New Delhi: India is often described as the tourist's paradise. Inbound tourism is booming and the country is going all out
to lure more travellers from around the world. The tourism ministry is offering incentives for repeat visitors in 2009.
From the mighty snow-capped Himalayas of Kashmir in the north to the shimmering seas of Kanyakumari in the south, the verdant deltas of Sunderbans in the east, the world's largest protected eco-and-game reserve to the historic forts and shrines of
Rajasthan to the west - the country has everything that the footloose traveller would like to sample.
Contrary to perceptions across the world that tourism in India is still confined to traditions – the country is opening up with trendy tour packages and affordable air travel deals to woo inbound visitors from every segment.
The Pacific-Asia Travel Association says international arrivals to destinations in Asia-Pacific grew by 2.6 per cent in 2008 despite the economic downturn. And it is still showing a healthy growth.
According to projections, inbound arrival figure is expected to jump the four million mark this year.
India, says Asian travel trade fraternity, figures on the top of the most favoured destinations, primarily because of five reasons - affordability, cultural and entertainment diversity,
heritage, the country's rich socio-cultural mosaic and the robust economy which has been able to withstand the recession. The country has adapted to change, fusing modernity with traditions.
Figures cite that in India, inbound tourist expenditure is the third highest in the world. Tourist influx to India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.65 per cent till 2011.
Consequently, the country offers a eclectic mix of tourism from upend spa, golf, wine, skiing and shopping holidays, river safaris, health tourism to the traditional camel rides in Rajasthan, rural tourism in the hinterlands of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.
The traditional history and religious trails touch states like Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and the temple towns of Southern India. This year, the government is providing incentives for repeat
visitors. It includes special packages for those visiting India for the second time.
The most popular tourist circuits in the country are the northern Indian heritage packages that include Delhi-Agra and Rajasthan.
Delhi, the Indian capital, is like an archive- home to the modern and the old. It was seat of the Mughal rulers, the British Raj and also the Indraprastha mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Every crumbling wall in Delhi has a story to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. Rulers have come and gone. The city has lived through wars, resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. It has cradled civilisations since times immemorial. Delhi goes back hundreds of thousands of years back into time.
Agra, which lies adjacent to New Delhi at a distance of 300 km, is one of the most important destinations on the world map with three heritage monuments- the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen, descendants of the Muslim artisans of the 15-16th century. The city is famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is an abode of extensive boulevard and beautiful gardens. Founded by Sawai Jaisingh II in 1727 AD, the “pink city” still preserves its glory of rich history, pink sandstone architecture and culture.
The past comes alive in its impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal buildings, which for centuries were the abode of royal families. Rajasthani jewelry, art and fabrics from the city are in great demand in the international market. It is the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan.
Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of the Maharashtra state, and is the financial capital of the country. Situated on Salsette Island, Mumbai is made from a cluster of Seven Islands and derived its name from Mumbadevi, the goddess of the Koli fisher folk.
It has a deep natural harbour, which handles more than half of India's passenger traffic and a large amount of cargo. The city which never sleeps, is also home to the country million-dollar movie industry. Mumbai and the beach resort of Goa- a 12-hour drive from the city, draws thousands of tourists every year.
Located on the slopes of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It still retains the glory of colonial flavour, with its race tracks, lush golf grounds and colonial British cuisine.
Hyderabad in South Indian state of Karnataka, in contrast, is steeped in Muslim heritage while Bangalore in the state of Karnataka is a free individual traveller (FIT)'s delight. It is the Silicon Valley of India, the face of contemporary India.
--Madhusree Chatterjee and Jay Akbar