INDIA- As a tourist des na on, how different it is from

Interna onal and other tourist des na on

PART-01
Introduc on:
In the vast and intricately woven tapestry of global tourism, India emerges as a
singular gem, shimmering with a kaleidoscope of experiences that transcend the
conven onal boundaries of travel. Nestled in the heart of South Asia, India is a
land of paradoxes, where ancient tradi ons coalesce with modern dynamism, and
where the meless echoes of history resonate against the backdrop of a rapidly
evolving present. As the sun rises over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas
and sets over the sun-kissed beaches of Goa, India unfolds itself as an enigma, an
enigma c des na on that beckons the intrepid traveler to embark on a journey of
discovery and immersion into a myriad of cultures, landscapes, and narra ves.

The allure of India lies not merely in its tangible a rac ons but in the intangible
essence that permeates its very soul—a unique blend of spirituality, diversity, and
resilience. It is a na on where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present,
where the echoes of ancient civiliza ons harmonize with the pulsa ng rhythms of
contemporary life. The sheer vastness of its geographical expanse, spanning from
the lo y peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of the Indian Ocean,
serves as a canvas upon which diverse narra ves unfold, invi ng travelers to
traverse through a symphony of terrains, climates, and ecosystems.

The cultural tapestry of India is as varied and intricate as its geography. With over
a billion people, represen ng a mul tude of ethnici es, languages, and tradi ons,
India is a celebra on of diversity in its truest sense. From the exuberant fes vi es
of Holi, where streets are ablaze with vibrant colors, to the serene contempla on
of Varanasi's ghats along the sacred Ganges River, every corner of the country
narrates a unique story. Each region is a chapter, each city a verse, in the epic saga
that is India—a living testament to the coexistence of myriad customs, religions,
and philosophies.

In this sprawling subcon nent, where me seems to dance between the ancient
and the contemporary, the UNESCO-approved sites stand as sen nels of India's
cultural and historical wealth. These designated treasures, from the resplendent
Taj Mahal to the intricate carvings of the Elephanta Caves, not only showcase the
architectural prowess of bygone eras but also serve as portals to a me when
cra smanship and ar stry were revered as sacred expressions of human
ingenuity.

As we embark on this odyssey through the myriad hues of India, we find ourselves
at the crossroads of tradi on and modernity, history and progress, spirituality and
pragma sm. The journey is not merely a physical explora on but a transcendental
experience—a pilgrimage through me and space that transcends the boundaries
of conven onal tourism. In the following pages, we will unravel the intricacies of
India's UNESCO-approved tourism industry, delve into the pulsa ng heart of its
main tourist places, and ul mately, discover why India stands as a beacon in the
global landscape, beckoning travelers to explore the extraordinary and embrace
the extraordinary.
PART-02
UNESCO approved tourism industry due to which interna onal tourist visits
India:
India, a subcon nent steeped in an quity and adorned with a tapestry of diverse
cultures, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and historical richness. The
interna onal appeal of India as a tourist des na on is intricately woven into the
fabric of its UNESCO-approved sites, each narra ng a unique story that resonates
across borders and transcends temporal boundaries. This commenda on from
UNESCO elevates India beyond a mere tourist des na on, posi oning it as a
custodian of global heritage.

The Taj Mahal: A Symbol of Eternal Love and Architectural Grandeur

At the heart of India's UNESCO-approved treasures lies the Taj Mahal, an

architectural marvel that transcends me. This ivory-white mausoleum, nestled
on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, was commissioned by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Recognized by UNESCO in
1983, the Taj Mahal stands as a pinnacle of Mughal architecture, seamlessly
blending Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences. Its symmetrical gardens, intricate
marble carvings, and the ethereal play of light during sunrise and sunset make it
an everlas ng symbol of love and a beacon that draws millions of interna onal
visitors annually.

Jaipur's City Palace and Jantar Mantar: A Regal Tapestry of Royalty and Scien fic
Ingenuity

In the heart of Rajasthan's Pink City, Jaipur, the UNESCO-approved City Palace and
Jantar Mantar unfold chapters of India's royal history and scien fic prowess. The
City Palace, a majes c complex of courtyards, gardens, and palaces, reflects the
grandeur of the Rajput rulers. Its fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European
architectural styles showcases the opulence of a bygone era. Adjacent to the
palace stands the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the 18th
century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Recognized by UNESCO in 2010, this site
exemplifies India's historical commitment to scien fic advancements, offering a
window into the celes al pursuits of a bygone era.

The Elephanta Caves: A Spiritual Odyssey Through Ancient Rock-Cut Architecture

Venture westward to Mumbai, and the Elephanta Caves emerge as a testament to

India's cultural and religious diversity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated
on Elephanta Island, boasts ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Intricately carved sculptures and bas-reliefs depict episodes from Hindu
mythology, providing a spiritual and ar s c journey through me. The UNESCO
approval in 1987 not only acknowledges the historical significance of the
Elephanta Caves but also underscores India's commitment to preserving its rich
cultural heritage.

Chola Temples of Southern India: Architectural Splendors in Stone

Dive into the cultural richness of southern India, and the Chola Temples emerge as
an architectural symphony. Recognized by UNESCO as a collec ve World Heritage
Site, these temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, the
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Airavatesvara Temple
in Darasuram, showcase the zenith of Chola architecture. These temples, built
during the Chola dynasty (9th to 13th centuries), stand as epitomes of Dravidian
art and engineering marvels, cap va ng the imagina on of global tourists.
Mountain Railways of India: A Journey Through Heritage on Narrow-Gauge
Tracks

Away from the architectural grandeur, India's UNESCO-approved list extends to its
mountain railways, a testament to the na on's commitment to preserving its
transporta on heritage. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain
Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway, collec vely recognized by UNESCO in 1999
and 2005, offer not just a mode of transporta on but a nostalgic journey through
scenic landscapes and historic engineering. These narrow-gauge railways,
traversing through hills and valleys, provide a unique travel experience that
enchants railway enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

In the vast expanse of India's UNESCO-approved sites, we find a collec ve

narra ve that transcends borders, weaving together tales of love, royalty,
spirituality, scien fic achievement, and ar s c expression. The interna onal
appeal of India as a tourist des na on is not merely rooted in its tangible
treasures but also in the intangible spirit that resonates through its UNESCO-
approved landmarks. As custodians of this global heritage, India beckons travelers
on an odyssey through me and culture, invi ng them to explore the profound
layers of history that con nue to shape the present and inspire the future. The
UNESCO seal not only validates India's commitment to preserva on but also
beckons the global community to partake in the meless saga of a na on that
stands as a living museum of human civiliza on.
 PART-03

Data Sheets:
 Tourists(How Much?)
 To Where ?
 From Where?
 Inbound Tourism: Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), Arrivals of
Table: 1 Non-Residents Indians (NRIs) and International Tourist
Arrivals (ITAs) 2011-2022

Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India

NRIs arrivals ITAs in Percentage Change over previous years

FTAs in India
Year in India India
(in Million)
(in Million) (in Million) FTAs NRIs ITAs
2011 6.31 11.8
2012 6.58 4.3
2013 6.97 5.9
2014 7.68 5.43 13.11 10.2
2015 8.03 5.74 13.76 4.5 5.7 5.0
2016 8.80 6.22 15.03 9.7 8.5 9.2
2017 10.04 6.77 16.81 14.0 8.8 11.8
2018 10.56 6.87 17.42 5.2 1.4 3.7
2019 10.93 6.98 17.91 3.5 1.7 2.8
2020 2.74 3.59 6.33 -74.9 -48.6 -64.7
2021 1.52 5.48 7.00 -44.5 52.6 10.6
2022 6.19 305.4

Inbound Tourism in India

FTAs in India
(in Million)
FTAs in India
(in Million)
1.52
2.74
7.00 2021
2020 6.33
ITAs in India 5.48
3.59 ITAs in India (in MIllion)
(in MIllion)
NRIs arrivals NRIs arrivals
in India (in Million) in India (in Million)

Source: Bureau of Immigration, Govt. of India

Note: Data for the year 2022 is provisional.
ITAs = FTAs + NRIs
 Top 10 Source Countries for Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs)
Table: 2 in India during 2022

[Link] Source Country Percentage Lean Month Peak Month

FTAs
Share

1 UNITED STATES 13,73,817 22.19 January December

2 BANGLADESH 12,55,960 20.29 February December
3 UNITED KINGDOM 6,17,768 9.98 January December
4 AUSTRALIA 3,69,023 5.96 February December
5 CANADA 2,77,291 4.48 January December
6 SRI LANKA 1,77,652 2.87 January December
7 NEPAL 1,35,347 2.19 January December
8 GERMANY 1,24,496 2.01 January December
9 SINGAPORE 1,17,195 1.89 January December
10 MALAYSIA 1,16,523 1.88 February December
Total of top 10 Country 45,65,072 73.73 _ _

Others 16,26,327 26.27 _ _

Grand Total 61,91,399 100 _ _

BANGLADESH
in Lakhs UNITED (%) Share in Lakhs (%) Share
13.7 STATES 22.19 12.6 20.29

in Lakhs UNITED (%) Share

KINGDOM
6.2 9.98

in Lakhs AUSTRALIA (%) Share in Lakhs CANADA (%) Share

3.7 5.96 2.8 4.48

Source:- Bureau of Immigration, Govt. of India

Note: Data for the year 2022 is provisional.
 Share of Top 10 States/UTs of India in Number of Foreign
Table: 3 Tourist Visits in 2022

FTVs in Percentage
[Link] State/UT Million Share
1 Gujarat 1.78 20.70
2 Maharashtra * 1.51 17.60
3 West Bengal 1.04 12.08
4 Delhi * 0.82 9.50
5 Uttar Pradesh 0.65 7.56
6 Tamil Nadu 0.41 4.74
7 Rajasthan 0.40 4.62
8 Kerala 0.35 4.02
9 Punjab 0.33 3.84
10 Madhya Pradesh 0.20 2.38
Total of Top 10 7.47 87.03
Others 1.11 12.97
Total 8.59 100.00

9.5
Delhi
3.8 7.6 2.4
Uttar Pradesh
Punjab Madhya Pradesh
4.6
Rajasthan

20.7
Gujarat 12.1
West Bangal
3.5
11.1
Telangana Andhra Pradesh

4.7
Tamil Nadu
17.6
Maharashtra 4.0
Kerala
Source: State/ UT Tourism Departments
*: Data for 2022 is estimated by applying all India growth rate for 2022/19 on 2019 data
 Top 10 Centrally Protected Monuments under ASI having
Table: 4 Highest Foreign Visitor's footfall during Financial Year
2022-23 (upto Feb'23)

Foreign
[Link] Monuments Footfall
(in Lakhs)
1 Taj Mahal 3.28
2 Agra Fort 1.20
3 Fatehupur Sikri 0.52
4 Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb 0.36
5 Site of Sahet-Mahet 0.32
6 Mehtab Bagh 0.14
7 Akbar Tomb Sikandra 0.08
8 Ram Bagh 0.02
9 Residency Buildings 0.01
10 Mariam tomb sikandra 0.003

3.28 Lakh 1.20 Lakh

Taj Mahal Agra Fort
Foreign Footfall

0.52 Lakh 0.36 Lakh 0.32 Lakh

Fatehupur Sikri Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb Site of Sahet-Mahet

Source: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

PART- 04
Conclusion: Embracing India's Living Legacy

As we conclude our journey through the UNESCO-approved treasures of India, the

narra ve that unfolds is not just a story of architectural marvels and historical
landmarks but a testament to the living legacy of a na on. The Taj Mahal, Jaipur's
regal palaces, the mys cal Elephanta Caves, the awe-inspiring Chola Temples, and
the scenic mountain railways collec vely represent more than mere tourist
a rac ons—they are threads in the vibrant tapestry of India's cultural, historical,
and natural richness.

These UNESCO-designated sites serve as windows into the soul of a na on that

con nues to evolve while cherishing its profound roots. The interna onal appeal
of India, magnified by UNESCO recogni on, is not solely about the physical
grandeur of these landmarks but the emo onal resonance they evoke—a
connec on that transcends borders and speaks to the shared heritage of
humanity.

In this conclusion, we stand at the crossroads of explora on and apprecia on,

realizing that India's allure lies not only in its past glories but in the way it
seamlessly integrates tradi on with the present. The UNESCO seal, adorning these
sites, symbolizes a commitment to preserva on and a global invita on to partake
in the ongoing narra ve of India's history.

As we bid farewell to this explora on, we carry with us not just memories of
architectural splendors but a profound understanding that India's legacy is alive,
vibrant, and ever-invi ng. The UNESCO-approved landmarks are not frozen in
me; they are conduits that bridge the past with the present, invi ng each
traveler to become a part of the enduring story that is India.