Author: Dr. Anila V. Menon

Abstract
Dark tourism, or thanatourism, refers to travel to places associated with death, tragedy, and human suffering. Globally this is a category of tourism which is in vogue since decades but, the phenomenon remains underexplored in India despite the country’s vast heritage of colonial violence, war, martyrdom, religious rituals surrounding death, and natural disasters. Sites such as JallianwalaBagh, the cremation ghats of Varanasi, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy memorial, Bhangarh Fort, and the tsunami memorials of Tamil Nadu illustrate India’s layered relationship with grief, spirituality, and memory. This article analyzes dark tourism in India across three dimensions: ethical concerns, regulatory frameworks, and community perspectives. It demonstrates that while dark tourism offers educational and economic potential, it raises profound ethical dilemmas concerning commodification of suffering, exploitation of communities, and misrepresentation of history. The absence of a coherent national framework further compounds management challenges. Drawing upon case studies and global comparisons, the article argues for the creation of a national policy
emphasizing dignity, inclusivity, and sustainability, alongside community engagement and responsible storytelling.

Published in: February 2026 (Volume-8, Number-1)

Keyword: Community-Centred Heritage | Cultural Sensitivity | Dark Tourism | Ethical Tourism Practices | Memorial Governance | Tourism Regulation and Legislation

DOI: 

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