July 12th, 2018 | Updated on September 12th, 2023
Economic Survey 2020-21 said that the tourism sector in India had seen a sharp fall in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
According to the survey, the tourism sector which contributed five percent share to India’s total GDP in 2018-19 and which also supports almost 13 percent of total employment in India, will witness revival with the ongoing vaccination drive.
India is a land blessed with geographical and cultural diversity that makes foreigners very curious about the country.
Seldom will you come across a country where multi-ethnic groups practice their own culture and traditions in harmony besides preserving the immensely rich historical heritage of the country.
The vibrant country that it is, tourists flock to witness the startling contrasts where modernity meets tradition as they enjoy the immensely rich natural and architectural treasures that can leave them spellbound.
By 2029, India’s tourism sector is expected to grow 6.7% to reach Rs. 35 trillion (US $ 488 billion), and accounting for 9.2% of the total economy.
Why you should not miss any opportunity to visit India would become evident in reading this article.
Also, you would come to know about the Visa issuing norms that could make your travel more pleasurable.
1. Obtaining A Visa
Usually, the norm for obtaining Visa for visiting India is to follow the procedure of Indian Visa application through the Indian Consulate of the specific country to which you belong.
You have to apply with the Indian Mission a few months before the planned travel duly supported by various documents to substantiate your purpose of visit.
The Visa must be in hand before starting the journey, and you must carry the documents with your during travel.
The procedure makes it clear that you need proper preparation for traveling to India and cannot just visit it at short notice even though the process of applying is online.
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2. Simplified Visa Procedure Is Now In Place
While the above method for obtaining Indian Visa remains in force, the government has introduced a streamlined system of Tourist Visa on arrival since November 2014.
Tourist Visa can only be granted to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, etc.
Many people visit India for medical treatment, and they too can benefit from the new procedure.
If you are visiting India for 60 days, you can obtain a Visa on arrival and choose either e-Tourist visa, e -Medical visa or e-business visa.
The Tourist Visa on arrival or ETA entails applying online for Visa directly without routing it through the Indian Consular office.
The process is simple and involves only a few steps with minimal documentation that you can complete conveniently with the help of some private service providers that facilitate the process of applying.
The service provider will charge you some fees.
The process of issuing e-Visa is very fast, and now you can travel to India without the need for applying for Visa much in advance.
However, the travel document (passport) you are carrying should be valid for more than six months from the date of arrival in India.
Having obtained the Visa on arrival, take a plunge to discover India of your dreams. It can begin with Indian food that gives a taste of the multi-ethnic culture of the country.
3. The Taste Of Indian Food
Indian food is unique because it comprises a bouquet of different cuisines from various parts of the country that are completely diverse in taste, culture, and traditions.
A range of different cuisines is what you would be served to taste the delicious India food.
Although the North Indian dishes like Rogan josh, chicken tikka masala takes with tandoori butter naan and malai kofta are fabulous recipes that have earned international recognition and acclaim, you would be amazed at range and variety of food from other regions.
From Kerala to Kolkata and from Goa to Gujarat, the culinary skills of the people will leave you amazed.
4. The Most Famous Building In The World
The splendor and magnificence of the Taj Mahal would leave you in awe as you witness the marvelous architecture of the most famous building in the world.
Arguably, it is also the most beautiful architecture that stands out from anything that man has created on this earth.
The unearthly beauty of the Taj Mahal, especially on a moonlit night will take you to another world as you watch in disbelief.
The stories embedded in stone and the sublime beauty of the building keep attracting millions of tourists around the year.
5. Stay In A Palace Like Kings
India is a land of kings and warriors, and in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, you will come across several ancient forts and palaces that are part of the rich heritage of the country.
Hoteliers have renovated many of these palaces and converted into luxurious resorts and hotels that allow tourists to live life king size indeed even if it is for a few days.
Spend a few days in a palace hotel in a gorgeous setting to get a feel for what kind of luxury and pompous life the regal population of India had enjoyed.
6. Witness The Incredible Wildlife
Visit one of the many National Parks spread across the length and breadth of the country to enjoy flora and fauna as well as the wild beasts that you find here only.
You would be thrilled to see tigers, lions, and rhinoceros roaming free and elephants lowering their trunks to drink water from lakes.
Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Kaziranga, Kanha, and Pench are some famous parks that attract tourists around the year.
To get a feel for the real India and its ethos, do not forget to embark on a railway journey that will help to feel the pulse of the country.
With simplified Visa norms, make a plan today and start tomorrow for a trip to India that never ceases to enthrall tourists.
