the Union Budget 2026 is also anticipated to shape the tourism landscape for the site.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has proposed the development of 15 archaeological sites, such as Lothal, Rakhigarhi, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh Palace, as “vibrant experiential cultural destinations.”
While specific project-level funding for individual sites has not yet been detailed, Sheth suggested that the proposal signifies a move towards experience-based heritage tourism.
“The initiative includes making excavated areas accessible to the public through curated pathways, engaging storytelling, and the implementation of conservation technologies, interpretation centers, and trained guides,” he explained.
Tourism in Dholavira is predominantly seasonal due to the climatic conditions in the Kutch region. Sheth indicated that most visitors come between November and February, with March and October serving as transitional months, whereas foot traffic drops from April to September because of the heat.
Efforts to establish the site as a year-round destination are concentrated on enhancing infrastructure and diversifying visitor experiences.
“Investments in infrastructure, such as improved access roads, shaded pathways, and upgraded onsite facilities, aim to enhance comfort beyond the winter months,” Sheth stated.
He added that programs focused on heritage interpretation, school and research tourism, desert ecology experiences, and curated cultural activities are designed to expand visitation throughout the year.
Tourism associated with the site also bolsters the local economy in the surrounding Kutch region. Sheth pointed out that visitor expenditures benefit accommodation providers, transport services, local guides, food vendors, and artisans, while indirectly creating jobs through local supply chains and small businesses.
Additionally, the nearby salt flats and the striking white landscape of the Great Rann of Kutch continue to be major draws for travelers.
Sheth highlighted that these ecosystems are delicate and require careful management, with responsible tourism practices like regulated access routes and controlled visitor movements necessary to safeguard the environment while fostering tourism growth.
