The deadly virus “COVID-19” has affected our life in every aspect. We don’t know how it will end and how many dark marks it will give to the world. India stands at third highest number (33.1 lakh) of COVID cases (Till 1 September 2020) after US and Brazil. Although with increase in cases, recovery rate is also increasing (76.2 %). The global economy hit very badly with 5.2 percent contraction in global GDP and tourism sector is worst affected that have lost almost five to seven years’ worth of growth. India’s GDP is dropped sharply to 23.9%. Travel and tourism are one of the major sources of economic growth and income, where 1 in every 10 jobs are part of this sector in worldwide. To get back Travel and tourism on track, government have opened few states for tourists from 2 June 2020 with some strict protocols and guidelines. The land of King’s “Rajasthan” is always in bucket- list of India travelers. Its vibrant culture, heritage sites, palaces, museums, golden sand, forts, authentic cuisine, always attract both domestic and international travelers and give them experience of the royalty. Due to pandemic state tourism places are deserted and heritage hotels are facing bankruptcy. Tourism in pandemic is a topic of controversy. Some are planning to step out and some wanted to stay at home. People are preferring to visit places of less crowd and near to their home. Bhangarh Fort near Alwar, Kuldhara village near Jaisalmer, Padmini Palace of Chittorgarh, Bada Bagh of Jaisalmer, Haldi Ghat at Mount. Abu are some places that have dark chapter in history and somehow connected to death or tragedy. These are actually Dark Tourism sites which are far from city and could attract potential domestic tourists in Rajasthan in this pandemic. Present Study focuses on awareness level of people about Dark tourism and such destinations of Rajasthan. Will they prefer dark destinations of Rajasthan or will select conventional tourism places after COVID- 19. For such research, Data is collected through google forms with some open-ended and with some close ended questions. Rajasthan have abundance of Dark destinations but are ignored from society and government from years. Some are promoted enough. But many are still less known and hidden. Due to pandemic Rajasthan tourism is facing hard time and this could be the new trending product to reposition the image of Rajasthan tourism place and could attract more tourists in future even after COVID_ 19.

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Keywords: Dark Tourism, COVID- 19, Rajasthan Tourism.