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India, the more you talk, the less it’s gonna be. It’s the place of divine and mystic culture. It’s the soil of exploring spirituality, the land of the great Himalayas, and whatnot. It’s the jewel in the crown of the East, a land where time dances between ancient civilizations and modern metropolises. The place where the echoes of history reverberate through the vibrant streets and serene landscapes.

India entices visitors with its unmatched diversity and rich cultural legacy, from the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, from the vibrant bazaars of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala. The list always continues when it’s India. Everything about India is majestic, divine, serene, spiritual, and amazing, qualifying it as the top destination for tourists worldwide. In this blog, we will be uncovering how India has become a tourist hub worldwide.

The rise of tourism in India

If we talk about statistics, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, making it the world’s most sought-after destination for travellers seeking a blend of history, culture, and adventure. Arrivals of international tourists increased by 106% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. India hosted about 43.80 lakh (4.38 million) foreign tourists between January and June of 2023. Compared to the 21.24 lakh (2.12 million) tourists that came over the same period in 2022, this number represents a startling 106% rise. In addition to drastically altering the nation’s economy, this expanding tourism trend is also having a lasting impression on its rich cultural heritage.

There is a huge surge in numbers not just in international tourism but also in domestic tourism. 677 million domestic visitors were visiting India in 2021. This figure surged to 1,731 million in 2022, demonstrating the tenacity and expansion of domestic travel.

Hidden gems of India waiting to be discovered

India is well known for its famous sites and vibrant cities, but it also has many undiscovered treasures just waiting to be found by adventurous tourists. These lesser-known locations provide distinctive, off-the-beaten-path experiences and a window into India’s varied landscapes, cultures, and customs. We are going to discover some lesser-known paradises of India in this section so sit tight:

1. Majuli, Assam: The Serenity-Providing River Island

Nestled in the northeastern province of Assam, Majuli is the largest river island in the world and a peaceful sanctuary amidst the lush Assamese landscapes. It is located in the Brahmaputra River. Majuli, with its colorful festivals, elaborate handicrafts, and tranquil monasteries, provides an insight into traditional Assamese culture. Majuli is home to thriving Mishing tribal groups.

2. Hampi, Karnataka: A Journey through Ruins and Royalty

Tucked away on the rugged Deccan Plateau of Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that carries tourists back to the opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. A haven for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, Hampi is dotted with historic castles, opulent temples, and royal palaces. It also offers options for rock climbing, bouldering, and discovering secret caverns.

3. Kerala’s Kulakkumalai

The village of Kolukkumalai, which shares borders with Tamil Nadu and Kerala, grows tea leaves at an elevation of more than 2,400 meters. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, established by the British in the 1930s, is 35 kilometers away from Munnar and still operates with its original machinery. Take part in the estate’s “make your own tea” program to gain practical experience.

4. Pali, Rajasthan

Pali, also referred to as the industrial city of Rajasthan, has long been a hub for commercial activity and a well-known exporter of textiles like cotton and synthetic materials. Pali gives guests the chance to discover more about the colorful culture and socioeconomic background of Rajasthan. See the architectural wonders of the 15th-century Jain Temple of Ranakpur, one of the biggest and holiest sites for Jains, or go to the temple at Nimbo Ka Nath, where the Pandavas are said to have lived part of their exile. Visit the Bangur Museum to get a sense of Rajasthan’s rich past through its exhibits, which include a sizable collection of coins from various eras, as well as Rajasthani artwork, jewelry, armor, and traditional attire.

5. Gurez valley, Kashmir

Kashmir’s ethereal beauty is well-known. Even though Gurez Valley lives up to its reputation, it has gotten less attention than other well-known tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Srinagar. Gurez, around 125 kilometers from Srinagar, is isolated from the outside world for about six months during the winter because of excessive snowfall. The road to Gurez winds through endless fields and is lined with magnificent pine trees once it opens to visitors in May. The path eventually descends into Gurez’s Dawar hamlet, home to many Kashmiri customs.

6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Go no farther than Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley if you’re looking for adventure amid breathtaking scenery. Hidden deep within the Himalayas, Spiti Valley enthralls visitors with its snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and historic monasteries set atop craggy cliffs. Spiti Valley guarantees an unforgettable experience, whether you’re trekking through the pristine environment, seeing rare wildlife, or delving deeply into Tibetan Buddhism.

7. Ravangla, Sikkim

In the northeastern state of Sikkim, at Ravangla, you will find picturesque tea plantations, quaint towns, cascading waterfalls, and historic monasteries set against the backdrop of the snow-capped peak of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Tathagata Tsal, or Buddha Park, is one of the most popular destinations in Ravangla. It is roughly a kilometer from the town and is the location of a 40-meter-tall Buddha statue. The Ralong Hot Springs, the award-winning Temi Tea Estate, the Bon and New Ralang monasteries, and Maenam Hill are a few other attractions.

8. Goa’s Divar Island

Divar Island is a verdant, triangle-shaped piece of land on the banks of the River Mandovi, situated beyond the party hotspots of North Goa and the quiet beaches of South Goa. The island, home to only 4,000 people, is the picture of peace and tranquility. See its striking churches to get a spiritual and peaceful fix. At the base of a tiny forested hill lies the Church of Our Lady of Compassion, dating back to the 18th century. Travel back in time with the St. Mathias Church, which was constructed by the Portuguese approximately 400 years ago.

9. The Andaman, Nicobar, and Havelock Islands

Your best option for stunning beaches and amazing dive spots in India is the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Havelock, 70 kilometers from Port Blair, the capital, seems like a little piece of heaven. The island’s upscale resorts offer creature amenities, yet the loveliest areas of the azure coastline are still Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach.

10. Hanle, Ladakh

Nobody ever discussed Hanle until 1996, when a few physicists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics concluded that this isolated Ladakh community would be the ideal location for an observatory in the Indian Himalayas. Over 260 clear night skies in a year are the main cause! The nation’s tallest astronomical observatory, standing at 4,511 meters, was operational at the turn of the century.

Sustainable tourism in India

India understands the need to protect its natural and cultural resources for future generations because of its vast biodiversity and cultural legacy. As a result, the nation is actively encouraging eco-friendly and responsible tourism, guaranteeing that visitors can enjoy its treasures with the least possible negative environmental impact.

The Indian government has started several programs to encourage environmentally friendly travel practices. The “Clean India” program is a noteworthy example, as it aims to enhance sanitation and cleanliness in tourist areas by developing infrastructure and managing garbage. In order to lessen environmental pollution, the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” campaign also promotes recycling and appropriate garbage disposal.

India’s endeavor to conserve its natural and cultural riches for upcoming generations is reflected in its advocacy of sustainable travel practices. India is leading the way in promoting environmentally conscious travel that considers the environment and the communities it visits. By promoting eco-friendly activities, encouraging community-based tourism, and raising environmental awareness, India is leading an era of big wave of tourism for the world to witness.

India is welcoming you. With BLS International, your journey will become not just convenient but a lot more enjoyable. Visit us at https://www.blsinternational.com/ to explore more.