The Indian travel industry is evolving. Achieving international standards and yet retaining a distinct feel, it is all set to create a statement of its own. Introducing new travel concepts and launching initiatives that present tourists with an interesting opportunity to explore India in all its vibrant colours, the travel industry is weaving an extraordinary travelling experience. Purnesh Bhattacharya reports.
India: if someone had to describe it in its true essence, Mark Twain, the American author, does it with great elegance. He knits the right words together to write about India with warmth, respect and charisma. He says, “India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!”
Exuding friendliness, hospitality and love for its guests, this is one country filled with pleasant surprises at every milestone. This is a nation where every city narrates its own story. From behind closed doors smiling faces peep out in curiosity and joy. Gradually, a first-time visitor sheds his inhibitions of being a stranger and becomes one with the experience this country weaves for its admirers. The forts of yesteryear re-narrate the epics of great rulers. The mountains invite the visitor to attain solace.
Over a period of time, perceptions towards travelling to Asia have changed. Adapting to global trends, the travel sector in India has set international standards. It all started with the announcement of Aitithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) initiative by the tourism ministry of India. That provided an impetus to round-the-clock efforts to ensure a memorable stay to millions of travellers. The nexus between illegal tour operators and their unauthorized agents are being dealt with strongly to generate a tourist-friendly atmosphere. The initiative has worked in a positive way. Secondly, information is now being made available on an individual basis on the best tourist spots all over the country in digital format. At the click of a mouse specific data on customized tour packages can be sought effortlessly. Reservations can be made through transparent and authentic online transactions. A list of do’s and don’ts erase the apprehension that might linger in travelling minds.
Diverse Thrills
India being a diverse country, the thrill to travel infinite miles never ceases. Be it on a common man’s bicycle, a rich man’s luxurious car or a very average auto rickshaw, journeys are punctuated with loads of freshness. But what makes a journey different is the introduction of special tours.
Three different states in a span of five months have come up with brand new ideas to promote water tourism. Drawing inspiration from the international standard cruises on the River Nile in Egypt, the West Bengal Government is planning to develop a prestigious river tourism programme by forming a joint venture with a private company. The planned trip is supposed to hold immense potential and the attractions are likely to delight every travel enthusias. Along the navigable stretch of the Holy Ganges a state-of-the-art infrastructure comprising spacious jetties, heritage ghats and luxurious accommodation will be developed. This will present an unparalleled glimpse of monuments, culture, natural beauty and wildlife. Tourists can also avail the exclusive opportunity of reviving the country’s past by traversing on proposed 1,280 km cruise from Kolkata to Varanasi.
A similar aquatic travel experience is being created in Kerala with Kochi being chosen as a homeport. Beginning, December 2009 three special cruises will roll out to the Maldives, Colombo and the Kochi high seas. This tour program is planned to continue till mid-April 2010. Every cruise will boast recreation facilities that range from bowling machines to cricket pitches and more. A special menu has been designed to keep taste buds thoroughly involved. Add to this the extravagant facility of a spa, restaurants, a swimming pool, shops, movie lounges, etc.
Moving back to eastern India, Assam too is very keen on kickstarting one-of-its-kind water tourism on the Brahmaputra. It plans to go a step further by introducing a luxury liner that connects to exotic tourist attractions like Kaziranga and Majuli. The cruiser will be fully air-conditioned and equipped with a swimming pool, restaurant, library, ayurvedic spa, health gym and other amenities. The thoughtfully designed accommodation facilities too are commendable. Making it special is eco-friendly garbage treatment which makes the cruise a sort of green automotive that tries not to leave the Brahmaputra waters contaminated.
Evolving Story
Travel in India can therefore be considered to be attaining new experimental dimensions. Twenty years ago, no one would have thought of night tourism. But now the transition is under way — and at a faster pace. It is known that India is home to historical monuments that are a symbol of its rulers who arrived here from different continents. Endeavouring to connect with visitors to the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in October 2010, authorities are planning to highlight these monuments of Delhi. In all more than 46 monuments will be aesthetically illuminated to present the rich heritage of eminent dynasties. Meticulous detail seems to have gone into the task. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has played a major role by laying down norms that don’t cause harm to the heritage monuments. The lights to be used for illumination do not emit ultra-violet radiation.
The hospitality sector, being an integral part of the travel sector, is also poised to take a giant leap. Renowned hotels are upgrading their services and ensure to add more than 80,000 rooms across the country in the coming years to meet the increasing demand of tourists in India. The impact of the economic slowdown was felt strongly by the hotel industry in 2009. The number of tourists visiting India hit an all time low. Cities like Mumbai and Jaipur seemed to be the worst affected with fall in occupancy reported closed to 15%. Insiders are of the view that the worst is now over. Tourists have started pouring in. Stalled constructions due to an unimpressive turnout of tourists have been revived to boost the potential unexplored tourist destinations possess.
International players too are entering the hospitality segment. The emphasis of international hotel chains does not revolve around the four big metros but they are planning pan-India operations. Experts believe this is a good sign. Foreign tourists usually expect a hotel of their choice to cater to all their needs. Indian hotels are gaining a commendable reputation all over the world. Ten Indian hotels are believed to have made it to this year’s annual global Expedia Insiders select list.
Trade analysts are of the view that Indian hospitality is set to expand rapidly. The pace of development is high. Big names from the realty segment are also keen on joining the hospitality sector by announcing projects at destinations like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.
Online Boost
The changing travel scenario has also a lot to do with online portals which now enjoy worldwide salience. There are more than ten such significant websites which give a clear picture of how a certain trip can be organized without being misled or hassled. Hotel rooms and airline tickets can be booked online. Car journeys can be arranged. Heritage tours can be decided. Similarly, a wide range of countrywide reservations can be used to make the right choice.
Every destination that you travel to in India has something or the other to offer you. If Delhi is the birthplace of an historical era, Assam resonate with natural beauty. Andhra Pradesh has the Charminar while Bihar is home to Bodhgaya where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Agra’s Taj Mahal epitomizes love while sea-rich Goa adds extra zest to a trip of pleasure. Gujarat’s ruggedness remains memorable while the apples of Himachal Pradesh are a delight. Discovering palaces in Jaipur is as enchanting as appreciating the snow-tipped mountains of Jammu & Kashmir; sailing through the backwaters of Kerala as mesmerizing as visiting the garden city of Bangalore in Karnataka. If scuba diving is fun in Lakshadweep, wildlife-spotting in Madhya Pradesh is an awesome experience. From the rich cultural heritage of Maharasthra to the artisan’s paradise of Orissa, India infuses an element of earthen delight. The green paddy fields of Punjab inspire and the magic of West Bengal leaves visitors asking for more. From the spiritual high of Uttaranchal to the rural essence of Uttar Pradesh, India is redolent with diversity. Two destinations that are unique in their own way are Coorg in southern India and Kolkata in eastern India. One is a quaint holidaying destination while the other a hub of cultural diversity.
Charismatic Coorg
To begin with, Coorg is located in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka. It is a hilly region with a promising landscape which serves as a visual treat to photographers and travel writers. River Kaveri flows through it. The most renowned mountain peaks are Tadaiandamol and Puspagiri which rise to 1,750 meters and 1,715 meters respectively. Yearlong the temperatures in Coorg continues to be pleasant. Rainfall though is intense in the months of July and August. Sometimes rain showers can also be experienced in November.
At Coorg, you can catch a glimpse of miles and miles of greenery dotted with paddy fields. The main plantation crop though is coffee. Believed to be of high quality, coffee seeds produced in Coorg are exported worldwide. Especially grown are seeds of the Robusta and Arabica variety. Apart from coffee there are tropical plantations like black pepper, cocoa, etc which cover an extensive area.
Coorg is home to three wildlife sanctuaries: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Also worth a visit is the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Rare varieties of flowers like the Champak and Ebony abound while Ironwood, Indian Mahogany and Garcinia bloom.
Covered under thin mist, Coorg is a welcoming destination for lovers of adventure and admirers of scenic beauty. The Mojo Rainforest Treak is one of the central attractions to discover a wide range of organic farming. There are places like Kakkabe, Malma, Thadiyendamol and the Honey Valley to keep travelers hooked to what is a remarkable experience.
The best time to visit Coorg is between November and April. Regular travellers to Coorg believe this destination is best explored by jeep. Trekking and walktrails are highly recommended to discover hidden treasures. The next best thing to do is grab a cycle and go peddling with the locals who can help you chart the right path.
Coorg is now looked upon as the centre of eco-tourism too. Plantation buildings are being converted into guest houses to give a first hand experience of the rich green heritage that exists here.
Tourist attractions in Coorg are abundant. To begin with there is Nisargadhama, a natural island formed by the Kaveri. Endless moments can be spent here amidst natural surroundings and serenity. The Iruppu Falls are breathtaking while the Abbey Falls resemble a gentle cascade. A very special spot though is Dubare. An elephant capturing and training camp has been set up by the Forest Department on the banks of the Kaveri. With prior permission from the authorities, visitors under the guidance of a deputed representative can have a look at how elephants are trained to carry out tasks that they are best at.
On reaching Nagarahole, the national park and wild resort, visitors often feel as if time has come to a standstill. Madikeri Fort is a wonder of sorts. It was originally a mud fort which was later converted into a stone monument in the 18th century. The Raja’s Seat reflects majestic grandeur comprising a garden from where you can catch a glimpse of green paddy fields and mountain ranges with a tint of blue.
If you are at Coorg, a visit to the banks of the Kaveri is a must. The waters travel through Brahmagiri. A view of this amazing river can be captured from the Dubare Reserve Forest. If a visitor is lucky, sighting a kingfisher is a special pleasure. Another attraction is the Omkareshwara Temple built in 1820 by King Lingaraja. Tourists who visit this sacred destination never miss taking a dip in the holy waters of the tank located before the temple.
Coorg is also considered a paradise for enthusiasts of fishing and angling. But a permit needs to be obtained from Coorg Wildlife Society to pursue fishing with a rod in hand. Mostly visitors are instructed not to cause harm to the fish. They are advised to release the fish back into the river so that the ecosystem is not disturbed and the survival of rare species of fish remains unaffected. Lovers of adventure sports can however make the most of with white water rafting at Kaveri-Nisargadhama. It is an experience to be cherished.
Kakkabe is also the most visited spot in Coorg. Once believed to be the largest producer of honey in southeast Asia, today it is renowned for its orchids and undiluted views of scenic mountains. And if coffee is what you start your day with, Somwarpet is the place to be at. Considered home to the exquisite varieties of fine coffee, it also has a magnificent landscape. Cardamom and pepper too are grown here.
Lovers of food will find much to delight them at Coorg. The cuisine comprise coconut, curry leaves, ginger, chilly and other hot spices. Kadambuttu is a rich delicacy usually served with meat or chicken and can be a treat to many taste buds.
Contemporary Kolkata
Kolkata is situated on the east bank of the River Hooghly. Endowed with a rich with a cultural heritage, Kolkata has always been looked upon as the central hub of politics, festivals, food, literature and much more.
Traces of Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Mughal architecture can be found in the few buildings that have managed to survive in this city. Referred to as the City of Joy, Kolkata displays a strong sense of community. If history is what interests the traveller, Victoria Memorial is a must visit. Established in 1921, the monument was an ideation of Sir William Emerson, President of the British Institute of Architects. Helping millions to connect with the past history of a city once the capital of British-occupied India, Victoria Memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. Housing authentic artifacts of a bygone era, the museum is a discovery in itself.
Kolkata is abundant with places of historical significance. Fort William is one such tourist spot. Inaugurated in 1696 by the then British government, the fort was believed to be completely destroyed during the Battle of Palashee war in 1757 which prompted Robert Clive to build a new fort, completed by 1780. By seeking prior permission one can enjoy a peek of the arsenal stored inside. Surprisingly, the foundation of the old fort was so well laid, it still stands intact.
The unparalleled reputation of Kolkata also revolves around Eden Gardens which is basically a cricket stadium. Many matches played here have transformed into historical episodes. The first ever match was played here in 1917. With a capacity to accommodate 1,00,000 people, Eden Gardens (now under redevelopment) is a priority for every tourist to Kolkata.
The existence of one museum gives Kolkata the global edge but what makes it even more notable is the Birla Planetarium that came into existence in 1962. Situated on the Eastern metropolitan bypass, the planetarium is the central hub that merges science, communication and environment under one roof. Providing meticulous information on the solar system, the Birla Planetarium archives astronomical presentations and documents useful data on galaxies, the lifespan of stars, space, planets and comets. Its unique architecture sets it apart from other landmarks in the city. It is a single storied circular building which reveals the exciting world of planetary movements.
The riches of a bygone era is something Kolkata never falls short of. Howrah Bridge is one of these. Considered the busiest bridge in the world, Howrah Bridge is located over the Hoogli River that connects the city of Howrah to the actual city of Kolkata. It is also known by its Indian name of Rabindra Setu. Earlier it used to have a tram route but services were later discontinued. Being a vital link on the grand river, Howrah Bridge has served as the backdrop of many movies made in Bollywood and Kolkata. The Vidyasagar Setu, also referred to as the Second Hoogli Bridge, is another spot worth visiting. It is one of the longest in Asia and is named after the 19th century Bengali reformist Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Inaugurated in 1992, it is a cable-stayed bridge which presents an ocean-like view of the grand Hoogli River.
Every corner of the city has a little bit of history embedded in it. The Marble Palace and Writers’ Building embody this. Built in 1835, it is an art gallery that houses sculptures, pictures and oil paintings. Original paintings of great artists like Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen can be found here. In the complex of the palace is located a zoo with rare varieties of birds and animals. Writers’ Building, located at the northern end of Dalhousie square, serves as the secretariat of the West Bengal Government. Its unique color reflects the many years of the East India Company’s existence in this part of the country.
Focusing on more modern times is a Nicco Park. Referred to as the Disneyland of West Bengal, it is situated at Salt Lake and is considered the ultimate entertainment destination. Festooned with wide choices of rides, it has earned itself an ISO 9002 certification. Nature-lovers too can enjoy visit to the aesthetically designed rose garden.
The Belur Math is another tourist attraction that truly enchants. The foundation stone was laid in 1935. It comprises a museum and a meditation hall. In the museum, an amazing arrangement of artifacts chronicles the life of Swami Vivkananda, Sri Ram Krishna Paramhansa and many other great saints. A place of calm and peace, in the premises of this unique architectural structure, is located a unique book shop that is filled with works of religious teachings and spiritual philosophy. The campus also houses temples dedicated to Ram Krishna Paramahansa and his wife Sarada Devi. Also considered a place of pilgrimage, the Belur Math is a central hub of many educational institutions.
Kolkata is a paradise for food lovers as welll. From roadside vendors to multi-cuisine restaurants, the ruling diet is rice and fish curry. Treating taste buds to a delectable spread of Bengali food remains a memorable experience. Kolkata is also home to a wide variety of sweets. From Rasogollas to Mishti Dahi (Sweet Curd), every sweet dish is a delight in itself.
Like other cities, Kolkata too keeps morphing. One of the most remarkable transportation modes is India’s first ever Metro rail network. Thousands travel by this underground rail route to reach their destinations of work and education. Kolkata, as a traveling destination, presents the most interesting cultural face of India. So when you travel to or in India next, make it a point not to give Kolkata, a miss. q
