tourism in india a growing attraction

Essay on Toursim in India a Growing Global Attraction

Students are often asked to write an essay on Toursim in India a Growing Global Attraction in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Toursim in India a Growing Global Attraction

Introduction.

India, a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes, is becoming a major global tourist attraction. The beauty and history of India attract tourists from all over the world.

Rich Heritage

India’s rich heritage includes historical monuments, forts, and palaces that tell tales of its glorious past. The Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Jaipur’s palaces are some examples.

Natural Beauty

India’s natural beauty, from the Himalayan peaks to Kerala’s backwaters, offers a unique experience. Beaches in Goa and Andaman, wildlife sanctuaries, and desert safaris are also popular.

Cultural Diversity

India’s diverse culture, festivals, cuisines, and art forms provide a rich experience to tourists. The warmth and hospitality of Indian people make the visit more memorable.

In conclusion, India’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a growing global attraction in the tourism sector.

250 Words Essay on Toursim in India a Growing Global Attraction

India, a country rich in its diverse culture, history, and heritage, is gradually emerging as a prominent global tourist destination. The tourism industry in India is experiencing a significant growth phase, driven by the country’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance.

Unique Cultural Diversity

India’s cultural diversity is one of its most attractive features. Each state in India has its own unique culture, language, and cuisine, offering tourists a multifaceted experience. The vibrant festivals, traditional arts, and folk dances provide a captivating insight into India’s rich cultural tapestry.

Natural and Historical Attractions

India’s natural beauty, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the serene backwaters of Kerala, attracts nature enthusiasts from around the globe. Additionally, the country’s historical sites, including the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and ancient temples, draw innumerable history buffs annually.

Emerging Tourism Trends

India is also adapting to emerging tourism trends such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and wellness tourism. The government’s initiatives, like the ‘Incredible India’ campaign, have significantly contributed to promoting India as a global tourist destination.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growth, the tourism industry in India faces challenges, including infrastructure development and environmental preservation. Addressing these issues presents an opportunity for sustainable growth and a chance to further enhance India’s global appeal.

In conclusion, India’s tourism sector is a growing global attraction, offering a unique blend of cultural, natural, and historical experiences. With effective strategies and sustainable practices, India can continue to flourish as a preferred global tourist destination.

500 Words Essay on Toursim in India a Growing Global Attraction

Tourism is a significant sector of the Indian economy, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP and employment. The country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, historical landmarks, and natural beauty make it a global attraction. India’s tourism industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with international and domestic tourists contributing to this upward trend.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

India’s history is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, colonial influences, and modern developments. The architectural wonders such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and the palaces of Rajasthan are testaments to the country’s historical richness. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Varanasi, the Ellora and Ajanta caves, and the temples of Khajuraho, showcase India’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence. These historical and cultural attractions are a significant draw for international tourists.

Natural Beauty and Wildlife

India’s geographical diversity offers a wide array of natural attractions. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the pristine beaches of Goa and Andaman, from the backwaters of Kerala to the deserts of Rajasthan, India’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Additionally, the country’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Indian Elephant, attract nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers from around the globe.

Religious Tourism

India, known as the land of spirituality, attracts millions of pilgrims and spiritual seekers annually. Destinations like Haridwar, Varanasi, Amritsar, and Bodh Gaya are significant religious sites for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists, respectively. The annual Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, showcases India’s religious fervor to the world.

Adventures and Experiences

India’s diverse landscape also offers numerous adventure tourism opportunities. Trekking in the Himalayas, river rafting in Rishikesh, camel safaris in Rajasthan, and scuba diving in the Andamans are just a few examples. Additionally, India’s vibrant festivals, yoga retreats, and culinary tours offer unique experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of global tourists.

Government Initiatives and Challenges

The Indian government has undertaken various initiatives to promote tourism, such as the ‘Incredible India’ campaign and the e-Visa scheme. However, challenges like inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and environmental issues need to be addressed for sustainable tourism growth.

Despite the challenges, the future of tourism in India looks promising. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse experiences, India continues to be a growing global attraction. Sustainable and responsible tourism practices can further enhance its appeal, contributing to the country’s economic development and global image.

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From India to the world: Unleashing the potential of India’s tourists

Boosted by rising economic prosperity  and a fast-growing economy, India is set to be an important global source market for leisure travel. India is now the fifth-largest economy, and its population has surpassed China’s to become the largest in the world, at over 1.4 billion people. 1 World Bank national accounts data, GDP (current US$) India, accessed September 2023; World population prospects 2022 , United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2022. And the population is young—the median age is 27.6, more than ten years younger than that of most major economies. 2 World population prospects 2022 . What's more, consumption of goods and services, including leisure and recreation, is forecast to double by 2030. 3 “India’s impending economic boom,” Morgan Stanley, November 8, 2022. Adding a strong postpandemic travel recovery, and a growing appetite for international travel, these factors point to India’s significant potential for outbound tourism.

India is now the fifth-largest economy, and its population has surpassed China’s to become the largest in the world, at over 1.4 billion people.

Through nine charts, this article unpacks trends and opportunities in the Indian travel market. Selected country examples shed light on how destinations can enhance their value propositions to attract and delight Indian travelers.

Indian globetrotters set to soar

Racing ahead: indian wanderlust is taking off, top picks: united arab emirates reigns, new gems discovered, regional flavors; global explorers.

Indian travelers are not a homogenous group; destination preferences vary across regions. For example, travelers from North India constitute a large share of travel to the United States and Canada, while two-thirds of travelers from Kerala prefer destinations in the Middle East. 1 India tourism statistics 2020 , Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, January 2021; MarketIS. Purpose of travel, distribution of the diaspora, and cultural linkages play a role in destination choice.

Destination matchmaking: Five ways to build value

Destinations looking to harness the full potential of the growing Indian market could consider tailoring their value propositions in alignment with one or more of the five key decision points that influence where travelers choose to go. Destinations might ask the following questions to determine which factors align with what Indian travelers look for when planning a trip.

• Research. How attractive and popular is the destination with Indian tourists?
• Accessibility. Is it easy to obtain a travel visa?
• Connectivity. Are there convenient flights that connect India to the destination?
• Booking. Is the destination affordable for Indian travelers, and is there an adequate supply of hotels in the appropriate price range?
• Travel experience. What is the on-the-ground experience like for Indian tourists in terms of weather, attractions, and whether or not the local population is English speaking?

There’s something for everyone in Thailand

Azerbaijan’s visa policy wows indian travelers, vietnam takes off: direct flights skyrocket arrivals.

In 2019, Kolkata was the only city in India with direct connectivity to Vietnam, and three other Indian cities offered sporadic flights. To stand out from Southeast Asia neighbors and gain popularity with Indian travelers, Vietnam improved direct connectivity from India by increasing flight frequency and adding new routes. Indian arrivals are now at an all-time high. 1 Data from Google trends and Diio Mi.

The luxury of Dubai is within reach

In 2022, India was the largest source market for leisure travelers to Dubai. 1 “1.24 million Indian tourists visit Dubai in first 9 months of 2022,” Business Standard , December 10, 2022. The city is known for its luxury offerings and, perhaps surprisingly, also offers a wide range of accommodations, such as 3-star options. And flights from India are affordable when compared with flights of similar distances. Taken together, these factors make the luxury of Dubai accessible to Indian travelers. 2 MarketIS.

Bollywood magic in Switzerland

While only 9 percent of Indian travelers focus on long-haul destinations in Western Europe, Switzerland has been an Indian top-20 destination for over a decade. Switzerland may be popular, as it feels familiar to Indian travelers: many Bollywood hits feature Swiss attractions, there are plenty of Indian restaurants and cultural festivals, and English is widely spoken. 1 “Switzerland and romantic songs of Indian movies,” Solo Backpacker, September 20, 2019; India-Switzerland relations , Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, February, 2020; Festival of India in Switzerland and Liechtenstein – Events , Ministry of Culture, Government of India, 2018; Swiss hospitality for Indian guests , a joint report from HotellerieSuisse, Berne and Switzerland Tourism, November, 2019.

Namaste, India!

India is a high-potential, growing source market for leisure travel. Destinations looking to attract Indian leisure travelers could consider targeted marketing, an expanded range of affordable options, and customized on-the-ground hospitality that caters to Indian preferences. Destinations may need to take steps now to build a strong value proposition and distinguish themselves as a preferred location. To do so, they could take action in the following areas:

Destinations looking to attract Indian leisure travelers could consider targeted marketing, an expanded range of affordable options, and customized on-the-ground hospitality.

• Connect. Make travel seamless, for instance, by simplifying visa application processes and providing direct connectivity.
• Entice. Offer affordable packages with a range of choices that appeal to specific groups, such as families, couples, or solo travelers.
• Welcome. Make the experience traveler-friendly, for example, by providing appropriate food and beverage options like vegetarian and Indian cuisine.
• Attract . Design targeted campaigns to showcase experiences that Indian travelers want, and use appropriate channels to get the word out, for example leveraging over-the-air partnerships and social media.
• Unlock. Include the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and business tourism segments in marketing efforts to boost interest in leisure travel.

Divya Aggarwal is an associate partner in McKinsey’s Gurugram office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, and Kanika Kalra is a partner in the Mumbai office, where Neelesh Mundra is a senior partner.

The authors wish to thank Ashu Airan, Steffen Köpke, Richa Kothari, Karthik Krishnan, Kargil Mishra, and Jean Petersen for their contributions to this article.

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Experiential tourism is booming in the India of many cultures

Glancing through travel content on social media , there is a distinct focus on showcasing the offbeat and singular. The appetite for experiential tourism among Indians is growing, as is the variety of niche, immersive and special-interest experiences on offer around the country. There are tours that blend fragrance and flavour, glamping (glamorous camping) retreats , textile heritage trails, haunted walks, volunteering at wildlife conservation centres, historical event trails, or music tours with folk musicians.

Distillery tour where visitors can see the traditional distillation process

Flower picking at the farm

Pranav Kapoor, eighth-generation perfumer , chef and founder of gourmet perfumery Indian Naturals, launched perfume tourism in Kannauj in March this year to showcase the rich history of his family and town in crafting scents for global and domestic brands and consumers. “Travellers are looking for immersive experiences . There are several experiential tours on offer in India now, but a lot more must be developed,” says Kapoor. Visitors can stay at the courtyard suite of his home in Kannauj—an ancestral haveli, visit the flower farm, see the distillery and the traditional distillation process which relies on human skill and intuition, create their own fragrance at the perfume bar, and tour the town’s historical ruins and monuments . “We’ve had an overwhelming response. Our visitors enjoy staying with a perfumer family and the personalised interaction it entails.”

The American Express Travel 2023 Global trends report shows 94% of Indian respondents wanting to travel to a lesser-known destination and 95% to a destination off the beaten path. The pandemic appears to have spurred an increased interest not only in domestic travel but also in exploratory and purposeful trips.

A volunteer stitching up a comfy burlap hammock for the sloth bears at ABRF

One of the bears using the hammock enrichment

Volunteers helping in chopping fruits for the animals

“Post- Covid , people want to do something meaningful on a holiday and not just be tourists. They want to get involved and take back an experience and memories that are a conversation piece,” says Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO and co-founder of Wildlife SOS, a conservation organisation that rescues and rehabilitates wildlife in distress. Their Mathura elephant rehabilitation centre and bear rescue centres in Agra and Bengaluru are open for 90-minute educational tours and for “working holidays”, where volunteers get a homestay experience at the 16-bedroom volunteer home and learn about tourism and entertainment’s negative impact on wildlife. The resident elephants and bears are rescues from long-term abuse through visitor rides, street begging and entertainment. Visitors learn about ethical tourism, work alongside the staff in caring for the animals, enjoy freshly prepared meals from the centre’s organic farm, visit the elephant memorial in tribute to those who lost their lives through human abuse, and sometimes tag along for a rescue. “People are always moved by the experience and say that they would never ride an elephant again or participate in creating this problem,” says Satyanarayan.

A weaver on the loom in Kota

Many of these special-interest tours are curated and led by professionals who have personal experience and deep expertise in the subject. Shilpa Sharma’s prolific career in craft and textiles, including her time with FabIndia and co-founding arts and crafts e-commerce brand Jaypore, led her to curate immersive textile trails. Her travel company, Breakaway, organises workshops and community interaction-based tours across India with visits to expert craftspeople, viewing of private collections, and craft and textile residencies. “I’ve met many interesting people throughout my career and witnessed an interest in and appreciation of our handmade textiles. I saw an opportunity to offer a nuanced experience around this,” says Sharma. Catering to a domestic and international clientele including solo travellers, designers, academics and all-women groups, the trails span the country, spotlighting artisans weaving Khesh fabric from upcycled old saris in Shanti Niketan, natural-dyed cotton yarn being decorated with special motifs symbolising the wearer’s tribe in Odisha , or elephant poo paper-making in Rajasthan.

Morning with pahadi music by the riverside with Himali Mou (alter ego of the qawwali group Rehmat e-Nusrat). Photographed by Jishnu Chakraborty

Evening sessions by the riverside with Rehmat-e-Nusrat. Photographed by Jishnu Chakraborty

“There is an increasing demand from visitors who don’t want to just see palaces and monuments, but want to dig deeper into the culture, food and people,” says Ashutosh Sharma, co-founder of independent music label Amarrass Records. During field recordings with musicians , they observed that the musicians’ earnings dwindled as they grew older and were unable to travel for performances. Amarrass began informal tours a few years ago, taking interested guests to visit musicians’ homes in the villages, attend music sessions, and have a meal with them, like a reverse baithak, to gain context about where this music originates.

They officially launched a ‘music in the hills’ tour in February 2023 with the qawwali group Rehmat e-Nusrat led by one of the members, Sarvjeet Tamta, who is also an expert in Kumaoni culture, food and history. The three-day trip near Bhimtal includes qawwali, Kumaoni, Garwali and Nepali music sessions. “You eat organic local food, listen to some amazing music, interact with and have a meal cooked by the musicians, trek to Parital, and maybe even attend a flute workshop. It’s a trip for all five senses,” says Sharma, adding that their ‘music in the desert’ tour launches in November 2023.

A visitor picking flowers at the farm

Visitors enjoy the personal interactions and attention to detail in these immersive experiences. Kapoor’s tour blends his expertise as a chef and perfumer. “My family has been perfumers for 200 years and along with fragrance, I wanted to add flavour to the experience.” The fragrance and flavour of the season—vetiver, rose or jasmine—is threaded through a personalised seven-course menu. Kapoor intends to expand to perfume trails across India and hopes to encourage other Kannauj perfumers to engage in perfume tourism and elevate the town as a visitor destination with a rich history.

Bagh print process

Sustainability and sensitivity are intrinsic to experiential tourism. Sharma champions several artisans and designers focused on sustainability in her tours and workshops, like those working on climate-resistant fashion or recycling leftover fabric. Visitors to Wildlife SOS’s centres can see the organisation’s efforts to help the former captors of these animals with alternate income sources—the centre’s souvenir shop stocks products made by many of them. As the animals have had traumatic pasts, visitors observe but do not pet or disturb them. “These animals now help educate and inspire people to learn and prevent this from happening to others,” says Satyanarayan.

Bamboo flute workshop. Photographed by Jishnu Chakraborty

Amarrass’s Sharma agrees that awareness and knowledge are instrumental to sustainability efforts. “When visitors interact with the locals and understand their culture, local issues and lifestyle, it increases their awareness, which adds values and ideas to making things more sustainable .”

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Best places to visit in india.

Like India's fast-paced cities, the country's list of potential travel destinations is dizzying. One of the world's largest countries by land mass and population, India spans a variety of cultures and landscapes. Travelers can choose from teeming metropolises, world-renowned heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries perfect for a safari or beaches with good vibes only. To help you choose your next adventure, U.S. News ranked the best places to visit in India, factoring in cultural attractions, scenery and cuisine, among other details. Get inspired below, and be sure to rate your favorite destinations to influence next year's list.

Jim Corbett National Park

Andaman and nicobar islands, kanha national park, kodagu (coorg), kaziranga national park.

The Taj Mahal, India's most recognizable attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is Agra's claim to fame. As the eastern point on India's Golden Triangle (a popular tourism route between Agra, Jaipur and Delhi), Agra is by no means under-the-radar, but most visitors attest that its architectural marvel is well worth the hype. Once you've toured the gleaming marble mausoleum, commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s to honor his third wife, visit the "Mini Taj" – Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb – or learn more about the imperial family at Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, and many recommend a sunrise or sunset visit to avoid peak crowds.

For travelers who may become overwhelmed in India's bustling northern destinations, Kerala offers a more subdued introduction to the country. Though relatively small, this state on India's southwestern tip encompasses everything on a vacationer's wish list. In the Western Ghats (a mountain range older than the Himalayas), tourists can visit wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar National Park or gaze at the manicured tea gardens of Munnar. Those who prefer to hover around Kerala's roughly 360 miles of coastline can lounge on well-kept beaches or ride a houseboat through a network of lagoons. Meanwhile, Kerala's cities like Kochi and Kannur are perfect for experiencing the state's unique customs and cuisine.

Rajasthan is one of the most popular Indian states for tourism, and Jaipur, its capital city, does not disappoint. Dubbed "The Pink City" for its rosy-hued facades, Jaipur's ornate Rajput and Mughal architecture is its biggest draw. The five-story Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of the Winds," graces many a postcard with its honeycomb windows; the City Palace is a testament to grandeur with its elaborate gates and the Amber Palace dazzles with its hall of mirrors. After checking off the main attractions, round out your visit by admiring jewelry at Johari Bazaar or perusing some of Jaipur's many textile boutiques.

One of India's smallest states, Goa draws tourists from around the globe with its Arabian Sea shoreline and easygoing "susegad" lifestyle. The Goan term (a legacy of the area's roughly 450 years under Portuguese rule) best represents the sense of contentment and lazy afternoons that define this region. Set up an umbrella at popular spots like Agonda Beach or Palolem Beach (both on the southern end of the state) to soak in Goa's laid-back vibes. And when you feel the urge to get moving, tour Roman Catholic churches in Old Goa or paddle through mangroves on a kayak tour.

Incessant honking, weaving rickshaws, an assault of smells: Delhi bombards the senses. Though this chaotic city is not for the faint of heart, those willing to embrace the mayhem will be treated to one of India's most vibrant historical and cultural destinations. Lean into the culture shock by exploring the labyrinth of narrow streets, markets and food stalls of Old Delhi, where the must-visit Red Fort is located. Meanwhile, the more contemporary New Delhi, the nation's capital, features wide avenues and green spaces. Highlights include Humayun's Tomb, the Lodhi Garden and the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple.

Perched on the banks of the Ganges River in northeast India's Uttarakhand, Rishikesh is a spiritual haven where serenity reigns. Commonly touted as the "Yoga Capital of the World," Rishikesh is dotted with ashrams for those seeking peace and meditation. Though it is mostly abandoned, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Ashram is a well-known tourist site for fans of The Beatles; the band resided and wrote nearly 50 songs here in 1968. Along the river, visitors will find important Hindu sites, such as Triveni Ghat and the pyramid-shaped Trayambakeshwar Temple.

Words could never quite capture the spirit of Mumbai; it's a place that must be experienced to be believed. Dubbed the "City of Dreams," India's most populated city has been a trade center since 1000 B.C. Today, Mumbai is India's commercial and entertainment capital, home to the National Stock Exchange, the Bollywood industry, dozens of beaches and a booming nightlife scene. You may contend with crushing traffic and a hectic train system, but make sure to see the remnants of Mumbai's ancient past at the Elephanta Caves, as well as architectural feats like Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

If spotting a Bengal tiger in its natural habitat is on your bucket list, Jim Corbett National Park is a safe bet: this park has the country's highest concentration of these majestic mammals. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the 500-square-mile park encompasses rolling hills, dense forests, marshes and savannas. To make the most of your time, stay overnight at one of the forest rest houses in the Dhikala Zone and book a jeep safari to take you deep into the jungle. Though you're never guaranteed to see a tiger, you're sure to enjoy other wildlife including elephants, bears and more than 600 bird species.

Escape the city smog with a tropical excursion to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located about 800 miles from India's mainland, these remote isles beckon to beachgoers with their sugary sands and cerulean waters. Of the hundreds of islands in these two archipelagos, only a handful are inhabited. Make a beeline to the popular Havelock Island for Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach – two pristine spots for lounging and snorkeling. When you've gotten enough sun, explore the limestone caves and mangrove forests on Baratang Island or learn some history in the islands' capital, Port Blair, on a tour of Cellular Jail, where Indian revolutionaries were once imprisoned.

Once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, UNESCO-listed Hampi and its ruins date back to the 14th century. This town in Karnataka is home to 1,600-plus ancient structures, including forts, temples and royal complexes. From the detailed gopuras (gateway towers) and pillared halls of Virupaksha Temple to the layered arches of the Lotus Mahal, the rust-colored ruins are a wonder to behold. While here, climb Matanga Hill for unmatched views of the valley, and be sure to ride a coracle (a round cane boat) along the Tungabhadra River.

Known as the "City of Lakes," this Rajasthan city's tranquil reservoirs make its marble and zinc buildings and green hills all the more lovely. Udaipur's ethereal beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular destination for couples, who can admire the intricate details of Jagdish Temple or stroll hand-in-hand through the gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari. For a romantic ending to the day, visitors should wind down with a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola for a glimpse of the palaces on the islands of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir and to see the 450-year-old City Palace dominating the shoreline.

Often called the religious capital of India, this ancient city in Uttar Pradesh is an essential pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Set on the Ganges, the holiest river in India, the city features 88 ghats (stairways leading to the river), and many devotees flock to Dashashwamedh Ghat in the evening for the sacred Ganga Aarti ritual. Of Varanasi's thousands of temples, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous. Keep in mind that this temple and some others do not permit non-Hindus to enter, and to respect Hindu rituals and sacred spaces, it's best to dress conservatively during a trip here.

Widely thought to have inspired Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book," Kanha National Park is an enchanting safari spot in India's central highlands. Hosting nearly half of India's forests, this roughly 750-square-mile park shelters animals such as tigers, leopards and sloth bears, and its meadows helped save the barasingha (swamp deer) from extinction. When you're not prowling for wildlife on a jeep safari or enjoying a nature trek, visit one of the 100-plus villages on the park's outskirts to learn about local life. For unique digs, spend the night at a tented camp or safari lodge. Plan to visit outside of July 1 to Oct. 15, when this park is closed.

Another Rajasthan gem, Jodhpur swaps Jaipur's pink hues for swaths of sapphire. Though the origins of the Jodhpur's signature blue painted buildings are debatable – some say the color emulated the homes of Brahmin (members of Hinduism's highest caste), while others say that it repelled bugs and sun – there is no question that the effect is eye-catching. Founded in 1459, Jodhpur is also known for its well-preserved architecture. Head to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which looms over the city from its cliffside location, then descend to the surrounding old town for a heritage tour. To experience the harsh terrain that shaped the city, hike through Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park.

You'll need thick skin and strong lungs to visit Ladakh, one of the highest regions in the world. For adventurous travelers set on experiencing the stark beauty of the Himalayas, this remote locale is worth the trek. Spend some time in Leh to acclimate to the altitude. While here, admire hilltop Tibetan architecture at Leh Palace and Thiksey Monastery, and defy gravity at Magnetic Hill (which inexplicably propels vehicles uphill). Then, venture farther afield to the world's highest saltwater lake, Pangong Lake, and follow the Silk Road in Nubra Valley. After rigorous days, bed down at one of Ladakh's modern eco-resorts.

Often called the Scotland of India, Kodagu, or Coorg, is fitting of its moniker with its verdant hills and rainy weather. One of India's many hill stations, misty Kodagu is a welcome respite from the unrelenting summer heat in many of the country's other destinations. Located in Karnataka, Kodagu also produces a third of India's coffee, so you'll be even more invigorated while you tour Mercara Gold Estate. Other must-see spots in this region include the peak of Mandalpatti and Raja's Seat, ideal vantage points to look out at the landscape.

A center for Sikhism, the holy city of Amritsar is renowned for its Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib). True to its name, the temple was built using nearly 900 pounds of gold leaf, and its complex is a spiritual hub. Amritsar, which is located in Punjab near the Pakistan border, also holds important memorials to some of India's darkest moments in history – the Partition Museum and the Jallianwala Bagh. Since Amritsar is considered a top destination for gastronomy, visitors can't leave without trying kulcha (stuffed bread baked in a tandoor) and dal makhani (a lentil curry), two Punjabi staples.

Wedged between Nepal and Bhutan, this Sikkim city boasts leafy hillsides and distant peaks worthy of a postcard. To take in the awe-inspiring scenery, travelers can ascend Tiger Hill to watch the sun rise over Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Those who want to sleep in can ride Darjeeling's Toy Train around the Batasia Loop or hop on the Darjeeling Ropeway cable car for other spectacular views. Darjeeling tea is sipped around the world (the destination is home to more than 80 tea plantations), so a visit to a tea garden is a must. Better yet, plan to spend the night; many tea estates double as guest houses and resorts.

Wildlife enthusiasts should journey to this park in northeast India for one reason: the one-horned rhinoceros. The 170-square-mile Kaziranga National Park contains roughly two-thirds of the world's population of these prehistoric-looking creatures. Located in the Brahmaputra River floodplain, Kaziranga features grassy meadows, marshland and broadleaf forests. Opt for a jeep tour to cover the most ground and for the best chance at spotting other fauna like tigers, leopards, elephants, gibbons and water buffalo. You'll want to plan a winter or spring trip; Kaziranga closes between May and October. (Note: The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to the state of Assam due to violence by insurgent groups; check the  website  for updates before booking your trip, and be cautious if you decide to travel.)

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Bandhavgarh National Park

Ranthambore National Park

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in India

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 19, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

India is a vibrant land of startling contrasts where both the traditional and modern worlds meet. The world's seventh largest nation by area and the second largest in terms of population, India boasts a rich heritage that's the result of centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark.

Things to do in India include the opportunity to experience an array of sacred sites and spiritual encounters, while nature lovers will enjoy its sun-washed beaches, lush national parks, and exciting wildlife sanctuaries.

From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover a trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures.

To help you make the most of your time in this amazing country, refer often to our list of the top tourist attractions in India.

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra

2. the holy city of varanasi, 3. harmandir sahib: the golden temple of amritsar, 4. the golden city: jaisalmer, 5. the red fort, new delhi, 6. mumbai: the gateway of india, 7. mecca masjid, hyderabad, 8. amer fort, jaipur, 9. the beaches of goa, 10. periyar national park and wildlife sanctuary, madurai, 11. agra fort, 12. the ellora caves, aurangabad, 13. mehrangarh fort, jodhpur, 14. the ganges river, 15. mysore palace, 16. mahabodhi temple, bodhgaya, best time of year to visit india.

Perhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen until 1648 to complete.

Incorporating many elements of Islamic design including arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance, the Taj Mahal is largely constructed of white marble. Adding to its splendor are delicate inlaid floral patterns and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.

The best time to visit is either at dawn or dusk when the atmosphere is brilliantly altered by the change in lighting. If possible, try to catch a view of the Taj Mahal's reflection from the far bank of the Yamuna River-it makes for a memorable (and safe) selfie.

Address: 64 Taj Road, Agra-282001

• Read More: Attractions & Places to Visit in Agra

Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, this holy city has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious symbols.

Varanasi offers many reasons to visit , not least of them the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you'll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple , built in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple with its seven separate temples is also of interest.

Bathing in the Ganges is of great importance to Hindus, and numerous locations known as "ghats" feature stairways leading to the water where the faithful bathe before prayers. The largest are Dasashvamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat . The latter, at the confluence of the Ganges and Asi rivers, is considered particularly holy.

Also worth seeing is Banaras Hindu University , established in 1917 and noted for its massive library with more than a million books, and the superb Bharat Kala Bhavan museum featuring fine collections of miniature paintings, sculptures, palm-leaf manuscripts, and local history exhibits.

Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, opened in 1604 and still often referred to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration.

The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was built in a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its lower marble section features such flourishes as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of purity to Sikhs.

In addition to its splendid design, visitors are equally impressed with the temple's spiritual atmosphere, an effect enhanced by the prayers continuously chanted from the Sikh holy book and broadcast throughout the complex.

Part of the overall experience – and visitors are welcome to participate – is the chance to enjoy one of the 50,000 free meals the attraction serves up to visitors each and every day.

Address: Golden Temple Road, Amritsar, Punjab 143006

• Read More: Attractions & Places to Visit in Amritsar

So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert . Once a strategic outpost, today the city is filled with splendid old mansions; magnificent gateways; and the massive Jaisalmer Fort , also known as the Golden Fort, a daunting 12th-century structure that rises high above the town.

In addition to its palaces, temples, and fine old homes, the fortress boasts 99 bastions along with massive gates leading to its main courtyard where you'll find the seven-story-tall Maharaja's Palace . Started in the early 1500s and added to by successive rulers right up until the 19th century, the palace offers sections open to the public, including areas beautifully decorated with tiles from Italy and China, and intricately carved stone doors.

There are also a number of Jain temples dating from the 12th to 16th centuries, each decorated with fine marble and sandstone images, palm-leaf manuscripts, and brightly painted ceilings. Be sure to also check out the well-preserved 1,000-year-old library, Gyan Bhandar, with its many 16th-century manuscripts and antiquities.

Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power – a role it maintained until 1857 – the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by a large moat.

Highlights include its two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the fort's main entrance) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate , once used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.

A fun part of a visit is exploring Chatta Chowk , a 17th-century covered bazaar selling everything from jewelry to silk garments, as well as souvenirs and food items. While you can explore the fort yourself, guided tours are offered and provide a fascinating insight into the life and times of the Shah, including a peek into the stunning white marble Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Am) where he received his subjects.

Hot Tip: Try to stick around for the sound and light show held each evening featuring important events in the fort's history.

Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Delhi and New Delhi

Standing an impressive 26 meters tall and overlooking the Arabian Sea, the iconic Gateway of India is a must-see when in Mumbai. Built to commemorate the arrival of King George V and his wife Queen Mary in 1911, this stunning piece of architecture was opened with much pomp and ceremony in 1924 and was, for a while, the tallest structure in the city.

Constructed entirely of yellow basalt and concrete and notable for its Indo-Saracenic design, the Gateway of India was also the scene of a rather less jubilant procession of British soldiers in 1948 when India gained its independence. These days, the huge archway provides a stunning backdrop that is as popular among locals as it is tourists.

Hot Tip: After visiting the Gateway of India, pop over to the adjacent Taj Mahal Palace and Tower for a delectable High Tea, a fun thing to do in Mumbai since this lovely luxury hotel opened in 1903.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Mumbai

Construction of Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid, one of the world's largest mosques – and one of the oldest in India – began in 1614 during Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah's reign and took almost 80 years to complete.

Large enough to accommodate 10,000 worshipers, this beautiful mosque's 15 enormous arches and pillars were each wrought from single slabs of black granite dragged to the site by huge cattle trains reputedly consisting of up to 1,400 bulls.

Taking its name from the bricks above the central gate that were brought here from Mecca, this impressive complex features highlights such as its main gateway, a huge plaza, and a large manmade pond. There's also a room that houses the hair of Prophet Mohammed.

Other notable features include inscriptions from the Quran above many of the arches and doors, the exquisite roof of the main hall, and the cornices around the entire mosque structure. Look out for the exquisite floral motifs and friezes over the arches.

Address: Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Amer Fort (often also spelt "Amber") was built as a fortified palace in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I and has long served as the capital of Jaipur. Carved high up into the hillside, the fort is accessible on foot via a steep climb or by shuttle rides from the town below (better still, let an elephant do the work).

Highlights include Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard, with its many decorated elephants, and the Shila Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. Also of note is the adjoining Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Am) with its finely decorated walls and terraces frequented by monkeys.

Other highlights include Sukh Niwas (the Hall of Pleasure) with its many flowerbeds and a channel once used to carry cooling water, and the Temple of Victory (Jai Mandir), notable for its many decorative panels, colorful ceilings, and excellent views over the palace and the lake below.

Just above Amer Fort is Jaigarh Fort , built in 1726 by Jai Singh and featuring tall lookout towers, formidable walls, and the world's largest wheeled cannon. Be sure to also spend time wandering the walled Old City of Jaipur with its three fully restored gates and splendid bazaars, as well as the delightful City Palace , a massive complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.

• Read More: Attractions & Places to Visit in Jaipur

Long known within India as the "go-to" destination for those seeking a great beach holiday, Goa's beautiful western coastline, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has only recently been discovered by tourists from overseas. Goa's more than 60 miles of coastline is home to some of the world's loveliest beaches, each with their own particular appeal.

For those looking for peace and quiet, isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice, while Calangute Beach is by far the most commercial and crowded. For those in search of posh resorts, yoga getaways, and spa vacations, the beaches of Mandrem , Morjim , and Ashwem are fashionable among wealthy Indians and Westerners alike. Palolem is another one of Goa's popular beaches in a beautiful setting.

While in Goa, be sure to visit the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary . This superb attraction is home to thick forests and plenty of fauna, including deer, monkeys, elephants, leopards, tigers, and black panthers, as well as India's famous king cobras, and some 200 species of birds.

Also worth a visit is Divar Island , accessed by ferry from Old Goa. Highlights include Piedade , a typical Goan village and home to the Church of Our Lady of Compassion with its interesting stucco work, Baroque plaster decorations, and altars, as well as stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

One of South India's most popular tourist attractions, Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is centered around a lake built by British engineers in 1895 for irrigation and to provide water to the city of Madurai.

Established in 1934, this beautiful park is home to numerous species of mammals, including a large free-roaming Indian elephant population, wild boar, otters, the lion-tailed macaque, and more than 20 Bengal tigers. Bird-watching is a popular activity with frequent sightings of species such as darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos, along with many interesting varieties of butterflies.

The best ways to enjoy the park's splendid mountain scenery are to take a lake cruise or guided jungle walk, the latter allowing visitors a chance to come face to face with elephant herds and observe other wildlife from watchtowers and viewing platforms.

Hot Tip: Be sure to stop at one of the many nearby spice, tea, or coffee plantations for a tour.

Built as a military structure in 1565 by Emperor Akbar with later additions by Shah Jahan, the stunning Agra Fort (also known as Agra's Red Fort) is an interesting mix of both Hindu and Muslim influences.

Located a little more than two kilometers from the Taj Mahal , the fort is entered through Amar Singh Gate with its low outer wall and dogleg design built to confuse attackers. Once inside, you'll see two large interlinked sandstone buildings, Akbari Mahal and Jahangiri Mahal, the largest private residence in the complex.

Other highlights include the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), with its splendid copper roof, and the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden), a jigsaw-patterned Mughal garden with numerous wonderful fountains and water channels as well as screens that once offered a private area for the emperor and his entourage. Also of note is the octagonal Musamman Burj tower, which later served as Shah Jahan's prison until his death.

Address: Rakabganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282003

The famous monumental Ellora Caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries by Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monks, and make for an excellent excursion from Mumbai, some 300 kilometers to the west.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable collection of 34 carved monasteries, chapels, and temples – 12 of them Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and five belonging to the Jain faith – were built in close proximity to each other, a reflection of the religious tolerance that existed during this period of Indian history.

Of the Buddhist monastery caves, highlights include a number of shrines featuring carvings of Buddha and saints dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, as well as the stunning Carpenter's Cave, considered one of the finest in India.

The Hindu caves are much more complex and were carved from the top down, so scaffolding was not necessary. Of these, the best is the Kailasa Temple, an enormous rock-cut temple representing Mount Kailasa and requiring the removal of 200,000 tons of rock.

Dominating the old city of Jodhpur, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest fortifications in India, was built in the 15th century to safeguard the people of the famous "Blue City." Jodhpur is still known by this name, which is derived from its indigo-colored houses, painted blue to deflect the heat.

Built on top of a towering outcrop, Mehrangarh is an amazing feat of construction, its massive walls all but impenetrable. Access is via one of seven splendid gates, including Jaya Pol and Fateh Pol (the latter still bears scars from cannon attacks).

Highlights of a visit include exploring the fort's fascinating network of courtyards and palaces, as well as a museum housing a splendid collection of artifacts related to the Maharajas. Be sure to spend time in the historic center of Jodhpur itself, famous for its eight city gates, a lovely old clock tower, and numerous bazaars selling everything from vegetables to sweets, spices, and handicrafts.

Address: Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006

Official site: www.mehrangarh.org

The Ganges River, or "Ganga" after the Hindu goddess, has long been one of India's most revered natural wonders. It's also one of the country's leading attractions , drawing crowds of Indian nationals to partake in its religious ceremonies, as well as tourists to enjoy the splendor of this mighty river.

While there are a number of cities dotted along the river, it's to the city of Varanasi that most tourists will travel to experience the Ganges and the cultural attractions that have sprung up along its banks. Although relatively small by Indian standards – its population is around 1.2 million people – the city is chock-full of temples and other important religious sites, many of them focused on worship of (or on) the Ganges.

Numerous "ghats" are set along the river banks, making it easy for worshippers and tourists alike to get up close. Made up of sometimes steep steps leading directly into the water, there are in fact 88 of these entry points to the Ganges. While most are many centuries old, they were extensively reconstructed and improved in the 1700s, and with their often vibrant, colorful ceremonies and celebrations are some of the most beautiful places to photograph in India .

If you've time, opt for one of the Ganges river tours available in the city from any one of the ghats. The most memorable are the early morning sunrise cruises. Top the experience by purchasing one of the small, floating offerings available from a vendor and set it off down the river (camera at the ready, of course).

The sprawling city of Mysore is a delight to explore thanks to its eclectic mix of fine old colonial architecture; regal Indian palaces; and lush, well-manicured gardens. While those inclined towards shopping will enjoy spending time in the city's famous silk and sandalwood bazaars, the main attraction is magnificent Mysore Palace.

Completely rebuilt in 1897 after a devastating fire, this beautiful three-storied palace features highlights such as its elegant square towers and domes; the many ornate ceilings and pillars in Durbar Hall; and the splendid Marriage Pavilion, with its glazed floor tiles, stunning stained glass, artworks, and displays of jewelry. It's also where, on special occasions, the exquisite Golden Throne is exhibited.

For a real treat, be sure to catch one of the splendid light displays held each Sunday and during holidays, when the palace is illuminated by more than 90,000 lights. A fun way to explore the palace's massive grounds and gardens is as part of a cycle tour, available free once inside.

Address: Sayyaji Rao Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001

Bodhgaya, considered the world's holiest Buddhist site, attracts thousands of visitors each year, all drawn to participate with the resident monks in meditation and prayer.

The focal point of this place of pilgrimage is stunning Mahabodhi Temple, built next to the very spot where Buddha came to Enlightenment and formulated his philosophy on life. Constructed in the 6th century and restored numerous times since, the temple is topped with a beautiful pyramidal spire and houses a large gilded statue of Buddha.

Also of interest is the site's pipal tree, a descendant of the original bodhi tree where Buddha meditated for seven days after the Enlightenment, said to be among the oldest and most venerated trees in the world (you'll know you've found it when you spot the red sandstone slab marking the spot).

Address: Bodhgaya, Bihar 824231

The best time to visit India is between November and March . That's when much of the country experiences cooler temperatures and significantly less rain. Most tourists visit in November and December.

In New Delhi, you can expect temperatures to range from as cool as seven degrees Celsius in the evenings to as high as 30 degrees Celsius during the peak of the day late in the season. The temperatures in the mountains of North India can get quite chilly during this time , so pack clothing that will keep you warm and allow you to traverse snow if you plan to go trekking in the Himalayas.

South India is a bit hotter during this time , but not unbearable for sightseeing. In Mumbai in December, tourists can expect daytime temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius on average. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa are all excellent destinations to include in your itinerary if you're going to India between November and March.

The nice weather makes November through March the busiest time of year to visit India. If you're trying to stay away from the crowds, avoid going to India in the later months of the year. The country typically sees well over a million foreign tourists each month during November and December.

Tourism dips slightly from January through March, making these months a better time to visit popular tourist attractions in India (like the Taj Mahal ) and avoid peak rates on accommodations. Plus, the weather is not yet sweltering in North India.

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India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see.

Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas all jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such incredible diversity on offer, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick an area – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause and soak up the atmosphere as you work through your must-see list .

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a mind-expanding and exhilarating blast of color, soul-soaring splendor, earth-shaking history and moments of pure serenity. Equal parts magic and mayhem, this mix is what makes traveling to India such an intense and addictive experience.

While this was no easy list to compile, we’re proud to present our pick of the ten best places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best for romantics and fans of Mughal history

At the top of everyone’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal is as glorious as people imagine it would be – a magnificent monument to lost love, executed in pearl-white marble. Views of the world’s most beautiful building framed by a Mughal archway or floating above the misty Yamuna River will be one of the defining moments of any trip to India.

But there’s more to the former Mughal capital than the Taj. Add on a couple of days so you can visit the architecturally stunning tomb of Emperor Akbar , his rose-red sandstone former capital at Fatehpur Sikri and sprawling Agra Fort , one of India’s most epic fortifications. Thronged by millions of visitors, Agra is not always relaxing, but it’s eternally fascinating.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi . Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel ; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island , but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

This article was first published Mar 20, 2022 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

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India's culture and diversity make it a land of unlimited opportunities. Each city and state has so much to offer in terms of the heritage, architecture and experience that can be explored. India's tourism potential is huge.

In 2016, India was visited by 9 million tourists. When looked at in isolation, that seems a large number - but when compared with, say, the city of Barcelona, which received 8 million tourists last year, one begins to wonder why a country with 29 states and 4,000 cities managed to attract so few foreign travellers.

The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that travel and tourism directly and indirectly generated $208 billion, or 9.6% of India’s GDP, in 2016, and supported over 40 million jobs, 9.3% of the country's total employment. The tourism sector is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6.7% to $420 billion by 2027 (around 10% of GDP).

However, there exists the potential to increase this growth rate to 30% - and when that happens tourism will contribute around 25% of our GDP.

The secret to enabling this growth is hidden in India's 600,000 villages, which together represent an ocean of heritage, culture and experiences waiting to be explored. Yet to unlock the hidden potential of India's villages, we need to approach the issue through the lens of impact tourism.

Impact tourism

Impact tourism is a community and tourist-centred approach in which tourism is leveraged to help deliver sustainable community infrastructure. It gives tourists an authentic experience of local culture and traditions while helping the community - and both these objectives are aligned with the evolving targets of the Paris Agreement and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Impact tourism leads to sustainable rural development and provides livelihood opportunities for rural communities. It is a win-win situation for all stakeholders. Its potential is immense.

The average global tourist is now looking for experiences and a story rather than just a point and shoot-tour. More people go to Barcelona than India because the Spanish city has stories to share and experiences to offer that are lacking back home. Technology, especially through social media, has created an environment in which millennials are becoming inspired to imagine and develop their own personal travel experiences. It's not about going on a trek in Machu Picchu; it is the conversations with local communities that are inspiring people to take up such experiences, and to understand our world in a new way. We want to be inspired by the places we visit and the people we meet, and this is paving the way for experiential tourism.

The village-based impact tourism model can boost tourism by $25 billion by bringing 15 million extra tourists to villages alone, creating 100,000 village-level entrepreneurs in the process. Local state governments should work hand-in-hand with social organisations to identify key development issues in their villages, and then use the impact tourism model to help develop these communities while promoting them as tourist destinations. This would achieve two objectives at once: giving tourists an experience and memories to last for a lifetime, while providing villagers with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

If done correctly, this approach could exponentially increase the numbers of tourists visiting India, while at the same time incentivise villagers to stay in their villages rather than add to the growing migration away from rural areas to the cities.

Have you read?

How can india realize its potential as a tourism hotspot , the growth paradox: can tourism ever be sustainable, what india can teach the world about sustainability, incredible india 2.0 - india’s $20 billion tourism opportunity.

Tourists could experience living with villagers in Rajasthan, for example. They could learn about traditional Rajasthani culture and traditions, while giving back to the community by installing a water filter in the home in which they are staying, for example, or painting village homes. Or it could be something as simple as engaging villagers in literacy sessions on themes that can be decided on by heads of the local community based on the needs of their villages. This model also helps to revive traditional art forms by giving the villagers a direct market place to sell their local produce as souvenirs to the tourists visiting them.

The problem and the solution are very straightforward; what is needed now is an effective partnership between the government and the private sector. A national tourism board will be able to provide the tourism sectors with a voice at government level. Currently the Indian tourism industry is self-governed by multiple agencies with no common goals. A tourism board, however, could clearly define the roles and responsibilities of both the government and private sector. It could align stakeholders with common goals and a common vision - which could be, for example, 'increase tourism's contribution to GDP to 30% by 2023'.

The private sector can develop experiences and impact tours using the infrastructure provided by the government such as airports, roads and rail connectivity to the remote areas of India. In this model, everyone is a winner, including the local communities that will benefit immensely from the tourism. All it needs is for all stakeholders to open their minds to India's untapped tourism potential, and to develop a clear plan of execution. Otherwise this is in danger of becoming a gold mine that we never explore.

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• Leaders Speak
• Brand Solutions
• From hurdles to heights, how India’s tourism sector is a journey of opportunity

• Karan Rathore ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Dec 4, 2023 at 11:09 AM IST

• Inadequate Infrastructure: India suffers from insufficient tourism infrastructure, encompassing airports, highways, and public transportation. While the mainstream tourist destinations boast good infrastructure, many other cities lack fundamental amenities. besides this connectivity between different cities including roadways also suffers from poor infrastructure issues. The absence of visitor-friendly infrastructure, information centers etc further complicates this problem.
• Sustainability Imperatives: A global shift towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices necessitates a critical reassessment of existing models. The delicate task at hand is to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. This challenge demands concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors.
• Digital Divide: The tourism sector also suffers from a digital divide where larger enterprises seamlessly adopt digital platforms, leaving smaller businesses struggling to keep pace. While efforts are in place to address this disparity for holistic growth, the digital divide currently hinders seamless functioning across the country.
• Lack of Skilled Manpower: The dearth of skilled manpower in India's tourism sector presents a multifaceted challenge. In domains like tour guiding, hospitality, and travel management, there is a noticeable shortage of trained professionals. This scarcity not only hampers the sector's growth potential but also adversely affects the quality of services extended to tourists. Furthermore, the prevalent language barrier increases this issue, limiting effective communication and diminishing the overall experience for both visitors and service providers.

Effective governance, stakeholder synergy & innovation, key cornerstones for smart destinations

At the 2nd edition of Economic Times Travel & Tourism Conclave & Awards, the discussion on building smart destinations, the experts shared the multifaceted approach required to steer tourism towards sustainability as well as economic prosperity. They also upheld stakeholder involvement as an indispensable tool needed to create and manage smart destinations.

• Domestic and Diverse Tourism: The emphasis on domestic tourism unfolds a unique opportunity for the sector’s growth. With international travel restrictions, a renewed focus on exploring local destinations can help keep the industry healthy. Besides this, capitalizing on the diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural richness within the country can serve as a stimulus for economic activity. Spiritual and wellness tourism including yoga and Ayurveda are proving to be a great attraction for overseas tourists. Wildlife and eco-tourism offer a unique draw for nature enthusiasts. Besides this, leveraging India's vibrant festivals for cultural tourism can account for a visitor influx during these events. Besides this, rural tourism and culinary tourism also have a lot of potential and offer a unique narrative and community empowerment.
• Technological Integration for Enhanced Experiences : Embracing technology provides avenues for enhanced customer experiences. Virtual reality tours, contactless services, and personalized travel apps align with evolving consumer preferences while concurrently addressing safety concerns prevalent in a post-pandemic era.
• Government Support and Policy Reforms: A supportive policy framework and strategic government interventions have become pivotal for the sector’s rejuvenation. Incentivizing sustainable practices, providing financial support, and streamlining regulatory processes can collectively enhance the industry's resilience, making it more attractive to investors.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): PPPs can be instrumental in addressing the sector's challenges. By providing funding and expertise, PPPs can contribute to the development and maintenance of tourism infrastructure. Moreover, these partnerships can enhance coordination between stakeholders, fostering innovation in tourism products and services.
• By Karan Rathore ,
• Published On Dec 4, 2023 at 11:09 AM IST

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What to See and Where to Go in India

India is an extremely diverse country , with every state offering something different. This can make planning a trip challenging. Where to go? What to see? And all in so little time! This guide to India tourist places by region provides a roundup of all the highlights of each state in India to give you an idea of where you should focus your attention.

Interested in the best of what India has to offer? Narrow it down with these 11 Top Tourist Places in India.  Or, if you'd rather venture away from the tourist trail, here are 12 of the Best Places to Visit in India Off the Beaten Track.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

India isn't just mainland. Around 1,000 kilometers off the east coast of India, in the Bay of Bengal, the pristine Andaman and Nicobar Islands also fall under Indian territory. Havelock Island is the most popular place to visit and offers snorkeling and scuba diving. Intermediate and advanced surfers also head to the Andaman Islands to catch some of the best waves in India. Foreigners need a permit, issued on arrival at Port Blair. Wondering where to stay? Here are the 5 Best Havelock Island Hotels for all Budgets.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Andhra Pradesh is predominately visited by Hindu pilgrims, who go in droves to the temple at Tirupati . The capital of Telangana, Hyderabad, also draws visitors to the Charminar, Golconda Fort , and royal tombs. This City of Nizams is full of glorious Islamic heritage from centuries of prosperous rule, and is definitely worth exploring. Here are 8 Essential Things to Do in Hyderabad.

Bihar has changed and improved a lot in recent years, and now has huge potential as a tourist destination in terms of spiritual and rural tourism. One of the main reasons you'd want to visit Bihar is to explore the birthplace of Buddhism in India, including Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple . A convenient way of doing this is by taking the Buddhist tourist train . The Sonepur Fair is an interesting rural-style fair.

Goa has always been one of the most popular tourist places in India. People to flock there for its beaches and bars. However, that's not all the state offers. Adventure activities and watersports , shopping, spice plantations, nature, and history are added attractions. Also check out these 8 Cultural Things to Do in Goa Beyond the Beaches and Bars.

Gujarat, a state known for its entrepreneurial ability, doesn't commonly feature on the tourist trail in India. Yet, it does have some notable attractions. Most famous is the Sabarmati Ashram that Gandhi founded in Ahmedabad, and which served as his headquarters during India's struggle for independence. The Great Rann of Kutch white salt desert , Indian wild ass on the salt plains of the Little Rann of Kutch , tribal villages and textiles in the Kutch district , and lions at Gir National Park are other things worth a look. If you're there for the Navaratri festival, don't miss the famous Gujarati garba dancing!

Himachal Pradesh

Want mountains? Himachal Pradesh is the place! Its mountainous landscape, at the foothills of the Himalayas, is made up of a series of valleys and snow covered peaks. Himachal Pradesh is deservedly sought out by adventure lovers. Alternatively, the state provides a refreshing escape for those who are craving crisp mountain air. Enjoy historic toy trains, Buddhist meditation and philosophy, remote high altitude villages, and even skiing during the winter!

Jammu and Kashmir

TripSavvy / Alicia Erikson

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is one of India's most controversial tourist places and one which many people don't feel comfortable visiting. There has been significant unrest there in the past, particularly between Hindu Jammu and Muslim Kashmir. However, plenty of visitors head to Leh, in the Buddhist Ladakh region. The region offers some outstanding treks . Otherwise, visitors tend to prefer the hill station of Srinagar where house boating is popular. The Shiva caves in Jammu and Kashmir also attract pilgrims, along with the Buddhist monasteries .

Karnataka, in south India, has a lot to offer. Unfortunately though, travel to Karnataka is often overlooked in favor of more popular places in Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Those who visit Karnataka's tourist places will be rewarded with a memorable mix of ancient ruins, royal heritage, coffee plantations, yoga, national parks, and beach.

Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country". This coastal state has grown to be one of the most popular tourist places in India, up there with Rajasthan and Goa. It's rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. Most of all, Kerala is known for its elephants, elaborate temple festivals, and the tranquil backwaters . The pace of life is slow, making Kerala the perfect place for a leisurely vacation. However, there are plenty of things to do in Kerala for those who want to be active. Discover when's the best time to visit Kerala .

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradhesh, in central India, draws visitors with well preserved remnants of its compelling history. Its many abandoned cities provide an intriguing window to the past, so different to the congested India of today. In further contrast, the national parks of Madhya Pradesh offer some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in India. However, the erotic temples at Khajuraho are the most famed attraction.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a very large and diverse coastal state that attracts visitors with ancient cave temples, forts, mountains, wineries, tribes , and beaches. Of course, there is cosmopolitan Mumbai as well.

North East India

The North East of India is made up of seven adjoining states plus Sikkim (see below) and is the most tribal regions of India. Although the mountainous scenery is arresting, the northeast region remains the least visited part of India due to its remoteness and permit requirements. You'll find everything from Buddhist monasteries, to tea plantations and natural caves there.

Odisha is one of India's lesser frequented states, as it's predominantly rural and "off the beaten track". However, tourist interest in Odisha's unique combination of attractions including temples, tribes, and traditional dance festivals is growing. Silver jewelry is a specialty, along with an endearing array of specialized handicrafts.

Punjab, with its fertile farming land, is one of India's most prosperous states. Home to bhangra music, the brotherhood of the Sikh religion, the Golden Temple , and Wagah border, it has a lively culture. Capital city Chandigarh is a modern day planned city that's different to any other in India. However, to get a real taste of Punjab, it's necessary to venture further afield to discover the simplicity and charm of rural life, amidst an ever-growing urban life.

Rajasthan is one of the most visited states in India. It's not surprising because it shows India at its most colorful and exotic best. All the things that come to mind when you think of India can be found in Rajasthan -- palaces, forts, desert, camels, elephants, twirled mustaches, and snake charmers.

Bordered by China, Nepal, and Bhutan, Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last Himalayan Shangri-las. Because of its remoteness and the fact that permits are required, Sikkim isn't the most accessible area to visit in India. However, it certainly is one of the most energetic and refreshing. There's something very soothing to the soul about the mountainous beauty and ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture in Sikkim. Trekking is a popular activity as well.

Tamil Nadu, in south India, is a fascinating state full of ancient Dravidian architecture. Intricately crafted temples , rock carvings, and classical dance are some of the attractions in Tamil Nadu. The hill stations are also popular destinations. Most importantly, Tamil Nadu is one of the best states in India for solo female travelers.

Uttar Pradesh

The vast area of Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's much loved, and well known, spiritual and historical destinations. These include the Taj Mahal , Fatehpur Sikri , and Varanasi . Rural Uttar Pradesh, the poorest part of India, is best avoided, however. There is little to see there and women travelers may feel uncomfortable.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, bordered by Nepal and Tibet, and shadowed by towering Himalayan peaks, is full of unspoiled natural beauty. It's divided into two regions -- Garhwal in the north, and Kumaon in the south. Ancient holy places, forests and valleys, national parks, and an abundance of trekking options are some of the attractions that make travel to Uttarakhand worthwhile.

West Bengal

India's cultural cauldron of West Bengal combines the arts, the city, the countryside, mountains, and nature. Whether you're intellectually inclined and want to be among writers and wandering minstrels, or adventurous and want to be among elephants and rhinoceroses, there's something for everyone!

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Tourism and Hospitality

Indian tourism and hospitality industry analysis, india's tourism and hospitality sector is expected to yield revenue exceeding us$ 59 billion by 2028. moreover, foreign tourist arrivals (ftas) are forecasted to hit 30.5 million by the same year., advantage india, robust demand.

* Drawing upon world-class healthcare amenities and traditional healing practices, medical tourism and wellness retreats entice 21% of international travelers.

* The travel market in India is projected to reach US$ 125 billion by FY27 from an estimated US$ 75 billion in FY20.

* International tourist arrivals are expected to reach 30.5 million by 2028.​

* According to WTTC, over the next decade, India’s Travel & Tourism’s GDP is expected to grow at an average of 7.1% annually.

Attractive Opportunities

* India is geographically diverse and offers a variety of cultures that come with its own experiences, making it one of the leading countries in terms of international tourism expenditure.

* Travel and tourism are two of the largest industries in India, with a total contribution of about US$ 199.6 billion to the country’s GDP.

* The government has taken steps to boost investments in facilitate spiritual tourism with states like Uttar Pradesh developing tourist circuits and Uttarakhand and West Bengal enhancing infrastructure for pilgrims.

Policy support

* In the 2024 interim Budget, Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs. 2,449.62 crore (US$ 294.8 million) to the tourism sector, a 44.7% increase from the previous fiscal year.

* The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to develop theme-based tourist circuits, sanctioning 76 projects. Upgraded to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0).​

* The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurates and unveils 52 tourism sector projects valued at over Rs. 1,400 crore (US$ 168.5 million) under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme.​

Diverse Attractions

* India is geographically diverse and offers a variety of cultures that come with its own experiences, making it one of the leading countries in terms of international tourism expenditure.​

* Airport enhancement and the spread of regional airports are opening new opportunities for business, and for drawing larger visits from tourists.

* The country’s big coastline is dotted with attractive beaches.​

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Report

India is a large market for travel and tourism. It offers a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products - cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, MI CE, eco-tourism, film, rural and religious tourism. India has been recognized as a destination for spiritual tourism for domestic and international tourists. In his Independence speech from Red Fort, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi urged people to visit 15 domestic tourist destinations in India by 2022 to promote tourism. Pilgrimage travel in India is popular domestically and among the large Indian diaspora worldwide. The government has taken steps to boost investments in facilitate spiritual tourism with states like Uttar Pradesh developing tourist circuits and Uttarakhand and West Bengal enhancing infrastructure for pilgrims.

India ranked 34 in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum. India is the most digitally advanced traveller nation in terms of digital tools being used for planning, booking, and experiencing a journey. India’s rising middle class and increasing disposable income have supported the growth of domestic and outbound tourism.

India has been ranked 54th in Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in 2021 published by the World Economic Forum.

According to WTTC, the contribution of India's travel and tourism sector to India's economy was worth US$ 199.6 billion in 2022.

The Indian travel and tourism industry is expected to record an annual growth at 7.1% per annum.

In WTTC’s Economic Impact 2023 report, India’s Travel and Tourism GDP contribution grew by 5.9%.

In 2021, the travel & tourism industry’s contribution to the GDP was US$ 178 billion; this is expected to reach US$ 512 billion by 2028. By 2029, it is expected to account for about 53 million jobs.

As per the Ministry of Tourism, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in December 2023 were 1,070,163. FTAs during the period January-December 2023 were 9,236,108 as compared to 6,437,467 in January-December 2022.

The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during December 2023 among the top 5 ports was highest at Delhi Airport (29.92%) followed by Mumbai Airport (18.46%), Haridaspur Land Check Post (7.09%), Chennai Airport (7.02%), Bengaluru Airport (6.20%). FTAs during the period January-December 2023 were 9.24 million.

The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during December 2023 among the top 5 source countries was highest from UAE (22.33%), followed by Bangladesh (16.97%), UK (10.33%), Australia (8.58%) and Canada (4.15%).

In 2023, 26.52% of foreign tourists visited for Indian Diaspora which marks 9,236,108 foreigners.

Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner for the country. FEE during the period January-December 2023 were US$ 28.1 billion.

Domestic visitor spending increased by 20.4% in 2022, only 14.1% below 2019. International visitor spending rose by 81.9% in 2022, but still 40.4% behind 2019 numbers.

Cumulative FDI equity inflow in the Hotel and Tourism industry is US$ 17.1 billion during the period April 2000-December 2023. This constitutes 2.57% of the total FDI inflow received across sectors.

The G-20 Presidency will give India’s tourism sector an unparalleled opportunity to highlight India’s tourism offerings and share India’s tourism success stories on a global stage.

By 2028, Indian tourism and hospitality is expected to earn US$ 50.9 billion as visitor exports compared with US$ 28.9 billion in 2018.

Tourism Ministry has undertaken the ‘NamasteIndia’ Campaign for encouraging international visitors to travel to India.

In the 2024 interim Budget, Finance Minister, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs. 2,449.62 crore (US$ 294.8 million) to the tourism sector, a 44.7% increase from the previous fiscal year. This marks a positive change from the 2023 Union Budget's initial allocation of Rs. 2,400 crore (US$ 288.8 million), later revised to Rs. 1,692.10 crore (US$ 203.6 million).

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to develop theme-based tourist circuits, sanctioning 76 projects. Upgraded to Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), it targets sustainable tourism, selecting 57 destinations for development, with States/UTs preparing plans accordingly.

The Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurates and unveils 52 tourism sector projects valued at over Rs. 1,400 crore (US$ 168.5 million) under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme.

Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Quality Council of India (QCI), to assist the Hospitality Industry in their preparedness to continue operations safely and mitigate risks arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic through an initiative called SAATHI (System for Assessment, Awareness and Training for Hospitality Industry). A hotel/unit goes through the SAATHI framework and agrees to fully follow the requirements wherever applicable possible, and a self-certification is issued. Self-certified hotels/units attend webinars to clarify doubts through live interactions. If Hotel/unit desires, they may undertake a site assessment based on the SAATHI framework through QCI-accredited agencies and an assessment report with opportunities for improvement is shared with the assessed unit.

In June 2022, the Ministry of Tourism along with the Associations of Indian Universities (AIU) initiated a 12-episode webinar series under ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ (AKAM) to engage and expose young minds of our country to the rich and diverse heritage of the country.

Accor, a French hospitality major will expand its India portfolio by adding nine additional hotels in the mid-scale and economy categories, bringing the total number of hotels to 54 in India.

The Medical Tourism sector is expected to increase at a CAGR of 21.1% from 2020-27.

The travel market in India is projected to reach US$ 125 billion by FY27 from an estimated US$ 75 billion in FY20.

The Ministry of Tourism has approved 16 projects for over Rs. 1,300 crore (US$ 171.2 million) in India's North-East.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced a new scheme called ‘All India Tourist Vehicles Authorisation and Permit Rules, 2021’, in which a tourist vehicle operator can register online for All India Tourist Authorisation/Permit. This permit will be issued within 30 days of submitting the application.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation selected Pochampally in Telangana as one of the best tourism villages in November 2021.

In March 2024, MakeMyTrip revealed a partnership with the Department of Tourism, Madhya Pradesh, and redBus to boost tourism in the region, aiming for sustainable development and positioning Madhya Pradesh as a premier destination.

In March 2024, Indian Hotels Corporation Ltd (IHCL) has announced plans to recruit approximately 2,000-2,500 employees in the fiscal year 2025. This expansion of the workforce aligns with IHCL's ambitious plans, which include a pipeline of 85 hotels.

As of February 2024, Ayodhya is anticipated to host between 50 to 100 hotels over next 3 to 4 years. The city, acclaimed as a global religious destination, is primed for substantial development, with Taj Hotels poised to establish its fourth property in the area.

In December 2023, IHCL expanded its presence in Maharashtra as it signed a hotel in Bandra, Mumbai. The Brownfield project will be branded an IHCL- SeleQtions hotel.

In December 2023, TAJ won the ‘World’s finest luxury grand palaces’ award at the ‘101 Best Executive Summit’ in Germany.

In November 2023, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the opening of Ginger Mumbai, Airport. The 371 Keys flagship Ginger hotel, strategically located near the domestic airport will introduce the brand’s lean luxe design and service philosophy of offering a vibrant, contemporary, and seamless hospitality experience to its guests.

In September 2023, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (MHRIL) signed an MOU with the Government of Uttarakhand (UK) to invest Rs. 1,000 crore (US$ 120.16 million) and build 4-5 large marquee resorts over the next few years in Uttarakhand.

OYO estimates India to present a US$ 26 billion opportunity by 2030. To further strengthen its position in India, in October 2021, the company filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for an initial public offering (IPO) of Rs. 8,430 crore (US$ 1.2 billion) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

The Government of India launched the e -Visa on November 27, 2014, and subsequently e-Tourist Visa was initially introduced for 46 countries.

The e-Tourist Visa is part of the e-Visa facility which includes an e-Business Visa, e-Conference Visa, e-Medical Visa, and e-Medical Attendant Visa.

In 2021, the Government of India announced 40,000 e-tourist visas out of 500,000 free regular visas to the tourist, to ensure a geographical spread of the incentive to important source markets globally.

In December 2019, e-visa facility was offered to around 170 countries.

The facility for e-tourist visa has been extended to passengers arriving at these ports of Mumbai, Mormugao, Mangalore, Kochi, and Chennai and immigration counters have been set up at five major ports visited by cruise ships, thus facilitating the cruise passenger arrivals at the seaports.

‘Medical Visa’ has been introduced, which can be given for specific purpose to foreign travellers coming to India for medical treatment. ‘E-Medical Visa’ has also been introduced for 166 countries.

India has invested heavily in AYUSH and is in a unique position to attract medical value travellers for a cure through AYUSH and for enhancing wellness.

India is ranked 10th out of the top 46 countries in the world in the Medical Tourism Index 2020-21 by Medical Tourism Association. The Indian medical tourism industry was estimated to be valued at US$ 7,417 million in 2022 and it is projected to surpass US$ 42,237.47 million by 2032.

Cruise tourism is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing sectors of the leisure and travel industry. The Indian government has estimated that India would emerge with a market size of 1.2 million cruise visitors by 2030-31.

Moreover, India is looking to take advantage of its 7,500 km coastline to tap the growth potential of the cruise tourism segment.

Ministry of Tourism is funding the development of cruise terminals, lighthouses, and other tourist infrastructure in several coastal locations to promote domestic and international cruise terminals at selected ports by 2023.

Ministry of Tourism has also sanctioned US$ 27.7 million for various projects towards the development of Cruise Terminals and related infrastructure in different States at the major ports under the scheme for ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development.

National strategy and roadmap for the development of rural tourism aims at prioritization of rural tourism at the national level.

This can benefit the local community economically and socially and facilitate interaction between tourists and locals for a mutually enriching experience.

India has rich natural and eco-tourism resources ranging from pristine forests, the snow-clad Himalayas, montane grasslands, golden and silver deserts, rivers, lakes, wetlands, mangroves, beaches, volcanoes and corals, housing tremendous biodiversity.

In 2021, the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change issued “Ecotourism guidelines in and around protected areas 2021” based on the key recommendations of the Tiger Task Force (2005), provisions contained in the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006.

Related News

India saw a 9.1% rise in foreign tourists from January to May 2024, with FEEs increasing by nearly 22.5% to US$ 488.62 billion (Rs. 1.1 lakh crore).

CRISIL ratings forecast a 15-17% revenue increase for India’s tour and travel operators this fiscal, driven by rising domestic and international travel, improved infrastructure, and higher incomes.

India's travel industry sees a 25% rise in monsoon bookings, driven by discounts and 20-40% lower tariffs.

India's vibrant food services sector is set to reach US$ 93.16 billion (Rs 7.76 trillion) by 2028, driven by urbanisation and evolving consumer trends.

Indians are increasingly driving a surge in luxury travel abroad, alongside a rising demand for extravagant experiences across the Asia-Pacific region.

States with Largest Domestic Tourist Arrivals in 2021

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism industry in India - statistics & facts

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Key figures.

• Basic Statistic Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2034
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Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2034

Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India from 2012 to 2023, with an estimate until 2034 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2023, by segment

Distribution of revenue from tourism to GDP in India from 2013 to 2023, by segment

Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type

Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India in the financial year 2023, by spending type

Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2024

Number of direct and indirect jobs in the travel and tourism sector across India from financial year 2014 to 2023, with projection for 2024 (in millions)

PE/VC investment deals in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Number of private equity and venture capital deals in the travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022

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Tourist arrivals at India in 2022, by region (in 1,000s)

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Number of domestic tourist visits in India from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India 2008-2022

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India from 2008 to 2022

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Number of visitors to national monuments across India from financial year 2017 to 2023, by type (in millions)

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Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of domestic visitors (in 1,000s)

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Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of foreign visitors (in 1,000s)

Travel services

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Online travel agency usage India 2023, by gender

Share of online travel agency usage in India as of June 2023, by gender

Agencies used for online services India 2023 by gender

Share of agencies used for online travel services in India as of June 2023, by gender

Device used for online travel agency India 2023, by age group

Device used to access online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by age group

Purpose of online travel agency usage India 2023, by age group

Purposes of using an online travel agency in India as of June 2023, by age group

Reason for not using online travel agency India 2023, by gender

Share of reasons for not using online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by gender

Market overview

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Market size of the travel and tourism market in India in 2023, with forecast until 2030 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of Indian travel market from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

Travel market distribution across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

Value of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027

Value of hotel market in India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

PE/VC investments in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Private equity and venture capital investments in travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Hotel industry

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Distribution of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by type

Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

Distribution of the hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

Number of hotel rooms in India FY 2001-2023

Number of hotel rooms across India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with an estimate until 2027 (in 1,000s)

Number of approved hotels in India 2022, by category

Number of approved hotels in India in 2022, by category

Supply of hotel rooms in India FY 2022-2023, by city

Existing supply of hotel rooms across Indian cities from financial year 2022 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Occupancy rate in hotels in India FY 2001-2024

Occupancy rate in hotels in India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with estimates of 2024

Major players

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Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India 2023, by market capitalization

Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India as of 2023, based on market capitalization (in billion Indian rupees)

Domestic market share of airlines across India FY 2023, by passengers carried

Domestic market share of airlines across India in financial year 2023, by passengers carried

Revenue of Airbnb India FY 2018-2020

Revenue of Airbnb India from financial year 2018 to 2020 (in million Indian rupees)

Revenue of OYO across India FY 2019-2023

Revenue of OYO across India from financial year 2019 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

Thomas Cook India revenue FY 2020-2023

Revenue of Thomas Cook (India) Limited from financial year 2020 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

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How to get more tourists to Incredible India

India received 7.2 million foreign tourists in the first 10 months of 2023, a big step-up from 4.6 million in the same period in 2022. The last two months, for which data is not yet available, are peak tourist months, so the full-year total could surpass the 10.9 million who visited India in 2019 before the pandemic disrupted international travel.

The return of tourists, though welcome, should not detract from the fact that India does not attract as many as it should. How do we come to this conclusion?

A good starting point is to compare India with other tourist destinations in Asia, the logic being that given the post-pandemic rise in health concerns and geopolitical tensions, more travellers prefer frequent short-haul trips to nearby locations.

The numbers are sobering: in 2019, Thailand and Japan received about twice as many visitors as India, Vietnam had nearly the same number, and China welcomed 65 million tourists.

One can argue that India offers a unique experience vastly different from the beaches of Phuket or the war memorials of Vietnam. Indeed, India has 42 cultural and natural properties identified as Unesco World Heritage Sites, the sixth most in the world.

But a comparison with other top countries on the list is disappointing, too: Mexico and the UK, for instance, draw in far more visitors than India.

What needs fixing?

For a tourist destination to be attractive, it should meet some basic requirements. These include safety (not being robbed, assaulted, murdered); freedom from harassment (from touts, beggars, hustlers); cleanliness (around roads, tourist attractions, eating places); sanitation (clean and safe toilets in public places); connectivity (transport links and digital connectivity); and a choice of hotels and restaurants.

Extras like digital payments and price competitiveness make a location more desirable, but are not necessarily deal-breakers.

India’s performance on these core expectations is not great. That may explain why it slipped from 46th to 54th place between 2019 and 2021 on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index.

A look at some of the index components shows what tourists like and don’t like about India. Tourists appreciate the country’s natural and cultural resources. They also give a thumbs-up to its airports, roads and ports. But India was ranked very low on safety, hygiene, and tourist infrastructure such as accommodation and car rentals.

The conclusion: pull factors are in place, but the overall tourist experience can be better.

Why it matters

The travel, tourism and hospitality sectors collectively employ thousands of workers who may lack formal degrees but have skills related to their specific roles in the tourist ecosystem.

According to the tourism ministry, in 2019-20, the direct contribution of tourism to GDP was 2.7%, and overall contribution was 5.2%. The industry employed over 34 million directly, and nearly 80 million across related industries.

Also, foreign tourists bring in foreign exchange, though the industry is not commonly viewed as a dollar generator. In 2022-23, tourism earned $21.6 billion of foreign exchange. To put that in perspective, this was higher than the $19.8 billion from pharma exports and close to the $21.4 billion generated by exports of organic chemicals.

Tourism also plays a key role in propping up city economies. More than half of foreign tourists come via Delhi or Mumbai, which are among the top 10 in the world in terms of direct tourism employment: Delhi at fifth, with over a million jobs, and Mumbai at 10th, with 354,000, as of 2019, as per the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Market the package

India will need to package and market its astonishing array of tourist experiences smartly. To begin with, the tourist base can be widened beyond the traditional source countries, namely, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Bangladesh. The share of tourists from southeast Asia can be increased, given our cultural and geographical proximity with that region.

Countries compete fiercely for the tourist dollar on multiple fronts: India will need to do the same. 

• In 2023, Malaysia and Thailand waived visas for Indians; a reciprocal arrangement with adequate checks could boost tourists from these countries. 
• Visas for high-income digital nomads to live and work remotely from India may be considered, as these workers typically contribute heavily to the local economy. 
• Women travelling solo or in groups are an important emerging demographic, and specific female-friendly programmes could be designed for them. 
• Social media can be used innovatively to grab eyeballs—Instagram Reels of happy tourists are more effective than traditional campaigns. 
• Green tourism supported by community participation has already taken off in Meghalaya, and more such success stories could be nurtured and advertised. 
• Finally, India is well-placed to become a medical service hub: hospitals in major cities already manage large numbers of patients from South Asia and Africa.

A few improvements to the enabling environment and some tweaks to the marketing strategy are all we need to showcase India’s beauty to the world.

The author is an independent writer on economics and finance.

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How the Indian Diaspora Is Supporting India’s Inbound Travel Growth – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

August 13th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Trevolution Group's data on international travel to India highlights the country's growing popularity as a tourist destination.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

India’s travel landscape is evolving rapidly, reflecting the country’s growing economic clout and the increasing confidence of its travelers. The first half of 2024 saw a significant surge in both outbound and inbound tourism, with Trevolution Group reporting 46% market growth compared to the same period last year. This uptick is not just a rebound from the pandemic but an indicator of the deeper shifts in Indian travel habits.

Trevolution reported that trans-Pacific flights, in particular, have soared well above pre-pandemic levels, driven by a combination of increased flight connectivity, a robust economic outlook, and a burgeoning middle class eager to explore the world.

The traditional leisure tourism sector remains strong, but what’s particularly noteworthy is the sharp growth in the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment. This reflects the deep ties of the Indian diaspora, particularly the 4.4 million Indian Americans, who are increasingly making frequent trips back home.

For Trevolution Group, which sold over 54,000 airline tickets to and from India in the first half of 2024, these trends are highly encouraging. The company’s 68% increase in outbound tourism sales and 37% growth in inbound tourism highlight India as a pivotal market.

While India’s travel demand continues to rise, the country’s travelers are also becoming more discerning, seeking out both value and flexibility. This bodes well for companies like Trevolution.

The travel habits of Indian passengers reveal a marked shift towards greater flexibility. The demand for round-trip tickets has risen, yet there’s also a significant increase in one-way tickets, pointing to a desire for more adaptable travel plans. This is further evidenced by the growing number of last-minute bookings, as Indian travelers take advantage of more affordable and accessible international flights.

As airfares stabilize and even decrease — in the first half of 2024, airfares to India were 27% cheaper in Economy and 8.5% in Business class, with the average Economy ticket price being $894.32. — international travel is becoming increasingly accessible to a wider segment of the population.

This affordability, combined with the push to boost tourism, signals a robust outlook for the travel industry in India. The next phase of growth will likely see more Indians venturing abroad.

“India remains a key market for Trevolution Group, consistently demonstrating strong growth in air travel year after year. It was also one of the first markets to rebound to pre-pandemic levels by 2021,” said Alex Weinstein, the founder of Dyninno Group, which restructured and rebranded as the Trevolution Group in 2022. 

Oyo Raises $175 Million in Latest Funding Round

Hospitality company Oyo has raised INR 14.5 billion (approximately $175 million) in its latest funding round. However, in this round, it has also seen its valuation drop from a peak of $10 billion in 2019 to $2.4 billion in its latest funding round, Skift’s Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia has explained . 

With this, Oyo’s valuation has now fallen below the total capital raised, estimated to be around $3.3 billion.

Oyo will use the capital to support its continued growth and global expansion plans, according to filings.

Earlier this year, Oyo withdrew its application for an IPO , which it had filed in March 2023. A source familiar with Oyo’s plans had told Skift that the company is close to completing a refinancing and expects to pursue an IPO after that.

Air India Express Adds 6 New Routes to Domestic Network

Budget airline Air India Express has launched six new daily domestic flights in a day. The new flights are set to operate on the Chennai-Bhubaneswar, Chennai-Bagdogra, Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata-Varanasi, Kolkata-Guwahati, and Guwahati-Jaipur sectors.

The airline said that the Guwahati-Jaipur route is exclusive to Air India Express, with no other carrier directly connecting these two cities. 

The airline connects more than 30 domestic destinations, along with 15 international ones. It operates over 380 flights daily with a fleet of 82 aircraft. Over a span of the last 10 months, the airline has inducted 26 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to its fleet in an effort to expand its operations. 

Radisson Signs 100-Key Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Chennai

Radisson Hotel Group has signed a 100-room hotel under its Park Inn by Radisson brand in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai city. The hotel marks the brand’s debut in the city and is set to open in 2028. 

The hotel chain currently operates seven properties in the state of Tamil Nadu. 

Radisson is one of India’s largest international hotel operators with more than 180 hotels in operation and development.

In an earlier interview with Skift , Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer at Radisson Hotel Group said, “Our expansion plans for 2024 are ambitious, focusing not only on major metropolitan cities but also targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns to cater to the growing demand in these markets.”

Goa Tourism Minister Calls for Enhanced International Connectivity

Goa tourism minister Rohan Khaunte has called for an enhancement of international connectivity to the coastal state in a meeting with Indian tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. 

He said that increasing direct international flights and improving connections between Goa and major global cities would help the state attract more tourists. 

Khaunte earlier told Skift that he wants to expand Goa’s image beyond nightlife, beaches, and parties. The state is seeking to attract remote workers or digital nomads, for which it plans to roll out high-speed internet across its rural areas and create coworking spaces along its iconic beaches.

The two ministers also discussed Goa’s plan to adopt regenerative tourism, as well as rejuvenation of the Basilica of Bom Jesus heritage site in the state. 

Corporate Travel Startup Ziptrrip Raises $238,000 in Funding

AI-powered corporate travel and expense management startup Ziptrrip has raised INR 20 million ($238,000) in pre-seed funding. The inaugural funding has come from angel investors and industry leaders, the company said in a statement. 

Ziptrrip offers end-to-end solutions integrating travel bookings and expense management for corporates. The startup is planning to use the funding for market expansion, hiring, and product innovation. 

The startup has more than 250 corporate clients. It achieved break-even in January this year, and has been maintaining profitability since then, Ziptrrip has said.

Skift India Report

India is booming. Discover the subcontinent’s most important travel news here every Tuesday-Thursday.

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Tags: air india express , coronavirus recovery , corporate travel , funding , goa , india , india outbound , indian airlines , oyo , radisson

Photo credit: In the April to June quarter of 2024, the international passenger traffic for Indian carriers stood at a little over 8 million. Darshak Pandya / Pexels

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Infrastructure | deep kalra: shaping the next tourism powerhouse, with rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, india can become a global tourism favourite. but sustainability should be at the heart of all such efforts.

A s India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the transformative potential of our tourism sector. Tourism is one of the largest employers in the services sector, and given its tertiary impact, the industry can be a game-changer for India. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm and hospitable people, India has all the makings of a global tourism powerhouse. The country has also significantly enhanced its stature as a global destination for business opportunities. This has helped the country claim an increasingly prominent place on the world travel and tourism map. Yet, India is currently only the 22nd most visited nation in the world. Our goal should be to climb into the top 10 within the next 20-25 years.

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• Union Budget 2024: What it means for the Indian tourism landscape?

Budget aims to support India’s growing tourism sector focus on targeted interventions to achieve India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047'

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• Aalap Bansal , Partner |

The Union Budget for FY 2024-25 has been unveiled, presenting various promises for the tourism industry. While the budget aims to support India’s growing tourism sector, the focus on targeted interventions may be augmented to achieve India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Tourism in India contributes 6.5 per cent to GDP (INR1,936,291 crores) and supports 4.3 crore jobs. 1 In 2023, domestic tourist visits (DTVs) reached 2,510 crores, 2  and foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) recorded 9.2 crores. 3 Furthermore, projections for 2024-25 are optimistic with total tourism contribution to the GDP forecasted to reach 7.6 per cent by 2034, creating approximately 6.3 crores jobs. 4 Propelled by an expanding middle class and a 9 per cent annual growth 5  in travel spending, India's domestic market is poised to surpass Japan and Mexico, reaching the fourth spot globally by 2030. Budgetary allocations thus can further this growth, supporting new projects and initiatives to attract more tourists.

Previously, the Interim Budget allocated INR2,479.62 crores to tourism, a 46.54 per cent increase from the previous year's revised budget of INR1,692 crores. 6  The central sector schemes’ allocation increased to INR2,080.03 crores from INR1,939.22 crores, 7  reflecting the commitment to enhance tourism infrastructure. Other provisions include developing tourism circuits, eco-tourism, adventure tourism; developing less-explored destinations; and improving connectivity by increasing investments in road, rail, and air connectivity. The Union Budget further proposes substantial support for the development of historical and religious sites, including Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temple corridors, modeled after Kashi Vishwanath corridor. Development for Rajgir, which hold spiritual significance for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, was also proposed for attracting pilgrims. Since Buddhist tourists arriving to India comprised a mere 0.005 per cent of all Buddhist adherents, 8  this shall further boost religious tourism in the country. Lastly, development of Nalanda as a tourist center and revival of Nalanda University are also included, alongside support for Odisha’s tourism sector. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, stimulate investments, and unlock economic opportunities across various sectors, reflecting a holistic strategy to strengthen India's tourism industry.

While these announcements are a welcome step towards developing quality tourism infrastructure, it still holds immense potential that can be further capitalized. Noteworthy is that though the domestic allocation for tourism promotion increased to INR176.97 crores from INR95 crores to boost spiritual and domestic tourism, the budget for overseas promotion has been reduced to INR33.02 crores, a 67 per cent decrease from the previous INR100 crores. Strategic allocation in overseas marketing, promotion, and key messaging campaigns are imperative for improving India’s global tourism rankings and attracting international visitors. Tourism has a huge multiplier impact on a nation’s economy as one direct job in tourism is expected to create seven indirect jobs. 9  The sector is predicted to employ around 4.5 crore 10 workers in India by 2024. While the government affiliated travel and tourism institutes receive steady allocations, undertaking a focused approach towards training and upskilling workers specifically in tourism and hospitality is needed. The union budget tackles broader job creation and skill development which can be further enhanced by undertaking targeted initiatives for these critical sectors. A concerted effort in this area will also be needed from private sector to cater to the ever-growing tourism demands.

The tourism sector has also witnessed other changes, as shown by recent funding patterns. India’s Sustainable Tourism Market is poised to grow at a rate of 19.3 per cent, reaching INR 1,268.3 crore by 2032; 11 presenting the requirement for cohesive planning to address sustainability within the sector. The increased focus on large-scale projects highlights the opportunity to harness significant economic benefits and improve infrastructure. The union budget has made provisions for these concerted efforts, which can further benefit from being components of a long-term vision.

Ahead, it is important that the government recognises the tourism sector as a major driver of India’s growth. Enhancing the tourism promotion budget is essential to make India globally competitive. Implementing a GST refund system for foreign tourists can benefit retail and local economy by selling more handicrafts and textiles. In the hotel and hospitality sector, hotels and convention centers can be included in harmonized list of infrastructure. Revising funding criteria and establishing a central Viability Gap Funding (VGF) pool to attract PPP investment, as successfully implemented in Malaysia, is recommended. In addition, implementing a flat GST rate of 12 per cent for all hotel rooms will simplify tax calculations, enhance transparency, and promote fairness. Further, developing a state-level tourism friendliness index like the Travel & Tourism Development Index will improve regional competitiveness. Addressing skill gaps through the PPP-model for industry mentoring, syllabus alignment, and setting-up training centres, especially in Tier 1 and 2 cities, will ensure a robust workforce. Lastly, emulating Japan's fusion of technology and cultural heritage can significantly enhance tourist experiences in India through smart tourism initiatives.

The Union Budget 2024 is futuristic in its vision for the sector. However, short term initiatives to boost the sector are needed given its increasing spotlight in recent years. A notable area is the need for a comprehensive strategy to integrate various facets of the tourism industry. The government may take these points into consideration to ensure that tourism, a critical economic driver, receives the attention and resources it deserves.

A version of this article was published by The Economic Times Travel World.com on Aug 7, 2024. The same can be read here

[1] 2024 Annual Research: Key Highlights (India), World Travel and Tourism Council, 2024 [2] State/UT Tourism Departments [3] Bureau of Immigration (BOI) [4] 2024 Annual Research: Key Highlights (India), World Travel and Tourism Council, 2024 [5] India’s Gen-Zs to drive domestic travel market- set to become the 4th-largest globally, Ministry of External Affairs, June 2024 [6] India Budget, Ministry of Tourism, July 2024 [7] Notes on Demands for Grants, 2024-2025, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India [8] Promoting Spiritual Tourism in the Land of Buddha, Niti Aayog, 2023   [9]  Amitabh Kant, 6th HAI Hoteliers’ Conclave 2024, February 2024 [10] 2024 Annual Research: Key Highlights (India), World Travel and Tourism Council, 2024 [11] Sustainability in tourism: Reimagining India’s sustainable tourism evolution, KPMG, March 2024

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Protests grow in India over the rape and killing of a doctor at a state-run hospital

The Associated Press

August 16, 2024, 8:14 AM

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NEW DELHI (AP) — Thousands of people marched through various Indian cities Friday to protest the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital, demanding justice and better security at medical campuses and hospitals.

Demonstrators held signs calling for accountability for the woman’s rape and killing as they gathered near Parliament in New Delhi. Similar protests were held in the eastern city of Kolkata — the capital of West Bengal state where the killing took place — and other Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.

The protests, which have generally been peaceful, began Aug. 9 when police discovered the bloodied body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital’s seminar hall in Kolkata.

An autopsy later confirmed sexual assault, and a police volunteer was detained in connection with the crime. The family of the victim alleged it was a case of a gang rape and more were involved.

State government officers who first began investigating the case have been accused of mishandling it. Police later handed the case to federal investigators following a court order.

In the days since, mounting anger has boiled over into nationwide outrage and stirred protests over violence against women. The protests have also led thousands of doctors and paramedics to walk out of some public hospitals across India and demand a safer working environment.

Sexual violence against women is a widespread problem in India. In 2022, police recorded 31,516 reports of rape — a 20% increase from 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.

Many cases of crimes against women go unreported in India due to stigma surrounding sexual violence, as well as a lack of faith in the police. Women’s rights activists say the problem is particularly acute in rural areas, where the community sometimes shames victims of sexual assault and families worry about their social standing.

Richa Garg, a doctor who was part of the protests Friday in New Delhi, said she no longer felt safe at her workplace.

“As a woman, it boils my blood. The culprits of this crime should be found immediately … and our workplaces should be made safer,” she said.

On Wednesday night, the hospital where the trainee doctor was killed was attacked. Police did not identify who was behind the rampage, but said they have arrested 19 so far.

The Indian Medical Association, the country’s largest grouping of medics, called late Thursday for a “nationwide withdrawal of services,” except essential services, for 24 hours starting Saturday.

“Doctors, especially women are vulnerable to violence because of the nature of the profession. It is for the authorities to provide for the safety of doctors inside hospitals and campuses,” the IMA said in a statement issued on the social media platform X.

Political parties, Bollywood actors and other high profile celebrities have also voiced shock at the crime and called for stricter punishments for those who commit them.

“Monstrous behavior against women should be severely and promptly punished,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday in an address to the nation on its 78th Independence Day.

For many, the gruesome nature of the attack has invoked comparisons with the horrific 2012 gang rape and killing of a 23-year-old student on a New Delhi bus. The attack galvanized massive protests , sometimes violent, and inspired lawmakers to order harsher penalties for such crimes, as well as the creation of fast-track courts dedicated to rape cases. Under pressure, the government also introduced the death penalty for repeat offenders.

The rape law amended in 2013 also criminalized stalking and voyeurism and lowered the age at which a person can be tried as an adult from 18 to 16.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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'The Sound of Music' was filmed in Salzburg 60 years ago. Locals say, so what?

Olivia Hampton

Despite a big anniversary, many locals don’t feel connected to 'The Sound of Music'

The Von Trapp children, their father Georg and then-nanny Maria appear in a Salzburg Marionette Theater production of The Sound of Music story. George Kaulfersch/Copyright Salzburg Marionettentheater hide caption

SALZBURG, Austria — Dhananjay Raval first saw The Sound of Music , as a young child. This summer, he traveled from his hometown of Ahmedabad in western India with his own adult son to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting the breathtaking sites where the film was shot six decades ago in Salzburg.

"Time is going on, 60 years, but the story and song is forever," he said, standing in front of the gazebo where Liesl and Rolf sing "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" in the musical drama. "This story I show [to] my children and grandchildren so they... know what is the value of family."

This city at the foot of the Alps is gearing up for major celebrations next year, marking six decades since the theatrical release of the story of a rebellious would-be nun who charmed a stern naval captain and his seven children.

A music special will feature new arrangements of the songs performed by stars like Baby Face, Pentatonix and Thalía. Von Trapp family members and other celebrities will mingle at a gala dinner. There will be seminars, flash mobs and Leopoldskron Palace — depicted as the Von Trapp home in the film — plans a "captain's ball." In town, a maker of traditional dirndl dresses will stage an exhibit on the film’s costumes.

Nearly 3 million people from around the world visit each year this city of just 160,000 residents. The Salzburg Festival and sites related to Mozart, who was born here, also rival for attention, with the city pulling in around a billion euros (a similar amount in dollars) per year from tourism, according to local government statistics.

The 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music 's theatrical release next year won't be song and dance for everyone. The special occasion could spell another peak in visitors for a city already grappling with overtourism.

The costs, and benefits, of overtourism

Raval is part of a Sound of Music pilgrimage of sorts that includes walking tours, bike tours and bus tours to visit sites like the Pegasus Fountain at Mirabell Gardens (site of the finale of the "Do-Re-Mi" song), Nonnberg Convent (where Julie Andrews' Maria was once a novice) and St. Gilgen, where Maria frolics through the hills in the opening scene. And palaces like Hellbrun and Leopoldskron evoke a bygone era. Panorama Tours , which once transported the film's stars and crew in 1964, now brings around 140,000 people to the sites each year.

Traditional dirndl dresses and lederhosen breeches, which feature prominently in The Sound of Music , have seen growing popularity in recent years. Here, people walk through the historic center of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to attend the Salzburg Festival's opening ceremony. Olivia Hampton/NPR hide caption

But Sound of Music mania has not rubbed off on locals here. "We were not aware of the movie and of the impact it has to so many families until we actually were exposed to it and questioned by it through our tourists. And now it's become part of our DNA," said Christine Schoenhuber, CEO of Tourismus Salzburg GmbH CEO.

Visitors, she says, come from as far as Australia, South Korea, the Middle East, Mexico and of course the United States to take in the sights.

Salzburgers disconnected from the film

Despite the global appeal, many Salzburg locals haven't seen the film or feel little emotional connection to the story filled with uplifting plotlines and catchy Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes.

“I'm typical of the Salzburg people because I don't know anything about the film until I was an adult," said Peter Husty, chief curator and head of exhibitions at the Salzburg Museum.

For one, the venues are completely mixed up. What was made to seem one location, say the Von Trapp home, was in fact numerous ones.

The Untersberg Mountains, part of the Alps, appear in the distance from the back of Leopoldskron palace. In The Sound of Music , a rowboat carrying Maria and the children capsizes in the lake here. Olivia Hampton/NPR hide caption

A much larger replica of Leopoldskron palace's Venetian Room was created in Hollywood to shoot scenes for The Sound of Music. None of the interiors were shot at Leopoldskron. Richard Schabetsberger./Courtesy Salzburg Global Seminar. hide caption

Most views of the back of the home and the scene where Maria and the children fall out of a rowboat into the lake was filmed at the rococo Leopoldskron Palace . But the entrance was shot a couple miles away at a different palace, Frohnburg, built in the 17th century as the summer residence of Prince-Archbishop Max Gandolph. The actual Villa Trapp is in Aigen, on the outskirts of the city, and doesn't appear in the film. And all the interior scenes were actually shot on sets in Hollywood.

People travel from all over the world to take pictures at sites where The Sound of Music was shot, such as the Mirabell Gardens here. Olivia Hampton/NPR hide caption

"The story was too romantic. It was tears cutting out of your eyes," Husty said. He notes that the real family managed to escape Austria thanks to their wealth and connections, while many others had no such choice during World War II. "And then all the other people in the film seemed to be Nazis. So a lot of small problems that were disgusting for the Salzburg people," Husty added.

Where are the Von Trapps now?

Husty has also been named chief curator of a new museum that Salzburg plans to open in 2026 dedicated to the film near the reconstructed gazebo where Liesl and Rolf and later Maria and the captain profess their love for each other. The structure is now located in the gardens of Hellbrunn Palace. A larger version was rebuilt in Hollywood for the interior shots.

"I want to tell on one side the success of the film where it is coming from, where is it going," said Peter Husty, who will serve as the new museum's curator. "And on the other side, I want to inform the visitors that the background of the Hollywood film is the story of a real family in Salzburg, and what have they really done and what was their life?”

Because before the film, there was the Broadway musical, the West German movie and the story of a real family first told by Maria von Trapp after she married Georg von Trapp. With so many iterations of the story, disentangling fact from fiction can be challenging. But one thing's for sure: the von Trapps' musical talents helped spare them the worst of the horrors of World War II.

Elisabeth von Trapp is the daughter of the late Werner von Trapp, depicted as Kurt in the film. Maria was her step-grandmother. Hannelore Kirchner./Courtesy Elisabeth von Trapp. hide caption

Elisabeth von Trapp, the daughter of Werner von Trapp — depicted as "Kurt" in the film — plans to start next year her own walking tour that will focus on highlights of Salzburg, The Sound of Music and the von Trapp family.

"I think my relatives were very much about being creative and problem-solving... how to resonate together and harmonize. And when you do that not only musically but as a team building their new life — there's so many people that are being displaced around the world — it is a source of inspiration," she said.

Sitting at a café near the Mirabell Gardens after getting certified as a tour guide, she pondered her family's legacy.

"It just is, perchance, that my grandmother's story was chosen to come on Broadway," she said.

Of the initial Von Trapp children's generation, only Johannes, 85, still lives. He's one of three children born to Maria and Georg after their marriage, bringing the family total to 10 children.

Salzburg's cinematic beauty

Salzburg and its surroundings naturally lend themselves to cinematic grandeur, steeped as they are in tradition and alpine beauty.

Leopoldskron palace served in part as the exterior of the Von Trapp family home in The Sound of Music . The interiors were recreated in Hollywood. Olivia Hampton/NPR hide caption

Leopoldskron was commissioned as a family estate in the 18th century by the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, Leopold von Firmian, whose heart was buried in the chapel of the palace he "loved so dearly," so reads an inscription there.

The site is so well preserved, that "the view that we have here is basically the same that the archbishop had in 1736 when he built this Schloss," or palace, said Martin Weiss, president and CEO of the Salzburg Global Seminar based at Leopoldskron. "You have a really stunning beauty untouched for hundreds of years."

Across the lake, the Untersberg Mountains are shrouded in fog. Hollywood fiction has the family fleeing the Nazis there. But that itinerary would have landed them in Hitler’s mountain retreat, the infamous Eagle’s Nest. The real Von Trapps knew their geography and initially left Austria for a concert tour. From Italy, they found their way to Vermont, where their Austrian-inspired lodge remains a major tourist attraction in the town of Stowe.

Leopoldskron, from archbishop's passion project to center of creativity

SGS, which Weiss describes as a "platform that brings people together," has called the palace home since 1947. Its previous owner, Jewish theater producer Max Reinhardt inspired The Sound of Music 's "Uncle Max." And the palace also served as the launching pad for the Salzburg Festival, which Reinhardt cofounded with writer Hugo von Hofmannsthal and composer Richard Strauss.

"It was really in this Schloss, in the Red Salon, where the three of them did their brainstorming and came up with this idea after this terrible devastation of World War One. Millions of people killed. Europe really at its knees," recalled Weiss, a Salzburg native and former Austrian ambassador to the U.S. "Their philosophy was, we have to bring people together. What language can we possibly use? Of course, the arts."

The Nazi government confiscated the palace in 1938 as “Jewish property.” Reinhardt was working in Hollywood at the time and never saw Leopoldskron again.

The Sound of Music, marionette version

Another art form also endures in Salzburg — marionettes. Anton Aicher founded the Marionette Theater here in 1913 and invented the "Salzburg cross" to manipulate the figurines, part of a technique that Austria's UNESCO commission has designated as an intangible cultural heritage. Everything is handmade, from the puppets to the costumes and sets.

Hundreds of marionettes hang in what's dubbed the "holy chamber" at the Salzburg Marionette Theater. Olivia Hampton/NPR hide caption

The theater inspired the film’s “Lonely Goatherd” puppet scene, where Maria and the children put on a show for the captain, the baroness he had initially been due to marry and Uncle Max in the Venetian Ballroom.

Performances now include a Sound of Music -themed show, in both original and shortened versions, in a plush hall where cherubs fill frescoes decorating an ornate stucco ceiling.

"We can see it with all of our shows that from the child from three or four years on up to big, strong men, they are touched by the movement, the story and the ability, what is possible and shown on stage by the marionette," said general manager Susanne Tiefenbacher.

Salzburg Marionette Theater puppeteers manipulate marionettes for their Sound of Music show. George Kaulfersch/Copyright Salzburg Marionettentheater hide caption

The Von Trapp children play while their then-nanny Maria looks on in the Salzburg Marionette Theater's production of The Sound of Music . George Kaulfersch/Salzburg Marionettentheater hide caption

Backstage, around 600 hand-carved wooden puppets fill a room dubbed the "holy chamber." There are characters from productions of The Nutcracker, The Magic Flute, The Carnival of the Animals, Alice in Wonderland, The Tales of Hoffmann and of a new Romeo and Juliet production that will premiere at the theater's puppetry festival in October. Each show requires multiple versions of the same character, which means 30 to 90 puppets and nine to 11 puppeteers each time.

"The wood by itself is a dead piece of material. But through the art work and the empathic work of the puppeteers... with movements so delicate and so fine they move like human human beings, you will forget that it's puppets," said Tiefenbacher.

She pauses to reflect on why The Sound of Music still resonates, more than half a century since the film.

"There is the love, there is the family, collective singing and there is also the drama of the political background," she said. "And the political background, unfortunately, is coming up again. You can feel it worldwide and especially also in Europe that times are changing in a way, and to have to move your family from one place to another, forced by political circumstances."

The broadcast version of this story was produced by Kaity Kline. The digital version was edited by Obed Manuel.

• Richard Rodgers