MUMBAI: Aspiring tourists and followers of B. R. Ambedkar can explore a specially curated, free heritage circuit across Maharashtra this week, as the state tourism department rolls out a two-day tour marking his birth anniversary on April 13 and 14.The Directorate of Tourism has lined up guided visits to key sites linked to Ambedkar’s life and legacy in Mumbai, Nashik and Nagpur, aiming to blend cultural tourism with a deeper understanding of India’s constitutional architect.In Mumbai, the circuit begins at Chaityabhoomi and covers landmark sites such as Rajgruha, the historic BIT Chawl, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College and Siddharth College.Parallel circuits in Nashik and Nagpur will take visitors through equally significant sites.
In Nashik, stops include Muktibhoomi, Trirashmi Leni and Kalaram Temple—all associated with Ambedkar’s social reform movement. In Nagpur, the itinerary features Deekshabhoomi, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Dragon Palace Temple.Officials said the tours will start at 10am from designated points—Dadar in Mumbai, Gadkari Chowk in Nashik and Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur—with special buses operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two buses per city per day will ferry participants, with the state providing guides, refreshments and drinking water free of cost.Tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai said the initiative goes beyond sightseeing. “This is not merely a tourism initiative, but a tribute to a visionary who shaped India’s democracy. Visiting these sites is a golden opportunity to experience his legacy and will also boost heritage tourism,” he said, urging students and tourists to participate in large numbers.Principal secretary (tourism) Sanjay Khandare said sites like Chaityabhoomi, Muktibhoomi and Deekshabhoomi represent milestones of social change. “Through this circuit, we aim to convey the message of equality while bringing the younger generation closer to Ambedkar’s contributions,” he said.Tourism director B. N. Patil added that the circuit has been designed to offer an informative and immersive experience, highlighting Ambedkar’s teachings and global influence.The initiative comes as Maharashtra continues to position its cultural landmarks as tourism drivers, with the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department—set up in 2006—focusing on integrating heritage preservation with visitor experiences.How to join Interested tourists can board the buses directly at starting points, though seats will be limited. For coordination, officials have shared contacts in each city, including Mumbai-based organisers Pawan Pawar and Suraj Chaturvedi.With its blend of history, social reform and accessible travel, the two-day circuit offers a rare chance for travellers to walk through the legacy of Ambedkar while exploring some of Maharashtra’s most significant cultural landmarks.
