Cover Story

Marhaban India !

India is raring to go and there is no two ways about it. Be it inbound, outbound or domestic - every segment of tourism has witnessed quick changes especially in the last five years. Today tourism boards across the world are eyeing the Indian tourism potential and it is regarded to be the golden goose especially for international tourism boards.

India is the fastest growing tourist economy where tourism has grown at a whopping 13 per cent per annum in the past four years.

According to a recent PATA report, a strong, consumption-driven economy, a large and increasingly affluent middle class, and the on-going liberalisation of air transport will contribute to a 10 per cent annual growth in Indian outbound travellers to Asia Pacific over the next three years. Says Peter de Jong, president and CEO, PATA, "With India being one of the fastest growing markets in our region, the eyes of the travel industry are turning to this country of 1.1 billion residents, and its rapidly expanding middle class."

In 2006, international inbound travel to India peaked at a record 4.4 million arrivals, driven in large part by the successful re-positioning of the destination brand through the Incredible India marketing campaign. The report also confirms that India's domestic travel market has been booming steadily over the past 15 years, as Indian states increasingly awaken to the potential of home-grown tourism to stimulate economic growth and boost employment. Domestic trips reached an all-time high of 430 million in 2006, up 13 per cent on 2005. The average annual growth rate has been more than 10 per cent since 2000, with the boom in low cost carriers bringing travel within the price range of millions of more households across the sub-continent.

Adds James Murray, executive vice president, South and Southeast Asia, Visa International Asia Pacific, "India is a significant pillar to global tourism, both as an inbound destination and a rich source of visitors to many global destinations. International visitors to India spent Rs 60 billion (US$ 1.4 billion) in India between July 2005 and June 2006 on their Visa cards, with cardholders from the European Union emerging as the biggest spenders."

Indian state boards are formulating policies and programmes to set the house right to cater to the growing demand of inbound tourism.

Today no doubt there is a shortage in hotel demand and supply wherein the demand for additional rooms in five years will be between 1,40,000 - 1,50,000 rooms, but the additional supply will be between 60,000 - 70,000 only. To bridge this gap, a number of measures have been planned by the government, including creation of land banks and freeing land supply. Creation of accommodation hubs at airports is another avenue to increase room supply. According to a senior official from the ministry of tourism, Government of India, the 5 Cs that the government is taking cognizance of to provide effective solutions for growth and to attract investment are - Civil Aviation, Civic Governance, Capital Building, Communication Strategy and Convergence (with particular stress on private-public partnership). Taking these into consideration, India will surely develop into an Incredible tourist destination and tourism-centric economy.

Keeping this buoyant background in mind, Express TravelWorld felt it was apt to provide a glimpse into the tourism bouquet of India, from the east to the west and north to the south of a vast ancient land that seems to pulsate with a unifying life force - an energy that's both modern and age-old.

A land of paradoxes, India has a diversity that no country can boast of. Travel companions, Gustasp and Jeroo Irani, traverse through its length and breadth to discover the different identities that make up a single and unique destination that is India

Westward ho!

Instant India, instant magic. That's Rajasthan - a state so laden with oriental mystique that it has almost become a tourist brochure cliché. But not quite. One can never be indifferent to this magical oasis of floodlit palaces, caparisoned elephants, spice caravans, cumulus beards and waxed moustaches.

Nowhere else have we seen more searing colours, inhaled more potent aromas, and heard such an intoxicating mix of sounds as we have in Rajasthan, the land of princes, the land of kings. This state has everything - holy temples, trains of haughty loping camels, barefoot Jain nuns, bejewelled women in billowing skirts, proud virile men in colourful turbans… this monochromatic landscape is indeed alive with colour.

Our first encounter with this quixotic land was Udaipur and its clutch of dreamy palaces. Here amidst the filigreed balconies, windows and cupola-topped towers of its many palaces, we collided with the wraith-like ghosts of the past. Built in a vale of the Aravalli hills, Udaipur is also a city of lakes. Nearby is the awesome fort of Chittaurgarh wreathed in tales of tragic valour.

More stunning beauties

Northwest of the Aravallis are Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner, Pushkar, Shekhawati - each stunning in its own right. Rooted in the arid plains and the shifting sands of the great Thar desert, the dun-coloured surroundings are offset by the dramatic hues that its people sport. There are other spots that are equally lyrical - Alwar, Siliserh and Sariska.

In a corner of the country where the past seems more real than the present we went palace and fort hunting in Jaipur, the state capital - a trail that led us to the brooding forts of Amer, Jaigarh and Nahargarh. Close by are Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur (a World Heritage Site) and Ranthambore National Park that offer close encounters of the wild kind.

Indeed, one of the finest ways of discovering Rajasthan is on the Palace on Wheels where one steps into a world of fantasy and lets this vintage train take one on a journey of pure fantasy - from Delhi, to Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra and then back to Delhi. The train is so popular that they have introduced another luxurious train - Heritage on Wheels - that toots across this fabled state on shorter yet equally enchanting itineraries of Jaipur, Bikaner and Shekhawati.

Into Maharashtra

While on luxury trains, there is yet another - the Deccan Odyssey - which allows tourists to soak up the beauty of the virgin beaches and rugged sea forts along the coastline of Maharashtra as well as the amazing cultural heritage of the state while giving one a taste of a champagne and caviar lifestyle.

The sleek blue and gold-streaked train starts from the urban sprawl of Mumbai and toots down the Konkan coast, taking in the lesser known yet pristine beaches of Ganapatipule and Tarkarli (where the Sindhudurg sea fort seems to float like a ghostly galleon on the water) before crossing into the more popular Goa, famous for its soaring cathedrals and powder-sand beaches.

From there, the train swings up north into the heartland of Maharashtra, making stops at Pune, the cultural capital of the state; the 2 BC to 10 AD art galleries within the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora (both listed as World Heritage Sites), Aurangabad (where we stumbled upon the Bibi-ka-Maqbara whose delicate lines have been inspired by the Taj Mahal) and the pilgrim town of Nashik which is also famous for its fruit orchids and vineyards.

Back in Mumbai one can make a quick trip to the Elephanta Caves by catching a ferry boat from front of the iconic Gateway of India. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 450-750 AD have been listed as a World Heritage Site. The commercial capital of India is also the heart of Bollywood. Beaches studded with sea forts, pilgrim towns like Shirdi, romantic hill stations including the vehicle-free resort town of Matheran and enchanted wildlife parks at Melghat and Tadoba, the possibilities in Maharashtra are, as its tourism campaign declares, unlimited.

…and Gujarat

The Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary in the state of Gujarat is truly unique as it is the last refuge of the Asiatic lion. From here one has easy access to Palitana in Saurashtra. Deemed to be the most sacred place on earth for the Jains, the pilgrim town stands at the foot of the hallowed Shetrunjaya hill where the peak has been encrusted with 863 temples.

While in Saurashtra, stop by at Ahmedpur-Mandvi which is the finest beach in Gujarat. From here the former Portuguese colony of Diu is within easy striking distance (The other two former Portuguese colonies of Daman and Dadra Nagar & Haveli lie further south near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border).

Saurashtra is also one of the gateways to Kutch; a bleak yet beautiful region which is a living museum of village art and handicrafts. In winter, vast tracks of its desert floodplains turn into a breeding ground for flamingos and pelicans. The Rann of Kutch is also the home of the rare Asian Wild Ass.

The ancient ruins of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UN World Heritage Site; the spectacular Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara; Somnath Temple, once the richest in the country before it was sacked by invading armies; the ancient city of Ahmedabad which is home to the famous Shaking Minarets, Teen Darwaza, Juma Masjid, Rani Masjid, the Rani-Raja no Hajiro and Sidi Sa'id's Mosque... Gujarat has a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered. Thrown in, for good measure, are its colourful people and a rich cultural backdrop. And they don't let you forget that it is the state of Mahatma Gandhi.

An ode to the Himalayas

They say that there are two kinds of people on earth: those who have been to Kashmir and those who have not. Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has emerged from the pall of uncertainty that once hovered over the state and tourists are returning in large numbers once more to this ever popular Shangri-La. Visitors can now walk through this unbelievably beautiful expanse of quaint hamlets, shimmering blue lakes, fast flowing rivers, and spectacular snow-capped Himalayan mountains...

This enchanting land has many faces. The fertile plains of Jammu is cradled in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas; the fabled beauty of Kashmir Valley, its rolling meadows and virgin forests dotted with lakes and streaked silvery-blue rivers and the raw and bleak yet savagely stunning landscape of Ladakh.

Jammu & Kashmir attracts nature worshippers, those seeking adventure like trekking, skiing, golf and white water rafting as well as travellers in search of a quiet retreat. Like the mighty mountains that preside over much of the state, Kashmir is blessed with eternal beauty, ageless and unravaged by turbulent times. If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this…

Charming Himachal

Paradise has spread itself generously over large tracts of the Himalayas, especially in the state of Himachal Pradesh. In fact, the gods themselves have made it their abode. Around the week-long festival of Dussehra around 360 deities assemble in Kullu to pay homage to Rama, the chief god of the valley, whose effigy is then brought down from the mountains with great fanfare.

Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque little state cradled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, is studded with charming hill stations such as Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie and Dharamsala, the temporary residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of the Tibetans. The landscape offers stunning vistas: jagged mountain peaks and turquoise rivers that boil and gurgle their way down the ravines that seem to be everywhere and the countryside is ideal for trekking, trout fishing, skiing and adventure sport.

The winding national highway to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, took our breath away; as much by the zigzag hairpin bends as by the unexpected vistas of mountain peaks melting into a molten sunset. Shimla, replete with timbered houses, red-roofed cottages and castle-like buildings that nestle between firs, pines and majestic Himalayan oaks is the ideal base to branch out and visit neighbouring spots such as Chail, Mashobra, Naldera, Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda which has the second oldest golf club in the country. Here tourists can get away from a pressure cooker existence, bask in the sun and breathe pure mountain air. But that's not all. There's Chamba valley and the remote and mystical Lahaul and Spiti valley.

Uttarakhand, Kumaon & Garhwal regions

We just couldn't get enough of the Himalayas which lured us like an enchantress to the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand where we stood on a summit at Binsar and gazed at the row of Himalayan peaks painted against a dark grey sky which seemed to hold its breath as it awaited the arrival of the sun. And as it peered over a far ridge, the first ray lassoed the summit of the highest peak in its golden-pink glow.

It was a dramatic start to what would be a memorable holiday in the Kumaon region. Our circuit took us from Binsar to Almora, Chaukori, Kausani and Ranikhet before terminating at Nainital in the heart of the lake district of Uttarakhand. In these scenic reaches the journey is often the destination as the roads took us through lush green valleys studded with quaint hamlets and past gushing rivers and snaked up mountain slopes draped with pine forests. Ever so often the snow peaks of the Himalayas would surge over the horizon in dramatic fashion.

Equally enchanting is the Garhwal region of the state which is studded with dreamy hill stations like Dehradun, the state capital, the aristocratic resort town of Mussoorie, and Auli which is one of the finest ski resorts in the country. Nature lovers revel in the Valley Of Flowers (a World Heritage Site) and Corbett National Park, one of India's most beautiful and compelling game reserves.

On the pilgrim trail

The temple town of Rishikesh, renowned for its yoga and meditation centres, is also the launching pad to many trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting expeditions. Haridwar, on the banks of the holy river Ganga, is wreathed in legends and divinity. It is also the starting point of the Char Dham or four-temple circuit of Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri. Indeed, these temples are located in some of the most rugged and spectacular reaches of the Himalayas.

Staying on the pilgrim trail we descend to the plains of Uttar Pradesh and the twin cities of Mathura and Vrindavan where Lord Krishna, author of the sacred Bhagwad Gita was born under compelling circumstances and grew up as an impish child who delighted in teasing the gopis or cowgirls. Varanasi, on the banks of the holy Ganga, is a city of heady sights and sounds steeped in tradition and culture. In Mark Twain's words, 'Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together'.

In addition the pilgrim towns of Allahabad (the confluence of two of the country's holiest rivers - the Ganga and the Yamuna); Ayodhya, where Lord Ram was born and Chitrakoot where he spent 14 years of his life in exile, Uttar Pradesh also has an important Buddhist trail. This circuit starts in Kapilavastu, where Lord Buddha was born and includes Sarnath where he set the Wheel of Law in motion after attaining enlightenment, Sravasti and Kushinagar where he attained Mahaparinirvana.

Eventually, every tourist visiting India dreams of genuflecting before the iconic Taj Mahal, an eloquent poetry in marble which rises on the banks of the river Yamuna. In many ways the Taj is more the 'destination' than the city it graces.

But that aside, Agra is the proud custodian of another UN World Heritage Site - the magnificent Agra Fort. There is more to recommend the city as it has a number of other impressive mausoleums, forts and palaces, including Emperor Akbar's abandoned capital of Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kilometres outside the town, that are vivid reminders of the opulence and splendour of a legendary land.

South of the border

Tamil Nadu sprawls out across the southern wedge of India like an epic saga; a paean in stone dedicated to the gods. From Chennai, the capital city down to Kanyakumari at the tip of the sub-continent, the state is studded with grand temples that soar up to the heavens like prayers of devotion. And each of these magnificent structures has been inspired by epic tales from the scriptures: the tender love story of Shiva and his consort Parvati at the peacock temple in Chennai; Arjun's Penance carved on the world's largest bas relief in Mahabalipuram; Shiva's cosmic dance of destruction at Chidambaram; a fiery goddess slaying a fierce demon at Madurai; Lord Ram building the bridge to Sri Lanka from Rameshwaram…

In fact two of these - the cluster of monuments at Mahabalipuram and the Chola Temples in Tanjore - have been listed as World Heritage Sites.

Of toy trains and hill stations

The little toy train - the Nilgiri Passenger - in the Blue Mountains also chugged into the UN list of World Heritage Sites in 2005, and underscored the point that Tamil Nadu is more than just a pilgrim destination. Unlike most steam trains around the world that owe their survival to train buffs and tourists, the Nilgiri Passenger is a scheduled train on the Indian Railway network. The 40 kilometre track, studded with 16 tunnels and 362 bridges, snakes up mountains draped in virgin forests, rolling green meadows, tea estates and rural settlements before pulling into Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations in the country.

The cool climes of Ooty and the neighbouring hill stations of Coonoor and Kodaikanal which were once the summer retreats of the Raj are now popular holiday resort towns where one can play a round of golf, go boating on pretty little lakes, cycling, trekking or redefine the fine art of doing absolutely nothing.

Go wild on a safari at the wildlife sanctuaries at Mudumalai, which has the largest herds of wild elephants in the country; Anamalai (also known as Elephant Hills); Calimere and Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.

Capital view

Any visit to Tamil Nadu must include the capital city of Chennai, the guardian of Tamil culture and the heart of the booming Tamilian movie industry. Indeed, South India's rich Dravidian heritage, be it music, dance or architecture, is displayed to its best advantage in the capital.

Chennai is often used as a base to reach one of India's most famous temples - Tirupati - which lies across the border in Andhra Pradesh. Though this state has a wealth of other treasures like temples, wildlife parks, old cities, heritage sites and beaches, it is best known as the bastion of Nawabi culture that finds its finest expression in the capital city of Hyderabad.

In addition to the iconic Charminar and the ruins of Golconda Fort, the city is peppered with grand monuments and imposing palaces. Not far from Charminar is the Salar Jung Museum that epitomises the spirit of Hyderabadi nobility as it houses over 35,000 objets d' art, including the exquisite marble sculpture of the Veiled Rebecca, all part of the private collection of one man, Nawab Salar Jung III who served as Prime Minister under the Nizam.

Kerala and the backwaters

The wealth of Kerala, the narrow fertile strip of land that runs along the southwest tip of India, can be found in nature. Indeed, in Kerala, nature drapes herself in gowns of vibrant hues that reflect the different moods and shades of the state. 'We are the Venice of the east,' is a refrain one hears often enough on its famous backwaters.

With good reason too, for the 1,500 kilometre network of canals, estuaries and lakes are living waters that served as the highways, by-ways and lifeline of the simple people who live along its banks. Long before the advent of road and rail transport, these backwaters were the main arteries of the region. Merchant vessels laden with ivory, gold and silver, silk, rubber and spices sailed to the port city of Kochi from where they were shipped to the rest of the known world. In fact, it was Europe's search for an alternative sea route to this land of plenty that led to the discovery of the New World.

Kerala still lures visitors from all over the world but now they come in search of its other attractions - romantic backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, sandy beaches, aromatic spice gardens, lush tea and coffee estates, charming cities…

The main backwaters flow southwards from Kochi to Alleppey, Kottayam, Kumarakom and Quilon. Kovalam, further south, and Calicut to the north have a smaller version of the backwaters. Modern houseboats grafted onto traditional rice boats, motor boats, country crafts, and ferries: there are many ways a tourist can capture the romance of these vibrant waters.

But there is more to Kerala than the backwaters: like the Periyar Tiger Reserve wildlife park, the rainforests of Waynad, the lush tea estates around the hill station of Munnar, and aromatic spice gardens.

Spas and beaches

There's also the healing touch of modern spas that offer traditional ayurvedic treatment. It is among the spice plantations, magical meandering backwaters, coconut palms and Portuguese forts of Kerala that ayurveda has found its roots. Quiet and laidback, the state has always had traditional facilities for practicing and teaching ayurveda. Today, deluxe resorts specialise in this kind of serious pampering.

What's more, life's a beach in Kerala which has some of the finest golden swathes in the country - Kovalam which is rated as one of the world's 10 best beaches; Varkala, and Marari which lies between Alleppey and Kochi, and Kappad in the north, where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India.

Kochi, the commercial hub of the state, is a fascinating harbour city famous for its Chinese fishing nets, traditional Kathakali dancers, the antique market of Jew Town and ancient churches. Yes, there are reasons enough to keep returning to God's Own Country.

Navigating the east

The lake district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the north eastern reaches of the Himalayas just short of the Chinese Tibetan border, is stark yet devastatingly beautiful. The landscape is dotted with lakes, many covered with a thin film of silvery-blue ice that reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks and the sky in their mirror-like surface. Here the sound of complete silence is compelling. Indeed, nature seems to hold her breath as though amazed by her creative brilliance.

To reach this remote outpost we had to drive through terrain that was truly breathtaking and it did not take us long to realise that schedules mean nothing in these sylvan environs, for here the journey is the destination. Of course, it took a while to get used to the idea during the early stages of the drive, when we were tempted to make unscheduled stops along the way to take photographs of snow-crusted mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, icy cascades painted with icicles, fast running rivers, the blush of a cherry blossom tree in a sea of green vegetation, shaggy yaks that looked up from their grazing…

A little after we crossed Sela Pass, which at 14,000 feet above sea level is one of the highest Motorable passes in the world, we pulled into Tawang which boasts of having the largest Buddhist monastery in India. The bustling little marketplace is a celebration of local colour - local residents in quaint, traditional attire and five point yak hair caps; Buddhist monks and nuns in dark orange robes; young boys and girls in faded jeans…

The Living Root Bridges in Cherrapunjee

Indeed, Arunachal Pradesh was the last stop on our tour of the north eastern reaches of India which is studded with precious little gems that are just waiting to be discovered by the tourists. Like our visit to Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya. Probably every school kid has heard of the little town of Cherrapunjee which receives the highest rainfall in the world. But few know that it is also home to the Living Root Bridges which are remarkable works of bio-engineering.

These amazing bridges are created by the local residents who train the secondary roots of the Indian rubber tree to arch over swift rivers and streams - a process that can take 20 to 25 years. Once they have been built, these Living Root Bridges which have a life span of 600 years can span a gap of up to 100 ft and can carry as many as 50 people at a time. This eco-technology which is in sync with nature has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of centuries.

Meghalaya also has a whole lot of other hidden treasures, waiting to be discovered. Like the stalagmite and stalactite caves at Mawsmai which are the largest and finest in India. In fact, Meghalaya is an international caving hotspot where new caves are being discovered each year. Then there are the protected Sacred Forests where the unwritten law forbids visitors from introducing anything alien into these areas or taking anything out of them. Only the local medicine men may harvest the bounty of these rich bio diverse forests to prepare traditional cures for anything from an upset stomach to compound fractures.

Here one can also take a cool dip in nature's own Jacuzzi - the rock pools at the head of Dainthlen Falls where the gentle flow of streams cascading into rocky depressions massage one's bodies. And then there is the hill station of Shillong, parts of which are still charming.

Nagaland, Assam & Sikkim

If one should visit the north east in early December, as we did, then definitely include Kohima, the capital of Nagaland in the itinerary as it is the setting of the Hornbill Festival. Held every year in the first week of December over a period of five days, the festival showcases the rich diversity of the proud Naga tribes that people the hilly terrain.

Handsome warriors and maidens with dewy complexions dressed in traditional costumes - richly plumed headgear, necklaces of animal fangs, war paint across their faces and bodies, menacing spears, sturdy shields - set the grounds alight with whooping chants, mock war games and colourful song and dance performances. It an occasion to meet members of the head hunting tribe and even though they have renounced their head hunting ways a long time ago, their reputation as fierce, give-no-quarters warriors precedes them.

Back on the plains of Assam are two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. These two wildlife reserves are a testimony to the fact that conservation can make a big difference. Around the beginning of the 20th century, it was believed that there were only 12 rhinos remaining in the forest. Today, they number over 2,000. The park also brims with tigers, elephants and other animals with over 500 species of birds, making it one of the best bird-watching sites in India.

Further up north is the tiny state of Sikkim studded with monasteries and criss-crossed with trekking trails. It is also home to the mighty Kanchenjunga, one of the five highest peaks in the world. The capital city of Gangtok is a not-so-remote Shangri-La. Here one can go on quiet walks, drop in on mountain top monasteries or laze around in the city's Deer Park. Rumtek, Pemayangtse, Mangan, Singhick… there is a lyrical ring to the names of the quaint little towns that dot this mountain state.

Indeed, Sikkim is part of the popular Darjeeling and Kalimpong tourist circuit in the far northern reaches of West Bengal. In these parts one can ride a World Heritage Site in the form of the Darjeeling toy train and stroll through its world famous tea gardens.

Jabalpur

The enchanting splendours of landscape and waterscape, the geological secrets and the archaeological mystery of Jabalpur still remain unexplored. Realising the potential of Jabalpur circuit as an incredible 'Ecotourism Destination', Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board (MPEDB) has made serious efforts to develop this circuit on priority.

The Jabalpur Ecotourism Circuit (JEC) includes four destinations, viz Dumna, Madanmahal, Bheraghat, and Bargi. Payali, situated in Seoni District but only 13 kms from Bargi may also be added to this circuit with some more exploration. The circuit, once developed, will be the first ecologically planned urban getaway in the state.

A core committee of the local stakeholders has been constituted for 'Dumna - Madanmahal' Ecotourism Development under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, Jabalpur. The scope of this committee will be extended to the whole circuit. The DPRs for the four destinations of the circuit are being prepared by MPEDB.

The key features of the destinations, the possible activities, and the roles of the EDB and TDC have been identified as follows:

Dumna - As an excellent getaway, this destination is already a cynosure for the city dwellers. The assets include the dam, the forests, and the wildlife. With the financial support of JMC the destination is being developed by the Forest Department; the area is being protected from all sides by chain-link fencing.

Potential activities: Trekking, nature camps, nature trails, adventure sports, boating and water sports, wildlife viewing, angling, study tours (botanisation), birding.

Madan Mahal - Situated close to the heart of the city, MM provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city from the top of the MM hill. The area is a paradise for the trekkers, and also very rich in biodiversity, including many IUCN listed threatened species. The MP Biodiversity Board has identified this area (Thakurtal in particular) as a potential site for a Biodiversity Park, one of the four in the state.

Potential activities: Trekking, nature camps, biodiversity trails, adventure sports, boating and water sports in Thakur Tal, angling, study tours (botanisation), birding.

Bheraghat - Associated with the smoky ponderous water sprays at Bheragat, the Herbal Park being developed by the forest department at this destination will be a value addition as 'Herbal ecotourism', which will include herbal resort, Herbal Park, herbal herbarium and a herbal traditional knowledge centre.

Potential activities: Herbal therapy, nature camps, biodiversity trails, study tours (Herbal Park).

Bargi - Situated in the extensive water reservoir, the two forest islands can be developed as exciting jungle camps, which can be tagged with the stays of the tourists of the TDC Hotel, situated at the bank

Potential activities: Camping facilities at the island plateau, tree huts, eco-lodges, linking the two islands with ropeways/bridges, boating, sit outs, camp walks.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is among the best planned cities in the country and boasts of being one of the best managed ones too. Its small size, huge green spaces and infrastructure makes it an ideal city to live in. Lying at the foothills of Himalayas the city has earned itself an interesting monicker - the Leisure Valley - with its lakes and gardens.

The city boasts of a number of gardens, beginning with the famous Rock Garden that has art objects made out of industrial and urban waste. The garden comes alive during the Teej festival with joyful performances and giant swings. This city also has Asia's largest rose garden with about 1,500 varieties. The sate government with the aid from the government of India hosts an annual rose festival.

Chandigarh being the entry point for Himachal Pradesh has many forests like the areas around Sukhna Lake, Sukhna Choe and Patiala ki Rao. There are excellent places for trekking in the hills near Chandigarh.

The newly constructed Open Hand monument meant to convey a message of peace "open to receive" has become one the most visited sites. Amongst the other monumental places to visit in Chandigarh are the Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, and Martyr's Memorial. The oldest feature of the city is its university area which makes it an important educational centre of the north.

Launching its tourism initiatives, the city administration approved a tourism action plan in 2006 with focused priority areas to be implemented during the year. The areas outlined were creation of a symbol for Chandigarh popularising and identifying the city with the tourists, participating in various travel/tourism events in metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, organising an annual tourism expo-cum-conference in Chandigarh and similar events with association with CII and other such organisations, activating institutes like Institute of Hotel Management, tourism clubs and societies, etc in order to involve youth in tourism.

It is also in the process of increasing flights to Chandigarh and involving airlines in the promotional efforts and offering packages to visitors in collaboration with CITCO and other hotels. To improve visitor experience, the state is also working on improving public transport and promoting popular concepts like medical and rural tourism and the building of a film city. The city has therefore established a Bollywood Facilitation cell for its Film City project which would help promote tourism.

Chhattisgarh

The comparatively young (five year old) state of Chhattisgarh has it all - from heritage, history, religion to culture and tradition and eco destinations. In the process of taking several key initiatives to make the tourism sector a viable investment for both institutions and entrepreneurs, the state has been allocated with an estimated budget of Rs 30,0000 sponsored by the central government, Rs 1,21,500 of assistance from other sources bringing the total to Rs 4,21,500 for the year 2007-08.

It is 'Full of Surprises', as the tagline of the advertising campaign suggests. The state has the little known dense forests, abundant wildlife, ancient tribal heritage and culture combining ecological and ethnic experience. Situated in the heart of India, it is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus; most of these are unexplored and untouched. The state tourism board has divided the tourism themes as follows:

Eco-tourism

With its three national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries, there is no doubt that the state is positioned as a nature-based destination. The Kanger Valley National Park, Barnawapara, Sitanadi, Udanti and Achanakmar Sanctuaries with the endangered wild buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) and the even more endangered hill myna (Graculis religiosa peninsularis) are the untouched places of the state.

Kutumbsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Tirathgarh Falls, Chitrakot Falls (Bastar) Mainpat (Surguja), Keshkal Valley (Kanker), Chaiturgarh (Bilaspur), Bagicha (Jashpur), are all destinations being promoted heavily under the eco-tourism segment.

Heritage tourism is also one the main attractions of the state with sites like Bhoramdeo, Rajim, Sirpur, Tala, Malhar and Sheorinarayan being the prime sites for heritage tourism. Tumhan, Ganiyari, Dhanpur, Janjgir, Sargaon, Kabra hill, Singhanpur, Pujaripali, Harratola, Devgarh, Maheshpur, Laxmangarh, Belsar, Kotadol, Ghaghra, Narayanpur,Dhobani, Devkoot, Durg, Dev Baloda, Sorda, Dhamdha, Navagarh, Gurur, Bhoramdev, Ghatiyari, Ambagarh Chowki, Narayanpal, Bastar,Bhairavgarh, Chhindgaon, Kesharpal, ChhoteDonger, Garh Ghanora being the other important archeological sites.

Festivals like Dusshera at Bastar, Madai at Dantewada and Narainpur, Bhoramdeo, Raut Nacha, Chakradhar Samaroh and Rajim are being marketed to bring the culture of the state to the forefront.

Pilgrim tourism

The state has a large number of Buddhist tourist sites and destinations for pilgrim tourism like Rajim, Champaranya, Dongargarh, Sheorinarayan, Girodhpuri, Dantewada, Ratanpur, Sirpur. Sirpur and Dongargarh are part of the wider Buddhist tourist circuit.

Adventure tourism

Modern adventure sports such as water sports, trekking, rock climbing, parasailing and bungee jumping holds great potential at various sites. The state is also inviting investments in establishment of business-cum-recreation centres to cater to the needs of business travellers. Facilities such as hotels, entertainment and amusement parks, multiplexes, health spas, shopping malls and golf courses are being encouraged.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a traveller's delight. The state offers a wide variety in terms of tourist destinations. From snow-capped mountains, to the meandering rivers, the virgin beaches, the greatest delta in the world, a mangrove forest, West Bengal has everything except a desert.

Shantiniketan: Literally meaning the 'abode of peace', 136 kilometres northwest of the city is the site where Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel winning great poet and visionary established the Vishva Bharati University, a central liberal arts University aimed at promoting the best of Indian culture.

Bishnupur: About 100 kilometres northwest of Kolkata is yet another exciting and hitherto little explored holiday destination. Bishnupur houses unique terracotta temples, each more beautifully embellished than the other. Once the capital of the Malla Kings, Bishnupur is renowned for its crafts - its lanes are filled with expert.

Chandernagore: Around 35 kilometres north of Howrah is the former French settlement of Chandernagore, which still abounds in buildings from that period of history. Though the French left in early last century, the crumbling buildings along the riverside promenade, the Quai Duplexi, now known as the Strand and the Eglise Du Sacre Coeur, which boasts of an image of Joan of Arc bespeak of the region's French legacy.

Bandel: Another site to visit is the Church of Our Lady of the Bandel on the bank of the river Hooghly. An important Catholic pilgrimage centre, this church was consecrated by Portuguese Augustan Friars in 1599.

Digha: The popular beach resort of Digha 175 kilometres southwest and Bakkhali, 80 kilometres south of Diamond Harbour on the eastern side of the Hooghly. The beach is of hard silt and at low tides, stretches for quite a distance. The serene environs of Shankarpur a relatively new and virgin beach near Digha will bring out the poet in you.

Sunderbans: Sagardwip in the Sunderbans is another important destination, especially for the devout for it marks the site where the holy Ganges meets the sea. During the Sagar Mela in January (on Makar Sakranti Day), pilgrims from all parts of India converge here. If you are in the mood for some adventure, then Sajnekhali and the Sunderbans are places where one can encounter the Royal Bengal tiger.

Murshidabad: Murshidabad is yet another city replete with historical monuments. The Hazarduari (palace with a thousand doors) which houses a fascinating museum of old arms, curios, China and paintings; the Jafraganj Deori or Traitors' Gate; the Katt Gola; the Jagat Sett Palace; the Kara Mosque built by Murshid Kuli Khan; Moti Jheel Palace; Khushbagh; the Tope Khana (cannon shed) and the historical mango grove at Plassey where Siraj-ud-daulah took his final stand against the British Forces. It is also great for shopping. Here one can choose from shimmering skills, exquisite ivory carvings, gleaming brassware and traditional handicrafts

Dooars: The main attraction of the Dooars region in is the world-famous Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Gorumara National Park.

Raichak: A newly opened resort, Fort Radisson, which is part of the Radisson chain worldwide with five star facilities and cruises on River Hooghly. Raichak is just two hours drive from the heart of the city.

Orissa

For a tourist, India is an exciting destination; but to be in Orissa in particular, is an unforgettable experience. The state is a tourist's paradise. Apart from the beach of Puri and the Sun Temple at Konark, the state has many things to offer. The Department of Tourism is leaving no stone unturned to promote tourism in the state and increase the flow of both domestic and international tourists into the state. It is trying hard to attract foreign tourists specially from the ASEAN nations with whom its relationship dates back to centuries.

For a discerning traveller, Orissa provides everything in a platter, from sun-kissed beaches, monuments, religious sites to world-famous textiles of the state. The beaches of Orissa has drawn tourists from different parts of the globe, be it Puri, Chandipur or Gopalpur. With almost 500 kilometres of coastline, Orissa can boast of more than half a dozen sea beaches with the crowning glory being the gorgeous seaside of Puri.

Orissa has plenty of wildlife destinations in Similipal, Tikarapara or Bhitarkanika. The brackish water-lake at Chilika with the hordes of migratory birds from Siberia - is a wonder. But what completely bowls over the tourist is its rich cultural history whose landmarks are scattered all over the place. In fact, Orissa is miniature India where history dates back to the days of Emperor Ashoka and much beyond the birth of Christ. The state's capital Bhubaneswar is a city of temples. It combines both the modern tech temples of Infosys and NIIT with the ancient Kalinga architecture of Lingaraj. Soaked in rich traditions, it is good to see the stream of younger generation honing their skills in the modern field of IT. Bhubaneswar is a modern city with a rich past. It is well connected to all the tourist destinations of the state and other parts of the country. The city is emerging as a major business centre and a convention hub. It has one of the biggest convention centres in the region in 'Swosti Plaza' and several international-class hotels.

The government of Orissa has an open mind and is not stifled with traditions. The infrastructure, specially the roadways are excellent in the prominent tourist locations in the state and this makes travelling all the more easy and comfortable. Orissa is a place where different religions converge. The state is the land of Lord Jagannath, the reigning Hindu deity who resides at the holy town of Puri. The visits to the huge 54 meter Lingaraj, the white domed peace pagoda of Dhauli Hills or the Mahavir temple of the Khandagiri hills can reveal the convergence of the different faiths of India -Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

A visit to the 35 km long Gahirmatha coast, the world's largest rookery for the Olive Ridley turtles, which travel in millions from as far as the south of the Pacific Ocean every year to nest, is another lifetime opportunity. So will be the visits to Satkosia Gorge where the giant Mahanadi river meanders through 22 kms of thick forest.

The Chandaka elephant reserve, Ushakothi sanctuary are all part of a rich natural heritage of Orissa. The open-air zoo of Nandankanan is also a wonderful place for the wildlife lover. The Chilika Lake- the bird watchers' paradise - has always been a centre of attraction in Orissa.

The myriad expression of Orissa's water resources is perhaps the strongest elements of its tourism. Orissa has in addition to offer the brackish water wonder of Chilika and the astounding waterfalls of Khandadhar, Joranda, Sanghagara, Phurli Jharan and many more.

Orissa has numerous fairs and festivals. One of the most attractive one is the Konark festival, the five-day presentation of the best classical dances of the country. The festival brings into focus modernity with tradition. But the biggest is the 'Rathayatra', the Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, which draws millions of tourists from the country and abroad.

Jharkhand

When Jharkhand was segregated from Bihar and carved out as a new state few years ago, critics were skeptical about the fortunes of the 28th state of the Indian Union. But the indomitable spirit of its people, the pro-active state administration, huge deposits of mineral the state possesses has helped it to be on the fast-track of industrial development and growth.

In erstwhile Bihar tourism was not given its due share of importance and financial support. The present Jharkhand region got a meagre share out of the already small budget that was available to this sector. Once Jharkhand, state came into being the state government removed this hurdle and the annual budget for tourism was increased manifold. The present government headed by Madhu Kora has accorded top-most priority on promotion of tourism in the state.

S K Choudhary, principal secretary, department of tourism, Government of Jharkhand, says, "At present the state hardly gets any foreign tourists, with the kind of initiatives undertaken by the state government, foreign tourist traffic is bound to shoot up in the next three years." Keeping this mind the state tourism department has embarked on an aggressive marketing and promotion exercise. It is participating in major travel and tourism marts in the country and abroad.

Harinarayan Rai, the state tourism minister led a high-level delegation to WTM London, which also included senior tourism department officials. It also participated at ITB, Berlin and as an 'Emerging Destination' at Indian Express Group's exhibition TravelWorld 2007 in Mumbai.

Religious tourism is one of the most important segments, according to Choudhary. To improve infrastructure in these places, the state tourism department is facilitating the creation of tourist bungalows, yatri niwas, lodges, wayside facilities and resorts with private participation on the PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) model. In order to attract more foreign tourists into Jharkhand, the state government has also identified the famous Ranchi-Netarhat-Betla circuit for developing tourism and also an inter-religious circuit in Parasnath temple.

The state has many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries. The major responsibility of upkeeping these places lie with the forest department but the tourism department is doing its best to cater to the needs of the tourists like accommodation, clean toilets, drinking water, parking facilities, improvement of general ambience etc wherever permitted by the Forest Department.

Adventure tourism is being promoted in the state in a big way. Special adventure festivals are being organised at various locations like Giridih, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Netarhat and Dumka. There are participating items like boating, water skiing, rock climbing, para-sailing etc. Jharkhand is undoubtedly a treasure-house of herbal plants and forest resources. More than 1,500 herbal plants are found in the country and a huge chunk of them is found in the state. The state therefore has immense potential for eco-tourism.

The department has received several proposals from domestic and international hospitality groups to set up star-category hotels in the state. Among them the InterContinental, the Taj Group and the Oberois have evinced keen interest to set up hospitality projects in the state. In the next few years, Ranchi will have three to four hotels in the three- to five-star category, feel industry experts. To provide skilled and trained manpower to the hospitality industry, the centre has already decided to set up an Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition in Ranchi.

To attract private investments into the sector, the state government has declared tourism as an industry and all the incentives announced in the State Industrial Policy is available to the private investors in the tourism sector in terms of allotment of land, single-window clearance, tax-incentive, electricity connection etc. In November 2007, National Games is being organised at Ranchi and the urban and sports infrastructure in the city will get a complete overhaul including the Birsa Munda Airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has plans to upgrade the facilities at the airport including setting up a new terminal building.

Tripura

The small princely state of Tripura acceded to the Indian Union in 1949. It represents a composite culture with several ethnic groups residing in the state. Though the cultural heritage of one community differs from the other, the multifaceted efforts have mingled them into a single whole giving birth to a unique cultural genre.

Agartala, the capital city of the state, is a famous tourist destination. The famous royal house named Ujjayanta Palace, at the heart of the city, covering an area of one square kilometer was built by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya in 1901. The palace has huge Mughal style gardens, beautified by pools and fountains. Flood lighting and fountains have also added to its beauty.

The picturesque Neermahal or the Lake Palace built in 1930 by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya is a summer resort located at a distance of about 53 kilometres from Agartala. The palace bore testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the state. The palace located in the centre of the lake is a good assimilation of both the Hindu and Muslim architectural design. The department of tourism has taken pains to decorate the palace by laying gardens and lighting it up.

Unakoti another important tourist destination of the state is situated at a distance of about 178 kilometres from Agartala. The stone and rock cut images on the hill slopes belong to the eleventh and twelveth centuries. 'Unakoti' in Bengali, means one less than a crore. The rocky walls, the central Siva head and the gigantic Ganesh figures are other attractions. An important festival of the state followed by a big fair popularly known as 'Ashokastami Fair' is held at Unakoti Tirtha in the month of March/April every year.

Jampui Hills situated at an altitude of 3,000 above the sea level, is about 250 kilometres from the capital. It is famous for its scenic beauty, oranges and orchid growing areas. An annual orange festival is held which draws tourists from different parts of the country.

Pilak situated at a distance of 1,000 kilometres from Agartala, is a place of attraction for its archaeological remains of the eighth and ninth centuries. The number of terracotta plaques, sealing with stupa and stone images of Avolokitesvara including the image of Narasimhan have been found there which dates back to the Buddhist period.

The religious people of the state regard Tripura Sundari Temple, as one of the most revered places. The temple, which is situated at a distance of about 55 kilometres from Agartala, is located on a hilltop at Udaipur. It is regarded as one of the 51 pithas of the Hindu pilgrimage. It consists of a square type sanctum of the typical Bengali hut type and was constructed by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya in 1501 AD. The lake in front of the temple has added to its beauty. Thousands of devotees visit this temple round the year particularly during Diwali when an annual Lamp festival is held in this district town. Tripura is a state inhabited by various ethnic groups. Cultural heritage of one community differs from the other. Tripura can be aptly termed a 'laboratory' of cultural synthesis.