THE SUBLIME POTENTIAL OF TOURISM IN INDIA

THE SUBLIME POTENTIAL OF TOURISM IN INDIA


The sublimely rich potential of tourism in India with an affluent diversity of choice of perspective is probably unparallel in the world. From pristine natural beauty to overwhelming historic heritage along with a rich biodiversity can spell magic for the country’s health and wealth if utilized mindfully and with ebullience. Not only that, the protean gastronomic delicacies of each individual region of this country is also unmatched on this planet. But sadly, this has remained apathetically untapped for decades. A little thought towards tapping this unexplored versatility of latent prospective can alone change the economic destiny of India eternally. Mindful development of precise infrastructure can deliver magical results in the fiscal health of the country and its people. A peek-a-boo into the secrets of such latent potential will reveal an immeasurable treasure-trove. Precisely we can divide these vast potential into three parts – Wild, Exotic and Unparallel.

WILD INDIA


India has a plethora of unspoilt stretches of lush green and dense forests spread across the length and breadth of the country. It is in some of these forests that the legendary hunter and conserver, Jim Corbett, once hunted the infamous man-eating tigers, of which he has so vividly described in his famous books - ‘Man-eaters of Kumayun’ and ‘Man-eaters of Rudraprayag’. His famous book, ‘Jungle Lore’, is also based on Indian forests. Rudyard Kipling also based his famous books ‘Kim’ and ‘Jungle Book’ in these Indian Forests.

In accordance with the varied geographical conditions of the country, the character of the forests also differs in various parts of India and so does the habitant flora and fauna. Each forest has its own endemic features. Regionally and characteristically, the Indian forests can be broadly divided into East-Himalayan, West-Himalayan, Gangetic, Central-Indian, South-Indian, Coastal and Desert. As a result, the mangroves of the Sunderbans are typically different from that of Kanha; so are Ranthambore and Dachigam.

The Indian forests are a spectacular nursery of a wide variety of flora as well as a great repository of medicinal plants and herbs. Almost 15000 varieties of flora grow in the Indian forests. Many rare trees, herbs and shrubs are found here which are of immense medicinal value. Mishmi Teeta, a rare medicinal plant, believed to be the panacea of all diseases, is found here in the impenetrable forests of Namdhapa. Innumerable rare orchids that also grow here further enhance the raw beauty of these thick forests.

The faunal diversity of the Indian forests is equally envious. Around 500 species of mammals, 1200 species of birds, 250 species of reptiles, 150 species of amphibians and 30 species of tortoise are found in India. Though many species of fauna are common to almost all the forests of the country, several of them are found only in some specific forests. The Indian forests are domicile to many endangered faunal species, some of which are found only in this country. India is also the abode of the largest population of tiger in this planet.

The Indian Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Reserve Forests with all their luxuriant greenery, raw virginity and profound tranquillity can be an invigorating and amazing experience for its visitors.

EXOTIC INDIA


Lying along the less travelled trails of the country are tiny gems of pristine natural beauty where the mind suddenly swings in euphoria. Tranquillity reigns supreme in these places and are therefore ideal for contemplation. Whether in the hills, inside a valley, beside a river or a lake, along the coast, a distant island or near a forest, these little hamlets are simply heavenly in nature and atmosphere. These are places where one can take reprieve away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world to rejuvenate one’s mind and body. Nursed by the divine beauty and unique tranquillity, even a broken heart finds repose and nourishment in these exotic places. Such places are strewn galore throughout the length and breadth of India. These inexplicable natural gems constitute exotic India, which must be thoroughly explored.

UNPARALLEL INDIA


India’s rich history and cultural extravaganza are evident in its monuments, forts, palaces and temples about which so much is spoken in all its travel brochures. From the Taj Mahal, the forts of Rajasthan, grand palaces, innumerable historic monuments to the historic cities that put a light into the rich heritage of the country, one has to travel across the length and breadth of India to explore this incredibility. It is a great example of “unity in diversity” that the country boasts of. Along with these, there are other immensely popular destinations spread across the country, which have drawn the attention of its visitors since long. The beaches of Goa, the hill stations of Darjeeling, Shimla, Manali, Nainital and Mussoorie, the cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad, the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the coastal towns of Kochi and Quilon and the erstwhile princely state of Mysore are some of these magical places, which have made India popular as a destination to world. One is left amazed by the sheer magnetism of these places.

I will exemplify on these prospects individually in future.


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