Blog-post

The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum that brings together the world’s major economies to discuss issues related to global economic growth, international trade, and financial stability.

The G-20 Presidency steers the intergovernmental agenda for a period of one year and hosts the Summit. And this year, the honour of the G-20 presidency has been bestowed upon India! 

Our subcontinental nation is preparing to host a grand total of 215 G-20 meetings over 55 stunning locations all across India.  

The logo and theme of this year’s G-20 is a manifestation of what makes India truly a nation of greatness, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of our national flag and juxtaposing planet Earth with the lotus, signifying growth amid challenges. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” signifies the supreme strength of “unity in diversity”.

While the G20 summit itself is a closed-door event and not open to the public, visiting India during this time can still be a unique and enthralling experience. The Ministry of Tourism is celebrating this year as ‘Visit India Year 2023’ to encourage travel, particularly against the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency. 

If you are planning on visiting India during 2023, deciding where to go, and what to check out can be quite a task. But don’t worry, whether you need help with your travel plans or with your visa application and other passport and consular services, BLS has your back! 

So, allow us to guide you through our beautiful homeland:

1. Experience the Fabulous Festivals

There is no better way to acquaint yourself with the riot of colours and cultures, that is India, than to attend any one of its unique festivals. Luckily for you, the timing of the G20 coincides with some of the biggest Indian festivals.
To attend these celebrations is to immerse yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage, witness its sacred traditions, and savour the delicacies of traditional Indian cuisines. It is also an amazing opportunity to meet and interact with locals who showcase their culture with pride and welcome their visitors with open arms.

The five-day-long festival of Diwali is a perfect opportunity to don yourself in all the sequin sarees and sherwanis and twirl around the lights, candles, and lanterns. Also, did we mention Diwali kee mithaiyaan? These are otherwise known as delicacies that are worth an extra hour on the treadmill.

If you plan on visiting Dholavira in Gujarat, one of the locations of G-20 meetings, be sure to attend Navratri puja. Navratri which translates to ‘nine nights’, is one of the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in many parts of the world. Gujarat, however, is the only state that transforms into a nine-night dance festival. The focal point of any and every Navratri celebration is people whirling and dancing the night away in a dance popularly known as Garba.

If your G-20 journey takes you to West Bengal, Pandal Hopping during Durga Pujo has to be on your list. Admire the intricate craft of local artisans and be sure to reward your spiritual senses in the reds and whites of Vijaydashmi. No Pujo is complete without indulgence in fish fry, noodles, chicken chops, kachauris, jalebis, and yes, the humble yet powerful puchka – Kolkata’s unofficial 8th wonder!

Plan ahead and be a part of these wonderful celebrations in India! Now you can apply for an e-visa to India at the click of a button! Read on to know more about our incredible nation.

2. An Exploratory Extravaganza 

The country is all prepped and primed to welcome visitors with open arms. The Summit has been planned in a manner to showcase the beauty of every corner of India. So, you can take advantage of the many attractions that the country has to offer, and use the G20 summit schedule as your map!

If the New Delhi Summit is something you are eagerly waiting for, you can’t miss out on the gems Delhi has to offer. If India is a movie, Delhi is its lead protagonist with layers of depth and love to offer. From the intricate monuments of India Gate and Qutub Minar to the gastronomic paradise of Dilli-6, there is nothing that Delhi cannot offer to delight its tourists.

Your G-20 visits may take you to India’s smallest state, Goa! If stunning and serene beaches and dazzling nightlife is your jam, look no further than Goa! From the tranquil beaches of Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, to the magnificent historic forts of Aguada and Chapora to the rich spice plantations, Goa has something for everyone.

One of the G-20 meetings will be held in Kashmir! With its forever soothing background score of gushing water, breathtaking meadows, the aroma of pine trees, and the vibrancy of saffron, Kashmir is a visual poetry felt through heartbeats. The capital of Kashmir, Srinagar with its eden-like gardens, like the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Naseem Bagh, and Chinar Bagh has quite literally knocked it out of the park! The spiritual serenity of Shankaracharya temple and Hazratbal Mosque is not something you would want to miss out on, either when in Srinagar. And we guarantee that the Shikara Ride on Dal Lake is going to be the highlight of your trip, so do save time for that too! Kashmir prides itself in its blend of spices and flavours. Thus, make sure to relish Kashmiri delicacies when you visit. We recommend devouring the rich Yakhni Pulao and creamy Rogan Josh and ending your meal with Kashmir’s Kahwa chai.

3. Be- “wilder”- ment of the nation

We very well know that India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. But did you know that it is also home to a vast and unique range of flora and fauna? 

From the majestic Bengal tiger to the towering banyan tree, India’s biodiversity is truly astounding. The country’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are some of the best places to experience this natural beauty up close. The jungle safari through the Corbett National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience that is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 600 species of birds. 

The vast expanses of Kanha National Park are home to the endangered Bengal tiger, as well as the rare hardground Barasingha deer. The wanderlust species of migratory birds find their humble abode in Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary in Orissa. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala is famous for several species of birds, including the great Indian hornbill, and is a must-visit when you attend meetings at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The accomplishments of G-20 and increased efforts to strengthen resilience to climate change are truly commendable and exploring these places allows you to truly appreciate the values of G20 as well as India.

4. Economic Opportunities

The G20 summit brings together world leaders and experts to discuss economic issues and explore ways to strengthen global cooperation. As a result, there may be opportunities for business networking, trade agreements, and investment during this time. 

India is the world’s sixth-largest economy and has a population of over 1.3 billion people. This provides an opportunity for investors to gain knowledge of and access to this large market and tap into its consumer base.

With a rapidly developing entrepreneurial spirit, India is a 21st-century economic goldmine. The G20 summit can provide an opportunity for investors to tap into this skilled workforce and expand their businesses in the field of IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. Moreover, they can forge partnerships with Indian businesses and booming startups.

That’s it from us! We’ve mapped out your itinerary; all you have to do now is book your tickets. As you gear up to witness India in all its glory do not forget to sort out your visa needs. As the world’s most influential leaders gather for this year’s G20 event, it’s crucial to ensure you have the necessary documentation to enter the host country and participate in the G20 events and conferences. 

Start planning your travel to incredible India and gear up for an exhilarating time. Apply for your e-visa to India well in advance. Visit our outsourced visa service centre near you or simply check out our website www.blsinternational.com for all visa information.
Avail of BLS International eVISA assistance to India here for a hassle-free travel experience.