Development of Tourism in India
Development of Tourism in India
Introduction
Tourism refers to travelling from one place to another for leisure, recreation, business, education, religious purposes, or adventure. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and contributes significantly to economic development. It helps people learn about different cultures, traditions, languages, and lifestyles.
India is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, historical monuments, and diverse landscapes. Due to these factors, India attracts millions of tourists every year from different parts of the world.
TOURISM IN INDIA
India is a land of diversity. It offers a wide variety of tourist attractions including mountains, beaches, forests, deserts, monuments, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and hill stations.
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities. At any part of the year India can offer you a dazzling array of destinations and experiences. In summer, when the subcontinent is sizzling, there are spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas or the lush green heights of the Western Ghats with cool trekking trails, tall peaks to conquer stretches of white water for the adventure seekers.
In the cool of an Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural feasts of music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for you to visit India hopping through romantic cities studded with ancient and medieval forts and palaces. The sun-drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance of flora and fauna are abuzz with the nurture of the young.
You can taste the delights of the Indian monsoon anywhere in the country-on a camel safari in the Rajasthan desert when nature comes alive and the peacocks dance, along the west coast where the relentless slant ingrain paints the countryside in brilliant greens or even trekking amidst the stark grandeur of mountain valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Experience exotic India; live like a maharaja in the rich ambiance of royal forts and palaces that are now heritage hotels; luxuriate in the serene beauty of a coral island with its turquoise lagoon; participate in the exuberance of a village fair or a colourful festival; day dream on a house boat drifting down the palm - fringed backwaters; delight in the grace of dancer or shop till you drop buying exquisite silks, carved figurines, brass and silver ware, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, finely crafted jewellery, miniature paintings, carpets....at unbelievable prices.
As you travel across the length and breadth of this vast nation, you can see history unfold. You can see palaces, forts, temples, mosques and churches which have been witnesses to timeless pasts and which bring before you the glorious traditions, culture and richness which had made this sub-continent prime choice of destination for explorers down ages.
Tourism in India has developed rapidly because of:
- Improved transportation facilities
- Better communication systems
- Government initiatives
- Development of hotels and infrastructure
- Promotion through media and campaigns
- Tourism plays an important role in generating employment and earning foreign exchange.
TYPES OF TOURISM
Different Types of Tourism with Examples:
1. Cultural Tourism
Cultural tourism involves travelling to learn about the culture, traditions, customs, art, and heritage of a place. Tourists visit historical monuments, museums, festivals, and cultural events to understand the lifestyle of different people.
Examples: Visiting the Taj Mahal, exploring the forts of Jaipur, and attending festivals like Durga Puja.
2. Religious or Spiritual Tourism
This type of tourism includes visiting holy places and religious centres for worship, spiritual learning, and peace of mind.
Examples: Visiting Varanasi, Vaishno Devi Temple, and Golden Temple.
3. Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism involves exciting and risky activities that give tourists a thrilling experience. It usually takes place in mountains, forests, rivers, and deserts.
Examples: River rafting in Rishikesh, trekking in Himachal Pradesh, and paragliding in Manali.
4. Medical Tourism
Medical tourism occurs when people travel to another place or country to receive medical treatment at affordable costs and with good healthcare facilities.
Examples: Patients visiting hospitals in Kerala, Chennai, and Bengaluru for specialized treatments.
5. Eco-Tourism
Eco-tourism focuses on enjoying nature while protecting the environment and wildlife. It promotes conservation and responsible travel.
Examples: Visiting Sundarbans National Park and Kaziranga National Park.
6. Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife tourism involves visiting forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks to observe animals in their natural habitat.
Examples: Visiting Jim Corbett National Park and Ranthambore National Park.
7. Beach Tourism
Beach tourism attracts people who enjoy relaxing, swimming, water sports, and coastal scenery.
Examples: Beaches of Goa and Kerala.
8. Business Tourism
Business tourism involves travelling for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and professional work.
Examples: Business events in Mumbai and Delhi.
SELECTED TOURIST SPOT: DARJEELING
Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in India. It is situated in the northern part of West Bengal in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of about 2,050 metres above sea level. It is often called the "Queen of Hills" because of its breathtaking natural beauty, pleasant climate, and scenic landscapes.
Darjeeling is famous for its snow-capped mountain views, lush green tea gardens, and peaceful environment. One of the main attractions of Darjeeling is the magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world. Tourists visit Tiger Hill early in the morning to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayan ranges.
Darjeeling is also famous for the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train. This railway is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a memorable journey through hills and beautiful landscapes.
The town is known worldwide for its tea plantations that produce high-quality Darjeeling tea. Visitors enjoy walking through tea gardens and learning about tea production. Other famous attractions include Batasia Loop, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, monasteries, and local markets.
Tourism plays a major role in the economy of Darjeeling by creating employment opportunities in hotels, transport services, restaurants, and handicraft industries.
LOCATION OF DARJEELING
Darjeeling is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal in eastern India. It is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 2,050 metres (6,725 feet) above sea level. Darjeeling lies in the Lesser Himalayas and is surrounded by hills, valleys, forests, and tea gardens.
The latitude and longitude of Darjeeling are approximately 27.04° N latitude and 88.26° E longitude. These geographical coordinates indicate its exact position on the Earth's surface.
Darjeeling is about 620 km from Kolkata and around 70 km from Siliguri, which acts as the gateway to the hill station. It is located close to the international borders of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Due to its location and elevation, Darjeeling experiences a pleasant climate and offers magnificent views of the Himalayan ranges, including the famous Kanchenjunga peak. This geographical advantage makes it one of India's most popular tourist destinations.
ROUTE MAP FROM HOWRAH TO DARJEELING
Route:
Howrah → New Jalpaiguri (NJP) → Siliguri → Darjeeling
Travel from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri by train.
From NJP, travel to Darjeeling by Toy Train, taxi, or bus.
TRANSPORT FACILITIES
Trains
- Darjeeling Mail
- Padatik Express
- Train Number: 12377
- Departure: Leaves Sealdah (SDAH) at 23:20
- Arrival: Reaches New Jalpaiguri (NJP) at 09:20 the next morning
- Frequency: Daily
- Kanchankanya Express
- Departs Sealdah (SDAH): 20:30 (8:30 PM)
- Arrives at Siliguri Junction (SGUJ): 08:00 (8:00 AM) the next day
- Arrives at New Jalpaiguri (NJP): 07:30 (7:30 AM) the next day
- Saraighat Express
Flights
The fastest way to reach Darjeeling from Kolkata is to take a direct flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which takes about 1 hour. From Bagdogra, you will travel by road (taxi or shared cab) up the mountains to Darjeeling, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Nearest airport: Bagdogra Airport
Flights operate from Kolkata to Bagdogra.
Bus Services
There is no direct bus from Kolkata to Darjeeling. You must complete the journey in two stages: a bus from Kolkata to Siliguri, and then a shared jeep or taxi from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
- Duration: 13 to 15 hours
- Departure Points: Buses leave from the Esplanade Bus Terminus or Karunamoyee in Kolkata.
- Operators: State-run buses (NBSTC) and private operators (e.g., Shyamoli Paribahan, Greenline, or Royal Cruiser) operate daily services, mostly overnight.
HOTELS IN DARJEELING
1. Mayfair Darjeeling
2. Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel
3. Hotel Seven Seventeen
4. Hotel Sonar Bangla
5. Cedar Inn
SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN DARJEELING
Tiger Hill
Famous for sunrise views and Kanchenjunga.
Batasia Loop
A railway loop with beautiful gardens.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Peace Pagoda
A Buddhist monument promoting peace.
Tea Gardens
Darjeeling tea gardens are famous worldwide.
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Known for rare Himalayan animals.
Rock Garden
A beautiful landscaped garden.
ADVANTAGES OF TOURISM
1. Creates employment opportunities
2. Increases national income
3. Promotes cultural exchange
4. Develops infrastructure
5. Generates foreign exchange earnings
DISADVANTAGES OF TOURISM
1. Causes pollution
2. Creates overcrowding
3. Damages natural resources
4. Increases waste generation
5. Disturbs wildlife habitats
INITIATIVES BY INDIAN GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE TOURISM
- Incredible India Campaign
- Promotes Indian tourism worldwide.
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme
- Develops theme-based tourist circuits.
- PRASHAD Scheme
- Improves religious tourism destinations.
- E-Visa Facilities
- Makes travel easier for international tourists.
- Better Infrastructure
- Development of roads, airports, and transport facilities.
CONCLUSION
Tourism is an important sector of India's economy. It helps in economic development and creates employment opportunities. Darjeeling is one of India's most beautiful tourist destinations and attracts visitors from around the world. Sustainable tourism practices should be encouraged to protect nature and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
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