Not a great number of people know that 25th January is observed as National Tourism Day in India. The Indian government has marked the day to promote tourism within the country. The day is dedicated to educating people about the importance of tourism and the role it plays in the Indian economy. Many of us dream to visit foreign destinations without considering how much is there in the country itself to explore. Foreign visitors from USA, Israel, England, New Zealand, and Australia come in big numbers to witness India’s historical, cultural and spiritual heritage.

Tourism in India – In numbers:

A total of more than 93 lakhs foreign tourists visited India in 2018. This number is almost 5 lakhs more than in 2017. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism in India generated 16.91 lakh crore or 9.2 per cent of the total GDP in 2018. It also contributed to 42,673 jobs or 8.1 per cent of its total employment. The sector is likely to grow at an annual rate of 6.9 per cent, generating 32.05 lakh crore by 2028, 9.9 per cent of GDP.

Tourism plays a vital role in boosting the Indian economy. The above numbers reiterate the fact that tourism needs to be taken very seriously in India. Efforts of the government to make the country cleaner, providing more amenities and facilities, ensuring safety for women travellers at public places, railway stations makes sense.

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India is one of the fastest-growing countries in the tourism sector. The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 put India on 34th position in the list of 140 countries overall. India improved its ranking by 6 places in comparison to the 2017 report.

Top 10 most-visited tourist destinations in India

1. Agra

Agra is the most visited place in India. Taj Mahal is the architectural beauty, museum and garden that attracts a lot of foreign tourists every year. Some other sculptures in Agra are Agra Fort, Ram Bagh, Sikandara Fort, Akbar’s tomb and many others.

2. Goa

Goa is the favourite destination for youths of the country. People go to Goa all kinds of water-based activities here at more than 30 beaches in Goa. Apart from beaches, people visit Goa for nightlife, spice plantations and places for sightseeing.

3. Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari marks the southern tip of India and is famous for the tri-coloured sea with Vivekananda rock memorial and Tiruvallur statue.

4. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

This is the collection of caves with awe-inspiring Buddhist monuments and temples that were built by Buddhist monks in 600 AD. People who love exploration, photography, culture, sightseeing, and art love to visit this place.

5. Jaipur

Known as Pink City, Jaipur is famous for numerous palaces, forts, museums including Hawa Mahal and Ajmer Fort.

6. Kerala

Kerala is called the Venice of East because of its enchanting networks of backwaters that makes it the first choice of honeymoon couples and family groups. There are various things to experience such as lagoons, palaces, forts, beaches, architectural marvels, churches and hill station.

7. Delhi

The national capital is an important destination in the country and also a part of the Golden Triangle Tour. New Delhi is easy to reach and the transportation system is one of the best in the country. Lotus Temple, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Akshardham temple are the major attractions of the city.

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8. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is in the bucket list for many honeymoon couples. It is famous for scenic beauty and natural attractions. The cliche hill station has stunning views, plantations, hill resorts, sunrise view, various tourist activities.

9. Mysore

Mysore is an important destination in Karnataka for all kinds of tourists with Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and others.

10. Kashmir

Kashmir is known as the paradise of the earth for its natural beauty with snow-covered mountain peaks, refreshing waterfalls, alpine villages, green valley, gardens and more.

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