TOURISM IN INDIA

India is often described as a tourist paradise. From the mighty snow-capped Himalayas of Kashmir in the north to the shimmering seas of Kanyakumari in the south, the verdant deltas of Sunderbans in the east, the world's largest protected eco-and-game reserve to the historic forts and shrines of Rajasthan to the west . India has everything that the footloose traveller would like to sample.

Inbound tourism is booming and the country is going all out to lure more travellers from around the world.

Contrary to perceptions across the world that tourism in India is still confined to traditions . the country is opening up with trendy tour packages and affordable air travel deals to woo inbound visitors from every segment.

The Pacific-Asia Travel Association says international arrivals to destinations in Asia-Pacific grew by 2.6 per cent in 2008 despite the economic downturn. And it is still showing a healthy growth.

According to projections, inbound arrival figure is expected to jump the four million mark this year.

India, says the Asian travel trade fraternity, figures on the top of the most favoured destinations, primarily because of five reasons - affordability, cultural and entertainment diversity, heritage, the country's rich socio-cultural mosaic and the robust economy which has been able to withstand the recession. The country has adapted to change, fusing modernity with traditions.

According to World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel and tourism economy in India generates employment for 17.7 million people, some 5.6% of total employment in the year 2000. WTTC forecasts that, by the year 2010, global Travel & Tourism will generate 24.8 million jobs, accounting for 6.5% of total employment world-wide. If, by the year 2010, Indian Travel & Tourism were to generate the same level of employment as the world average, then a further 25 million jobs would be created in India over the next decade. Given Indias outstanding wealth of natural reserves and rich cultural heritage, its thriving business community and high levels of entrepreneurship, India can seize this opportunity.

In India, inbound tourist expenditure is the third highest in the world. The tourist influx to India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22.65 per cent between 2007 and 2011.

Consequently, the country offers a eclectic mix of tourism from upend spa, golf, wine, skiing and shopping holidays, river safaris, health tourism to the traditional camel rides in Rajasthan, rural tourism in the hinterlands of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.

The traditional history and religious trails touch states like Delhi, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and the temple towns of Southern India.

This year, the government is providing incentives for repeat visitors. It includes special packages for those visiting India for the second time.

The most popular tourist circuits in the country are the northern Indian heritage packages that include Delhi-Agra and Rajasthan.

Delhi, the Indian capital, is like an archive- home to the modern and the old. It was the seat of the Mughal rulers, the British Raj and also the Indraprastha mentioned in the epic Mahabharata.

Every crumbling wall in Delhi has a story to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. Rulers have come and gone. The city has lived through wars, resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. It has cradled civilisations since times immemorial. Delhi goes back hundreds of thousands of years back into time.

Agra, which lies adjacent to New Delhi at a distance of 300 km, is one of the most important destinations on the world map with three heritage monuments- the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen, descendants of the Muslim artisans of the 15-16th century. The city is famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is an abode of extensive boulevards and beautiful gardens. Founded by Sawai Jaisingh II in 1727 AD, the pink city still preserves its glory of rich history, pink sandstone architecture and culture.

The past comes alive in its impressive forts, majestic palaces and in its royal buildings, which for centuries were the abode of royal families. Rajasthani jewelry, art and fabrics from the city are in great demand in the international market. It is the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan.

Mumbai formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of Maharashtra state, and is the financial capital of the country. Situated on Salsette Island, Mumbai is made from a cluster of Seven Islands and derived its name from Mumbadevi, the goddess of the Koli fisher folk.

It has a deep natural harbour, which handles more than half of India's passenger traffic and a large amount of cargo. The city which never sleeps, is also home to the country's million-dollar movie industry. Mumbai and the beach resort of Goa- a 12-hour drive from the city, draws thousands of tourists every year.

Located on the slopes of the Himalayas, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It still retains the glory of colonial times, with its race tracks, lush golf ccourses and colonial British cuisine.

Hyderabad in the South Indian state of Karnataka, in contrast, is steeped in its Muslim heritage while Bangalore in the state of Karnataka is a free individual traveller (FIT)'s delight. It is the Silicon Valley of India, the face of contemporary India.

Atithi Devo Bhavah (Guest is like God)

'Atithi Devo Bhavah' is a social awareness campaign aimed at providing the inbound tourist a sense of being welcomed to the country. The campaign targets the general public as a whole, while focusing mainly on the stakeholders of the tourism industry. The main components of the campaign are training and orientation to taxi drivers, guides, immigration officers, tourist police and other personnel directly interacting with the tourists, while simultaneously creating a brand equity for the trained persons.



Historical Tourism
Each and every stone in India has a story to tell about its past. Indian historical tourism sites are a timeless sojourn back in the by lanes of time to unravel untold mysteries of the past and explore the rare jewels of the glorious past of India. Historical tourism will help you get to know about India from the very beginning, and the splendor that this country once enjoyed. India has been ruled by many indigenous dynasties that have contributed a lot in growth of its rich culture and heritage. Due to its strategic positioning, various topographic features, fertile alluvial plains, long flowing rivers and six different seasons, India has been a source of constant attraction for foreigners who have sometimes conquered it and at others made it their permanent abode.

On its historical tourism, study the long and eventful history of the country that is as vast and as rich the country itself. Explore forts, palaces, temples, mosques, churches, schools, tombs, cemeteries, victory pillars and places built by various builders at various points of time during their rules. These monuments of the past have stood the vagaries of time to tell the story of their inception, beauty, grace, love, passion, art and architecture. Most of the famous Indian cities have a rich history worth knowing, and important sites worth visiting.

Agra
The city of Agra is known to be in existence since the period of Mahabharata when it was known as Agravan and believed to be the part of the Brij-Bhoomi. Made the capital by Raja Badal Singh, Sikander Lodi and Babur, the city rise to fame only after the Mughal Emperor Akbar ruled from here. Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, Akbar's Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri and other smaller monuments.


Aurangabad
Aurangabad enjoys a strategic location in central India from where the north can have control over the Deccan. It's important positioning was first realized by Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq who established his capital at Deogir, and re-named it as Daulatabad. But the city has got its name from the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, who made this city as his seat of power to control his vast empire. Visit the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Pithalkhora Caves, Paithan and other places.


Bodhgaya
Bodhgaya is the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the pipal tree and became 'The Buddha' or 'The Enlightened One'. 13 km from Gaya in Bihar, Bodhgaya is the place where the birth of Buddhism took place. Visit the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Tree, Vajrasana, Ancient Railing, Lotus Tank, Chankaramana, Animeshlochana and Ratnagar.




Chittorgarh
The legendary city of romance and chivalry, Chittorgarh was brought in dowry by the last Solanki princess when she married Bappa Rawal, the legendary founder of the Sisodia dynasty in the middle of the 8th century AD. Spread over a 7-mile long hill, the city was sacked three times in history due to its strategic location. Visit the Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambha, Kirti Stambha, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Rani Padmini's Palace, Kumbha Shyam Temple and other places.


Delhi
Delhi has traveled a long way since it became the capital of the Pandavas becoming the capital of India eight times. If you pass through the city, you will come across various monuments big and small, some in good condition, others dilapidated, that will remind you about the glory that this city has seen. The modern structures are a reminder of the British rule and contemporary structures are there to indicate the progress that the city has made over the centuries. There are several places to visit in Delhi.


Hyderabad
Hyderabad was established in 1591-92 AD by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah on the banks of river Musi five miles from Golconda. Since then, the city has grown tremendously in size, economy and fame. Visit Charminar, Golconda Fort, Mecca Masjid, Qutub Shahi Tombs, Falaknuma Palace, Salrajung Museum and other places.


Jaipur
Jaipur is the brainchild of the Kachhwaha King, Sawai Jai Singh, who came up with the idea to build the first planned city of India in 1713 AD. His ideas were effectively complimented by a very talented Bengali architect, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, who planned the city on the basis of the principles laid down in ancient Indian treatises on architecture, Shilpa Shastra and ancient Indian science of architecture, Vastu Shastra. The foundation was laid in 1727 AD, and the work was accomplished in 1731 AD. Visit the City Palace and Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and several other monuments.


Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was established by Bhati Rajput Rao Jaisal in the year 1156 AD. The city was named after him. Visit the Jaiselmer Fort, Patwaon-Ki-Haveli, Nathamlji-Ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli, Gadsisar Lake and several other monuments.




Jodhpur
Jodhpur was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar. The foundation of the modern state of Jodhpur was laid down by Sir Pratap Singh and followed by Maharaja Umaid Singh. Visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada and several other monuments.



Khajuraho
Khajuraho is a small village in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh. The village is celebrated the world over for beautiful stone temples that mark the culmination of temple architecture in India. Hidden deep in the forts, the temples were first discovered by T.B. Burt, a British engineer in 1838 AD. The temples were patronized by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD. The temples are significant for their perfect craftsmanship and refined sculpting. Out of the 85 temples, only 22 are left today. Visit the Western, Eastern and Southern Group of Temples.


Konark
Konark was the part of the Kalinga Empire and a busy harbour during ancient times. 65 km from Bhubaneshwar, Konark is better known for the Sun Temple. Some traditions believe that King Narshimadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty built the famous temple dedicated to Sun God. Local traditions say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, constructed the temple in honor of Sun God who had cured him of leprosy that occurred due to his father's curse after he underwent severe penance for 12 years.


Madurai
Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India, as it history dates back to the Sangam Period. It is believed that Madurai derives its name from 'Madhuram' or 'Nectar' that fell from the locks of Lord Shiva when he came to bless the people of the city for construction of a Shiva temple. It was a glorious and prosperous city during the Sangam Age, as well as under the dominance of the Vijaynagar Empire. Visit the Meenakshi Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Mahal, Gandhi Museum, Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam and other smaller monuments.


Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram was founded by the King Narsimhavarman I, son of King Mahendravarman. The city was named as Mahamallapuram meaning 'City of the Warriors' after his title 'Mahamalla'. Visit the Shore Temple, Arjuna's Penance, Ganesh Ratha, Trimurti Cave Temple, Five Rathas and other smaller monuments.


Mumbai
Better known as the Commercial Capital of India, Mumbai comprises of 7 islands, namely, Colaba, Mazagaon, Old Woman's Island, Wadala, Mahim, Parel and Matunga-Sion on the central-western coast along the Arabian Sea. Visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Sir Pherozshah Mehta Gardens or the Hanging Gardens, Flora Fountain, Chowpatty Beach, Prince of Wales Museum of Western India or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and several other places.




Mysore
Situated 140 km from Bangalore on the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, Mysore was the capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty. Also known as the 'City of Palaces', Mysore is lined with splendid palaces, well laid gardens, magnificent temples and striking buildings. Visit the Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church, Mysore Zoo, The Art Gallery and other smaller monuments.


Udaipur
Udaipur was the capital of the Mewar Kingdom and established in 1567 AD. Mewar is the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. Visit the City Palace, Sajjan Garh or the Monsoon Palace, Sahelion ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake and several other monuments.


Varanasi
Varanasi is supposedly the oldest city in the world with a mention in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Located on the semi-circular left bank of River Ganga, Varanasi derives its name from the two rivers that flow across the city, namely, Varuna and Asi. Visit the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Durga Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Alamgir Mosque, Banaras Hindu University, Archaeological Museum, the Ghats and several other monuments.


Cultural and heritage tourism

From time immemorial, India has been considered to be a land with a rich cultural heritage. Centuries after centuries, this country has seen rulers like the Rajputs, Mughals, English and Portuguese. Besides, various religions also flourished at different times like Buddhism, Jainism etc. All these factors have played their role in making an impact on the culture of this country. One can find the traces of different cultures in music, dance, architecture, festivities, languages spoken, traditional beliefs and customs, food and many more like these. It is the development in these aspects of life that makes the heritage of India one of the most vibrant and exhaustive.

We believe in the continuity and dynamism of Indian cultural heritage and it is our endeavour to help people from the world over get acquainted with it. And there can not be a better way to understand this than to experience it. Travel to India with our cultural tour packages and understand why this heritage has withstood thousands of years and is still going strong.


Railway Tourism

India has the largest network of railways in the world. It is one of the most convenient and popular modes of transport for travelling in India. The Indian railways offer you a hoat of options when you choose to explore India by train. There is the most exclusive 'Palace on Wheels', which takes you into the world of royal life. Then there are fast and comfortable Rajdhanis and Shatabdis. Besides, there are hundreds of trains available which cover almost whole of India. We, therefore, offer you an exclusive opportunity to see and explore India with Indian Railways, which is the most enduring symbol of the British Raj.


Yoga and meditation

Modern life has also brought complexities and mental pressure. What we immediately do not realize is the impact of such a lifestyle on our health. For those who do care about their lives and want to live it the healthy way, what could be a better way to de-stress than to relax in the soothing and therapeutic balm Yogic and Meditational practices. India is internationally renowned for its ancient healing practices and alternative therapies. For thousands of years now, we have followed our own indigenous healing systems and medicinal practices such as Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Pranic Healing to name just a few. It is no wonder then that people from all over the world are turning to the Indian sub continent for a more spiritually satisfying way of life.

Yoga and meditation are just such indigenous twin techniques of self-realization and purification. One incomplete without the other, they help an individual to develop a sense of physical, mental, emotional as well as spiritual well being. Yoga in all its forms tries to create harmony of the body with the mind and soul. It is a very general term that encompasses many different disciplines ranging from the purely physical to the purely spiritual, and is a truly original Indian concept.

Many people believe that yoga and meditation are mystic arts that demand complete devotion to the exclusion of everything else. However, the truth is that Yoga and Meditation are not the hard taskmasters they are often made out to be. Yoga and Meditation can easily be incorporated into our daily lives, requiring no more than a few minutes, everyday. Their benefits on the other hand are wide-ranging and restorative. For instance, meditation has proven to be highly effective in treating psychological conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety, and Yoga is known to increase levels of self-confidence and memory.

We have designed special Yoga and Meditation tour packages that will allow you to combine your holiday and travel to India with a truly uplifting and revitalizing experience. What could be better way to spend a vacation than to go on an inspiring health holiday that will leave you physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed.


Ayurveda

Ayurveda is the 'Knowledge or Science of Life'. According to Charaka, the ancient physician-sage, life is a unified state of the physical body, the cognitive organs, the mind and the soul, thus signifying a living being.

Inspired by the zeal, vision and human compassion of its great founder, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala carried on with its noble mission. It sailed smoothly through two World Wars, the Great Depression of the thirties and several natural calamities and political upheavals. Today, it has grown into a mighty organisation unparalleled in South India.

The services of The Arya Vaidya Sala reach its patients through a nation-wide network of 14 branches and more than 1000 retail distributors that market its 500-odd formulations.

Thousands of patients visit Kottakkal every year, seeking succour at the healing hands of Arya Vaidya Sala. Ailing people from West European, Arabian, American and Far East countries also approach the institution. For thousands of years the wise men of India have applied natural medicine. Massage, herbs and oils are applied to the body aiming to restore the natural balance of the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The diagnosis is based on the combination of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, which describes the constitution of each individual.