FKHA

Institute of Hotel Management

(Diploma in Hotel Management)

FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

(Project Report)

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 Submitted by
YADAV E

Reg No: 768424776

Submitted to

Mr. Vijesh V. Nair

(Regional Centre Head)
[2023-2024]

FKHA
Institute of Hotel Management
(Diploma in Hotel Management)
Calicut 5th Floor, House fed complex ,
Sasthri Nagar Road, Eranjhipalam, Kerala, 673006.

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 AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE

I Yadav E here by declared that this project is my original work and that I have
not submitted this report to any academic institute for the partial fulfilment of
diploma as the case may be.

Signature:
Date:

I certify that the above particulars are true and the project work has been done
under my supervision.

Regional Center:

Center Coordinator Signature:

Date:

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 Table of Contents
AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE .......................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 6
FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA ...................................................................................7
1. Agra ................................................................................................................................................ 7
1. Ooty ................................................................................................................................................ 8
2. Munnar ............................................................................................................................................9
3. Ajanta Caves ................................................................................................................................... 9
4. The Gate way of India, Mumbai ................................................................................................... 10
5. Hampi ........................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Coorg ............................................................................................................................................ 12
7. Mussoorie ..................................................................................................................................... 13
8. The Holy City of Varanasi ............................................................................................................14
9. Rameshwaram ...............................................................................................................................15
10. Mahabaleshwar ............................................................................................................................. 16
11. Kodaikannal ..................................................................................................................................17
12. Lonavala, Pune ............................................................................................................................. 18
13. Uduppi, Karnataka ........................................................................................................................ 18
14. The Golden Temple of Amritsar ...................................................................................................19
15. Ellora Caves, Aurangabad ............................................................................................................ 20
16. Ranthambore National Park ..........................................................................................................21
17. Kullu Manali ................................................................................................................................. 22
18. Kedarnath ......................................................................................................................................23
19. Kumbakonam ................................................................................................................................24
20. Darjeeling ..................................................................................................................................... 25
21. Shillong .........................................................................................................................................26
22. Guwahati .......................................................................................................................................27
23. Cherrapunji ................................................................................................................................... 28
24. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad ............................................................................................................ 29
25. Goa ................................................................................................................................................30
26. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai .............................................................. 31
27. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands ................................................................................................. 32
BIBLIOGRAPHY .....................................................................................................................................33
CONCLUSION .........................................................................................................................................34

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INTRODUCTION

India is a well-known tourist hub and an exciting holiday destination for

exploring the wild, admiring architectural wonders, undertaking religious
pilgrimages, going on a shopping spree, trying new adventures, discovering age-
old historic treasures and lots more. The diverse geographical locales of India
delight the tourists. The monuments, museums, forts, sanctuaries, places of
religious interest, palaces, etc. offer a treat to the eyes. Some of the places that
attract a huge number of tourists are Agra, Jaipur, Jhansi, Hyderabad, Nalanda,
Mysore, Delhi, Mahabaleshwar, Aurangabad etc. Haridwar, Ujjain, Shirdi,
Varanasi, Allahabad, Puri, Ajmer, Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, Badrinath,
Kedarnath, Rameshwaram etc. are places of religious importance. Srinagar,
Kullu, Manali, Dehradun, Nainital, Darjeeling, Ooty etc. are famous hill stations.

India, as vast and diverse a country as it is, has no dearth of rich cultural
heritage and stunning landscapes. For a tourist, the country offers a wide range
of tourist destinations. All of these destinations are unique, and yet, all of them,
in their own ways, offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural, historical, and
natural diversity. The experiences are rich and exciting and most of these places
have managed to make a special place in the hearts of many.

In this project Report I am trying to emphasis mainly on the most loved tourist
destinations in India, along with brief descriptions.

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 FAMOUS TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

1. Agra

At a distance of 214 km from Delhi, 242 km from Jaipur, 359 km from

Lucknow, 576 km from Bhopal, 847 km from Patna and 876 Km from
Ahmedabad, Agra, the land of the Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven
Wonders of the World, is situated on the banks of River Yamuna in the state of
Uttar Pradesh. Agra is also among best weekend getaways near Delhi & Noida
for a two day trip. Agra is one of the most popular tourist places in India and
also one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Agra is
included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Jaipur.
Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the World with three
UNESCO World Heritage monuments Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort.
Agra was first mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, where it was called
Agrevana meaning the border of the forest. Sultan Sikandar Lodi (1488-1517)
was the first to move his capital from Delhi to Agra in 1504. After his death in
1517, his son Ibrahim Lodi continued to rule, until his defeat in the first battle
of Panipat at the hands of the Mughal Emperor Babur in 1526. Agra famously
became the capital of the Mughal Emperors from 1526 to 1658. It was known
then as Akbarabad and remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the
Emperors Akbar, Jahangir.

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 1. Ooty

Often referred to as Queen of hill stations, Ooty is one of the best hill stations in
India and among the top places to visit in Tamilnadu. Ooty is situated at a
distance of 265 km from Bangalore. At an altitude of 7,440 feet, Ooty was a
popular summer retreat for the British during colonial days. The rolling hills,
lush green vegetation, and misty landscapes attract a large number of tourists to
this hill station. Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Wenlock Downs, and Rose
Garden are among the must include places in Ooty tour packages. The toy train,
known as Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must be experienced.
The establishment of numerous tea estates made ooty famous. Lofty mountains,
dense forest, sprawling grasslands, and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the
visitors on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival (Jan) and Summer
Festival (May) attract crowds in huge numbers. Situated at an altitude ranging
from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills, the fascinating hill station
of Munnar is one of the best tourist places in Kerala and among the must
include places in honeymoon tour packages. It is about 120 km from Kochi, and
284 km from Trivandrum. Often referred to as the Swiss of South India,
Munnar is one of the famous weekend getaways from Kochi, Coimbatore &
Madurai. Mattupetty Dam, Echo point, Kundala Lake, Devikulam, Pothamedu
Viewpoint, Nyayamkad falls, Thoovanam falls, Eravikulam National Park and
Attukal Waterfalls are among the must include places in Munnar packages.

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Munnar is a trekker’s paradise too, which offers both soft and mountain
trekking.

2. Munnar

Munnar is home to some of the world's best tea estates. The tea plants covering
Munnar hills make the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet. Munnar is also
known for Neelakurinji flowers, which blooms once in 12 years. It is also
known for being the spice center of Kerala. Over twelve varieties of spices
including ginger, garlic, cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, tea,
clove, and nutmeg are cultivated in Munnar and its neighboring villages.

3. Ajanta Caves

Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World heritage sites in
Maharashtra, and among the most prominent Maharashtra tourist places. One of
the most visited ancient monuments in India; these caves are situated about 98

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km from Aurangabad, 326 km from Pune, and 443 km from Mumbai.
Carved between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD, Ajanta Caves are
excavated in a horseshoe-shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m in height
overlooking the Waghur River. The complex consists of 29 rock-cut cave
monuments built during the Satavahana period and the Vakataka period. The
caves at Ajanta are famous for beautiful mural paintings and sculptures that
depict tales of Jatakas. The world-famous paintings at Ajanta also fall into two
broad phases. The earliest is noticed in the form of fragmentary specimens in
Cave 9 & 10, which are among the must-visit places as part of Ajanta holiday
packages. The second phase of paintings started around the 5th - 6th centuries
and the specimen of these exemplary paintings could be noticed in Cave
Various incidents from the life of Gautama Buddha and the Jataka Tales are
represented and recreated on the walls of these caves. It can be visited along
with Aurangabad tour packages.

4. The Gate way of India, Mumbai

Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. About 149 km
from Pune, it is the wealthiest city in India with highest number of billionaires
and is also one of the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages.
Mumbai is more affectionately known as the city of dreams. The city is a
collection of 7 islands and was named after the goddess Mumbadevi. Gateway
of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Elephanta Caves,
Kanheri Caves, Haji Ali Darga, Siddivinayaka Temple, Juhu Beach, Marve

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Beach, Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Film City, Mani Bhavan Gandhi
Sangrahalaya, Babulnath Temple and Mount Mary Church are some of the
popular places to visit in Mumbai as part of Mumbai tour packages.
Mumbai is the entertainment capital as well as financial powerhouse of India.
The city is also famous for fashionable clothes and imitation jewellery. Mumbai
is the perfect stopover point because this city is the gateway to a plethora of
tourist destinations - you can choose from ancient temples, hill stations, and
historic forts for a quick weekend getaway. Alibaug, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar,
and Panchgani.

5. Hampi

Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of

Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Situated about 340 km from
Bangalore & 377 km from Hyderabad, Hampi is one of the best heritage sites in
India and among the must include places in your Karnataka tour packages.
Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture as it
stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the
Vijayanagara Empire. It is an open-museum of architecture, religion, and
history dotted with innumerable gems that were hewed from stones. Virupaksha
Temple, Vittala Temple, and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places
in your Hampi tour packages.

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The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around the village of Hampi are
spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. The famous Vittala Temple is
located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar. Explore our Hampi Travel Guide for
complete details on the stunning heritage city. Hampi can also be visited along
with Badami tour packages.

6. Coorg

Fondly called the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of the top hill stations in
South India and among the most popular attraction not to miss in your
Karnataka holiday packages. Coorg (or Kodagu) is about 265 km from
Bangalore city and takes about 6 hrs drive. Coorg is the largest producer of
Coffee in India. Also, it is one of the places with the highest rainfall in India.
Places like Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple,
Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions to be included in
Coorg Holiday Packages. The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of
Coorg at Talacauvery. Explore our Coorg Travel Guide for complete details on
the hill station of Coorg. Being a part of the Western Ghats, Coorg is home to
three wildlife sanctuaries - the Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri
Sanctuaries, and one national park, the Nagarhole National Park. Coorg is also
famous for trekking activities with peaks like Thandiyandamole, Brahmagiri,
and Pushpagiri. Besides, Coorg can also be visited along with Ooty tour

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packages. If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore,
staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is the best way to explore

7. Mussoorie

At a distance of 33 km from Dehradun, 187 km from Ambala, 197 km from

Chandigarh, 278 km from Delhi, 263 km from Shimla and 310 km from
Nainital, Mussoorie is a popular hill station in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand
state. This is one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand and also one of
the best tourist places near Delhi. Mussoorie is one of the well known tourist
destination not to miss in your honeymoon trip.
Kempty Falls, Camel's Back Road and Dhanaulti are among the must include
places in your Mussoorie tour packages. Mussoorie is situated atop a horseshoe
crest on the mountains of Garhwal at an average altitude of 1880 m. Mussoorie
offers commanding views of the underlying Doon Valley and the magnificent
Himalayas. The highest in the region is Lal Tibba in Landour, with a height of
over 2,275 m. Mussoorie is called the gateway to the Yamunotri and Gangotri,
two sacred destinations known to be the origin of rivers Ganga and Yamuna
respectively. Mussoorie gets its name from the Mansoor plant that grows in
abundance in this region. It was founded in 1820 by Captain Young from the
British army. The British officials visited it as a getaway from the heat during
summer.

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 8. The Holy City of Varanasi

At a distance of 125 km from Allahabad, 163 km from Aurangabad, 208 km

from Gorakhpur, 239 km from Rewa, 250 km from Patna, 258 km from Gaya,
321 km from Lucknow, and 327 km from Kanpur, Varanasi is an ancient city
located on the banks of river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one among the
most revered places of Pilgrimage in India and also one of the best places to
visit in Uttar Pradesh.
Also known as Kashi and Banaras, the city gets its name from two rivers
Varuna and Assi. Nicknamed as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi was the
seat of learning in the past. Legend has it that Lord Shiva himself established
this holy city as his abode. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites in India and
also one of the Shakti Peethas. Varanasi is an important destination among
Hindus as they believe those who die in Varanasi will attain salvation. Varanasi
is also a preferred site for immersing ashes of the dead in river Ganga.
Performing funeral rites and cremation in the pyres are the common sights here.
The holy city of Varanasi is more than 3000 years old and is one of the oldest
living cities of the world. The early settlements around Varanasi began in the
18th century BC according to archaeological evidence. During the time of
Gautama Buddha, the city of Varanasi was the capital of the Kashi Kingdom.
Lord Buddha is believed to have founded Buddhism here around 528 BCE
when he gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath.

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 9. Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Tamilnadu as well

as in India. Situated at a distance of 562 km from Chennai, the town is home to
the famous Rameshwaram Temple, among the must include places in
Tamilnadu Tour Packages.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rameshwaram Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga
temples in India, and is one of the top attractions you must visit as part of
Rameshwaram tour packages. It is significant for Hindus as a pilgrimage to
Banaras is incomplete without a Pilgrimage to Rameswaram. This is also the
place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing
Ravana. Rameswaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the four
Char Dhams. Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agnitheertham, Gandamadana
Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are some of
the most visited attractions of Rameshwaram. Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple is
renowned for its magnificent corridors and massive sculptured pillars. The third
corridor of Ramanathaswamy temple is the longest one in the world.
Udaipur is a historical city and also the administrative headquarters of the
Udaipur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan. About 399 km from Jaipur, &
656 km from Delhi, it is one of the top heritage sites near Delhi, and among the
must include places in Rajasthan tour packages. The city has an abundance of
natural beauty, mesmerizing temples, and breathtaking architecture which are
the prime attractions of Udaipur packages. Udaipur is also referred to as the
‘Venice of the East’ and the ‘City of Lakes’. The City Palace, Lake Palace,

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Bagore Ki Haveli, Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir
Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sajjan Garh, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and Eklingji Temple
are some prominent Udaipur places to visit. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort,
Nathdwara, Sas-Bahu Temple, Ahar, and Ranakpur are the nearest attractions.
Mewar festival and Gangaur festival are the popular festivals celebrated in
Udaipur and have a unique charm. The festival of Gangaur is very significant
for the women of Rajasthan. This festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs,
dances, processions, devotional music, and firework displays.

10.Mahabaleshwar

Perched at an altitude of 1,353 m in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra,

Mahabaleshwar is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra, and among
the best places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. It is about 123 km from Pune, and
243 km from Mumbai. It is one of the must include places in Maharashtra tour
packages.
Known for its lovely views, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather,
Mahabaleshwar is often referred to as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra.
It boasts of many tourist attractions including Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake,
Mahabaleshwar Mandir, Krishnabai Temple, Lingamala Falls, and Panchgani.
Several viewpoints are strategically located here to capture the panoramic views
created by the majestic Sahyadri Mountains and deep valleys. Arthur's Seat,
Wilson Point, Kate's Point, Elephant Head Point, and Bombay Point are some
popular viewpoints you must include in Mahabaleshwar packages.

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Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River. Four other rivers also flow
from here, before they merge into the Krishna; these are Koyana, Venna, Savitri,
and Gayatri. Also, it is famous for the cultivation of strawberries and mulberries.

11.Kodaikannal

Often referred to as the Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal or Kodai is one of

the top tourist destinations in Tamilnadu tour packages and among the best hill
stations in South India. It is located at a distance of about 469 km from
Bangalore & 528 km from Chennai.
At an altitude of about 7000 feet (2133 m) amidst the rolling slopes of the
Palani Hills, Kodai has several scenic places that are enjoyed by its visitors as
part of Kodaikanal tour packages. Kodaikanal is not extensively
commercialized like Ooty and it offers a pleasant experience to tourists with
relatively less crowd. Kodai Lake, Bryant Park, Coaker's Walk, Bear Shola
Falls, Silver Cascade, and Pillar Rocks are the top tourist places in Kodaikanal.
Kodaikanal is a place you can go to take a break from the rigours of daily city
life, and this hill station lets you sit back and connect with nature as you head
out on biking or trekking trails or take a stroll through the vast forests
surrounding the town. Dolphin’s Nose and Vattakanal are some of the top
trekking places in Kodaikanal.

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 12.Lonavala, Pune

Situated at an altitude of 622 m in the Sahyadri Range, Lonavala is a beautiful

hill station in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top hill stations
you must include in Maharashtra tour packages and among the best tourist
places to visit near Mumbai & Pune. It is located about 67 km from Pune, and
95 km from Mumbai. Lonavala has several tourist places in the form of caves,
lakes, forts and waterfalls. Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, Bhushi Dam, Kune
Waterfalls, Karla Caves, Tikona Fort, Visapur Fort, Bedsa Caves and Tung Fort
are some of the best places to include in Lonavala tour packages.
The twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala are the most popular monsoon
getaways in India. The best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is during the
monsoon, between July - September when the scenic spots become lush green
and the waterfalls are in full flow.

13.Uduppi, Karnataka

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the
top places to visit near Mangalore. Located between the verdant mountains of

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the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking
beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of
Bangalore.
Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over
India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned
with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's
Island is the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages.
Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages. It is also the
source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the
efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The
tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple
which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come
to pray at the holy shrine.

14.The Golden Temple of Amritsar

At a distance of 82 km from Jalandhar, 140 km from Ludhiana, 240 km from

Chandigarh, 207 km from Dalhousie, 244 km from Patiala, 366 km from Shimla,
443 km from Srinagar and 466 km from New Delhi Amritsar is an ancient
pilgrimage town and headquarters of Amritsar district in Punjab state. It is the
most popular Sikh shrine in Punjab and also one of the top places of pilgrimage
in India.

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Amritsar literally means ‘the pool of nectar’. The name Amritsar is derived
from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the marvelous Golden Temple.
The town of Amritsar was founded in 1577 CE by Guru Ram Das, the 4th Sikh
guru and the village was named as Ram Das Pura after him. Amritsar is the
place where the tragic episode of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place
under the British rule. It also witnessed Operation Blue Star in 1984 under the
late prime minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi.
Amritsar is world famous for its Golden Temple, the seat of Sikh religion. Also
known as Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple in Amritsar is famous for its
full golden dome and is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage in Punjab.
Jallianwallah Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Gobindgarh Fort, Central Sikh Museum,
Maharaja Ranjith Singh Museum, and Wagah Border are the other popular
places to visit in Amritsar.
There are many fairs and festivals celebrated in Amritsar. One of the most
famous festivals of Amritsar is Guru Nanak Jayanti held in the month of
October, November.

15.Ellora Caves, Aurangabad

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora Caves are the most visited places of
heritage in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Maharashtra tour
packages. Situated about 28 km from Aurangabad, 253 km from Pune, and 344
km from Mumbai.

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Ellora Caves is an impressive complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain Cave
temples carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th
and 10th centuries AD. Ellora is one of the prominent heritage places to visit
near Mumbai. The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at
Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. The cave complex comprises 34 caves
includes 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain Caves. The central attraction at
Ellora is Kailash Temple (Cave 16), which is the most remarkable.
Every year Ajanta-Ellora Festival is organized in Aurangabad to pay tribute to
the legendary caves of Ellora, Ajanta, and other historical monuments in the
region. Earlier the venue for this festival was Kailasa Temple of Ellora Caves
but it has now been shifted to Soneri Mahal, among the must include places in
Aurangabad tour packages.

16.Ranthambore National Park

Ranthambore National Park is one of the national parks in Rajasthan, and

among the popular national parks near Delhi. It is situated about 162 km from
Jaipur, and 368 km from Delhi.

Ranthambhore was established as the Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955

by the Government of India and was declared one of the Project Tiger reserves
in 1974. Ranthambore became a national park in 1981. It can be visited along
with Jaipur tour packages. Spread over an area of 392 sq. km, the park is

21
majorly famous for its tigers and is one of the best locations in India to watch
the majestic predators in its natural habitat.

Apart from tigers, visitors can also spot a large variety of animals including
sloth bear, leopard, caracal, jackal, fox, hyena, mongoose, dainty chital, sambar
deer, the blue bull antelope or nilgai, rhesus macaque, langur, and an incredible
variety of birds as part of Ranthambore tour packages. Ranthambore Fort, Jogo
Mahal, Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural
History, Kachida Valley, and Rajbagh are some of the best tourist places in
Ranthambore.

17.Kullu Manali

At a distance of 40 km from Manali, 500 km from Delhi, 215 km from Shimla

and 258 km from Chandigarh, Kullu is the capital town of Kullu district in the
state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in Kullu
Valley at an altitude of 1230 meters. Kullu Manali is one of the top summer
resorts to visit as part of Himachal tour packages and among the wellknown
honeymoon destination in India.

Kullu is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and
Larji. This valley is famous for its temples, beauty and its majestic hills covered
with Pine and Deodar Forest and sprawling Apple Orchards. Kullu was earlier
known as Kulant pith meaning ‘the ending point of inhabitable world’. The

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beautiful valley is also mentioned in epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata and
Vishnu Purana. Chinese traveler Huien Tsang visited Kullu in 634 or 635 AD
and described it as a region completely surrounded by mountains. The place had
a stupa built by Asoka. In ancient days Kullu had several Buddhist monasteries.
There were Hindu temples too and people of both faiths lived peacefully
together. Kullu valley is the largest valley in Kullu district. The Beas River runs
through the middle of the valley. It is also called the 'Valley of the Gods' or 'Dev
Bhumi'. It connects with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys .

18.Kedarnath

At a distance of 224 km from Rishikesh, 264 km from Dehradun and 439 km

from Delhi, Kedarnath is a town and a famous center of pilgrimage in
Uttarakhand situated in Rudraprayag district.

Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is one of the four
major Places to visit in Uttarakhand known as Chota Char Dham pilgrimage
that also includes Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It lies at an altitude of
3584 m near Chorabari Glacier, the head of river Mandakini. It is the most
remote of the four Char Dham sites and is flanked by breathtaking snow-clad
peaks. Kedarnath is named after King Kedar. According to a mythology, King
Kedar ruled Kedarnath during the Satya Yuga. It is believed that the temple
existed even during the time of Mahabharata. It is the place where Lord Shiva

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absolved Pandavas from the sin of killing their own cousins Kauravas in the
battle of Kurukshetra. The famous Kedarnath temple is one of the twelve
Jyotirlingas and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year. Other than
Kedarnath temple, Bhairavnath temple, Chorabari Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi
and Hans Kund are the some other religious places near Kedarnath. Kedarnath
temple is a major tourist attraction and pilgrims book their hotels way in
advance. Rooms in budget hotels and dharamshalas are available under Rs 500.

19.Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is an ancient temple town located amidst the two rivers Cauvery
and Arasalar in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. About 235 km from
Madurai, and 282 km from Chennai, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage
in Tamilnadu, and among the popular places to visit near Chennai.

Kumbakonam is known for its temples and mutts (monasteries). There are
around 188 Hindu temples within the municipal limits of Kumbakonam. Adi
Kumbeswarar Temple, Nageswaraswamy temple and Kasi Viswanathar temple
are the prominent temples to visit as part of Kumbakonam tour packages.
Sarangapani temple is the largest Vaishnava shrine present in Kumbakonam.
Patteeswaram, the Oppiliappan Kovil, the Swamimalai Murugan temple and the
Airavateeswarar Temple are the other temples located in the vicinity of
Kumbakonam. The town is well - known for its prestigious educational
institutions and carved Panchaloha idols, silk products, brass, and metal wares.

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The important festival of Kumbakonam is the Mahamaham festival. It takes
place once in 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February/March) and
lakhs of pilgrims visit Kumbakonam and takes a holy bath in the sacred
Mahamaham Tank.

20.Darjeeling

At a distance of 65 km from Siliguri, 98 km from Gangtok, 109 km from

Jalpaiguri, 371 km from Manipur, 502 km from Guwahati, 503 km from Patna
and 507 km from Kolkata, Darjeeling is a charming hill station located in the
Shivalik hills of the lower Himalayas in West Bengal, India. Situated at an
altitude of 6,700 feet, Darjeeling is one of the most popular tourist places in
West Bengal and among the must include places in your honeymoon tour
packages.

The name Darjeeling comes from two Tibetan words 'Dorje', meaning
thunderbolt and 'ling', means a place or land. Before being invaded by the
Gorkhas of Nepal in the 1790s, Darjeeling was largely under the Kingdom of
Sikkim and native tribes named Lepchas were the original inhabitants of the
place. Under the Sugauli Treaty of 1815 CE, Nepal yielded one-third of their
lands to the British, who established Darjeeling as the summer capital of Bengal
Presidency. During 19th century AD, they set up a sanatorium and a military
depot in Darjeeling. Later, extensive tea plantations were established in the
region by the British. After independence, in 1947, Darjeeling was merged with

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West Bengal. Amidst the backdrop of the mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks,
Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, spectacular views of snow-capped
peaks and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The majestic Kanchenjunga, third
highest mountain in.

21.Shillong

At a distance of 98 km from Guwahati, 377 km from Dhaka, 414 km from

Kohima, 420 km from Cooch Behar, 572 km from Siliguri, 594 km from
Darjeeling, 631 km from Gangtok and 1116 km from Kolkata, Shillong is a
mesmerizing hill station in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya in India.
Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya as well as the headquarters of East
Khasi Hills district. It is one of the most picturesque hill stations in India and
among the must include places in your honeymoon tour packages.

Perched at an attitude of 1496 m, Shillong is situated on a plateau bounded by

the Umiam gorge on the north, Diengiei Hills on the northwest, and the hills of
the Assam valley on the northeast. Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong
with an altitude of 6449 feet. The city gets its name from the deity Shyllong or
Lei Shyllong, who is worshipped at the Shillong Peak. The British fondly called
Shillong the ‘Scotland of the East’ as the rolling hills around the town reminded
the European settlers of Scotland.

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Earlier a small village, Shillong became the new civil station of the Khasi and
Jaintia hills in 1864 CE. In 1874, it became the capital of composite Assam
under British rule due to its favorable location between the Brahmaputra and
Surma valleys. Shillong remained the capital of Assam till 1969 when the
autonomous state of Meghalaya was formed. In 1972 CE, Meghalaya turn out to
be a full-fledged state.

22.Guwahati

At a distance of 8 km from Dispur, 95 km from Shillong, 110 km from Nagaon,

159 km from Tezpur, 360 km from Agartala, 414 km from Dibrugarh, 452 km
from Imphal, 467 km from Darjeeling, 504 km from Gangtok, 786 km from
Darbhanga and 923 km from Patna, Guwahati, also known as the ‘City of
Eastern Light’, is the largest city in the Indian state of Assam. Situated on the
banks of Brahmaputra River, Guwahati is one of the fastest growing cities in
India and among the popular places to experience Assam Tourism.

Considered to be the gateway to north east India, Guwahati is situated between

the southern bank of Brahmaputra River and the foothills of the Shillong plateau.
Dispur, a part of Guwahati, serves as the capital of Assam. The city derives its
name from two Assamese words 'Guwa' meaning betel nut and 'Haat' meaning
market. The city is regarded as the cultural hub of North Eastern India and is
also the second largest metropolis in eastern India after Kolkata.

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There have been a lot of mythological references regarding the city of Guwahati
which clearly states that it has been the capital of mythological kings such as
Bhagadatta and Narakasura. According to Ambari excavations, the city was
under the Hindu kingdoms of Shunga-Kushana, between the 2nd century BC
and the 1st century AD. Earlier called as Pragjyotishpura, it served as the capital
city for the Varman and Pala dynasties and it remained the capital of Assam till
the 10th - 11th Century AD.

23.Cherrapunji

At a distance of 54 km from Shillong, 80 km from Mawsynram, 84 km from

Dawki, 146 km from Guwahati, 292 km from Tezpur, Cherrapunji or
Cherrapunjee is a small sub divisional town in the East Khasi Hills district of
Meghalaya. It is one of the wettest places on the earth and among the must visit
places in Meghalaya as part of honeymoon tour packages.

The original name for this town was Sohra, which was pronounced ‘Churra’ by
the British. This name eventually evolved into the current name, Cherrapunji,
which means the ‘land of oranges’. According to the history, Cherrapunji is the
traditional capital of a Nongkhlaw hima, an independent Khasi state. Between
16th and 18th centuries, the local residents were ruled by their tribal Syiems
(chiefs) of Khyriem in the Khasi Hills. Tirot Sing was the last important Syiem
of this area, who later admitted to the British in 1883 and ruled this place till
independence. Receiving an annual rainfall of about 11,777 mm, Cherrapunji

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happens to be the second wettest place on the planet after Mawsynram. The
town receives both south-west and north-east monsoons. Despite receiving an
abundant rainfall, Cherrapunji faces an acute water shortage and the inhabitants
have to trek very long distances to obtain potable water. The excessive rain
causes soil erosion which has deprived the land of Cherrapunji and the
surrounding valleys.

24.Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad

Hyderabad (also known as Bhagya Nagaram) is the fifth largest metropolis of

India and the capital of the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is known
for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and
varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. Also known as The City of Nizams and
The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is today one of the fast developing cities in the
country and a modern hub of IT, ITES, and Biotechnology. Hyderabad is often
referred to the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad together which are
commonly referred as a single city.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (the ruling
family of the Golconda - previously a feudatory of Bahmani sultanate that
declared independence in 1512) founded the city of Hyderabad on the banks of
the Musi River in 1591. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb captured Hyderabad
in 1687, but the Mughal-appointed governors of the city soon gained autonomy.
In 1724, Asaf Jah I, who was granted the title Nizam-ul-Mulk (‘Governor of the

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country’) by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to establish control
over Hyderabad. Asaf Jah’s successors ruled as the Nizams of Hyderabad. The
rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and
economically. Hyderabad is the financial and economic capital of the state of
Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls, lakes and, lately, for
its IT companies.

25.Goa

The state of Goa, in India, is famous for its beaches and places of worship.
Tourism is its primary industry, and is generally focused on the coastal areas of
Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. Foreign tourists, mostly from
Europe, arrive in Goa in winter, whilst the summer and monsoon seasons see
many Indian tourists. This relatively small state is situated on the west coast of
India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka, and is better known
to the world as a former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil. Thus, Tourism
forms the backbone of Goa’s economy. Major tourist attractions include Born
Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, a wax museum on Indian culture, and a heritage
museum. The Churches and Convents of Goa have been declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO. The state was hopeful that changes could be made
which would attract a more upscale demographic. On 24 November 2017, Delta
Corp Limited claimed to have set up the first casino game training course centre
in India at Goa. Goa also draws tourists from all over India for its bungee
activity, water sports and underwater scuba diving experience. For those
looking for peace and quiet, isolated Agonda Beach is a good choice, while

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Calangute Beach is by far the most commercial and crowded. For those in
search of posh resorts, yoga getaways, and spa vacations, the beaches of
Mandrem, Morjim, and Ashwem are fashionable among wealthy Indians and
Westerners alike. Palolem is another one of Goa’s popular beaches in a
beautiful setting.

26.Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Madurai

One of South India's most popular tourist attractions, Periyar National Park and
Wildlife Sanctuary is centered on a lake built by British engineers in 1895 for
irrigation and to provide water to the city of Madurai. Established in 1934, this
beautiful park is home to numerous species of mammals, including a large free-
roaming Indian elephant population, wild boar, otters, the lion-tailed macaque,
and more than 20 Bengal tigers.

Bird-watching is a popular activity with frequent sightings of species such as

darters, storks, kingfishers, hornbills, and racket-tailed drongos, along with
many interesting varieties of butterflies. The best ways to enjoy the park's
splendid mountain scenery are to take a lake cruise or guided jungle walk, the
latter allowing visitors a chance to come face to face with elephant herds and
observe other wildlife from watchtowers and viewing platforms.

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 27.The Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands form an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal
between India and Myanmar. Most part of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a
Union Territory of India, while a small part in the north of the archipelago,
including the Coco Islands, belongs to Myanmar. Port Blair is the capital town
and the tourist hub in Andaman Islands. Andamans are one of the popular
destinations for honeymoon tours.

The archipelago is divided into two groups of islands - the Andaman Islands
and the Nicobar Islands. Andaman & Nicobar Islands stretch over a length of
more than 800 km from North to South. It consists of about 572 islands out of
which only around 36 islands are inhabited. Of these, only 9 islands in the
Andaman Islands are open for tourists while the Nicobar Islands are
inaccessible to tourists. Non-Indian nationals need special permit to visit
Andaman Islands. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been inhabited for
several thousand years. The original inhabitants of the islands are many tribal
groups like Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge and Sentinelese people, who have
had no contact with any other people. The Marathas annexed the islands in the
late 17th century AD. In the early 18th century, the islands were the naval bases
of Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre. The British finally annexed Andaman &
Nicobar Islands in the 19th century who used it as the prison for Indian freedom
fighter.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
 Travel Industry Economics: A Guide for Financial Analysis, “Harold L
Vogel”, January 15, 200.
 Tourism Information Technology, “Pierre J Benckendorff, Zheng Xiang,
Pauline J Sheldon”, November 14, 2017.

Websites
 https://www.holidify.com/country/india/places-to-visit.html
 https://www.jodogoairportassist.com/travel-blog/164/top-10-tourist-places-to-visit-in-india
 https://www.trawell.in/india/best-places-to-visit
 https://housing.com/news/famous-tourist-places-in-india-state-wise-to-make-your-journey-
easier/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwyo60BhBiEiwAHmVLJVS4my1DaBho48ytg_8pjZ9hlX
L2wToTwttaUuu3NAU9n9jzLfPUARoCGI4QAvD_BwE

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CONCLUSION
India has a wide variety of attractions that showcase its extensive cultural
heritage. India attracts tourists from all over the world because of its abundance
of spectacular heritage monuments. The Tourism industry is the largest service
industry in India and has the potential to stimulate the economic growth of the
country. It becomes important for all citizens to develop the Tourism
infrastructure and maintain tourist destinations, railway stations, airports, rest
houses, and hotels.

Tourism is a complex system that is built up of industry sectors including

accommodation, recreation and entertainment, food and beverage services,
transportation, and travel services. It encompasses domestic, inbound, and
outbound travel for business, leisure, or other purposes. And because of this
large scope, tourism development requires participation from all walks of life,
including private business, governmental agencies, educational institutions,
communities, and citizens.

Recognizing the diverse nature of the industry and the significant contributions
tourism makes toward economic and social value for British Columbians is
important. There remains a great deal of work to better educate members of the
tourism industry, other sectors, and the public about the ways tourism
contributes to our province.

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