Travel has co-existed with the growth of mankind. India, with it’s ancient history, civilization, cultural heritage and age-old traditions, always remained in the forefront and a source of inspiration to the historians, scholars, writers and adventurous travelers from far and wide. India, in spite of being ruled for centuries by the Turks, Mughals, French, Portugese and the British, emerged stronger and retained its identity. One of India’s most cherished figures, Rabindar Nath Tagore, put India on the literary map of the World, when his Gitanjali was awarded the Noble Prize for literature.
Amongst the 80 Treasures around the World identified by Dan Cruick Shank, an eminent travel writer, India occupies a prominent position. In five months Dan covered six continents and visited 40 countries. The treasures include great churches, temples, festivals, statue buildings, structures of achievements, arts & artefacts.
For the first time visitor, India is a sheer delight with an astonishing array of sacred monuments, the World famous Taj Mahal, immaculately kept Temples, Buddhist Stupas, the Himalayas, Forts & Palaces, golden beaches, wild life sanctuaries and above all, the most welcoming Indian people.
India has over the years matured as a tourist destination. With it’s vast tourism potential and a strong tourism lease, India is now fully equipped and geared to the saying "You name it and we have it". The slogan of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, “Atithi Devo Bhava” means that tourists are our honoured guests and this is a pointer to the solemn commitment of the Govt. of India and the travel and tourism industry to serve and satisfy the tourists visiting India.
“If we were to look over the whole world to find out the country mostly richly endowed with all the wealth, power and beauty which nature can bestow – in some parts a veritable paradise on Earth. I should point to India”. --Max Mueller
