Tourism in India Essay Example

50; next was Mumbai at rank 57; and finally Agra secured the 65th spot. The Travel ; Tourism Competitiveness Report in 2011 placed India at twenty-eighth out of a total of 139 countries assessed globally on price competitiveness within their tourism sector. This report also praised satisfactory air transport facilities (39th) along with commendable ground transportation infrastructure (43rd), given India's level of development. However areas like hotel accommodations and ATM availability need improvement within its tourism framework. The government has identified a shortage of approximately150k hotel rooms - primarily budget hotels.

The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for creating national policies and promoting tourism. It works closely with other stakeholders such as Central Ministries, state governments, Union Territories, and the private sector. The Ministry aims to encourage various forms of tourism like rural, cruise, medical, and eco-tourism. Additionally, it manages the Incredible India campaign, which highlights India's rich history and diverse cultural and geographical attractions, making it an appealing destination for international tourists.

The text underscores a variety of tourism categories such as heritage, cultural, medical, business and sports. It further provides details pertaining to various Indian states and their associated tourism data. The information includes statistics about tourism in respective states along with the existence of historical monuments, nature-based tourist spots (like wildlife reserves, hill stations, lakes and beaches), world heritage sites and adventure tourism activities. There's a specific mention of Andhra Pradesh highlighting its picturesque hills, forests and beaches along with temples and the modern cityscape of Hyderabad renowned for its advancements in ITES, biotechnology and information technology.

Hyderabad is renowned for its rich historical heritage, cultural customs and stunning

architecture, acting as a unique fusion point between North and South India. Andhra Pradesh, with its linguistically diverse inhabitants, boasts an array of spiritual pilgrimage destinations. Tirupati is famed as the second richest religious spot globally, regularly attracting devotees and identified as Lord Venkateswara's dwelling place. Srisailam carries significant importance being one of India's twelve Jyothirlingalu and is acknowledged as Sri Mallikarjuna's residence. The Pancharamams include the Shiva temple at Amaravathi while Vemulavada temple - a historic sanctuary devoted to Lord Shiva - has gained notoriety as Dakshina Kashi or the Benaras equivalent in Southern India.

Vemulavada temple, constructed by the Chalukya Kings between AD 750 and 975, is a significant religious site. Another popular destination is Yadagirigutta, where Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu, is worshiped. The Naubath Pahad is home to the Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. This temple, made entirely of white marble, is located in Hyderabad. The Ramappa Temple and Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal are renowned tourist attractions that exemplify the artistic prowess and temple carvings of the Kakatiya dynasty. Additionally, Warangal hosts Medaram, which is known for the "Sammakka Saralamma Jatara," Asia's largest tribal fair and festival.

Recognized as one of India's top Christian pilgrimage destinations, the Gunadala Matha Shrine is situated in Vijayawada City. Each year, it sees a large number of visitors who are bound together by their profound faith in the merciful Blessed Mother Lady of Lourdes and belief in her motherly blessings. The shrine experiences a surge of devotees particularly from areas such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka during its annual festivity held every February. Meanwhile, Basar's

Gnana Saraswati Temple deserves special mention for its esteemed standing among Saraswati Temples across India.

Renowned centers of Buddhism include Amaravathi in Guntur District, Nagarjuna Konda in Bhattiprolu, Mangalagiri close to Vijaywada City, Ghantasala and Nelakondapalli both located in Krishna District, Dhulikatta in Karim Nagar District, and Lingapalem in West Godavari District. Other significant locations encompass Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Sankaram, Phanigiri, and Kolanpaka. Noteworthy pilgrimage spots and temples consist of the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple which is recognized as Lord Venkateswara's dwelling place. It is positioned in Tirupathi City and stands as the richest religious center that commands the highest number of visitors globally.

Kanaka Durga Temple, situated in Vijayawada City, is one of the Shakti Peetam's. Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple, located in Vemulawada, is a famous and highly visited Lord Shiva temple. Sri Mallikaruna Temple in Srisilam Town is one of the Jyothirlingam's. Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narashima Temple is situated near Vizag City at Simhachalam. Another notable temple is Sri Kalashastiswara Temple in Srikalahasti Town. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, also known as china Tirupathi, can be found in Dwaraka Tirumala Town. Lastly, there is Sri Amaralingeswara Swami Temple, one of the Pancharama's, located in Amaravathi Town.

Sri Someswara Swami Temple, one of the Pancharama temples, is located in Bhimavaram Town. Sri Kshira Rama Lingeswara Swami Temple, another Pancharama temple, is located in Palakol town. Bhadrakali Temple is situated in the city of Warangal. Sri Bhimeswara Swami Temple, also a Pancharama temple, is located in Rama Chandra Puram Town. Sri Satyanarayana Swami Temple is found in Annavaram near Rajahmundry city. Ramappa Temple is situated near Warangal City. Arasavali Temple is the second-best

Sun God's temple in India and is located 3 km away from Srikakulam, almost on the shore of the Bay Of Bengal.

Lord Vishnu's Kurma Avataram form is venerated at the Srikurmam Temple, situated near Srikakulam on the Bay of Bengal. The Rama Lingeswara Swamy Temple, one of Lord Shiva's many sanctuaries located in Yanamalakuduru village near Vijayawada, observes Shiva Rathri with immense fervor. Andhra Pradesh boasts a multitude of ancient temples. Noteworthy sites include the Charminar which is nestled in Hyderabad's Old City centre, Golkonda Fort - the grandest and most historic fort that has been around for 400 years, Makka Masjid positioned in Hyderabad City, Ramoji Film City which holds the distinction of being the world's largest film city based in Hyderabad City and Kilash Giri which offers scenic mountain views along with a beach located in Vizag City.

The Warangal Fort, built by the Kakatiya before the 13th century, reflects the culture of the Telugu people. King Rudra Deva constructed the Thousand Pillar Temple in 1163 AD, showcasing the Kakatiyan style of architecture from the 12th century. The Bhimili Beach is a beautiful beach near Vizag City, while the Araku Valley is often referred to as Andhra Ooty and is also located near Vizag City. The Borra Caves, formed one million years ago, are situated near Vizag City and belong to Odisha. Lastly, Surendrapuri is a unique Mythological Awareness Centre located near Yadagirigutta, 60 km from Hyderabad.

Thimmamma Marrimanu, recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989 as the World's Largest Banyan Tree, covers an area of approximately 5 acres (2.1 ha) and is located around 35

kilometers from Kadiri and 100 kilometers from Anantapur. Bhavani Islands, situated near Vijayawada, is a distinct tourist spot offering both accommodation and attractions. Moreover, Lepakshi houses the world's largest Nandi (Bull) monolith that measures 27 feet long and 15 feet high. You can find Lepakshi situated eastwards of Hindupur by about 15 kilometers, approximately105 kilometers away from Anantapur, and roughly northwards of Bangalore by about120 kilometers.

Prakasam Barrage is a well-known bridge constructed by the British Government in remembrance of Tanguturi Prakasam. It is the top tourist spot to visit in Vijayawada. Kolleru Lake is a famous lake located between Krishna and West Godavari District. The golden beaches at Visakhapatnam, the limestone caves at Borra which are one million years old, the scenic Araku Valley, the hill resorts of Horsley Hills, the river Godavari racing through a narrow gorge at Papi Kondalu, and the waterfalls at Ettipotala and Kuntala, as well as the rich bio-diversity at Talakona, are some of the natural attractions of the state.

Visakhapatnam is a hub for numerous tourist sites such as the INS Karasura Submarine museum, Yarada Beach, Araku Valley, VUDA Park, and Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens. The climate in Andhra Pradesh is typically tropical with the most favorable time to visit being from November to January. Traveling during the monsoon season from June to September is generally not recommended. Rajahmundry also provides an array of fascinating Engineering and Architectural highlights like Godavari Bridge, Papi Hills, Iskon Temple, Tantikonda, Sir Arthur Cotton Museum, Pushkar Ghat, and Gowthami Ghat.

Every 12 years, a unique festival called Pushkaram is celebrated along the Godavari river and attracts 4-5 crore people

to Rajahmundry. Golkonda, a ruined city in south-central India, was the capital of the medival kingdom of Golkonda (c. 1364–1512) and is located 11 km west of Hyderabad. The Kakatiya King was the main builder of Golkonda, following the traditions of his ancestors, the Qutub Shahi kings, who ruled the kingdom from 1512.

The Golkonda fortress citadel was first rebuilt for defense against invading Mughals from the north. The architects of the citadel laid out the now-ruined splendid monuments of Golkonda. They also designed an impressive acoustical system, allowing a clap to be heard from the fort's main gates all the way to the top of the citadel, which is situated on a 300-foot (91 m)-high granite hill. This unique feature of the fort is truly fascinating. In the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata, Arunachal Pradesh is mentioned. Snowfall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh is known as well.

The Prabhu Mountains, as mentioned in the Puranas, are believed to be this location. It is known for being the place where sage Parashuram cleansed himself of his sins, sage Vyasa meditated, King Bhishmaka founded his realm and Lord Krishna wedded Rukmini. Numerous fragmented archaeological finds across Arunachal Pradesh testify to its rich cultural past. Arunachal Pradesh, a peaceful territory located at India's northeastern extremity, entices you to relax amidst its scenic hills and valleys while appreciating its agreeable weather and engaging with its friendly inhabitants. They uphold a proud legacy of artistry and customs coupled with lively celebrations that mirror their profound belief in nature's relentless strength. Visitors have an array of choices at their disposal; they can discover religious sites like Parasuramkund or

the ancient Tawang Monastery which is 400 years old; they may also visit archaeological attractions like Malinithan or Itanagar. Places offering serene beauty such as Ganga Lake or Sela Lake provide another option. Moreover one can enjoy the stunning vista of snow-clad mountainscapes and verdant meadows teeming with various flora and fauna species.

Furthermore, the region provides a multitude of recreational options including fishing, sailing, river rafting, mountain climbing and hiking. It takes pride in its numerous wildlife reserves and national parks filled with unique flora and fauna that attract tourists. The local community's profound love for the splendor of nature is reflected in their captivating music, dance and craftsmanship. The weather conditions are diverse throughout the area; whereas the Shivalik range has hot, humid climate with substantial rainfall, it progressively becomes chillier as one moves towards the north to elevated altitudes.

Known for its verdant landscapes dotted with towering trees, numerous climbers, and ample cane and bamboo, Arunachal Pradesh is often dubbed as the "nature's treasure trove". This label comes from its rich biodiversity, including a collection of over six hundred distinct orchid species that flourish in various altitudes and climates across the region. Conversely, Assam holds a central position in India's North-East Region and serves as a portal to the remaining Seven Sister States. Notable features include tourist draws like Kaziranga National Park, home to the Indian Rhinoceros.

The text talks about the attractions of Assam, including famous wildlife preserves like Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. It mentions that these two parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other attractions include Nameri National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

Assam is also known for the largest river island, Majuli, which is famous for its Vaishnavite Sattras. Additionally, the text mentions the historic city of Sivasagar, known for its ancient monuments from the Ahom Kingdom, the romantic city of Tezpur, and the scenic tea-estates dating back to the time of British rule. The weather in Assam is mostly sub-tropical.

Assam, a region known for its thick forests and the Indian monsoon, is best visited between October and April during winter. Heritage sites like Madan Kamdev, around 30 km from Guwahati and often likened to Khajuraho, are prominent attractions. The Gopeswar Mandir in Deuduar village near Guwahati is another ancient temple worth visiting. Assam's cultural history extends back to the Ahom Kingdom era prior to British colonization.

The composition underscores several remarkable aspects of a northeastern Indian region. Noteworthy points of interest include the Brahmaputra River, the enigma surrounding bird suicides in Jatinga, and an array of temples such as Kamakhya Temple and Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur or Damdama Sahib at Dhubri. The Gurudwara is situated in Dhubri town's center, alongside the Brahmaputra river. It bears historical importance due to Guru Teg Bahadur, a revered Sikh guru who visited this site in 1505 and met with Srimanta Sankardeva - founder of Mahapuruxiya Dharma during his voyage from Dhaka to Assam. Visitors also have opportunities to explore palace ruins and other attractions within the region.

Noted for its thriving markets, religious sites, and nature reserves, Guwahati serves as the capital of Assam. On the other hand, Bihar is renowned for its attractions like the Mahabodhi Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site it hosts. Boasting

a history that spans across 3000 years, this state is among the world's oldest inhabited regions continuously. The rich cultural heritage of Bihar can be seen in numerous ancient monuments scattered throughout eastern India. Historical figures such as Aryabhata, Great Ashoka and Chanakya have called this place home. Patna is Bihar's capital city known for its splendid architecture and profound historical relevance; it stands tall among notable places to visit within these boundaries.

Bodh Gaya, located in Gaya, is famous as the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Muzaffarpur is recognized for its prestigious educational institutions. Kesariya is home to the world's largest Buddhist Stupa. Nalanda holds a reputation for having one of the world's oldest universities. Sasaram serves as the burial place of Sher Shah Suri, an important Emperor in medieval India. The Sonepur Cattle Fair or Sonepur Mela, touted as Asia's largest cattle fair, lasts anywhere between fifteen days and a month. Takht Sri Patna Sahib is revered as an important Sikh pilgrimage spot and it also marks the birthplace of the tenth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.

The historic Darbhanga city, renowned for its signature Maharaja Forts and Kali Mandir, is situated in Bihar. The globally distinctive Bihar School of Yoga, alongside sacred sites like Shakti Peethas, can be found in Munger. Deoghar has a reputation as an important Hindu pilgrimage site home to Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra's Satsang Ashram at Satsang Nagar. Vaishali carries significant historical relevance being the birthplace and initial 22 years' residence of Lord Mahavir. Various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Islam hold substantial importance across Bihar.

Bihar is

renowned for its significant attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabodhi Temple, and India's oldest rock-cut caves, the Barabar Caves. It also boasts of owning the Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library, which is the oldest library in India. Conversely, even though Chhattisgarh is a relatively newer state than Bihar, it holds rich historical artifacts from ancient civilizations that can be explored by visitors. Besides being home to splendid natural landscapes inclusive of waterfalls, mountains and forests with diverse wildlife, Chhattisgarh has 41.33% forest cover giving it the epithet 'Green State'. This factor contributes to making this region one of India's most biodiversity-rich areas.

Chhattisgarh boasts numerous must-see attractions for tourists, including the Chitrakot Waterfalls, Kutumsar Caves, locales such as Ramgarh and Sita Bengra, the Bhoramdeo temple, and places like Sirpur, Rajim, Ratanpur and Malhar. The Kakotal town is also recognized for its stunning waterfall. Shifting to Delhi - India's capital city - it presents a distinct fusion of tradition and modernity. As an amalgamation of various cultures and faiths with a rich past shaped by erstwhile empires that governed India. These dynasties have left their unique architectural imprints throughout this urban landscape.

Delhi is famous for its wide range of historical landmarks and sites including the Tughlaqabad Fort, Qutub Minar, Purana Quila, Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort and Safdarjung's Tomb. The city also features modern marvels such as Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Laxminarayan Temple, Lotus temple and Akshardham Temple. Delhi stands out for its British colonial architecture which is marked by spacious roads and tree-lined boulevards. Additionally, it hosts a variety of political landmarks,national museums Islamic shrines

Hindu temples green parks and trendy shopping centers. Meanwhile Goa is known for its beach resorts.

Formerly a Portuguese territory, Goa is a prominent tourist hotspot in India, celebrated for its scenic beaches, historical Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and wildlife reserves. Key attractions to visit in Goa include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mangueshi Temple, Dudhsagar Falls and Shantadurga. The Wax World Museum located in Old Goa showcases various wax statues representing Indian history and cultural heritage. The well-known Goa Carnival is globally recognized for its colorful masks and floats exhibited along with energetic drum rhythms combined with enthralling dance acts. Gujarat is another significant travel location in India.[edit]

The article mainly discussing Gujarat tourism features the Palitana temple complex, a sprawling assembly of over 863 temples located on Shatrunjaya hills. Each of these temples is detailed with intricate marble carvings. Positioned in the western region, Gujarat is India's seventh-largest state and boasts the country's longest coastline at 1600 km. It ranks tenth in popularity among tourists with an impressive annual visitor count of 18.9 million people.[8] From the breathtaking beauty of the Great Rann of Kutch to the towering Satpura hills, Gujarat provides scenic splendor. It also holds distinction as being Asia's important protected areas and is unique for being home to pure Asiatic Lions.

Originating from the Sultanate era, the Indo-Saracenic architectural style represents a fusion of Hindu aesthetics and Islamic architectural concepts. This unique blend is evident in various structures across Gujarat. The state holds historical significance as it was the birthplace of renowned Indian independence movement leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhai Patel. It also provides

diverse tourism opportunities including Business, Archeological ; Heritage, Cultural, Religious, Wildlife and Medical Tourism to suit different tourist interests. Currently, Amitabh Bachchan serves as the brand ambassador for Gujarat Tourism.

Ahmedabad is viewed as an ideal hub for touring all the sights in Gujarat. Haryana boasts a myriad of sacred sites that are both religiously significant and steeped in history. Pilgrims from around the world visit Haryana's holy places throughout the year to seek divine grace and eternal joy. The state's rich historical and cultural legacy is reflected in its numerous spiritual locations, offering immense fulfillment to visitors.

Significant "Pilgrimage Sites" situated in Haryana encompass the historic site of "Kurukshetra", closely associated with Lord Krishna and Arjuna, and is regarded as the cradle of Hindu tradition. This holy land acted as a platform for insightful dialogues between the brave and mighty warrior "Arjuna" and his celestial mentor, "Lord Krishna". Jyotisar is yet another vital location, an age-old spot that cultivates the fundamental principles and doctrines intrinsic to Hinduism - one of the world's most ancient religions.

Thanesar holds significance due to its association with the sacred "Bhagwad Gita", a holy text of the "Hindus", which was composed here. This place is also renowned for housing two key religious shrines, namely the "Sthanesvar Mahadev Temple" and the "Ma Bhadra Kali Temple". These temples draw a large number of devotees all year round. Conversely, Pehowa is a hallowed ground where Hindus perform prayers for their departed loved ones and conduct the ritual of "Pind Daan" to free them from reincarnation.

Panchkula, known for its picturesque landscapes, provides visitors with an array of locations

that hold both religious and historical significance, including "Morni hills" and "Tikkar Taal". Close by is the renowned Dhosi Hill in Narnaul, notable for Rishi Chaywan's Ashram from the Vedic era and its production of Chyawanprash along with other herbal concoctions. Himachal Pradesh, famed for its breathtaking Himalayan scenery and well-liked hill-stations, serves as a perfect spot for indulging in outdoor sports such as skiing.

Himachal Pradesh, known for its diverse range of outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, mountain biking, ice-skating, heli-skiing and paragliding, is a preferred destination among tourists. Its capital city, Shimla which houses the Kalka-Shimla Railway - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts numerous visitors and is also renowned as a prime skiing spot in India. Other remarkable hill stations include Kasauli and Manali. Dharamshala is revered for its Buddhist temples and Tibetan monasteries; it's also home to Dalai Lama and acts as the launch pad for various trekking trails. Jammu and Kashmir [edit]

Main article: Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir The northernmost state of India, Jammu & Kashmir, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes. It's distinguished by its exquisite scenery, ancient mosques and temples, Hindu and Muslim holy places, palaces, gardens, and strongholds. Approximately 4 million Hindu followers are drawn to the Amarnath holy shrines situated in the Kashmir Valley each year. Likewise, Vaishno Devi attracts a large number of Hindu devotees annually. The historic sites in Jammu display an impressive blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural designs. Consequently, tourism significantly contributes to Kashmir's economy.

Frequently referred to as "Heaven on Earth", the mesmerizing mountainous scenery of Kashmir has been a magnet for tourists over the years.

Significant sites worth visiting in Kashmir encompass Dal Lake, Srinagar Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Yeusmarg, and Mughal Gardens. Its exceptional natural charm positions it as an ideal location for adventure tourism within South Asia. In recent times, Ladakh has risen to fame as a center for adventure tourism in the Greater Himalaya area. Often likened to the "moon on earth", Ladakh is defined by its sheer peaks and profound gorges. The capital city of Ladakh, Leh, is similarly experiencing growing interest from visitors.

In the year 2009, Karnataka attracted 2.7 million tourists, making it the second most visited tourist destination and ranking fifth in the list of most preferred states for tourism in India [10][11]. The area is well-known for its impressive number of national protected monuments, with a total count of 507 [11]. Its rich cultural heritage has been shaped by numerous dynasties including the Kadambas, Western Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagaras and Kingdom of Mysore among others who have ruled over this region [12][13]. These reigning powers erected magnificent structures that showcased their deep reverence towards Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.

The preserved monuments in Karnataka can be found at various locations including Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Mahakuta, Hampi, Lakshmeshwar, Sudi, Hooli, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Lakkundi, Gadag, Hangal, Halasi, Galaganatha, Chaudayyadanapura, Banavasi, Belur, Halebidu, Sringeri, Shravanabelagola, Sannati, Nanjangud, Mysore, Nandi Hills, Kolar, Mudabidri, Gokarna, Bagali and Kuruvatti. Additionally, Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur and other parts of the state have notable Islamic monuments. The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is home to the second largest pre-modern dome globally, only surpassed by the Byzantine Hagia Sophia. Karnataka is proud to have two World Heritage sites located at

Hampi and Pattadakal.

Bellary, renowned for its historic forts designed by Tippu Sulthan for defense, is situated in Karnataka. This state is well-known not only for its impressive waterfalls including Jog falls in Shimoga District - one of Asia's tallest - but also for its 21 wildlife sanctuaries, five National parks and a variety of over 500 bird species. Karnataka boasts stunning beaches at Karwar, Gokarna, Murdeshwara, and Surathkal. It offers amazing rock climbing opportunities at several sites such as Yana in Uttara Kannada district; Chitradurga Fort; Ramnagara near Bengaluru; Shivagange in Tumkur district; and Tekal in Kolar district. Another major attraction is the Utsav Rock Garden located in Shiggaon, Uttar Kannada.

Kerala aka "God's own country" stands out due to its unique houseboats. Nestled on the tropical Malabar Coast of south-western India, Kerala has been recognized as one of the world's top ten paradises by National Geographic owing to its commendable Eco-tourism efforts coupled with distinct culture, traditions and diverse population making it an extremely sought-after destination among tourists visiting India. Tourism contributes significantly to Kerala’s economy which is growing at a rate of 13.31% annually.

The state of Kerala is renowned for its tropical backwaters and beautiful beaches like Kovalam. Popular attractions in the area include the beaches at Kovalam, Kappad, Muzhuppilangad, Cherai, and Varkala. Additionally, there are stunning hill stations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi, and Wayanad. Forts like Bekal Fort in Kanhangad and St. Angelo's Fort in Kannur draw visitors as well. Nature enthusiasts can explore the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam. The backwaters region, centered around Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada, is a vast network

of interconnected rivers, lakes, and canals that attract many tourists.

Some famous heritage sites include the Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace. Cities like Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Trivandrum are popular for shopping and traditional theatrical performances. The Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), claimed to be Asia's largest shopping festival, was established in 2007 and has since become an annual event held in December-January. During this time, stores registered under the GKSF offer a wide range of discounts, VAT refunds, and more.

The Festival in Kerala transforms the entire state into a huge shopping mall, including both big and small industries. Shoppers receive gift coupons for a fixed amount of purchase, which enter them into weekly and mega lucky draws. The state's tourism agenda promotes environmentally sustainable tourism, emphasizing local culture, wilderness adventures, volunteering, and personal growth for the local population.

Initiatives are in progress to minimize the negative effects of traditional tourism on nature and at the same time enhance the protection of local cultures. TOURIST DESTINATIONS Madhya Pradesh [edit] Main Article: Tourism in Madhya Pradesh Known as the "Heart of India" because of its central position, Madhya Pradesh displays a vast cultural diversity that includes Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The region is adorned with an array of monuments, intricately designed temples, stupas, forts and palaces.

Khajuraho's temples, globally recognized for their explicit sculptures, have been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gwalior is renowned for its fort, Jai Vilas Palace and the burial sites of Rani Lakshmibai, Md. Ghaus & Tansen. Frequently referred to as the Tiger State, Madhya Pradesh is home to a significant number of

tigers and features famous national parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgadh,