World Tourism Day 2018: India’s Most Popular Tourist Destinations

By- Md. Mojahid Raza

Bhubaneswar: World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on 27 September around the world, is observed to raise awareness about tourism and its actual as well as potential contribution to sustainable development. Toursim is an important sector which contributes immensely to the growth and development of an economy. Besides economic importance, tourism also highlights the cultural and architectural heritage of a country.

This year’s World Tourism Day (WTD) aims to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of assimilating continued growth with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. The importance of digital technologies in tourism, providing opportunities for innovation and preparing the sector for the future of work, is at the centre of World Tourism Day 2018.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, here is a quick look at some of the famous tourist places in India which see large footfall round the year besides culturally representing India abroad.

• Agra

Located in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is home to the magnificient Taj Mahal which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Often termed as the most beautiful building in the world, the Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahaan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Besides Taj, Agra is also famous for Fatehpur Sikri fort complex and Akbar’s Tomb as well as Itmad-ud-Daula’s tomb in Sikandra.

• Delhi

India’s capital city is a thriving metropolitan full of numerous tourist places dating back to hundreds of years. The city is a heaven for tourists and houses structures from the Turkish, Mughal as well as the British era. Some of the important tourist landmarks in Delhi are Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk market, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Safdarjung’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple and Akashardham Temple.

• Jaipur

Founded in 1727 by Sawai Raja Jai Singh, Jaipur is the proud capital of Rajasthan. Called ‘Pink City’ for its spectacular sandstone structures, the city is full of royal buildings which exude the opulence and aura of Rajput glory. Some of the important tourist landmarks in Jaipur include Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Man Sagar Lake and the salt-water Sambhar Lake.

• Kashmir

Often called ‘Jannat’ or ‘Paradise on Earth’, Kashmir is home to some of the most spectacular scenes of nature. The valley changes colour every season- from an alluring green in summers to fiery red in autumn to icy white in winters. Visitors are awe-struck not just by the natural beauty but also by the hospitality and warmth of Kashmiris towards tourists and visitors. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Chenab Valley, Ladakh, Pahalgam and Patnitop are some of the key tourist destinations of Kashmir.

• Varanasi

Situated on the banks of river Ganges, Varanasi is a holy town which is synonymous with temples and holy structures. From the scenic river ghats to the majestic Ramnagar Fort, Varanasi will leave you spellbound in the first sight itself. Tourists lose themselves in the narrow alleys, colourful markets and serene ghats of the city besides relishing the yummy Balushahis, Chaat and Kachoris which speak of the food culture of Benaras. The holy city boosts of many important buildings like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedha Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Gyanwapi Mosque, Bharat Mata Mandir, Banaras Hindu University, Sankat Mochan Mandir and Manikarnika ghat.

Also Read: Top Holiday Destinations In India Where You Can Head This Monsoon