Your Indian Vacation And Its Tourism

Indian vacation is currently among the most popular vacations.  Tourism has become one of the largest service industry in India.  The geographic diversity, culture wonders and different traditions have lured more and more foreign and domestic visitors to India.  Aside from these wonders, the Indian hospitality which can be defined by the motto “Athidhi Devo Bhava” or  “when the guest is treated as God”  has been among the major reasons for tourists to return to India for more.

India is gifted with natural wonders like the large known mammals like the Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant.  There are about 75 national parks in India and 421 sanctuaries, providing safe home to among the animals which are globally protected.  Aside from its wildlife, India is also known for its flora and outstanding and scenic views, like the white sand beaches, valleys and hills, forests and deserts.

There are also historic monuments, palaces, forts and other architectural sights like the well –known Taj Mahal built between 1631 to 1653 as a tomb for the emperor’s wife.   Aside from these monuments there are also temples like the Golden Temple in Punjab.  Others could get interested in the temples dedicated for the celebration of love, sexuality, coupling and worship in Khajuraho.

In 2005, a study conducted by the World Travel and Tourism Council showed that India has become the fastest growing Asia-Pacific market for international tourist spending.  In the next ten years, there is an estimate of 18.8 percent growth in terms of Indian tourism.   This last three years had showed that Australian and British foreigners have increased.   Australians had a record figure of 1.000.000 visitors, while British visitors who are both in business and leisure trip had reached 3,000,000, according to Indian Tour Operators Promotion Council.

If you would analyze the amount of earning of India on tourism, its even bigger than the earnings of United States.  Last 2005, India saw an earning of US $ 6.9 billion from foreign tourists, while, US earned US $ of 3.1 billion.   This was also the fastest year for tourism earnings in India to increase, there was an estimated increase of 36 percent in tourist earnings.

But statistics lately on Indian vacation seems to be the largest.  In 2008, Indians were already welcoming 5 million foreign tourists every year.  Translated into earnings, it would be equivalent to  US $100 billion and is expected to grow by 9.4 percent until 2018.

The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007, India ranked to be 6th in terms of price and 39th in terms of safety and security.  In international surveys, India has become one of the top five tourist hot spots in the world.  Foreign tourists vacations peak on October to February.  Foreigners would not only make leisure trips, but also for business trips.

In spite of all the raves about Indian tourism, there are also travel advisories that a vacationer should always keep in mind.    According to the Indian Tour Operators Promotion Council here are some things that we should keep in mind during our Indian escapades:

• Every country has its terrorism as a threat, there has been incidents of Indian bombings in the past.  Security has already been tightened in major cities in India, however, if making plans if it is important to consider hat kind of places are known to be targets of terrorist acts.

• There are also some areas in India that has ongoing political strife, it would be best to avoid these kinds of places.  It is best to get updated if there are any places were political stress is happening.

• There are also places that should be avoided because of their instability.  For example are Jammu and Kashmir areas are better to be avoided since of an ongoing dispute between these Indian locations and nearby Pakistan.

• Natural catastrophe can struck anytime, anywhere.  India has active seismic zones and are subject to earthquakes. There are also some coastal places in India where cyclones could happen.

• There are also local customs and laws that are followed and should be abided by the visitors, too.  This would be behaviour and dress code in northern India and religious places.  Also, homosexuality and its acts are illegal in India and would involve severe penalties.

• There are also necessary precautions that should be taken against mosquito and water-borne disease like malaria, cholera, dengue and typhoid to ensure that you will be having a healthy Indian vacation

Vacation Planning: Preparing Your Indian Vacation

An American survey done in 2006 showed that about 36 percent of Americans do not have any plans of spending their pad vacation time.  But there are studies showing that having a vacation could actually make workers more productive.  If you are one of that 36 percent and would like to experience an international vacation for the first time, then an Indian vacation would be great for you.

India is very much diverse and offers a lot for a first-time international traveller.  Its varied geography offers a first-time visitor different options, whether it is the white sand beaches, rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and plush forests and wildlife.   There are too many sights to see, too many things to do, but  so little time.  In any vacation, even if it is not in India,  it is important to incorporate planning.  This would help you save time and at the same ensure that everybody would be having a good time.

Research and Planning

The first thing that should be done is to identify which facet of India you and your co-travellers are interested in.  This would give you time to identify the activities that you want and the places that would suit your interests.  You can already make or plan the itinerary based on this and even start looking for inexpensive and travel deals.

When planning a vacation, research is important.  The internet has many information about travelling agencies and guides that have sufficient knowledge about Indian vacation and hot spots.  Aside from that, there are also different travelling websites that have a forum for travellers and vacationers where you can exchange information about the places you would like to visit and some travelling tips.  You can even have an idea of the places you would like to go to by checking pictures and videos.

When doing the planning, it is very important to plan even the details:  the departure, the return and preparing for different situations.   You can even have a family meeting before the vacation, to discuss different situations and how to handle them.  This would prepare you and your family and at the same ensure that everybody would be having a great time.

When planning a vacation, you don’t just plan about the places you would like to visit.  Estimation of the total cost of the vacation is important.  Budget would also include food costs, transportation while on the vacation, accommodations and other activities.  This is why it is important to also get the costs when doing your research.

Another thing to remember is that India has a diverse geography, climate is also diverse.  If you are planning to experience the northern part of India after swimming in Goa, then you would have to be prepared not only for India’s subtropical climate but also for its cold climate in the north.

On the Road

If everything is already planned and the everybody is prepared to embark on the trip, then start packing your essentials and get ready to spend your vacation.  When travelling in India it is important to travel in clothes that you are comfortable with.  Although India has telephones and internet connections even in the remote villages, it would still be great to make sure that you have your cellular phone and charger with you.

This would help you contact in case of emergencies.  It is also important to carry you travelling papers with you, but you would have to make sure that it is kept in a secure place.  You do not want to have another problem by losing your travelling papers.

Some vacationers find it a great experience to have an Indian tourist guide that would accompany them throughout the trip.  Having a local tourist guide would help you and your companions to see a spectacular scenery and at the same time, take you different celebrations and festivals which would give you a taste of the local culture.  Of course, it would depend on your budget and at the same time your preference and would make your Indian vacation memorable.

Top Reasons for an Indian Vacation

India is still one of the top vacation destinations in my book. It is therefore unfortunate that Mumbai was attacked by terrorists last 2008. The effect of this incident to tourists was immediate. Tourism was affected and people were looking closely if it was worth the risk to vacation in India. There are a couple reasons for an Indian vacation and hopefully for tourists who are having second thoughts, the following reasons might convince you otherwise.

India is one of the cradles of civilization with cultural heritage and traditions spanning for more than 5000 years. These traditions and culture today have been mixed with much modern ones resulting to unique combinations that visitors can surely find intriguing, exciting and enjoyable.

Even if you’re the type of person who is not as interested in cultural differences, experiencing India might change your perspective. If not your overall perception, be prepared to experience food that you have never tasted before. Just be prepared to keep a bottle of cold water handy because you might the spices too hot to bear. Famous Mughlai cuisine and well known exotic Naans and roti breads are always a treat. Not to mention the curries which one definitely must taste.

Shopping is another reason why one goes to India. The merchandises are very cheap and the choices are so many. Cloths and garments are among the more popular products. From garments with ethnic, colorful and intricate designs to hand woven or embroidered cotton and silk, the shopping experience rivals those of other popular shopping destinations in Asia like Hong Kong and Singapore. And if by chance you went to India near the Christmas season, you can have your Christmas shopping there with unique gifts you can get for your family and friends.

In case you’re not a shoppaholic nor are you that fond of culture and food, India still offers you with world famous tourist spots. The famous Taj Mahal is in India which is both an architectural marvel as well as a historical feat. If the Taj is not enough, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan would be a great place to be amazed. The craftsmanship is truly exquisite. Other destinations include the Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the Ranthambore Fort, all equally unique and beautiful.

Enjoying Camel Safari in Rajasthan is also a good reason why travel to India. Experiencing the Thar desert on a camel is quite an experience. The smell of the camel might not be your thing but the overall experience is nothing like riding a sports vehicle through the desert. The safari covers villages which still hold to traditions which showcase the Rajasthan culture and lifestyle. The villages offer a break from the busy and crowded cities.

As if the above reasons are still not enough, visitors can enjoy their vacation either by taking a trip to one of best known beaches in the country or one of the mountain getaways. Or they could try both if they have the time and money for it. The sunset at Kanyakumari is simply magnificent and the Himalayan river and snow capped mountain ranges are a sight to see.

There are more reasons for an Indian vacation and those that you have read so far as but a tip of the iceberg. There might be a couple of reasons why India is not the best place to relax and enjoy but there seems to be a whole lot of good reasons why it is. You still need help deciding?

Sunny Indian Vacation

You always want to get an edge on everything you do that is why you give everything you can. You always to be on top yet there are times that your mind and body just gives in. This is just a hint that you have to take some time off and take it easy. It’s pretty obvious that you won’t be able to be as productive as you want to if you’re not in tip-top condition.

Now what I’m trying to say is that it’s high time to give yourself a break on go off with family and friends for a nice and well-deserved vacation. And thing that come into mind when vacation considerations are on the table is basking under the nice warmth feeling that beaches can only offer. With this in mind let’s move forward and take a look at how you can have a sunny Indian vacation.

When headed for India for cool and fun game under the sun look no further because Goa is the place to go. Goa is said to be the best vacation spot that the country has for beach lovers. Let’s take a moment a focus on the different beaches that is situated in the Goa area.

First up on the list is the Anjuna Beach which is considered to be as one of the most famed beaches in all of Goa. It showcases palm trees that are creatively innovated by fluorescent paintings. Anjuna Beach is known for a lot of things and one of them are the night parties particularly those that take place when the moon is full. People are seen dancing their way to fun and excitement while others just enjoy their laid back moments while indulging in Anjuna’s popular tropical fruit delights. This vacation spot does not only have the beach to brag because just right beside the waters is Anjuna’s well-documented flea market where you can shop to your heart’s content.

The Baga Beach is another Goa extravagance that you can go to. It offers a more tranquil and quiet mood with its beautiful sceneries which is best enjoyed when the sun is about to set. You can go off to a retreat house situates on top of a hill to have some moments of reflection and contemplation and when you feel like your vitality is up to full potential you can head off to other activities that the beach has to offer like fishing and water sports. The folks at the Baga Beach take pride in each meal that they serve to tourists and guests. There are a lot of establishments that offer tasty treats which are set out in different themes for families, friends, and couples.

If you’re looking for a get-away spot that has a little bit of mystical and mythical history then the Dona Paula is the place for you and your mates. Apart from the romantic sceneries and water sport spectacles this area has to offer it is surrounded by a great legend which is really the one that attracts guests into this beach area.

The Dona Paula is named in honor of Dona Paula de Menezes who is the daughter of a certain viceroy. Her story ended in a tragic death when her family disapproved of the love she shared with a poor fisherman. Another version of the legend is that the viceroy’s daughter was pushed off the cliff as a punishment for charming the Count of Alvor, Francisco de Tavora.

Now that you know a thing or two about Indian beach vacation make it a point to include it in your next adventure across the globe.

Spiritual Indian Vacation

No matter how you want to avoid being burned from all the jobs, tasks, and errands you take care for all the days of your life there will still come a time when your mind, body, and well your spirit just gently gives you s shrug indicating that rest is needed. You have a lot of options when choosing to retire away from the tiring routines of your daily profession or education.

You can either stay within the comforts of your beloved abode or venture into the outside and see the world in its beauty. You have the choice to go on a nature adventure and discover the wild aspects of your personality or you can just stay put and contemplate on your spirituality and substance. In lieu with this let’s take an Indian vacation towards a place of worship.

The Baha’i House of Worship which is designated to the Baha’i Faith of India houses about four million visitors annually. The English translation of its Arabic name is quite inviting which is the dawning place of the remembrances of God. The religious circle of the Baha’i aims to pursue developments that include issues in education, humanitarianism, science, and other relevant social facets in India particularly in its place of seat which is New Delhi.

According to standards of Baha’i literature Houses of Worship should be part of civic and municipal structures and should invite people from all walks of life without religious or ethnic discrimination. The Baha’i law is quite flexible in allowing people to experience the spirit of their House of Worship even if these individuals are not part of their religious community. But it should be noted that within the boundaries of the Baha’i faith structures only scriptures that depict the beliefs of the religion should be chanted or read. Choirs can be present within the vicinity but the use of musical instruments is not allowed. Moreover there should be no performance of rituals, ceremonies, and more importantly sermons.

There are specific architectural designs and patterns that are quite noticeable with Baha’i Houses of Worships. Domes are seen in all areas of the construction although it is not really required but the most essential things is that there should be the presence of a nine-sided circular figure in the form and pattern of the structure. It is emphasized as according to Baha’i scriptures that there should be no presence of images, pictures, and statues inside the Houses of Worship.

The plan followed by the construction regarding Baha’i faith is that there should be one undivided room and that the seats should be oriented facing the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Akka, Israel. Houses of Worship found scattered across the globe may have similar characteristics but it is actually the exact location of each structure that defines its distinct characteristics and traits.

Furthermore the Baha’i literature makes it a point that Houses of Worship are situated within the folds of institutions that promote charity, education, and humanitarianism such as universities, elderly homes, and hospitals in order to cooperate with these groups and organizations in serving the community where they are located.

The Guardian of the Baha’i Faith in the person of Shoghi Effendi clearly states that it would be better if the both the Baha’i center and the House of Worship is located in the same area. He gives a great equation of the joining of worship and service in order to rid man’s society of all the negative things that have been plaguing it for so many years.

A vacation should not only be relaxing and enjoying more so it should be enriching and rewarding. So next time you plan to pack things up and go global check out the great Indian spirituality.