Development Of Tourism In India. (At Least 15 Pages).
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Development of Tourism in India
Tourism was recognized as a potential instrument for post-independence development in India during the 1950s. Tourism development was taken up by the government with a series of five-year plans, and in 1966, the India Tourism Development Corporation was set up to promote India as a tourist destination. Tourism development gathered momentum during the 1980s, with the formulation of a National Policy on Tourism and the creation of the Tourism Finance Corporation to fund tourism projects. In 1988 the government produced a comprehensive plan for achieving sustainable growth in tourism, which was followed up by a National Action Plan for Tourism in 1992.
Tourism Development Agencies
The India Tourism Development Corporation continues to be a leading force in tourism development. It not only plays a marketing and consultancy role, but also provides training for tourism and hospitality workers and manages tour companies, hotels, transportation systems, duty-free shops and restaurants. The Ministry of Tourism also works in conjunction with agencies such as the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, the National Institute of Watersports and the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering.
Tourist Destinations – Northern India
India’s capital, Delhi, on the River Ganges, has numerous cultural attractions, top class shopping and international cuisine. The so-called “Golden Triangle” is also located in this province, and includes the city of Jaipur and historic Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Given these destinations' popularity, they offer a huge range of accommodations, tours and other amenities targeted at foreign visitors, which makes vacation planning in the region relatively easy. Cities in Rajasthan include Jodhpur and Udaipur, while Amritsar and Chandigarh lie in the Punjab. Northern India is bordered by the Himalayan Mountains, which provide a center for adventure tourism, with activities such as trekking, mountaineering, rafting and paddling. These activities are seasonal, with July and August the peak months.
Tourist Destinations – Southern India
Chennai is one of the largest and most historic cities in southern India, offering dozens of palaces, temples and forts. Bangalore is renowned for its mild climate and beautiful royal palaces, while Hyderabad is a city of domes and minarets, interspersed with colorful bazaars. The state of Kerala, along the southwestern seaboard, offers idyllic, unspoiled beaches, quaint ports and resort towns such as Kovalam. The coastal backwaters are a good area for cruising and wildlife watching, and the coral islands of Lakshadweep, near Kochi, are a top location for diving and snorkeling.
Tourist Destinations – Western India
Mumbai’s cultural attractions include monuments and museums, colonial forts and hill stations, but downtown Mumbai also offers excellent shopping and dining. The Arabian Sea coastline is characterized by picturesque fishing villages surrounded by coconut groves, with a few developed beach resorts such as Goa, Manori and Madh Island. Western India is also renowned for its cave systems, the most prominent including the Ellora and Ajanti Caves, which contain ancient carvings and rock paintings.
Tourist Destinations – Eastern India
Eastern India lies along the Bay of Bengal, and Kolkata is its largest city. West Bengal’s attractions include imperial palaces, forts, temples, bazaars, museums and a historic miniature train, and this area is also the country’s leading golf destination. The district of Assam, best known for its tea plantations, has numerous wildlife preserves, housing endangered species such as the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger and Indian rhino. Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beach destinations include the Andaman Islands.