TOURISM IN INDIA

TOURISM IN INDIA

Tourism in India is the largest service industry, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India.
In 2010, 25.8 million foreign tourists visited India. India generated about 200 billion US dollars in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$375.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. The majority of foreign tourists come from USA and UK. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the top five states to receive inbound tourists. Domestic tourism in the same year was 740 million. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra received the big share of these visitors.

Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate national policies and programs for the development and promotion of tourism. The Ministry of Tourism also maintains the Incredible India campaign.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hotspot from 20092018, having the highest 10-year growth potential. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007 ranked tourism in India sixth in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security.
India's thousands of years of history, its length, diversity and the variety of geographic features make its tourism basket large and varied. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business and sports tourism. India has one of the largest and fastest growing medical tourism sectors.

MOUNTAIN TOURISM IN INDIA

MOUNTAIN TOURISM

Mountains of India play a key role in forming the ecosystem of the country.
The magical Mountains of India , denoted as the abodes of the gods are famous with tourists due to the fresh air, religious significance, and thrilling adventure sports opportunities. India is home to some of the tallest and gallant mountain ranges in the world. These ranges come with some of the most attractive sceneries and ecosystems in the world. The views of the snowy mountains in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir will simply leave you spellbound.

Mountain ranges such as Western Ghats, Himalaya, Aravalli, Eastern Ghats, Nilgiri, Shivalik, Vindhya, and Satpura mountain ranges covered with dense and big forests, accommodating a wide variety of plants and animals, the mountains of India are prominent tourist attractions in the country.

THE HIMALAYA RANGE

Himalaya mountain ranges are the highest in the planet and home for the worlds highest peaks that include Mount Everest and K2. By extension Himalaya Range also include the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and other lesser ranges. Karakoram is one of the Greater Ranges of Asia. The Great Himalaya mountain is a source of some of major rivers in India as well as in the world. The second longest glacier in the world Siachen Glacier is also the part of Great Himalaya range. Great Himalaya also host some of the most beautiful valleys in India. The Himalayan mountain ranges are the best place for Trekking and Mountaineering expeditions in northern India and also attracts many foreign tourists.

THE PURVANCHAL RANGE

The Purvanchal Range is the extension of the Great Himalaya range in north-east region of India. It is parallel to Karakoram and ladakh range. Three hill ranges that come under the Purvanchal ranges are, the Patkai, the Garo KhasiJaintia and Lushai Hills. It is the most densely forested area and full of flora and fauna in India and attracts many foreign tourists. These hill region also known for highest rainfall. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are well famous for highest annual rainfall and wettest place on earth. The waterfalls and caves like Tyrshi Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Umlawan Cave, etc. also attracts many tourists.

THE VINDHYA RANGE

The Vindhya geographically separates the Northern India from the Southern India as it runs across the central India. Vindhya range is a very old mountain range in central India. It extends in east-west direction from Varanasi through Madhya Pradesh to Gujrat. Amarkantak is the highest point of vidya range and is a great pilgrim center for the Hindus, and is the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.

ARAVALLI RANGE

THE ARAVALLI RANGE

The Aravallis are amongst the oldest & famous mountain ranges of India. The Aravallis are located in the three states of India- Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat. The Aravalli ranges are also known as the Mewat Hills. The main tourist attractions of the triple states of Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan, are essentially the places that lie within the Aravallis. The highest peak of the Aravallis is the Guru Shikhar peak in the Mount Abu. The Mount Abu is the only hill station of Rajasthan. It is also located in the Aravallis. Another city of Rajasthan, the Udaipur, which is yet another famous tourist attraction, is also located in the Aravallis.

GURU SHIKHAR PEAK

CHAMBAL RIVER

Cont..

Apart from this, the Aravallis are also a home to three major rivers The Banas River, the Berach River, the Sabarmati River and the Chambal River. Apart from this, the Aravallis are also a home to major many lakes. The Nakki Lake, located within the Mount Abu is a very famous tourist attraction.

NAKKI LAKE

THE SAHYADRI RANGE

ANAI MUDI

The range starts near the border of Gujarat and ending at Kanyakumari. This area is one of the worlds ten Hottest biodiversity hotpots. The Arabian sea area is known as Konkan area, one of the best tourist attraction in India. The western ghats mountain ranges make up an impressive fortress all along Kerala. Anai Mudi in the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The Ghats also offer best valleys scenery-view through out the journey. The Sahyadri, with their rugged topography, rocky mountains and pinnacles, historic hill forts, huge lakes and extensive forest region are a virtual paradise for trekking, climbing and camping. The Sahyadris provide a wide choice of outdoor and adventure to all lovers of outdoor life - the trekker, the climber and the nature lover.

SAHYADRI RANGE

ANAI MUDI

KONKAN AREA

ADVENTURE TOURISM

Adventure Tourism

The Adventurous sporting seems to be a passion and thrill for the westerners since the 1970s, but now Indians are also enjoying this new ways of entertainment and thrills.
India is blessed with various adventure destinations which attracts both domestic and foreign tourists every year. The Himalayas offers a high altitude for various adventure sports and also the southern regions which offers various other adventures too. The Snow adventure regions of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttaranchal are attracting more and more adventure enthusiasts daily. The southern regions offers various activities related to water sports. Which includes beach sports and back water thrills. Rajasthan also offers desert rides and adventures. The various adventure destinations in India will definitely provide you with the right enjoyment with a chilling experience on your holidays.

PARA-GLIDING
HIMALAYAS

India is blessed with its vast and diverse geographical features, which offers the best flying conditions for any Para glider wish. Para Gliding in India can be divided according to the regions and geography. Para Gliding in the Mighty Himalayas The Himalayas is the world's biggest and largest mountain ranges where one can go for Para Gliding. But if you need real adventure you have to choose Ladakh and Zanskar where there are unpredictable wind currents, sandstorms and rough weather welcomes you.

GOA

Cont..
PARA GLIDING IN THE COASTAL REGIONS OF INDIA India had blessed with very wide coastal areas which is attracting many tourists daily and the calm sea winds gave the Para gliders an opportunity to enjoy the adventurous experience of the Para gliding sports. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar also are a good destination for beach Para gliding experience. PARA GLIDING IN THE DESERT AND OTHER TERRAINS OF INDIA The deserts of Rajasthan are also blessed with wind currents suitable for Para Gliding. Many tourists and Adventurists choose their Para Gliding destination as Rajasthan for a different experience.

RAJASTHAN

Motor Cycling and Cycling adventure in India

LADAKH
Another thrilling form of adventurous sports is the expedition to discover the hidden natural treasures of India with the aid of a Motor Cycle or a Bicycle. You can either buy or get one in rent for the purpose. The best time for cycling and motor cycling is from November to February where the heat will be less. By this adventure sport one can explore the culture and heritage of India very close. Major Destinations for Motor Cycling and cycling adventure in India The best destinations for Cycling and motor cycling in India are Kerala, Goa, Ladakh and Rajasthan. The Ladakh plateau is a best place for motor cycling. Many tour operators are available with cycling and motor cycling packages with low cost across India.

RAJASTHAN

GULMARG

SKIING & HELI-SKIING

Skiing is a popular winter sports in the hill stations of northern India which offers a thrilling and adventurous experience for all winter sports lovers. The prominent hill stations in India are Gulmarg, Shimla, Manali, arkanda, Kullu-Manali, Chamba, Kuper, Pabbe, Mussoorie and Nainital. HELI-SKIING For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down the slopes. The icy winds slaps your face and the swiftly slithering hiss of skies remindes you that you are racing away on your own steam. The sport is available in india in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort town of Manali (Kullu).

RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE IN INDIA

The rivers on the top Himalayas are the world's best destination suitable for white water rafting sport. There are enough destinations available for both amateurs and professional rafters. Major Destinations for River Rafting adventure in India. The great Himalayan mountain ranges which is stretching about 3250 Kms are the big producer of various big rivers in Northern area. The most popular river rafting sites in the Himalayas includes Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir. The best destination for guided rafting in white water is on the Indus river between Spituk and Saspol. The Zaskar River in between the Zaskar Mountains are another best place for White water river rafting.

SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING ADVENTURE IN INDIA ANDAMAN

Scuba diving and Snorkeling is another major adventurous sport in India. This adventurous sports includes the exploring of the flora and fauna of the underwater sea world. One can watch the sea creatures, coral reefs of various shapes and colors, jelly fishes etc.
The major destinations for Scuba diving and Snorkeling in India are Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The major attracting pace for Scuba diving is the archipelago of 36 islands, the Lakshadweep.

SEA TOURISM OF INDIA

SEA TOURISM

India has a coastline of more than 7000Km which provide a huge potential of sea tourism to us.
India offers a wide range of tropical beaches with silver/golden sand to coral beaches of Lakshadweep. States like Kerala and Goa have exploited the potential of beaches to the fullest. However, there are a lot many unexploited beaches in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These states have very high potential to develop them as future destinations for prospective tourists.

Some of the Important beaches of India are:

Vizag, Andhra Pradesh

Puri, Orissa

Pondicherry

Vizag ,Vishakhapatnam has one of the country's largest ports and its oldest shipyard on the eastern coast of India. The famous submarine museum near "Victory At Sea", is another must watch tourist attraction here. Puri has a very long, broad sand beach. The sea produces very big waves here. It attracts many national and international tourists because of its beautiful long beach and world famous Jagannath Temple. Pondicherry is very famous for its fishing industry having an annual yield of more than $2billion, it has 27 marine fishing villages and 23 inland fishing villages.

Marina Beach, Chennai

Lakshadeep Islands

Marina beach, Chennai is the longest urban beach of India and second longest beach of the world. It is the most crowded beach in the country & attracts 50,000 visitors a day during the weekends and on holidays. The beach is popular for its shops and food stalls. The memorials and statues, morning walk, joggers' track, lovers' spot, aquarium, and the like make it a hangout for people of all ages. Kite flying and beach cricket are common sports at the beach, and there are also facilities for pony rides.

Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already as a tourist attraction for Indians. The rich marine fauna is a delightful treat to the eyes of visitors. Water sports activities such as scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, yachting and night-voyage into sea are adventurous as well as quite popular activities among tourists.
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Aerial View of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Andaman & Nicobar islands are also the most favourit tourist attraction of coastal india. This tropical rain forest despite its isolation from adjacent land masses is surprisingly rich with a diversity of animal life. About 50 varieties of forest mammals are found to occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It also has 270 species of birds & with 225 species the A&N Islands house some of the larger and most spectacular butterflies of the world. These islands are traditionally known for their shell wealth, especially in the genera Turbo, Trochus, Murex and Nautilus.

Other Tourist Attractions On Indian Beaches

Elephants and camels rides are common on Indian beaches which are highly enjoyed by tourists. A view of Havelock Island where tourists are enjoying elephant ride.

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea coast (known as the Malabar Coast) The kettuvallams (Kerala houseboats) in the backwaters are one of the prominent tourist attractions in Kerala Kerala is placed among the `50 destinations of a lifetime' by National Geographic Traveler

Kerala backwaters in the Kuttanad area

House Boat on Kumarakom lake

Goa is another most famous tourist destination of India. Tourism is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa .There are more than two million tourists reported to visit Goa every year & about 1.2 million of whom are from abroad

Goa is also called as queen of beaches, land of sun, sand and surf. The sunset view of Goa gives the feel of being in paradise. Goa Carnival is also a very Famous Beach Festival