Definitely not snakes charmers and adorned elephants, then what?
Do startled foreigners land in India really expecting snakes and elephants on the roads as they land in the port of domestic destinations in the sub-continent? But they are relieved and comforted with the international and swanky architecture of the airports.
The toilets may not be that good but the tourist agenda is fabulous!
What makes the global travel so interested in an Indian tour?
Definitely not because it is cheap or exotic. Is it the ‘once mythical spirituality’…its spectacular 10,000 year old ancient history… How come foreigners are willing to brave crowds, pollution, dodgy operators, lack of infrastructure for an exotic trip to India? Do they see things that Indians overlook? Today India is a must see destination by global travel guides like Conda Nasta and National Geographic. What makes the magic of India come alive. Is it the Ayurvedic centers, wildlife safaris and spiritual yogic treats that find many global travelers saying Namaste instead of good-bye when they leave the shores.
Are Indians themselves missing some facets of Incredible India? Perhaps yes, as the eyes of the global traveler have more amazing visuals of the grand Indian trip whether it is the golden triangle of (New Delhi, Agra and Royal Rajasthan, Marijuana soaked new years in Goa, or back packing in Gods’ own country-Kerala).
Magic of Incredible India campaigns abroad
Foreign exchange earnings from tourism recorded a robust growth of 19.2 per cent with the exchequer earned Rs. 6485 crore compared to Rs. 5440 crore in the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism Ministry data. The Ministry had undertaken a series of roadshows abroad showcasing tourist destinations to woo foreign tourists. They also launched a Clean India campaign to keep tourist sites across the country hygienic. “Currently there are about six million foreign tourists coming to the country and our aim is to increase it to 12 million,” a senior Tourism Ministry official said, adding, “For this we have to provide a hygienic environment around tourist destinations of the country.” Round-the-clock garbage clearance, maintenance of parking lots and toilets and proper signage at the tourist complex.
The India itch!
But the real reasons why foreigners are travelling to India are also very interesting. As we unfold a part of the enigma called ‘India’, the rest can be discovered as one travels around the sub-continent for leisure and pleasure. Although this is not a quick fix guide to lure anyone, it can nevertheless be useful for those who wish to satisfy their wanderlust. You do not have to be a brutally brave macho to visit India. Put it this way, it’s neither a cakewalk nor a mission impossible. The excitement a traveler seeking from the “ancient spiritual India” is comparable with that of the Microsoft executive visiting India for business. Both are enthusiastically scratching the ‘India itch’ but at the opposite ends of a century! India’s past collides with her present in the middle of the road. You witness this never-ending and mind-boggling fusion of contradictions. This is the simplest explanation of hysterical chaos prevalent. It’s akin to two huge elephants wrestling ferociously – nothing bothers them, nor can anyone can stop them. A man driving a Mercedes honking his horn at a bullock cart to persuade it loudly to give way is not just a funny sight. It’s a real life picture you experience on Indian roads.
Preparing globetrotters for India visit
The Lonely Planet continuously prepares the global traveler to India, updating trending destinations of the local regions on their website. All global travellers read it like a regular bulletin before embarking on their trips. The suspense clears and the thrill continues. It prepares the beginner backpackers, the avid tourist challenged wanderers, and the business executives looking for a simple sight and sound trajectory before zipping back to homeland.
So if India is on your wish list for the next destination hop consider these pointers:
- The Golden triangle is the best start and most foreigners swear by it. If time is short this is a fantastic introduction to three of India’s very best destinations- Old Delhi’s (Humayun Tomb, Old Fort) Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri) Jaipur (Pink City, fort at Amber).
- Many Indians are vegetarian, so there’s a fabulous choice of vegetarian food.
- Don’t comprehend the diversity. Revel in its dichotomy of poor and rich living cheek by jowl. Most foreigners return accepting this fact!
- Indian guides are on par with international ones. So confusion is eliminated.
- The accommodation options are varied-homes, motels, five star comforts.