A country is known for its engrossing culture and edifying history, India’s tourism has always enticed tourists from all corners of the world. A crowd-puller for sure, our country stands sturdy at the 65th position in terms of tourism.
Moreover, every year, India witnesses a myriad of travelers from different corners of the world.
I look you at the official figures, you’ll be astounded to come across the fact that tourism contributes a large steak to the Indian economy. Let’s get you acquainted with the stats:
In 2013, tourism accounted to 6.6% of the total GDP. Coming down to the employment sector, tourism shells out nearly 40 million jobs.
Also, in terms of the countries which are flourishing in context to tourism, India stands in the third position.
The factors that contribute to making India a tourist hub are the good transportation and hospitality services. You can get cheaper airfares to India from the USA within your budget.
When we talk about India’s tourism, it is not only about the people who travel to the country for leisure.
A lot of people from countries like UK, Australia and USA come to India on business tours. Domestic, Business and Medical tourism are also major sections; Leisure Tourism, however, takes the first place.
Why is India a tourist hot-spot?
If this is that one question circling your thoughts, wait until you find out about its rich history and spellbinding geography! Thanks to the Colonial, Mughal and Medieval Era of India that it is now enumerated as a tourist focal point.
The natural bounties and enthralling relics are the two things about India which draw masses to explore it even more.
In general terms, every millimeter of India is worth traveling. Almost every state of India experiences tourism in full-swing, but there are a few states which mesmerize the travelers with their magnetic trance.
Let’s keep it rolling and enlighten you more about the top three states India
which are ‘THE’ most visited ones, especially by foreign tourists?
1. MAHARASHTRA
Just as mellifluous as ‘Svāgat āhe’ sounds, Maharashtra is an equally brilliant state which brings out the best of India for the tourists. Also, the state attracts the highest number of foreigners.
A statistical account says that Maharashtra takes in nearly 25% of the foreign tourists every year. That sums up to nearly 48 lacs.
This state presents a perfect blend of the urban and rural side of India before the tourists.
With cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Nasik reciting its urban rhyme, it has Lavasa, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Khadala depicting the laid-back side.
You can search for the deals on airfares on various air ticket booking portals online and make the best of these.
In all terms, Maharashtra is a complete package for foreign tourists. Its serene hill-stations, lively beaches and pious religious spots contribute to making it a ‘star-performer’ in terms of tourism.
Major Tourist Spots in Maharashtra are:
-
- Sai Baba Mandir, Shirdi
-
- Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur
-
- Hazur Sahib Nanded Gurudwara, Nanded
-
- Caves of Ajanta and Ellora, Aurangabad
-
- Haji Ali Dargah, the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and Chowpati Beach, Mumbai
A tourist can easily traverse the length and breadth of the state as it is well-connected with various modes of transportation.
You can easily avail of Chicago to India flights for your tour to India. Moreover, as far as railways and roadways are concerned, the state authorities take all possible measures to make traveling an easy affair for the tourists.
NOT TO MISS:
If you’re planning to travel to Maharashtra, it’s ‘Not-to-Miss’ factor is the food. Indulge in some lip-smacking delicacies of the state.
A vacation in Maharashtra is incomplete without munching on a few ‘vada pavs’ and ‘paani puris’.
2. TAMIL NADU
With hearing ‘Nalvaravu’ from every other person you come across, you know that you’ve reached Tamil Nadu.
It is that one state of India which holds the richest historical connection of all.
Also, it is one of the oldest India states, known for its picturesque Chola temples. Its ties some of the major industrial cities like Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore, Vellore and Erode within its boundaries.
Moreover, the state is a proud owner of a number of World Heritage Sites. The Great Living Chola Temples, Airavatesvara Temple, and Brihadisvara Temple are a few to name.
These temples were built in the 12th century and even today, they speak volumes about Tamil Nadu’s mystical history.
Major Tourist Spots in Tamil Nadu are:
-
- Meenakshi Amman Temple, Mariamman Theppakulam and Kazimar Big Mosque, Madurai.
-
- Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
-
- Rock Fort, Tiruchirapalli
-
- St. Arockiya Nathar Church and St. Xavier’s Church, Kanyakumari
-
- Pykara Falls, Ooty
The hills stations of Tamil Nadu amass the maximum attention of the foreign tourists. Also, Ooty, Kodaikanal, and Coonoor are the most popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu. You can surely not miss the cheapest flight deals.
NOT TO MISS:
Let’s talk about the enchanting waterfalls of Tamil Nadu in its ‘Not-To-Miss’ section.
You must visit the Courtallam, Kiliyur falls, Tirparappu waterfalls, Suruli falls, Catherine falls and Hogenakkal falls while on a trip to Tamil Nadu.
3. UTTAR PRADESH
Music, Dance, and Literature are the three axioms that run the chariots of tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
In terms of tourism, it is the fourth most visited place in India, after Delhi. Also, known as the ‘Heart-Land of India’, UP is a lively state known for its Magh festival primarily.
The land of Uttar Pradesh gets cleansed with the most auspicious rivers of India; Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
The Kumbh Mela, a sacred Hindu fest that is held every 12 years takes place in Uttar Pradesh. During this time, tourism flourishes the most in this state.
Varanasi, Agra, and Lucknow are the most popular cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Major Tourist Spots in Uttar Pradesh are:
-
- Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
-
- Saranath and Kushinagar, near Varanasi.
-
- Bada Imambara and Chhota Imambara, Lucknow
-
- Mathura-Vrindavan and Ayodhya
-
- Prayag or Allahabad
The state has a rich connection to the Hindu religion. Moreover, most of the foreign tourists visit the state to understand Hinduism in a broader perspective.
NOT TO MISS:
The different cuisines are the ‘Not-To-Miss’ highlight when it comes to Uttar Pradesh. You must satiate yourself with the tempting Awadhi, Kumauni and Mughlai food while you stay in Uttar Pradesh.
Visiting these three states is the first thing you should do while on an Indian sojourn. Also, you can understand the purest form of Indian culture here.
Also, if you have booked cheap flights from USA to India, these three should definitely be the places where you spend a good amount of time.
Go out on an Indian traveling spree to these top 3 most-visited states today and get smitten by the experiences that they bring to you.
