Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It plays a vital role in the economic development of a country. India is one of the popular tourist destinations in Asia. Bounded by the Himalayan ranges in the north and surrounded, on three sides by water (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean), India offers a wide array of places to see and things to do. The enchanting backwaters, hill stations and landscapes make India a beautiful country. Historical monuments, forts, beaches, places of religious interest, and hills add to the grandeur of the country. They attract tourists from all over the world. Every region is identified with its handicrafts, fairs, folk dances, music and its people. The Department of Tourism promotes international and domestic tourism in the country. The Tourism Advisory Board recommends measures for promotion of tourist traffic in India.
Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in India. The tourism industry employs a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled. Hostels, travel agencies, transport including airlines benefit a lot from this industry. Tourism promotes national integration and international understanding. It generates foreign exchange. Tourism also promotes cultural activities and traditional handicrafts sector. The tourists get an insight into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India.
India has a composite culture. There is a harmonious blend of art, religion and philosophy. Though India has been subjected to a series of invasions, she has retained her originality even after absorbing the best of external influences. Religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism etc. have co-existed in India. The country has fascinated people from all over the world with her secularism and her culture.
The diverse geographical locales of India delight the tourists. The monuments, museums, forts, sanctuaries, places of religious interest, palaces, etc. offer a treat to the eyes. Some of the places that attract a huge number of tourists are Agra, Jaipur, Jhansi, Hyderabad, Nalanda, Mysore, Delhi, Mahabaleshwar, Aurangabad etc. Haridwar, Ujjain, Shirdi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Puri, Ajmer, Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Rameshwaram etc. are places of religious importance. Srinagar, Kullu, Manali, Dehradun, Nainital, Darjeeling, Ooty etc. are famous hill stations.
The Department of Tourism (DoT) was formed to promote international and domestic tourism in the country. It provides infrastructure and carries out publicity campaigns. It provides information aimed at promotion of tourist sites in the world market. It formulates policies and programmes for the promotion of tourism in India. The Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management and the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology provide professionally trained personnel to the industry. Lately Indian tourism has been adversely affected by terrorism, women safety issues and pollution. Sincere efforts by the government could help to further develop the Indian tourism industry.