What is tourism

Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which entails the

movement of people to countries or places outside their usual environment for
personal or business/professional purposes. These people are called visitors
(which may be either tourists or excursionists; residents or non-residents) and
tourism has to do with their activities, some of which involve tourism
expenditure.

Types of Tourism
Adventure tourism
As a kind of tourism in India, adventure tourism has recently grown in India. This
involves exploration of remote areas and exotic locales and engaging in various
activities. For adventure tourism in India, tourists prefer to go for trekking to places like
Ladakh, Sikkim, and Himalaya. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are popular
for the skiing facilities they offer. Whitewater rafting is also catching on in India and
tourists flock to places such as Uttranchal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh for this
adrenalin-packed activity.
Beach Tourism
India’s vast coastline and islands provides ample opportunities for fun packed
tourism. Kerala, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep islands attract tourists
in large numbers all around the year.
Cultural tourism
India is known for its rich cultural heritage and an element of mysticism, which is why
tourists come to India to experience it for themselves. The various fairs and festivals
that tourists can visit in India are the Pushkar fair (Rajasthan), Taj Mahotsav (Uttar
Pradesh), and Suraj Kund mela (Haryana). Sites like Ajanta & Ellora caves (Maharshtra),
Mahabalipuram (TamilNadu), Hampi (Karnataka), Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Hawa
Mahal (Rajasthan).
Eco tourism
Among the types of tourism in India, ecotourism have grown recently. Ecotourism
entails the sustainable preservation of a naturally endowed area or region. This is
becoming more and more significant for the ecological development of all regions that
have tourist value. For ecotourism in India, tourists can go to places such as Kaziranga
National Park (Assam), Gir National Park (Gujarat), and Kanha National Park (Madhya
Pradesh).
Medical tourism
Tourists from all over the world have been thronging India to avail themselves of cost-
effective but superior quality healthcare in terms of surgical procedures and general
medical attention. There are several medical institutes in the country that cater to
foreign patients and impart top-quality healthcare at a fraction of what it would have
cost in developed nations such as USA and UK. The city of Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
attracts around 45% of medical tourists from foreign countries.
Wildlife tourism
India has a rich forest cover which has some beautiful and exotic species of wildlife –
some of which that are even endangered and very rare. This has boosted wildlife
tourism in India. The places where a foreign tourist can go for wildlife tourism in India
are the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan), and
Corbett National Park (Uttarkhand).
The steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism to increase
the arrival of tourists to India are:-

(1) Launch of Tourist e-Visa for citizens of 44 countries.

(2) Promotion of the destination through the Incredible India Campaign

across the globe.

(3) Participation in major International Tourism & Travel Fairs &

Exhibitions.
(4) Organising Road Shows to promote tourism destinations and
products of country in major tourist source markets in collaboration
with stake holders.

(5) Development and promotion “Niche Tourism” products.

(6) Creating an increased pool of trained man power in Hospitality &

Tourism sectors for delivery of quality service to the tourist.

(7) Organising International Buddhist Conclave once in 2 years to show

case the Buddhist Heritage and International Tourism Mart for
showcasing the tourism potential of North East being held every year.

Following are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism:

Advantages Disadvantages

Tourism brings in money Can cause environmental damage

Tourism provides jobs Commercialization

Stimulates growth of a country Can cause cultures to clash

Incentive to preserve the natural environment Tourism mainly provides low level jobs
Tourism  promotes international connections Seasonal Nature of tourism

Helps to put nations on the global map Small businesses are unable to keep up

Helps to preserve culture and heritage Other key sectors of a country might be ignored

NORTH

"Yoga Capital of the World"

Rishikesh Tourism
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas along the convergence of Ganga and
Chandrabhaga River, Rishikesh is a small town in the Dehradun district, located
close to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh (also called as Hrishikesh) is known for
its adventure activities, ancient temples, popular cafes and as the "Yoga Capital of
the World". Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is also a pilgrimage town and
one of the holiest places for Hindus.

As it lies on the holy banks of river Ganga, Rishikesh has been a hub

of Sadhus (saints) with numerous ashrams teaching spirituality, yoga, meditation and
Ayurveda springing up. Since it is a religious town, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are
strictly prohibited here. Rishikesh sees the most beautiful evening aarti on the banks of the
river Ganga, which is not too crowded unlike its contemporaries in Varanasi, and Haridwar .
The International Yoga Festival  is organised here in the first week of March which sees
yoga enthusiasts from all over the globe.

Rishikesh is divided into two main areas - the downtown area known as Rishikesh town
which is where the popular Triveni Ghat  is situated. 2 km upstream from the popular Ram
Jhula and Lakshman Jhula is the other side of Rishikesh where most of the popular
ashrams, cafes, accommodation and tourists can be found. 

"Serene valley of Flowers"

Valley of Flowers Tourism
Valley of Flowers is located in Chamoli district (near Badrinath) of Uttarakhand,
approximately 300 km to the north of Rishikesh.  Valley of flowers is a World
Heritage Site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. It is open
from June to September every year.

At the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern
Himalayas, the valley of flowers discovered by Mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931
has been declared a world heritage site for its wild untamed blooms surrounded by
white peaks. Famous for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs, it is also believed
that Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshmana from the valley of flowers.
A perfect place to laze around the umpteen number of Himalayan water-falls,
streams and paddocks and let the beauty of the place sink in.

"Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger"

Jim Corbett National Park Tourism
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park set amidst the foothills of the
Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Known for housing the endangered
Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park has multiple resorts set on
the riverside. Home to more than 650 species of rare and migratory birds, it is a
haven for bird watchers. The most popular attraction at Corbett National Park is
Dhikala, a forest lodge located on the border of Patil Dun Valley, which is known for
the stunning location and rich wildlife.

The Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is
named after Jim Corbett who is a famous hunter and naturalist. It was the first place where
Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The park is spread over an area of more than 500 sq
km and is divided into 5 zones: Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna , Domunda and Sonanandi to
promote tourism.
"The Hill-Station with Rich Colonial History"
Shimla Tourism
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill-station among Indian
families and honeymooners. Situated at the height of 2200m, it was the summer
capital of British India. The hill station still retains its old-world charm with beautiful
colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road  and the ridge lined up with
multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.

Shimla is often covered along with nearby towns of Kufri, a hill-station almost always
covered by snow and Chail , famous for a huge palace and the highest cricket ground in the
world. Tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple  and engage in sightseeing at various
viewpoints during their trip to Shimla.

The weather is pleasant for most of the months with tourists flocking especially during the
summer months. The winters are cold with some days of snow from mid-December till
February end.

"The city of Taj Mahal, the monument of eternal love"

Agra Tourism
Located on the banks of River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is a popular tourist
destination as it is home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal . It is a
sneak peek into the architectural history and legacy of the Mughal empire with two
other UNESCO World Heritage Sites Agra Fort  and Fatehpur Sikri . History,
architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra, and hence, makes for a
must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India.

Apart from its monuments, Agra has some exciting stuff for foodies. It is as famous for
its Petha (a sweet made from pumpkin and flavoured with rose water and saffron) as it is
for the Taj Mahal. Agra is also well known for its marble artefacts which are best bought in
the Sadar Bazaar or Kinaari Bazaar area. 

History fanatics and architecture buffs are sure to have a ball here with the sheer expanse
of the Mughal art and culture on display.Be prepared to be astounded, amazed, inspired
and thrilled. However, be a little cautious about conmen in the guise of unofficial tour
guides and fake handicrafts.
SOUTH
"The abode of bygone ruins, rusty colors and fascinating
landscape"
Hampi Tourism
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD, and by some accounts,
the second largest city in the world at that time. Over the next centuries it fell out of
importance, and now you can explore the ruins of a lot of temples and other structures
spread out over a vast area. The terrain around Hampi is as mysterious as the ruins itself -
the city is surrounded by boulders of different sizes, and you can climb to the top of them
with a little effort to get a stunning view of the entire city and the geography. It is located on
the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Famous for its massive, beautifully carved temples,
especially the Virupaksha Temple , dedicated to the patron deity of the empire. You can
also find remains of the old aqueducts, canals and military barracks and stables here.
Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 and many efforts have been
taken to restore the lost glory of the place - very limited (if any) modern establishments are
allowed in the main area, which gives an authentic feel to the ruins.
Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets,
bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a
backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a
favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

"Queen of the Nilgiris"

Ooty Tourism
Nestled amidst Nilgiri hills, Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in
Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Once regarded as the
summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a
picturesque getaway.

Dotted with tea gardens, serene waterfalls, winding country lanes, and charming
colonial architecture, Ooty is the perfect respite everyone. Popular among couples
and honeymooners, Ooty allures its visitors with the panoramic views of the Nilgiri
mountains.

The Nilgiri mountain railway is the steepest track in all of Asia. Remember the hit
song 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' where Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora matching steps on
top of a train? Remember the breathtaking locales as the train chugged its way
across lush greenery? Yes, that was the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, and the Nilgiri
Mountains all along.

"The Scotland of India"

Coorg Tourism
Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty
landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its
beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a
popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan
specializing in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is the most affluent hill station in Karnataka. It is
well known for its breathtakingly exotic scenery and lush greenery. Forest covered
hills, spice and coffee plantations only add to the landscape. Madikeri  is the region's
centre point with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to
Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta,
and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of "homestays" to make your
experience more memorable! 

"The French Riviera of the East"

Pondicherry Tourism
Pondicherry, officially known as Puducherry, and commonly referred to as just
Pondy, is one of the seven Union Territories of India which is bounded by the
southern state of Tamil Nadu. This former French colony is a perfect amalgamation
of the traditional Indian sensibilities and French architecture, making it a dreamy
escape that offers the best of both worlds.

The streets of the French Quarter of Pondicherry, also known as White Town, are
dotted with charming mustard-yellow colonial structures with bougainvillaea laden
walls. These are interspersed with cosy cafes and chic boutiques that offer
delectable French cuisine and beverages. Simply strolling down these streets, can
give the traveller an insight into the fairytale charm of Pondicherry.

Topped with authentic French bakeries, bohemian stores and cobble-stoned paths
that are delightful for a leisurely stroll or a bicycle ride, Pondicherry has a lot to
offer. So head on down to this dream town of the Indian Coast and chug a few beers
(at the Union Territory prices; bid adieu to state taxes) or just read a book in one of
the quaint cafes.

"Home to the Mysore Maharajas"

Mysore Tourism
Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore,
currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding
ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate
architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few.
Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated
city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The
highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a
must-visit.

Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States in the erstwhile British Empire
of India. To this day, the Mysore Palace stands tall as one of the most spectacular
palaces in India. A very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors milling in
and around it every day, the Mysore Palace is a mesmerizing example of Indo-
Saracenic architecture, every inch of the palace drips with opulence and intricate
details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate
architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colours and stained-glass windows. On every
Sunday, and during the Dussehra celebrations, the palace is spectacularly lit up
once dusk falls.
EAST
"Home to the One Horned Rhino"
Kaziranga National Park Tourism
Home to the largest population of the one-horned rhino on earth, Kaziranga National
Park is one of India’s national treasures in terms of flora and fauna. Located in the
state of Assam in North-Eastern India, its total area is shared by the districts of
Nagaon, Golaghat and Karbi Anglong placing it roughly at the centre of the state.
Approximately around five hours by road from Guwahati, Kaziranga National Park
stands tall as the epitome of successful wildlife conservation in India. In 1985, it was
awarded the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Lying on the floodplains of the mighty river Brahmaputra, rich vegetation covers
almost the entirety of Kaziranga National Park. Receiving massive amounts of
rainfall each year, at times even crossing dangerous levels, this national park is
characterised by tall elephant grass, marshlands and tall tropical broadleaf forests.
Here, a wide variety of fauna thrives including the one-horned rhino, Asiatic
elephants, wild water buffalo, leopards and Royal Bengal Tigers. Kaziranga National
Park is also listed officially as a Tiger reserve and is home to one of the world’s
largest population of tigers. 

Different types of birds can also be spotted here at the park. A popular migratory
location for birds who fly down from the north, one can spot various birds such as
the black-nested stork, the lesser white-fronted goose, ferruginous duck and Baer's
pochard duck to name a few. Other notable bird families which can be seen here
include the great Indian hornbill and wreathed hornbill among many others.

Meghalaya's dew drop"

Cherrapunji Tourism
Earlier the wettest place on the Earth, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, also known as
Sohra, is known for its double-decker living root bridge. Located around 50 Kms
from Shillong, this sub-divisional town is famous for its rich flora and natural
attractions. Although Mawsynram is now the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji still
holds the record for the highest recorded rainfall in a calendar year. Apart from the
famous living root bridge, other natural attractions include cave formations such as
the Mawsmai Caves and Krem Phyllut. Asia's cleanest village, Mawylyngnong is
another famous tourist spot here, where visitors can live and experience the food
and culture of the village.

The misty valleys and the waterfalls in the region make a long drive through
Cherrapunji ideal for those who love road trips. The breathtaking panoramic views
of the valley and waterfalls such as the famous Nohkalikai Waterfalls are wonderful
experiences to be had during the sunny winter days. For those with a bit of time on
their hands, the town of Dawki at the border with Bangladesh offers a wonderful
clearwater boating experience in the winter season.

"The land of the Mizos"

Aizawl Tourism
Lying at a height of 1132 m above sea level, Aizawl is a quaint city and the capital
of the state of Mizoram in northeast India. Primarily dominated by the Mizo Tribe,
Aizawl and its surrounding areas are lush with rolling hills and abundant greenery.
The city, along with the majority of the state is known for its agricultural produce and
ethnic handicrafts and apparel. Aizawl is well connected via roads and air
connectivity to other major hubs of northeast India such as Silchar and Guwahati in
Assam. An important thing to note is that an Inner Line Pass or ILP is required for
entry into Mizoram which is available on Guwahati, Silchar, Shillong, New Delhi and
Kolkata.
Among one of the oldest cities in the north eastern region of India, Aizawl,
pronounced eye-zole, is a perfect place to relax while enjoying the local food and
culture. Home to the Mizoram State Museum and few other tourist complexes,
tourists have few options to enjoy a sightseeing tour in the city. Apart from these,
one can take a tour to the nearby hilly areas of Hmuifang, Tamdil Lake  and
Chanmari.

"Queen of The  Himalayas”

Darjeeling Tourism
Darjeeling, the former summer capital of India under the British Raj, has evolved
into one of India's most sought-after hill stations. This picturesque hill destination  in
West Bengal is ideal for a romantic honeymoon. Darjeeling, nestled among acres of
tea estates, is 2,050 metres above sea level and thus has a cool climate all year.

Darjeeling is also famous for it's tea plantations  with over 86 tea estates responsible for
producing the worldwide famous 'Darjeeling Tea'. 

The third highest peak in the world and the highest in India, the Kanchenjunga peak, is
visible from here, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak. Some of Darjeeling's
most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-
Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway  cable car, which is the longest Asian cable car. Tiger
Hill  is a fantastic spot to see the sunrise over the mountains in all its fiery glory.

"World's Largest Fresh Water Island"

Majuli Tourism
Majuli is a lush green environment-friendly, a pristine and pollution-free freshwater
island in the river Brahmaputra, just 20 km from the Jorhat city and located 347 Kms
from Guwahati. With a total area of 1250 sq. km, Majuli is the world's largest river
island and it attracts tourists from all over the world. Among one of the most surreal
places in India, Majuli is also a strong contender for a place in UNESCO's World
Heritage Sites. Mostly inhabited by Tribals, the culture of Majuli is unique and quite
interesting and is one of the key reasons why people love this place so much. It is
also called the cultural capital of Assam. The festivals celebrated here are all joyous
and vibrant. The main festival in the town of Majuli is called Raas and it is an
exciting and interesting spectacle.
WEST
"The land of Strawberries"
Mahabaleshwar Tourism
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of
Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its
numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most
sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km south-
west of Pune and 285km from Mumbai.

Mahabaleshwar is also a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus as the Krishna river
originates from here. Once a summer capital of the British, the hill station of
Mahabaleshwar comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and
lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. It is often used as a base to visit
the magnificent Pratapgad Fort , located an hour away.
Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar and a region of the Shindola village are
the three villages that make up Mahabaleshwar.

"Beaches, Sunsets and Crazy Nights"

Goa Tourism
Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other,
known for its endless beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage
listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. The
laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does
Indians, or even more so.

Having been a Portuguese territory for almost 450 years, the Portuguese
architecture is nowhere as prevalent as in Goa - visit one of the many whitewashed
churches, crumbling forts or spectacular churches. The yellow houses with purple
doors, ochre coloured mansions and oyester shell windows is what completes the
kalieodscope of Goan architecture.

Panjim, the capital city located in the centre overlooks the calm Mandovi River
where the famous floating casinos of Goa are docked. The centre is well-connected
with an international airport and roads and trains run from North to South part of
Goa. With a coastline stretching for over 100 kilometres, Goa has stunning
beaches. While Baga and Calangute are more popular among the Indian family
crowd, Anjuna and Arambol draw a lot of foreign tourists. The beaches in South Goa
are relatively lesser explored, but some of them like Agonda and Palolem are more
beautiful.

"The land of Asiatic Lions"

Gir National Park Tourism
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only remaining home for the Asiatic
Lions. Located in Talala Gir in Gujarat, the Sanctuary is a part of Kathiawar- Gir dry
deciduous forests ecoregion. Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15
October every year and the best time for wildlife spotting is April and May.

Gir provides you with the unique experience of visiting a place which almost
singularly plays a crucial and defining role in the preservation and sustaining of a
certain species. The preservation of these lions was initiated by the Nawab of
Junagadh when these were just about to enter the phase of extinction due to
hunting.

The official count said that there were 411 lions in 2010. Also, there are roughly
different 2375 species of fauna here with 38 species of mammals, over 300 species
of birds, 37 species of reptiles and over 2000 species of insects. Other important
wildlife forms found here are leopard, chausingha, spotted deer, hyena, sambar
deer and chinkara.

"The White Desert of India"

Kutch Tourism
Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile
princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is
probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast
expanses of the white salt desert.  The place comes to life during the winters when
the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are
huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities
like hot-air ballooning. 

Kutch is also among the largest district of India with a terribly low population
density. Also, Kutch lies on the India-Pakistan border and you can see parts of
Pakistan from Kutch. Kutch is also famous for crafts and embroidery works,
Flamingo Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit
the Rann of Kutch. Beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth
visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don't miss to see the ancient town of Dholavira .

"The abode of serpents"

Saputara Tourism
Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill
station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating
mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty
of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first
favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and
is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love
adventure sports.

Located at a distance of four kilometres from the Maharashtra border and two
hundred and fifty kilometers from Mumbai in Dang district, Saputara literally means
habitat of snakes and the tribals of this region worship snakes, especially during
Holi. It is a beautiful hilly region enriched with enormous greenery offering
magnificent panaroma, tribal culture of a different sort and great trekking
opportunities.