Tourism in India

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Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh is visited by more than three million tourists every year.
A view of Udaipur's City Palace with Lake Pichola
Rani ki vav, a Stepwell in Gujarat, had recently desginated as UNESCO world heritage
A UNESCO world heritage city ruins of Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, with its bouldered landscape

The tourism industry of India is economically important and is growing rapidly. The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated INR6.4 trillion or 6.6% of the nation's GDP in 2012. It supported 39.5 million jobs, 7.7% of its total employment. The sector is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023.[1] This gives India the third rank among countries with the fastest growing tourism industries over the next decade.[2] India has a large medical tourism sector which is expected to grow at an estimated rate of 30% annually to reach about ₹ 95 billion by 2015.

According to provisional statistics 6.29 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2011, an increase of 8.9% from 5.78 million in 2010. This ranks India as the 38th country in the world in terms of foreign tourist arrivals. Domestic tourist visits to all states and Union Territories numbered 1,036.35 million in 2012, an increase of 16.5% from 2011.[3] The most represented countries are the United States (16%) and the United Kingdom (12.6%). In 2011, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi were the most popular states for foreign tourists. Domestic tourists visited the states Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu most frequently.[4] Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Agra have been the four most visited cities of India by foreign tourists during the year 2011. Worldwide, Chennai is ranked 38 by the number of foreign tourists, while Mumbai is ranked at 50, Delhi at 52 and Agra at 66 and Kolkata at 99.[5]

The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013 ranks India 65th out of 144 countries overall. The report ranks the price competitiveness of India's tourism sector 20th out of 144 countries. It mentions that India has quite good air transport (ranked 39th), particularly given the country’s stage of development, and reasonable ground transport infrastructure (ranked 42nd). Some other aspects of its tourism infrastructure remain somewhat underdeveloped however. The nation has very few hotel rooms per capita by international comparison and low ATM penetration.[6] The World Tourism Organization reported that India's receipts from tourism during 2012 ranked 16th in the world, and 7th among Asian and Pacific countries.[7]

The Ministry of Tourism designs national policies for the development and promotion of tourism. In the process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/agencies, state governments, Union Territories and the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism.[8] The Ministry also maintains the Incredible India campaign.

India's rich history and its cultural and geographical diversity make its international tourism appeal large and diverse. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business, educational and sports tourism.


Major tourist attractions across India[edit]

A Vamana temple at Khajuraho with its sculptural marvels
A monolithic hand carved multi storey building at Ellora, Maharashtra, India
Houseboat in Kerala backwaters
Akal Takht and Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab, India
Munshi Ghat in Varanasi
Camel riding at Nubra Valley,Ladakh
Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple with view of all the Gopuras
  • Taj Mahal, is considered as one of the Wonders of the World and most beautiful building by many. It is built by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.
  • Khajuraho Temples are group of 20 temples which are known and admired for their intricate carvings and sculptures. It is also famous for its erotic sculptures. One of the major temple Kandariya Mahadeva Temple alone have more than 870 statues, which is the similar number of carvings in whole site of equally intricate and beautiful Rani ki vav Stepwell.
  • Ajanta and Ellora Caves are manmade monasteries carved out from rocks. Ajanta have series of 30 caves, while Ellora have 34. These caves are built between 2nd century BCE to 9th century CE. Ellora Caves have unique feature of having caves dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism all at one place. The major tourist attraction in Ajanta and Ellora caves is Kailasa Temple at Ellora. Kailasa temple, Ellora is a monolithic multistorey building completely carved out of single rock. It is also noted for its vertical excavation i.e. carving started from top of the rock and excavated downward to construct this building.
  • Hampi is a ruins of medeival city of Vijaynagara of Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the biggest city ruins in India spread across 36 square kilometers. A group of monuments at city ruins of Hampi can be divided into Religious, Military and Civil category. The city ruins have seven layers of fortification and innermost fortification enclose the city and is best preserved. Hampi city ruins have several monuments which predates Vijayanagara Empire period including Virupaksha Temple which is a pilgrimage for Hindus. It also attracts tourists for Bouldering adventure because of its vast landscapes with huge boulders.
  • Kerala Houseboats on Kerala Backwaters is a world famous tourist activity in India. Houseboats are traditionally meant for rice transport from nearby rice fields, but over the years transformed for taking tourists to the tour of Kerala backwaters with fully furnished boats with single or multiple bedrooms, living room, sit outs, kitchen and all with large windows overlooking surrounding natural beauty. Kerala backwaters is a unique ecosystem formed by 38 small rivers originating from Western ghats forming a large network of canals and lakes. Natural beauty, flora and fauna and seeing daily lives of people and how they use these backwaters while resting in houseboats is what attracts tourists from all over the world. Kerala is listed among “50 destinations of lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.
  • Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is holiest shrine of Sikhism. Harmandir Sahib literally means a temple for all. It is built as a place of worship God for people of all religion. The kitchen in a temple serve free meal known as Langar to almost 40,000 to 100,000 visitors daily depending upon general weekdays or festival holidays.
  • Goa is famous all over the world as beach party destination. Goa also stands 6th in Top 10 Nightlife Cities in the world in National Geographic (magazine).
  • Varanasi Ghats along the Ganges in one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city of Varanasi is popular tourist attraction in India for foreign visitors. For Indians Varanasi is holy city of Lord Vishwanath and Ganges and is pilgrimage. Number of ceremonies and Pujas ranging from birth to death held and organized by the banks of Ganges at Varanasi ghats. Ghats means steps leading to the banks of rivers. These ghats and adjoining buildings are built by various kings from all over India. There are almost 100 Ghats along the Ganges in Varanasi. These ghats are for bathing on Ganges and for various Puja ceremonies and rituals. Taking sunrise and sunset boat rides along these Ghats are popular tourist activity, especially for non-Hindu tourists.
  • Ladakh region in state of Jammu and Kashmir is a major tourist attraction among nature lovers and adventure tourists for its landscapes, Adventure, wildlife and driving through world’s highest motorable road. Riding through its landscape is most popular among motorcyclists and touring adventure. Driving in world’s highest road where there is less oxygen is also favorite among touring adventurers. It attracts tourist for its varied and surreal landscape which changes dramatically from snow-capped mountains to barren rocky mountains, greenery and even sand dunes with camel (Double humped Camel) in these mountains. Trekking down the frozen Zanskar River and searching a Snow leopard in Hemis National Park are some other popular adventure activity.
  • Brihadeeshwar Temple or Big Temple is considered to be as ancient India’s engineering marvel. It completed 1000 years of its construction in 2010 and its Vimana (Temple tower) is among tallest of its kind in the world with 66m height(216 feet). The nearest source of Granite is 60 km away from the site near Tiruchirappalli. This temple is known as the first building fully built by granite. It is finished within 5yrs[1004AD – 1009AD]. The Kumbam (Kalasha or Chikharam, the apex or the bulbous structure on the temple) is carved out of a single rock and it weighs around 80 tons. It is raised to the top by dragging on an inclined plane of 6.44 km.


Tourism by state[edit]

Andhra Pradesh[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati Stupa, an important Buddhist site in South India, the antiquity of Amaravati dates back to 500 BCE. The stupa was then adorned with limestone reliefs and free standing Buddha figures
A View of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Srikalahasti Temple
Rushikonda beach, Visakhapatnam
Rock-cut Buddha Statue at Bojjanakonda, Visakhapatnam district
Ethipothala Water Falls
Palmyra palm trees barrier islands of Pulicat Lake, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Belum Caves, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley, Eastern Ghats, Visakhapatnam

The state of Andhra Pradesh comprises like scenic hills, forests, beaches and temples.

Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres:

  • Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is the second richest and most visited religious centre (of any faith) in the world. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of twelve Jyothiralingas in India. Amaravathi's Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams, Vemulavada temple, one of the old abodes of Lord Shiva, reputed as Dakshina Kashi – Benaras of South India.
  • Kanaka Durga Temple of goddess Durga is situated on the Indrakeeladri Hill in the city of Vijayawada on the banks of Krishna River. A large number of pilgrims attend the colourful celebrations of Tepotsavam and for holy dip in the Krishna river during the festival of Dusshera.[9]

Famous Buddhist centres:

Others are Pavurallakonda, Chandavaram, Guntupalli, Adurru, Kummarilova, Kotturu Dhanadibbalu, Karukonda, kapavaram, Nandalur

Pilgrim centres and temples:

Thousand's of oldest temples are situated in Andhra pradesh.

Attractions:

  • Kilash giri – Mountain View along with beach side situated in Vizag City
  • Bhimili Beach – Beautiful Beach near to Vizag City
  • Araku Valley – known as Andhra Ooty near to Vizag City
  • Borra Caves – caves formed 1 million years ago situated near to Vizag City; belongs to Odisha
  • Bhavani Islands – A unique tourism spot to stay and visit near Vijayawada
  • Thimmamma Marrimanu – The World's Largest Banyan Tree, and "Marrimanu" was recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989. Its branches spreads over nearly 5 acres. (2.1 ha.). Located about 35 km from Kadiri, and 100 km from Anantapur.
  • Lepakshi – this is the largest monolithic Nandi (Bull) in the world, (length 27 feet, height 15 feet), It is 15 km (9.3 mi) east of Hindupur, and 105 km from Anantapur, and about 120 km (75 mi) north of Bangalore.
  • Prakasam Barrage – A famous bridge which was constructed by the British Government in the remembrance of Tanguturi Prakasam, is the best tourist spot to visit in Vijayawada
  • Kolleru Lake – A famous lake situated between Krishna and West Godavari District.
  • Pulicat Lake is located at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Pulicat Lake covers an area of 500 km2. It is a brackish water lagoon, the second largest in India, and is situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary attracts many migratory birds and also is a feeding and nesting ground for aquatic and terrestrial birds such as flamigoes, pelicans etc.
  • The Borra Caves in the Anatagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, near Vishakapatnam at an altitude of about 800 to 1300 metres are famous for million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. They were discovered by British geologist William King George in 1807. The caves got the name from a formation inside the caves that looks like the human brain, which in Telugu language is known as burra.
  • The Belum Caves in Kurnool District] have a length of 3,229 metres (10,594 ft), making them the second largest natural caves on the Indian subcontinent. The Belum Caves derive their name from Bilum, the Sanskrit word for caves. The caves have long passages, spacious chambers, freshwater galleries, and siphons. The caves deepest point is 120 feet (37 m) from the entrance and is known as Patalganaga.

The golden beaches at Visakhapatnam, the one-million-year-old limestone caves at Borra, picturesque Araku Valley, hill resorts of Horsley Hills, river Godavari racing through a narrow gorge at Papi Kondalu, waterfalls at Ettipotala, Kuntala and rich bio-diversity at Talakona, are some of the natural attractions of the state. Visakhapatnam is home to many tourist attractions such as the INS Karasura Submarine museum, Yarada Beach, Araku Valley, VUDA Park, Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens. The weather in Andhra Pradesh is mostly tropical and the best time to visit is in November through to January. The monsoon season commences in June and ends in September, so travel would not be advisable during this period. Rajahmundry is the hub for great Engineering and Architectural monuments such as Godavari Bridge (Asia's second largest Road cum Railway Bridge), Papi Hills, Iskon Temple, Tantikonda, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, Pushkar Ghat, Gowthami Ghat. A unique festival called Pushkaram will be celebrated along the Godavari river for every 12 years and Rajahmundry attracts 4-5 crore people during the tenure of the festival.

Arunachal Pradesh[edit]

Snowfall in Tawang

Arunachal finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is supposed to be the Prabhu Mountains of the Puranas. It was here that sage Parashuram washed away his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded his kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini. The widely scattered archaeological remains at different places in Arunachal bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Arunachal Pradesh, a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and valleys, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and hospitable people, with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature.

The visitor has a wide variety of options to pick from. There are places of worship and pilgrimage such as Parasuramkund and 400 years old Tawang Monastery, or the sites of archaeological excavations like Malinithan and Itanagar, the serene beauty of lakes such as Ganga lake or Sela lake or the numerous variations of scenic beauty of the snowclad silver mountain peaks and lush green meadows where thousands of species of flora and fauna prosper. In addition, the state provides abundant scope for angling, boating, rafting, trekking and hiking. Besides, there are a number of wild life sanctuaries and national parks where rare animals, birds and plants will fascinate the visitor.

Nature has provided the people with a deep sense of beauty which finds delightful expression in their songs, dances and crafts. The climate varies from hot and humid to heavy rainfall in the Shivalik range. It becomes progressively cold as one moves northwards to higher altitudes. Trees of great size, plentiful climbers and abundance of cane and bamboo make Arunachal evergreen. Arunachal Pradesh is considered to be the "nature's treasure trove"and home to orchids, known for their exquisitely beautiful blooms, from one of the dominant taxa with more than six hundred species, occurring in varying elevations and climatic conditions throughout the state.

Assam[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Assam
An Indian Rhinoceros grazing at the Kaziranga National Park.

Assam is the central state in the North-East Region of India and serves as the gateway to the rest of the Seven Sister States. Assam boasts of famous wildlife preserves – the Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, the Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Nameri National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (These first two parks are UNESCO World Heritage Site); the largest river island Majuli, known for its Vaishnavite Sattras; historic Sivasagar, famous for the ancient monuments of Ahom Kingdom; the city of eternal romance, Tezpur and the scenic tea-estates dating back to time of British Raj. The weather is mostly sub-tropical. Assam experiences the Indian monsoon and has one of the highest forest densities in India. The winter months (October end half to first half of April) are the best time to visit. The heritage of Madan Kamdev is same as Khajuraho which is located just 30 km away from Guwahati. Along with the Madan Kamdev tourist can visit very ancient temple Gopeswar Mandir situated in a village Deuduar near to Guwahati.

Assam has a rich cultural heritage going back to the Ahom Kingdom, which governed the region for many centuries before the British occupation. Other notable features include the Brahmaputra River, the mystery of the bird suicides in Jatinga, numerous temples including Kamakhya Temple of Tantric sect. 'Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur also known as Damdama Sahib at Dhubri' – This famous Gurudwara is situated in the heart of the Dhubri Town on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra river in far north-east India. Guru Teg Bahadur the holy Sikh Guru visited this place in 1505 and met Srimanta Sankardeva (the founder of the Mahapuruxiya Dharma) as the Guru travelled from Dhaka to Assam, ruins of palaces, etc. Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, boasts many bazaars, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The government took many initiatives to promote tourism in Assam

Bihar[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bihar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world with history of 3000 years. The rich culture and heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that are dotted all over this state in eastern India. This is the place of Aryabhata, Great Ashoka, Chanakya, Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh, Chandragupta Maurya, Vātsyāyana, Sher Shah Suri and many other great historical figures.

Attractions:

  • Patna – The capital of Bihar, famous for its rich history and royal architecture
  • Gaya – Known for Bodh Gaya the place at which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment
  • Muzaffarpur – Famous for its education
  • Kesariya – Location of the world's largest Buddhist Stupa
  • Nalanda – Location of one of the world's oldest university
  • Sasaram – Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the great Emperor of medieval India
  • Sonepur Cattle Fair – The Sonepur cattle fair or Sonepur Mela, it is the biggest cattle fair of Asia and stretches on from fifteen days to one month
  • Takht Sri Patna Sahib – One of the famous Sikh pilgrimage known for the birthplace of Sikh's Tenth Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib
  • Darbhanga – It is among the oldest cities of Bihar. Famous for the Maharaja forts and Kali Mandir.
  • Munger – Home to the only Yoga University in the world, Bihar School of Yoga. Religious places such as Shakti Peethas.
  • Deoghar – One of the famous Hindu pilgrimage known for the Satsang Ashram of Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra situated at Satsang Nagar
  • Vaishali – Lord Mahavir was born on the outskirts of this ancient city, and lived in Vaishali till he was 22

Bihar is one of the most sacred places of various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism & Islam. Famous Attraction includes Mahabodhi Temple, a Buddhist shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site is also situated in Bihar, Barabar Caves the oldest rockcut caves in India, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library .

Chandigarh[edit]

Chandigarh is a city located on the foothills of Himalayas and is the capital of two states – Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is also called the The City Beautiful with various tourist attractions like Nek Chand Rock Garden, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sukhna lake, Open Hand Monument etc. This place was recorded as the Cleanest city of India by Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. A majestic view of the Shivalik Hills including Kasauli is visible from here.

Chhattisgarh[edit]

Chitrakot Waterfalls is the broadest waterfall in India and also referred as 'Niagara Falls of India'

Chhattisgarh is a new state but with an ancient civilisation, which can be felt by visiting the historical remains in the state. The state is blessed by nature with magnificent water falls, mountains, forests and wildlife. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of its area under forests and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. There are many tourist attractions worth seeing.

Main attractions of Chhattisgarh are Chitrakot Waterfalls, Kutumsar Caves, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra, Bhoramdeo temple, Sirpur, Rajim, Ratanpur and Malhar.

Kakotal is also famous for its beautiful waterfall.

Delhi[edit]

Lotus Temple
Main article: Tourism in Delhi

Delhi is the capital union territory of India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and religions.[Main] Sir Derp Derpington declared Delhi as contributing in fields of Architecture, landmarks, wide roads etc.[Main] Delhi has been the capital of numerous empires that ruled India, making it rich in history. The rulers left behind their trademark architectural styles. Delhi currently has many renowned historic monuments and landmarks such as the Tughlaqabad fort, Qutub Minar, Purana Quila, Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, Humayun's tomb, Red Fort, and Safdarjung's Tomb. Modern monuments include Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Laxminarayan Temple, Lotus temple and Akshardham Temple.

New Delhi is famous for its British colonial architecture, wide roads, and tree-lined boulevards. Delhi is home to numerous political landmarks, national museums, Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, green parks, and trendy malls.

Goa[edit]

Palolem
Main article: Tourism in Goa

Goa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. A former colony of Portugal, Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mangueshi Temple, Dudhsagar Falls, and Shantadurga are famous attractions in Goa. Recently a Wax Museum (Wax World) has also opened in Old Goa housing a number of wax personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage.

The Goa Carnival is a world famous event, with colourful masks and floats, drums and reverberating music, and dance performances.

Gujarat[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Gujarat
The Palitana temple complex consists of more than 863 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble.

Gujarat, the seventh largest state in India, located in the western part of India with a coastline of 1600 km (longest in India). It is the tenth most popular state in the country for tourists with annual footfall of 18.9 million tourists.[11] Gujarat offers scenic beauty from Great Rann of Kutch to the hills of Satpura. Gujarat is the sole home of the pure Asiatic Lions and is considered to be one of the most important protected areas in Asia. During the Sultanate reign, Hindu craftsmanship mix with Islamic architecture, giving rise to the Indo-Saracenic style. Many structures in the state are built in this fashion. It is also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi & Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the great iconic figures during India's Independence movement. Gujarat offers many types of tourism like Business Tourism, Archeological & Heritage Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Religious Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Medical Tourism and much more. Amitabh Bachchan is currently the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Ahmedabad is considered an ideal hub to cover all the destinations across Gujarat.

Haryana[edit]

The pilgrim places of Haryana are thronged by devotees all over the year, who visit the important religious places to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness.

The state of Haryana has a long historical and cultural tradition which is manifested in the numerous religious places which fills the tourist with an intense sense of satisfaction. Some of the notable "Pilgrim Destinations" of Haryana are:

Lord Krishna and Arjuna

Kurukshetra- The historical place of "Kurukshetra" is the cradle of Hindu civilisation. The fierce battle field of the holy land of "Kurukhshetra" is a witness to the discourse between the mighty and valiant ruler "Arjuna" and his divine charioteer "Lord Krishna".

Jyotisar- The ancient place of "Jyotisar" is the nurturing ground of the values and principles that guide the oldest religion of the world, the "Hindu" religion. The significance of the place lies in the fact that the holy religious text of the "Hindus", the "Bhagwad Gita" was complied in this sacred place

Thanesar- The sacred place of "Thanesar" has two important religious temples of the "Sthanesvar Mahadev Temple" and the "Ma Bhadra Kali Temple" that draws several devotees throughout the year

Pehowa- The holy land of "Pehowa" is an important religious place among the Hindus, who pray to the deceased member of their family and offer "Pind Daan" to release them from the cycle of birth and rebirth

Khatushyam The holy place from the time of Mahabharata.

Panchkula- The beautiful place of Panchkula offers the tourist with numerous places of religious and historical importance, including "Morni hills" and "Tikkar Taal".

Dhosi Hill – A hill near Narnaul, having Vedic period Rishi, Chaywan's Ashram. Famous for preparation of Chyawanprash, and other herbal preparations.

Himachal Pradesh[edit]

The Himalayan landscape of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for outdoor activities such as skiing.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-stations. Many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice-skating, and heli-skiing are popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh.[12]

Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists. The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a Mountain railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla is also a famous skiing attraction in India. Other popular hill stations include Manali and Kasauli.

Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples. Many trekking expeditions also begin here.

Jammu and Kashmir[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is known for its scenic landscape
Tso Moriri Lake, Ladakh
Gulmarg Gondola- The second highest cable car in the world

Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. Jammu is noted for its scenic landscape, ancient temples and mosques, Hindu and Muslim shrines, castles, gardens and forts. The Hindu holy shrines of Amarnath in Kashmir Valley attracts about .4 million Hindu devotees every year. Vaishno Devi also attract millions of Hindu devotees every year. Jammu's historic monuments feature a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles.

Tourism forms an integral part of the Kashmiri economy. Often dubbed "Paradise on Earth", Kashmir's mountainous landscape has attracted tourists for centuries. Notable places are Dal Lake, Srinagar Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yeusmarg and Mughal Gardens etc. Kashmir's natural landscape has made it one of the popular destinations for adventure tourism in South Asia.

In recent years, Ladakh has emerged as a major hub for adventure tourism. This part of Greater Himalaya called "moon on earth" consists of naked peaks and deep gorges. Leh, the capital, is also a growing tourist spot.

Karnataka[edit]

Main articles: Tourism in Karnataka and Times of India's list of seven Wonders of India

Karnataka has been ranked as fourth most popular destination for tourism among states of India.[13] It has the highest number of national protected monuments in India, at 507.

Kannada dynasties like Kadambas, Western Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras and the Kingdom of Mysore ruled from what is today Karnataka.[14][15] They built great monuments to Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. These monuments are preserved at Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Mahakuta, Hampi, Lakshmeshwar, Sudi, Hooli, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Lakkundi, Gadag, Hangal, Halasi, Galaganatha, Chaudayyadanapura, Banavasi, Belur, Halebidu, Sringeri, Shravanabelagola, Sannati, Nanjangud, Mysore, Nandi Hills, Kolar, Mudabidri, Gokarna, Bagali, Kuruvatti and many more. Notable Islamic monuments are present at Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur and other part of the state. Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine Hagia Sophia. Karnataka has two World heritage sites, at Hampi and Pattadakal.Bellary one of the historical place, we can see the forts which were built by the great Tipu Sultan for protection.

Karnataka state has several palaces such as Bangalore Palace, Mysore Palace (also known as Ambavilas Palace), Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Nalknad Palace, Rajendra Vilas, Jaganmohan Palace, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Lalitha Mahal, Rajendra Vilas, Cheluvamba Mansion, Shivappa Nayaka Palace and Daria Daulat Bagh. Karnataka is famous for Jog falls of Shimoga District is second highest waterfalls in Asia. Karnataka has many beaches at Karwar, Gokarna, Murdeshwara, Surathkal. Karnataka is a rock climbers paradise. Yana in Uttara Kannada, Fort in Chitradurga, Ramnagara near Bengaluru district, Shivagange in Tumkur district and tekal in Kolar district are a rock climbers heaven.[16] Utsav Rock Garden in Shiggaon, Uttar Kannada.

Shola Grasslands in Kudremukh, Karnataka.

Hill stations in Karnataka are generally unexplored and more pristine than better known ones in South India. Major Hill stations in the state are Agumbe and Kodachadri in Shimoga District; Baba Budangiri, Kemmangundi, Kudremukh in Chikkamagaluru District; Biligiriranga Hills in Chamarajanagar District and Kodagu district (also known as Coorg).[17] Other hilly town and regions are Mullayanagiri, Pushpagiri(or Kumara Parvatha), Nandi Hills, Chikkaballapur district, Kundadri, Tadiandamol, Talakaveri, Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, Ambaragudda, Antara Gange, Savandurga, Kurinja, Yedakumeri, Siddara Betta, Bananthimari Betta, Skandagiri, Devarayanadurga and Madhugiri.

Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks Karnataka has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks such as, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli; Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary; Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary; Peacock sanctuary in Bankapura; Ranebennur blackbuck sanctuary, Haveri district; Deva Raya Wildlife Sanctuary, near Hampi; Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, near Hubli-Dharwad, Uttara Kannada; Anshi National Park, Uttara Kannada; Magadi Bird Sanctuary, Shirahatti; Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary;[18] Adichunchanagiri Wildlife Sanctuary;[19] Arabithittu Wildlife Sanctuary ;[20] Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary; Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary; Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary; Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary; Melukote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary ;[21] in Mandya district; Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary; Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary; Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary; Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary; Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary; Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary; Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary; Gudavi Bird Sanctuary; Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary; Kaggaladu Heronry; Kokkare Bellur; Bankapura Peacock Sanctuary and Bonal Bird Sanctuary

Kerala[edit]

Kerala, nicknamed as "God's own country," is famous for its houseboats.
Main article: Tourism in Kerala

Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of south-western India. Nicknamed as one of the "10 paradises of the world" by National Geographic,[22] Kerala is famous especially for its Eco-tourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry significantly contributes to the state's economy. Kerala is known for its tropical backwaters and pristine beaches such as Kovalam.

Munnar Hillscape

Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Kappad, Muzhuppilangad, Cherai and Varkala; the hill stations of Munnar, Thekkady, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; forts like the Bekal Fort in Kanhangad and St. Angelo's Fort in Kannur and the National Parks/ Wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam. The "backwaters" region—an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace are also famous. Cities such as Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Trivandrum are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performance. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF) claimed to be Asia's largest shopping festival was started in the year 2007.[23] Since then it has become an annual shopping event being conducted in the December–January period. During this period stores and shops registered under the GKSF offer wide range of discounts, vat refunds etc. Along with the guaranteed shopping experience, shoppers are provided with gift coupons for a fixed worth of purchase entering them into weekly and mega lucky draws. As compared to shopping festivals being held in other countries, this Festival converts the entire state of Kerala into a giant shopping mall, incorporating not just the big players, but also the small and medium scale industries. The state's tourism agenda promotes ecologically sustained tourism, which focuses on the local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering and personal growth of the local population. Efforts are taken to minimise the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people.

Madhya Pradesh[edit]

The massive Bhedaghat Falls
Main article: Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is called the "Heart of India" because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state.

The temples of Khajuraho are world-famous for their erotic sculptures, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gwalior is famous for its fort, Jai Vilas Palace, the Tomb of Rani Lakshmibai, Md. Ghaus & Tansen.

Madhya Pradesh is also known as Tiger State because of the tiger population. Famous national parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgadh, Madhav National Park, Shivpuri, Pench are located in Madhya Pradesh. Kuno Palpur national park is getting African cheetas and is expected to become only reserve having four species of big cats (lion, tiger, leopord and cheetah). Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings. Madhya pradesh is very much known for Narmada river, is the oldest known holiest and worshiped as a river goddess in Hindu religion. Narmada originates from Amarkantak, a wild reserve is known for its natural beauty, and it is a pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Another great tourist destination is Bhedaghat Falls in Jabalpur. The river Narmada takes the form of massive falls here. The place is surrounded by marble of various colours. The sight is a visual treat in itself. The prime attraction includes boating in the river with amusing commentary by the rower.

Places of attraction are,

♦Wildlife – Kanha National Park,[24] Bandhavgarh National Park(website), Pench Tiger Reserve

♦Heritage – Khajuraho Temple Group, Orchha, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters Caves[25]

♦Worship – UjjainUjjain,[26][27] Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Maihar, Sanchi

♦Water Bodies / Lakes/ Dams – Bhojtal "Upper Lake- Bhopal", Gandhi Sagar Dam, Indirasagar Dam, Pipliyapala,[28] Tawa Reservoir, Bhedaghat

Maharashtra[edit]

Mumbai is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, famous for its architecture, shopping, gastronomy, and Bollywood. Maharashtra accounts for largest foreign tourists arrivals in India.[13]
Main article: Tourism in Maharashtra
See also: Tourist Attractions in Mumbai
See also: Tourist attractions in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Maharashtra is the most visited state in India by foreign tourists,[13] with more than 5.1 million foreign tourists arrivals annually. Maharashtra boasts of a large number of popular and revered religious venues that are heavily frequented by locals as well as out-of-state visitors. Aurangabad is the tourism capital of Maharashtra.[29][30]

The sixth-century paintings at the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus are the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Maharashtra and are highly responsible for the development of Tourism in the state.

Mumbai is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, and a great place to experience modern India. Mumbai is famous for Bollywood, the world's largest film industry. In addition, Mumbai is famous for its clubs, shopping, and upscale gastronomy. The city is known for its architecture, from the ancient Elephanta Caves, to the Islamic Haji Ali Mosque, to the colonial architecture of Bombay High Court and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Maharashtra also has numerous adventure tourism destinations, including paragliding, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Maharashtra also has several pristine national parks and reserves, some of the best ones are Tadoba with excellent accommodation and safari experiences besides little known by amazing wildlife destinations like Koyna, Nagzira (very small with incredible sightings), Melghat (disturbed with massive mining truck movement), Dajipur, Radhanagari and of course the only national park within metropolis city limits in the world – Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Bibi Ka Maqbara at Aurangabad the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur, the cities of Nashik, Trimbak famous for religious importance and the city of Pune the seat of the Maratha Empire and the fantastic Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations together contribute for the Tourism sector of Maharashtra.

Manipur[edit]

Loktak lake

Manipur as the name suggest is a land of jewels. Its rich culture excels in every aspects as in martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture. The charm of the place is the greenery with the moderate climate making it a tourists' heaven. The beautiful and seasonal Shirui Lily at Ukhrul (district), Sangai (brow antlered deer) and the floating islands at Loktak Lake are few of the rare things found in Manipur. Polo, which can be called a royal game, also originated from Manipur. Some of the main tourist attractions are:

Meghalaya[edit]

Nohkalikai Falls

Meghalaya has some of the thickest surviving forests in the country. Therefore constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in the country today. The Meghalayan subtropical forests support a vast variety of flora and fauna. Meghalaya has 2 national parks and 3 wildlife sanctuaries.

Meghalaya, also offers many adventure tourism opportunities in the form of mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking and hiking, water sports etc. The state offers several trekking routes some of which also afford an opportunity to encounter some rare animals such as the slow loris, assorted deer and bear. The Umiam Lake has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise-boats, water-scooters and speedboats.

Cherrapunjee is one of the most popular tourist spots in North East of India. It lies to the south of the capital Shillong. The town is very well known and needs little publicity. A rather scenic, 50 kilometre long road, connects Cherrapunjee with Shillong.

The popular waterfalls in the state are the Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Langshiang Falls and Sweet Falls. The hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram are believed to have curative and medicinal properties. It is a very good place to visit.

Mizoram[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Mizoram

Mizoram is considered by many as a beautiful place due to its dramatic landscape and pleasant climate. The state is rich in bird diversity, which has the potential to make it a major Birdwatching destination.,[31] Mizoram is a stronghold for Mrs. Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae.[32] There is also a rare record of the Wild water buffalo from the state.[33] There have been several past records of sightings of the Sumatran rhinoceros from Mizoram, and Lushai hills.[34] A small population of wild elephants can be seen in Ngengpui and Dampa Sanctuaries.[35] Other interesting sites are Mizo Poets' Square also known as Mizo Hlakungpui Mual in Mizo and the Great Megaliths locally known as 'Kawtchhuah Ropui'. Pu Ziona, who lives in Baktawng near Aizawl, also has lot of visitors due to his fame as having the largest Family in the World.[36]

A panorama of Aizawl taken from Zemabawk.

Odisha[edit]

Konark Sun Temple built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Chilka Lake
Main article: Tourism in Odisha

Odisha has been a preferred destination from ancient days for people who have an interest in spirituality, religion, culture, art and natural beauty. Ancient and medieval architecture, pristine sea beaches, the classical dance Odissi and ethnic dance forms like Chhau, Ghumura and Sambalpuri and a variety of festivals. Odisha has kept the religion of Buddhism alive. Research suggests about evidences of Gautama Buddha's birth in Odisha. Rock-edicts that have challenged time stand huge and over-powering by the banks of the Daya River. The torch of Buddhism is still ablaze in the sublime triangle at Udayagiri, Lalitgiri as well as Ratnagiri, on the banks of river Birupa. Precious fragments of a glorious past come alive in the shape of stupas, rock-cut caves, rock-edicts, excavated monasteries, viharas, chaityas and sacred relics in caskets and the Rock-edicts of Ashoka.

Odisha is famous for the world famous Jagannath Temple (Puri), UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark Sun Temple and The Leaning Temple of Huma. Out of total 4 Chausathi Yogini temples all over India, 2 are in Odisha, in Hirapur and Ranipur Jharial. Famous Oriya Sanskrit Poet Jayadeva, who wrote famous Gita Govinda, a poem of divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha with other Gopis, dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, was born here in Kenduli Sasan village near Khurda.

Rajarani Temple(name derived from the sandstone in which it is made), is an architectural marvel like Khajuraho located in Bhubaneswar (The Temple City of India), containing more than 500 ancient temples. Lord Lingaraja Temple (a 12th-century AD temple), Kedaragauri Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Brahmeswara Temple are some of the many magnificent Temples in the capital. Bhubaneswar has State Museum, Regional Museum of Natural History (having one of the two eggs of an extict species in the world), Botanical Garden, Jain centres like Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Dhauli White Pagoda where Chandashoka became Dharmashoka.

Odisha is the home for various tribal communities who have contributed uniquely to the multicultural and multilingual character of the state. Their handicrafts, different dance forms, jungle products and their unique life style blended with their healing practices have got world wide attention. The well-known Ratha-Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri and Sitalsasthi Carnival of Lord Shiva in Sambalpur are must see for anyone who want to see a glimpse of the art and culture of Odisha at one place.

The Indian Revolutionary saying "Give me Blood, I will give you Freedom", Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born in Cuttack, whose House (Janakinath Bhavan) is now a museum, well equipped to provide details of his life-history. The medieval capital, Cuttack has a treasure to share with you, the Barabati fort (witnessing Gangas, Marathas and British), the silver filigree works, Katak Chandi Temple, Barabati Stadium, Qadam-I-Rasul and Dhabaleswar temple (having longest rope-bridge in India succeeded by Lakshman Jhula in Rishikesh). Eastern Ghats' highest peak, Mahendragiri, where Lord Parshuram is still in meditation, according to Ramayana and Mahabharata is in Gajapati district.

Cuttack Barabati Fort Majestic Entrance
Rajarani Temple at Bhubaneswar
Shrikhetra Puri Jagannath Temple, abode of Lord of Universe

Sites/Cities/Places of Interest :

1. Bhubaneswar – Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Dhauligiri, Khandagiri and Udaygiri, Nandankanan Zoological Park.

2. Cuttack – Barabati Fort, Katak Chandi Temple, Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udaygiri, Dhabaleswar Temple.

3. Puri – Jagannath Temple, Chilika Lake, Konark Temple and Beach.

4. Sambalpur – Samaleswari Temple, Hirakud Dam.

5. Berhampur – Gopalpur-on-Sea, Taptapani, Taratarini.

6. Bhitarkanika Sanctuary

7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve

8. Dhenkanal – Kapilas, Saptasajya

9. Balasore – Chandipur-on-sea, Chandbali, Chandaneswar, Panchlingeswar, Aradi (Lord Akhandalamani).

Pondicherry[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Pondicherry
The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in Auroville, Pondicherry

The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises four coastal regions viz. Pondicherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Pondicherry is the Capital of this Union Territory and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Pondicherry has been described by National Geographic as "a glowing highlight of subcontinental sojourn". The city has many beautiful colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues, which, combined with the systematic town planning and the well-planned French-style avenues, still preserve much of the colonial ambiance.

Punjab[edit]

The Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) is the gurdwara of worship of Sikhs.
Main article: Tourism in Punjab

The state of Punjab is renowned for its cuisine, culture and history. Punjab has a vast public transportation and communication network. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Chandigarh, jalandhar, Patiala, Nabha and Ludhiana. Nabha is known for the combines made here while Patiala is known for the historical forts. Punjab also has a rich Sikh religious history. Tourism in Punjab is principally suited for the tourists interested in culture, ancient civilisation, spirituality and epic history. Some of the villages in Punjab are also a must see for the person who wants to see the true Punjab, with their beautiful traditional Indian homes, farms and temples, this is a must see for any visitor that goes to India. Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the Harmandir Sahib as one of the world’s best spiritual sites with over 100,000 pilgrims and tourists visiting on a daily basis. Since Amritsar is a big tourist spot, a lot of five star hotels are getting attracted to open up properties here. Hotel Ista has become very popular with nonresident Indian (NRI) community. New properties by Radisson and Taj are coming up in this city.

Rajasthan[edit]

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan
Chandramahal in City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan, built by Kachwaha Rajputs.
Main article: Tourism in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, literally meaning "Land of the Kings", is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Western India. The vast sand dunes of the Thar Desert attract millions of tourists from around the globe every year.

Attractions:

Sikkim[edit]

Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world.

Originally known as Suk-Heem, which in the local language means "peaceful home". Sikkim was an independent kingdom till the year 1974, when it became a part of the Republic of India. The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, located approximately 105 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri, the nearest railway station to Sikkim. Although, Pakyong Airport is under construction in East Sikkim, the nearest airport to Sikkim is Bagdogra Airport. The popular sightseeing places include Baba Mandir, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Handicraft Shops, Tsangpo Lake, Chardham, Buddha Park, Ridgepark, Flowershows (Internation Flowershows) Samduptse, Tashi View point Tashiding, Pelling, Yuksom, Rabdentse, Tibrtology, Ropeway. Mt. Kangchenjunga which is famous for its scenic beauty. Sikkim is considered as the land of orchids, mystic cultures and colourful traditions. Sikkim is well known among trekkers and adventure lovers.

Tamil Nadu[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the most preferred tourist destination by both Indian and International tourists. It has got lots of places of historical, cultural and architectural significance. The capital city of Tamil Nadu is Chennai. Tourism in Tamil Nadu is promoted by Ministry of Tourism by the sate government with a logo "enchanting Tamil Nadu-experience yourself". Ttdc promotes tourism in the sate by arranging various functions and events. Chennai is the largest city of tamilandu and the only place in India to be listed in "52 places to go around the world" by "The New York Times". Marina beach in chennai is the second largest beach in the world.

A night view of the beach promenade

. Chennai is also famous for Kabaleeswarar temple at Mylapore and Parthasarathy temple at Triplicane. Arignar anna zoological park (also known as vandalur zoo) is one of the largest zoological park in Asia which houses more than 1500 wild species including many endangered species. Chennai also has a crocodile park and children park.

Temples

The state also holds the credit of having maximum number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (5) in India which includes Great Living Chola Temples and Mahabalipuram. Archaeological sites with civilisation dating back to 3800 years[37] are found in Tamil Nadu.

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.

Mahabalipuram sea shore temples were built by rulers of pallava dynasty and depicts remarkable art and architecture. The carvings depicts rathas, mandapas and the lord Shiva. The temple is made of monolithic marvels and carved from rocks. The Big temple at thanjavur was a classical example chola art and architecture. The temple tower is made of a single stone of granite which was a great piece of work done almost 1000 years ago without the use of modern technology. Thanjavur is also very famous for its painting and Veena. Sri Meenakshi temple at Madurai is in the top list of New seven Wonders of the world. Sri Meenakshi temple has a 1000 pillar hall made of granite and nine temple towers that depicts the various organs of Human in ancient Hindu mythology. Some more temples of art and cultural significance were

Kamatchi temple – Kanchipram; Arunachaleeswarar temple – Thiruvannamalai; Sri Ranganathaswamy temple – Srirangam; Sri Andal temple- Srivilliputhur

Bridhadeeswarar temple- Gangaikindacholapuram; Ramanathaswamy temple- Rameswaram; Natrajar temple- Chidhambaram

A view of Big temple (also known as brihadeeswarar temple) at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

With more than 34000 temples,[38] Tamil Nadu has some great temples like Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Srilakshmi Golden Temple.[39] All these temples showcase the art and architecture prevailed during the ancient period.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

Meenakshi amman temple is located at the ancient city of Madurai. The city has a continuous cultural history of 2500 years. The temple in the present form was re- constructed by the pandyas of Madurai. The temple has a 1000 pillar hall, 14 towers with remarkable art, architecture and painting. Thirugnanasambandar the Hindu Saint has mentioned the temple in his songs which go back to early 7th century. At least 15,000 visitors visit these temple regularly which include both Indians and Foreigners. The temple is now administered by HR and CE department of Tamil Nadu.

Nandhi in Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is located at Srirangam and is one of the largest functioning Hindu complexes in the world. The temple has towers in various entrances throughout the city. The main tower “Rajagopuram” was measuring 270 feet high. The temple attracts millions of Indian and International visitors monthly. The temple karpakraham was plated with gold. The god and goddesses renganayaki will be decorated with high end jewelry on important occasions.

Panorama of the temple

Abodes of Lord Murugan (Subramanyaswamy)

The six abodes of Subramanyaswamy were situated in Tamil Nadu. They were Tirupparamkunram, Thiruchendur, Thiruavinankudi, Swamimalai, Thiruthani, and Pazhamudircholai.

Bird Sanctuaries

The wetlands attract numerous migratory birds from Europe and America. The state government has established 13 bird sanctuaries to protect the birds from poaching and hunting. The state also has various bird sanctuaries including 13 established bird sanctuary among others maintained by the state government. They include Vedanthangal, Pulicate Lake, Vettangudi, Kanjirankulam, Uthayamarthandapuram, Point Calimere among others [40] <http://www.forests.tn.nic.in/>.

The huge group of birds seen swimming and playing in the irrigation tank.

The state also has squirrel sanctuary, protected areas for tiger, elephant, deer etc. Arignar Anna Zoological park is the first public zoo in India which attracts millions of tourists worldwide.

Hill stations

Ooty, Kodaikanal and Yercaud are well-known hill stations. These places attract many tourists due to its climate, lakes, botanical gardens, flora and fauna. Mettupalyam=Ooty hill train is an UNESCO heritage site.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a scenic view of hills throughout its 41 km journey between Mettupalayam and Ooty (7500 FT above ground level).

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a railway in Tamil Nadu, India, built by the British in 1908,[41] and was initially operated by the Madras Railway. The railway still relies on its fleet of steam locomotives.[42] NMR comes under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Salem Division. In July 2005, UNESCO added the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as an extension to the World Heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the site then became known as "Mountain Railways of India."[43] After it satisfied the necessary criteria, thus forcing abandonment of the modernisation plans. For the past several years diesel locomotives have taken over from steam on the section between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. Local people and tourists have led a demand for steam locos to once again haul this section.[42]

Ooty hill station
Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of India provides scenic view of sunset and sunshine over the Indian ocean. Mathur Totti Palam one of the biggest aqueducts, both in height and length, in Asia. Thiruvalluvar statue of the St Tamil poet, tallest statue of Asia[citation needed] and ancient wooden palace of Marthandavarma (known as Padmanabapuram palace), Hill stations like Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Valparai, Yelagiri are widely visited. Water Falls like Hogenakkal Falls and Wildlife sanctuaries are located across the state. Pichavaram the world's second largest mangrove forest is located in the state.[44]

Medical Tourism

This state is also known for medical tourism and houses some of Asia's largest hospitals. Super speciality hosptials gives treatments to millions of people worldwide.[45][46]

Telangana[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Telangana
See also: List of tourist attractions in Hyderabad

Telangana,the state with rich historic and cultural heritage is one of the most frequented tourist places in South India.Also known as The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is today one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture.

Hyderabad ranked second best place in the world that one should see in 2015 which is published in the annual guide of 'Traveler' magazine of National Geographic.[47]

Famous Buddhist centres:

Pilgrim centres and temples:

Attractions:

  • Charminar – Centre of the Hyderabad Old City
  • Golkonda Fort – Largest and 400 years oldest fort
  • Ramoji Film City – Largest Film City in the world situated in Hyderabad City
  • Warangal Fort – Oldest fort built by Kakatiya before 13th century reflects the culture of Telugu people
  • Thousand Pillar Temple - Built by King Rudra Deva in 1163 AD. The Thousand Pillar Temple is a specimen of the Kakatiyan style of architecture of the 12th century.
  • Surendrapuri – A unique Mythological Awareness Centre near Yadagirigutta, 60 km from Hyderabad

Golkonda (Telugu: గోల్కొండ, Urdu: گولکوندا), a ruined city of south-central India and capital of the medieval kingdom of Golkonda (c. 1364 – 1512), is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad.

Tripura[edit]

Ujjayanta Palace
Unakoti, the biggest rock sculpture in India
  • Ujjayanta Palace – The gleaming white Ujjayanta Palace located in the capital city of Agartala evokes the age of Tripura Maharajas. It is a unique experience to witness living history and royal splendour within the boundaries of the Palace. Constructed by the king of Tripura Maharja Radha Kishor Manikya during the late 19th century and finished off in 1901. The Indo-Saracenic building is set up in large Mughal-style garden with two man-made lakes on its both sides. The palace is of two-storied mansion and has three domes, each 86 feet high, stunning tile floor, curved wooden ceiling and wonderful crafted door. Floodlights and light and sound fountain has been set up in the palace.
  • Unakoti – means one less than a crore. Located about 186 km from Agartala, Unokoti is an important site of archaeological wonder. It is a Shaiva pilgrimage attraction and dates back to 7th-9th century A.D. The site consists of several huge vertical rocks-cut carvings on a hillside. The site shows strong evidence of Buddhist occupation but also has a central Shiva head and imposing Ganesha figures having a height of 30 feet. The rocky walls also have a carved images of Hindu pantheon like Durga and Vishnu. The unakoti rock-cut carving have the distinction of being the largest bas-relief sculpture in India.
  • Bhubaneshwari Temple – Another temple of eminence of Tripura is this temple. located 55 km from Agartala on the eastern fringe of Udaipur town by the bank of bank of river Gomati. The temple is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. It was built by Maharaja Govinda Manikya (1660–1676). The temple is immortalised in Rabindranath Tagore's famous play known as Bisarjan and Rajarshi. Maharaja Govinda also features an important character in Tagore's play. While approaching Bhubaneshwari Temple one can find the ruins of the palace of the Maharaja. Down below the temple the river Gomati flows.
  • Gunabati Group of Temples – From its name it reveals that it was built in the name of her Highness Maharani Gunabati (wife of Maharaja Govinda Manikya), in 1668 A.D. The two other tempel also bears contemporary look but there actual history is still unveiled. Architecture of these temples resembles other contemporary temples of Tripura except the top most parts are without Stupa. Core-Chambers are marked by a presence of pitcher circular core chamber and its vestibule which was large with Stupa like crown is beautifully crafted like lotus[48]
  • Chabimura – A famous panel of rock carving on the steep mountain walls on the banks of Gomati. There are huge images carved of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartika, Mahisasurmardini Durga and other Gods and goddesses. These images date back to 15th – 16th century A.D. Chabimura is 30 km away from Udaipur. It is situated in Amarpur subdivision. Devatamura means God's peak and it a full range between Udaipur and Amarpur Subdivision. It is famous for a lot of idols of gods and goddess. These beautiful images are carved with a lot of dexterity on the rocky faces of Devtamura which is steep at 90-degree. The hill ranges are covered with thick jungles and one cab reach this adobe of gods only after trekking through these jungles.
  • Boxanagar – Recently after denudation of a nature forest area, ruins of a brick built building emerged in the northwestern part of Sonamura Sub-Division on the edge of the border with Bangalasesh. The local people initially attribute the remains to the ancient temple of Manasa- the goddess of Snake. Attention was drawn to the Archaeological Survey of India and they took over the site. There an idol of Lord Buddha was discovered and it was confirmed that once upon a time it was a Buddhist Temple i.e. a Monastery. More than excavation of the site will unearth the hidden story.[49]
  • Pilak – a famous place of attraction for its archaeological remains of 8th-9th centuries. Pilak is situated at a distance of 144 km from Agartala. The place is a treasure house of Buddhist and Sculpture in the Hindu Sculptures. There runs a hilly rivulet near the place which is known as Pilak stream. It is attractive with scenic beauty. Few temples with plaques of terracotta and stone images can be found here. Huge sculptures made of stones of Avalokiteśvara in the 9th century[50] A.D. and Narasimha image of the 12th century A.D. were found here. Both of there are now preserved in the Museum of Agartala. Even now one can find many sculptures of Goddess in Pilak as Lord Durga, Lord Ganesha, Lord Suriya, etc.[51] There is image of a God holding a lotus which is of 10 feet high. There are terracotta images of Kinnars. Two bronze statue of Buddhas were discovered in Rishyamukh near Pilak. All these lead to establish that the place was once under the rule of Buddhist kings followed by Hindu rulein subsequent years. Pilak, the treasure-trove of archaeological riches has close association with Mynamoti and Paharpur in Bangladesh. It is believed that the area has more hidden treasures and as such recently further excavation drive has been taken up by Archaeological Survey of India. Tourist may find it delighted to explore the history of this lovely destination.

Uttarakhand[edit]

The Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Uttarakhand, the 27th state of the Republic of India, is called "the abode of the Gods" or referred as the "Heaven on Earth". It contains glaciers, snow-clad mountains, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, and many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Himalayas. Haridwar which means Gateway to God is the only place on the plains.

It holds the watershed for Gangetic River System spanning 300 km from Satluj in the west to Kali river in the east. Nanda Devi (25640 Ft) is the second highest peak in India after Kanchenjunga (28160 Ft). Dunagiri, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Trisul are other peaks above 23000 Ft. It is considered the abode of Devtas, Yakashyas, Kinners, Fairies and Sages.[52] It has some old hill-stations developed during British era like Mussoorie, Almora, Dwarahat, Ranikhet and Nainital.

Glaciers
Pindari Glacier, Milam Glacier, Gangotri Glacier, Bunder Punch Glacier, Khatling Glacier, Doonagiri Glacier, Dokrani Glacier, Kaphini Glacier, Ralam Glacier

Wildlife Reserves
Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Asan Conservation Reserve, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary (Askot), Valley of Flowers

Adventure Sports
Skiing at Mundali, Auli, Dayara Bagyal and Munsiyari. Paragliding at Yelagiri. Trekking at Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, Joshimath, Munsiyari, Chaukori, Pauri, Almora, Nainital

Uttar Pradesh[edit]

Main article: Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri

Situated in the northern part of India, border with the capital of India New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh is the most popular tourist destination in India. Uttar Pradesh is important with its wealth of historical monuments and religious fervour. Geographically, Uttar Pradesh is very diverse, with Himalayan foothills in the extreme north and the Gangetic Plain in the centre. It is also home of India's most visited Taj Mahal, and Hinduism's holiest city, Varanasi. The most populous state of the Indian Union also has a rich cultural heritage. Kathak one of the eight forms of Indian classical dances, originated from Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is at the heart of India, so popular with another name The Heartland of India. Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh like Awadhi cuisine, Mughlai cuisine, Kumauni cuisine are very famous in entire India and abroad.

Uttar Pradesh has much to offer. Places of interest in include:

  • Varanasi-The origin of Hinduism and world's one of the oldest cities. Also known as City of temples it is Most popular holy place of lord Shiva devotees. Some of the finest Textiles are produced here.
A view of the Ghat of Varanasi from the River Ganges.
  • Agra – Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and several others historical monuments and gardens.
  • Allahabad or Prayag -Kumbh Mela-The place where Indian national river Ganges and Yamuna and Saraswati rivers meet. A mass Hindu pilgrimage in which Hindus gather at the Ganges river. Akbar forts. One of the most popular religious centres of ancient and modern India for Hinduism. Uttar Pradesh's administrative and education capital.
Kumbh Mela at Allahabad
  • Bithoor-This is the historical capital of Uttar Pradesh from where the Hindu god Brahma created the universe. It is situated about 10 km from Kanpur.
Main Ghat of Bithoor

Uttar Pradesh is the historical heart land of India. Where each part of the state is attached with ancient history, civilisation, religions and culture.

Must Sees of Kanpur
Central Museum · Jajmau · Moti Jheel · IIT Kanpur · Phool Bagh · Bithoor · Kanpur Memorial Church · Green Park Stadium · Allen Forest Zoo · Nanarao Park · ISKON Temple  · Gora Cemetery · Kanpur University · Kanpur Zoo · Christ Church  · J K Temple · Glass Temple  · Z Square Mall · Bhitargaon Temple  · Gandhi Hall  · Civil Lines Central Church  · Kanpur Central  · Ganga Barrage · Massacre Ghat.

West Bengal[edit]

Main articles: Tourism in West Bengal and Tourist attractions in West Bengal
See also: Places of interest in Kolkata
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
The famous Durga idol from the Durga Puja
The Royal Bengal Tiger at Sunderbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), is the capital of West Bengal has been nicknamed the Cultural Capital of India, City of Palaces, City of Joy, etc. This comes from the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. Unlike many north Indian cities, whose construction stresses minimalism, the layout of much of the|right| architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British as it was the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911 and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French. The buildings were designed and inspired by the tastes of the English gentleman around and the aspiring Bengali Babu (literally, a nouveau riche Bengali who aspired to cultivation of English etiquette, manners and custom, as such practices were favourable to monetary gains from the British). Today, many of these structures are in various stages of decay. Some of the major buildings of this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared as heritage structures. Long known as the "Cultural Capital of India" for its vibrant culture which has led India from the forefront from the 18th century onwards in all fronts ranging from culture to arts, literature to sciences, sports to politics, theatre to films. Home to the famous Bengal Renaissance which boasts of a host of luminaries like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Ramakrishna, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Khudiram, Chittaranjan Das, Sri Aurobindo, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bagha Jatin, Bidhan Chandra Roy, and countless others. The city has lost much of its glory now but has never lost its effervescence. West Bengal is also known for the famous The Sunderbans.

From historical point of view, the story of West Bengal begins from Gour and Pandua situated close to the present district town of Malda. The twin medieval cities had been sacked at least once by changing powers in the 15th century. However, ruins from the period still remain, and several architectural specimens still retain the glory and shin of those times. The Hindu architecture of Bishnupurin terracotta and laterite sandstone are renowned world over. Towards the British colonial period came the architecture of Murshidabad and Coochbehar. Darjeeling is a famous Himalayan city in the state of West Bengal. Darjeeling tea is world famous because of its attractive smell. Other than Darjeeling there are notable hill stations like Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Rishop, etc. There are some wonderful trek routes also, like Sandakfu, Falut etc. Beside hill stations West Bengal has some beautiful sea beaches also, like Digha, Shankarpur, Mandarmoni, Bakkhali etc. West Bengal is home to six national parks[53] — Sundarbans National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Singalila National Park. Extant wildlife include Indian rhinoceroses, Indian elephants, deer, bison, leopards, gaur, and crocodiles, as well as many bird species. Migratory birds come to the state during the winter. The high-altitude forests of Singalila National Park shelter barking deer, red panda, chinkara, takin, serow, pangolin, minivet and Kalij pheasants. Additionally, the Sundarbans are noted for a reserve project conserving the endangered The Royal Bengal Tiger, although the forest hosts many other endangered species, such as the Gangetic dolphin, river terrapin and estuarine crocodile.

Notable sites of West Bengal
Cooch Behar · Darjeeling · Jalpaiguri · Kalimpong · Kurseong · Dooars · Digha · Bishnupur · Malda · Mayapur · Mukutmanipur · Ajodhya Hills · Murshidabad · Siliguri.

Places of Worship
Dakshineswar Kali Temple · Kalighat Temple · Birla Mandir · Belur Math · Tipu Sultan Mosque · Nakhoda Masjid · St. Paul's Cathedral · St. John's Church · Parsi Fire Temples · Japanese Buddhist Temple · Calcutta Jain Temple · Tarakeswar · Tarapith · Furfura Sharif

Must Sees of Kolkata
Victoria Memorial · Howrah Bridge · Kumartuli · Indian Botanical Garden · B.B.D. Bagh · Dakshineswar Kali Temple · Belur Math · Eden Gardens · St. Paul's Cathedral · Maidan · College Street · Jorasanko Thakur Bari · Netaji Bhawan · Marble Palace · Missionaries of Charity · National Library of India · Kalighat Temple · Park Street · South Park Street Cemetery · Birla Planetarium · Science City · Shobhabazar Rajbari · Alipore Zoo · Vidyasagar Setu

Visa policy of India[edit]

Main article: Visa policy of India
Visa policy of India
  India
  Visa not required
  Visa available on arrival with the Electronic Travel Authorisation
  Visa required

India requires citizens of most countries to have a valid passport and apply for a visa at their local Indian embassy or consulate, before they travel. They can apply directly by mail or in person, or through their local travel services company. India has recently implemented an online method for citizens of 40 countries to apply and receive pre-approved visa on arrival.[54]

Nationals of Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal do not require a visa.

Citizens of Afghanistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, DPR Korea, Jamaica, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, South Africa and Uruguay are not required to pay a fee when obtaining Indian visa.[55]

A Protected Area Permit (PAP) is required to enter the states of Nagaland and Sikkim and some parts of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Uttaranchal. A Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is required to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim. Special permits are needed to enter Lakshadweep Islands.[56]

Visa on arrival[edit]

In order to boost tourism numbers,[57] Indian Government decided to implement a new visa policy, allowing visitors to obtain a visa on arrival at 9 designated international airports by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization online before arrival without the need to visit an Indian consulate or visa centre.[58]

The facility will be made available to citizens of about 180 countries in several phases.[59] On November 27, 2014, India introduced its visa on arrival enabled by ETA facility for tourists and business visitors, to citizens of following countries – Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu and Vietnam.[54]

The visa on arrival requires a tourist to apply online on a secure Government of India website, at least 4 to 30 days before the date of travel. If approved, the passenger must print and carry the approved visa with the travel documents. The visa allows holders of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter and stay anywhere in India for 30 days. The ETA can be obtained twice in a single calendar year.[54] The visa on arrival facility is expected to be expanded to about 180 countries over time.

Top 10 States of India in Tourism[edit]

Historic monuments[edit]

  • The Taj Mahal is one of India's best-known sites and one of the best architectural achievements in India, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built between 1631 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his wife, Arjumand Banu, more popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal serves as her tomb.
  • Fatehpur Sikri It was the first planned city of the Mughals and also the first one designed in Mughal architecture, an amalgamation of Indian architecture, Persian and Islamic architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986
  • Varanasi The ghats of one of the oldest city of the world
  • The Mahabodhi Temple is a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Gautam Buddha in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The Nalanda is located in the Indian State of Bihar, was a Buddhist centre of learning from 427 C.E to 1197 C.E partly under the Pala Empire.[60][61] It has been called "one of the first great universities in recorded history."[61]

According to historical studies the University of Nalanda was established 450 C.E under the patronage of the Gupta emperors, notably Kumaragupta.[60]

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata is built in memory of Queen Victoria by the British.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) in Mumbai is a train station built in Gothic architecture in honour of Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Nature tourism[edit]

India has geographical diversity, which resulted in varieties of nature tourism.

India has the largest wild population of tigers in the world.

Wildlife in India[edit]

The wild population of the endangered Asiatic lions is restricted to the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat.
Main article: Fauna of India

India is home to several well-known large mammals including the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard and Indian Rhinoceros, often engrained culturally and religiously often being associated with deities. Some other well-known large Indian mammals are ungulates such as the domestic Asian Water buffalo, wild Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of deer and antelope. Some members of the dog family such as the Indian Wolf, Bengal Fox, Golden Jackal and the Dhole or Wild Dogs are also widely distributed. It is also home to the Striped Hyaena, Macaques, Langurs and Mongoose species.

India also has a large variety of protected wildlife. The country's protected forest consists of 75 National parks of India and 421 sanctuaries, of which 19 fall under the purview of Project Tiger. Its climatic and geographic diversity makes it the home of over 350 mammals and 1200 bird species, many of which are unique to the subcontinent.

Some well known national wildlife sanctuaries include Bharatpur, Raiganj, Corbett, Kanha, Kaziranga, Periyar, Ranthambore, Manas and Sariska.

The world's largest mangrove forest Sundarbans is located in southern West Bengal. The Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Sundarbans and Keoladeo National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hill stations[edit]

A summer view of Khajjiar, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
One of the finest hill-stations in India.
Main article: List of Indian hill stations

Several hill stations served as summer capitals of Indian provinces, princely states, or, in the case of Shimla, of British India itself. Since Indian Independence, the role of these hill stations as summer capitals has largely ended, but many hill stations remain popular summer resorts. Most famous hill stations are:

In addition to the bustling hill stations and summer capitals of yore, there are several serene and peaceful nature retreats and places of interest to visit for a nature lover. These range from the stunning moonscapes of Leh and Ladhak, to small, exclusive nature retreats such as Dunagiri, Binsar, Mukteshwar in the Himalayas, to rolling vistas of Western Ghats to numerous private retreats in the rolling hills of Kerala.

Lakes[edit]

View of Lake Tsongmo, Sikkim
Main article: List of lakes in India

Beaches[edit]

Main article: List of beaches in India
Elephants and camel rides are common on Indian beaches. Shown here is Havelock Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India offers a wide range of tropical beaches with silver/golden sand to coral beaches of Lakshadweep. States like Kerala and Goa have exploited the potential of beaches to the fullest. However, there are a lot many unexploited beaches in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These states have very high potential to develop them as future destinations for prospective tourists. Some of the famous tourist beaches are:

Adventure tourism[edit]

Skiing in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Due to its diverse geography and a myriad of cultures, coupled with the popularity of adventure sports adventure tourism in India has become quite popular. Backpacking, or light travel, is a popular way to explore India. Many of those who have previously visit will describe the visit as not having been a holiday but an adventure.[62]

Some other activities which contributes to tourism in India is Bull Surfing, Trekking on frozen Zanskar River, Motorcycle trip of Ladakh and Ancient Silk Road etc.

World Heritage Sites[edit]

Main article: List of World Heritage Sites in India
Location of World Heritage Sites within India (
)

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for India.
Tourism in India
By state
Types
Agencies
See also
Tourism in Asia
Sovereign states
States with
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