The tourism industry of India is economically important and is growing rapidly. The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated INR 6.4 trillion, or 6.6% of the nation’s GDP, in 2012. It supported 39.5 million jobs, or 7.7% of its total employment. The sector is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023.
This gives India the third rank among countries with the fastest-growing tourism industries over the next decade. India has a large medical tourism sector, which is expected to grow at an estimated rate of 30% annually to reach about 95 billion by 2015.
According to provisional statistics, 6.29 million foreign tourists arrived in India in 2011, an increase of 8.9% from 5.78 million in 2010. This ranks India as the 38th country in the world in terms of foreign tourist arrivals.
Domestic tourist visits to all states and Union Territories numbered 1,036.35 million in 2012, an increase of 16.5% from 2011. The most represented countries are the United States (16%) and the United Kingdom (12.6%). In 2011, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi were the most popular states for foreign tourists.
Domestic tourists visited the states of Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu most frequently. Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Agra have been the four most visited cities of India by foreign tourists during the year 2011.
Worldwide, Chennai is ranked 41 by the number of foreign tourists, while Delhi is ranked at 50, Mumbai at 57, Agra at 65, and Kolkata at 99.
TEMPERATURE AVERAGE: 26°C SHOPPING: Cloths CURRENCY: Indian Rupees
Arrival at Delhi airport & Transfer to your hotel.
Delhi today visits the Cites of Old and New Delhi.
Delhi to Agra Morning train to Agra. Later, visit the elegant Fort and the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum built by the Mughal King Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his queen. One night stay in Agra.
Agra to Gwalior A short train journey to Gwalior, dating back to 8th century and dominated by a massive hilltop fort overlooking the city. Within the Fort is 9th-century Teli Ka Mandir (Temple), 15th-century palace of Raja Man Singh and a museum. Overnight stay in Gwalior.
Gwalior to Khajuraho A short train journey to Jhansi and drive to Khajuraho. Afternoon visit the famous Chandela rock-cut temples built between 950 and 1050 A.D and frequently depicting erotic themes. Captain T S Burt discovered these temples in 1838. One-night stay.
Khajuraho to Orchha Drive to the medieval city of Orchha, situated on the banks of the Betwa River. Founded by Bundela rulers in the 16th century, the palaces and the temples built by its rulers retain much of their pristine perfection. Afternoon city tour. Overnight stay in Orchha.
Orchha to Bhopal Morning drive to Jhansi and travel by train to Bhopal. The present city was built in the 18th century on the ruins of the 11th-century city named Bhojapal. Afternoon city tour visiting the beautiful palaces and mosques. Stay for two nights.
Bhopal Full-day tour visiting Sanchi, an important seat of Buddhism. Also visit, where over 500 caves have paintings of prehistoric man.
Bhopal to Dhar After breakfast, drive to Indore for lunch. Continue on to a 2-night stay.
Dhar Explore the ancient city of Mandu, an architectural gem. Mandu was once one of the largest fortified cities of the world and was also known as the city of joy.
Dhar to Indore Morning drive to Indore. Built by Rani (Queen) Ahillyabai, one of the greatest queens of Indian history. Afternoon city tour includes visit to the famous Kanch (glass). One-night stay.
Indore to Aurangabad: a long but interesting drive to Aurangabad, the takeoff point for visiting the greatest art treasures of Ajanta and Ellora. Two-night stay.
Aurangabad a full-day excursion to visit Ajanta caves dating back to 200 B.C. and A.D. 600. The caves contain remarkable murals & paintings and some excellent sculptures.
Aurangabad to Mumbai Morning visit famous Ellora caves stretching about 2 kms from north to south. The cave temples (34) were carved out of the hill with hand tools and date back to 9th century. Afternoon flight to Mumbai, transfer to your hotel for one night.
Check-out from the hotel & transfer to the Mumbai airport.
