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Spiritual tourism in India: Seeking peace and inner harmony

The word ‘spirituality’ in itself is complete and holds the key to happiness. If an average person fully understands and deciphers the meaning of ‘being spiritual’, he/she might never have to depend on others or materialistic objects to stay happy and live a fulfilling life. It all comes down to the mind’s spiritual awakening to be the best version of yourself. And to achieve this state of mind, the world's significant population is making its way to India, the centre of spirituality, the best place to attain moksha and the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda. Let’s have a close look at the growing religious and spiritual tourism industry of India. Religious and spiritual travel Isn't it beautiful that people from across the globe are travelling to India in search of peace or to achieve a spiritual state. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that around 60% of tourism in India is connected to religious and spiritual travel. As per data from the Ministry of Tourism, in 2022, 1,433 million domestic tourists visited various pilgrimage sites across the country. Sabina Chopra, COO, Corporate Travel & Head Industry, Yatra Online says, “India's spiritual tourism is gaining momentum, driven by multiple factors, both for international and domestic travellers. Aspects like yoga, Ayurveda for international travellers & major events like Ram Mandir, Maha Kumbh etc. with government participation at a large scale is also boosting spiritual tourism.” Spiritual tourism in India has deep, ancient roots, shaped by the travels of revered figures such as Adi Shankara, who journeyed across the subcontinent to establish mathams that continue to exist today. Historically, pilgrims undertook arduous journeys, traversing vast distances from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Badrik Ashram, with these accomplishments remembered for generations. The Shakta tradition alone has at least 51 sacred pilgrimage sites across South Asia, including locations like Hinglaj in Pakistan that still attract devotees. With advancements in transportation, spiritual tourism has become more accessible, allowing greater numbers of individuals to experience these sacred places, fulfilling a deep sense of inner satisfaction while also supporting the local economies of these spiritual hubs. The modern advancements in transportation have significantly contributed to the growth of spiritual tourism in India. As travel has become easier, more people are able to visit historically and spiritually significant sites. This accessibility not only enriches the experience for pilgrims but also stimulates local economies in these spiritual centers. Furthermore, the historical significance of pilgrimage routes, such as those established by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 15th and 16th centuries, highlights the deep cultural connections that still resonate today. The continuation of these traditions, combined with modern conveniences, has fostered a thriving environment for spiritual tourism. Chirag Agarwal, Co-founder & COO, TravClan believes, “Seasonal religious tourist places like Amarnath, Kedarnath continue to draw a lot of travellers. Government is taking all measures to keep it comfortable and safe for all tourists in terms of infrastructure and security.” All these trends indicate a significant growth in the spiritual tourism industry of India.

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This South Indian village honoured as the Best Adventure Tourism village in India

Kuthlur village, located in the Belthangady taluk of Karnataka, an offbeat destination for most people, has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Tourism Village’ in the Adventure Tourism category by the Ministry of Tourism. This recognition definitely puts the village on the map and on the wish list of many adventure travellers. This is a significant achievement for the village as now it is officially a premier destination for adventure tourism in India. The Best Tourism Village competition is organised annually by the Ministry of Tourism to promote villages that prioritise sustainable tourism. This is the second year of the competition. Through this competition, we come to know of the otherwise offbeat and lesser-known gems that tend to get overlooked because of the more popular destinations. The competition helps in identifying villages that protect their environment, conserve their heritage, and promote community-based values. Kuthlur proved to be a destination that ticks all these and more. The winners of this competition will be honoured during the World Tourism Day event on September 27, which will take place in New Delhi. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Tourism invited online applications for the competition, calling for entries from across the country. Kuthlur’s submission, prepared by Harish Dakaiah, Sandeep Poojary, and Shivaraj, showcased the village’s potential as a top adventure tourism spot. Kuthlur's strength lies in its offerings which includes some of the best hiking and trekking trails, and other outdoor activities. Kuthlur village is located on the foothills of the Western Ghats, and has some of the most stunning and pristine landscapes. So the next time you decide to ditch the usual and go the less trodden path, you might want to check out Kuthlur village. This is the second year of the Best Tourism Village competition, which aims to boost rural tourism while encouraging sustainable practices. Kuthlur had also participated in the previous year’s competition but was not selected at that time. The village’s renewed efforts in 2024 have now paid off, bringing national attention to this hidden gem of Karnataka. Kuthlur’s recognition is a source of pride for the local community, as it reflects their hard work and commitment to sustainable tourism development.

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India’s iconic luxury train, ‘Palace on Wheels,’ sets off from Delhi

As per the latest reports, India's iconic luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, has set off on its inaugural journey for the new tourism season from New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station. Famed for its opulence and its association with Rajasthan’s royal heritage, this train symbolises the state’s hospitality and grandeur. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Managing Director Sushma Arora and Executive Director Rajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the train. This season's maiden trip had a mix of 32 passengers from diverse countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Poland, Australia, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, and India. This train is popular among both international and domestic travellers for all the amenities they offer and luxury. Elaborating more about the train, Rajendra Singh Shekhawat added that there is pride associated with this luxurious train, which has been in operation since 1982. Reflecting Rajasthan’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, he reiterated that guests are treated with the utmost respect, embodying the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (meaning Guest is God). Managing Director Sushma Arora expressed her excitement, calling the launch of the Palace on Wheels for this season a moment of pride for Rajasthan. During the week-long journey, travellers are treated to five-star facilities, enjoying world-class amenities while exploring Rajasthan's captivating landscapes and historical cities. The Palace on Wheels, a joint venture between RTDC and Indian Railways, continues to be a flagship example of luxury travel in India. As per the itinerary, the train takes travellers to eight iconic destinations: Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra. India's famous train, Palace on Wheels, offers a wide range of trips, from a few-day tours to week-long tours. From New Delhi to the land of kings This trip, this train takes you through the city of Jaipur. Guests will visit some of the country's most iconic landmarks. Along the way, visitors will experience regional cuisine in a colourful, well-equipped vehicle dressed in Indian clothing. Further, the train is fully air-conditioned, and self- sufficient, wherein each cabin comes attached with all modern amenities like mini pantry, wifi, music channel, a safe, wall to wall carpeting etc. Then guests will also find a saloon in the train to meet all their beauty needs.

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U.S. Citizens Can Now Enjoy New 90 Days Visa Free Travel to Qatar Starting October 2024

Starting October 1, 2024, U.S. citizens will be able to explore the wonders of Qatar for up to 90 days without needing a visa—three times longer than the current 30-day limit! Whether you’re planning an extended vacation, a business trip, or just want to experience the country’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, this change gives you plenty of time to take it all in. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed the news, laying out the simple requirements to take advantage of the extended stay. All you need is a valid passport with at least three months of validity from the date you arrive and proof that you’ve secured accommodation in Qatar. It’s that easy! For those thinking of staying longer than 90 days, you’ll still need to apply for a visa. But for most travelers, this new policy offers flexibility and convenience, making it easier than ever to enjoy everything Qatar has to offer—from its futuristic skyline to its fascinating cultural heritage. With this change, Qatar becomes an even more accessible destination for U.S. travelers, giving you extra time to discover the hidden gems of this vibrant Middle Eastern country. Whether you’re returning to a favorite spot or visiting for the first time, this extended visa-free stay makes it that much easier to plan your trip.

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Dominica and Rwanda Sign New Visa Free Travel Agreement to Boost Tourism

Travel between Rwanda and Dominica just got easier, thanks to a new visa-free agreement that’s expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. This deal will tighten the bond between the two Commonwealth nations, creating exciting opportunities for both countries. Under this agreement, Rwandans can now visit Dominica without needing a visa, and Dominicans can do the same when traveling to Rwanda. The agreement was signed by Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vince Henderson, and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Rwanda and Dominica have been strengthening their ties since September 2022, when they established diplomatic relations at the UN General Assembly. As both are Commonwealth members, this new agreement aligns perfectly with their shared goals of closer cooperation. For travelers, this is a game-changer. As of September 2024 Rwandans can now enjoy visa-free travel to 32 countries, and Dominicans can visit 113 nations without a visa. It opens up new horizons and makes international travel that much easier. Tourism is already booming in both countries. Dominica saw a strong recovery in 2023, with international tourists bringing in 193.1 million East Caribbean dollars—an impressive 18% jump from the previous year. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s tourism numbers skyrocketed in 2023, with 1.4 million visitors—nearly triple the 521,000 tourists it welcomed in 2021. This visa-free agreement is a big win for both nations, making travel smoother and setting the stage for more tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It’s a clear sign that Rwanda and Dominica are ready to strengthen their partnership for the future.

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Shaping the Future of Tourism: Indian Ministry of Tourism’s New Initiatives

As India celebrates World Tourism Day 2024, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is gearing up to introduce a host of forward-looking initiatives aimed at reinvigorating the nation’s tourism industry. Mugdha Sinha, Director General of Tourism, Government of India, shared insights on the upcoming developments, which emphasize collaboration, innovation, and skill development to elevate both domestic and international tourism. Revamped Incredible India Portal One of the key highlights is the launch of the newly revamped Incredible India portal. This platform will now serve as a comprehensive tool for travel planning, offering over 4,500 high-quality photos, videos, and informational resources. These materials are available for free download, making it easier for tourists and travel industry professionals to access and utilize valuable content. Sinha described the portal as “the grand dame of aggregators,” simplifying the booking process and enhancing itinerary creation. A unique feature of the revamped portal is its user-generated travel diaries, which provide authentic testimonials and personalized itinerary suggestions from travelers, adding an interactive and engaging dimension to the platform. Capacity Building in the Hospitality Sector The Ministry of Tourism is also focusing on strengthening India’s hospitality sector. As part of this effort, 57 Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international hotel chains such as IHG, Radisson, Marriott, The Lalit, and Lemon Tree. These partnerships will co-brand the IHMs and introduce a globally benchmarked curriculum. According to Sinha, this move will equip students with world-class hospitality skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of the global tourism market. In addition, the MoT has expanded its capacity-building pilot program, which was initially launched in six key destinations. This initiative will now be extended to 50 locations across India, further promoting the ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) in the hospitality industry. The program aims to instill high standards of hospitality across more regions, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience. Rural and Responsible Tourism A significant focus of the Ministry’s new initiatives is on promoting rural, responsible, and community-led tourism. Sinha announced that the winners of the Rural Tourism initiative will be unveiled in eight categories, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. These efforts are designed to empower local communities, giving them an active role in tourism-related activities, which in turn fosters economic growth in rural areas while preserving cultural heritage. Strengthening Inter-Ministerial Cooperation This year’s World Tourism Day also marks a renewed focus on inter-ministerial cooperation. The Ministry of Tourism has partnered with the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Railways to take a unified approach to boosting tourism infrastructure. By collaborating with these key infrastructure ministries, the MoT aims to implement a destination-production-driven tourism strategy that will streamline and enhance the travel experience across India. World Tourism Day: A Brief History First celebrated in 1980, World Tourism Day commemorates the founding of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1975. This annual event underscores the importance of tourism in driving global socio-economic development, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and fostering economic growth. With the goal of utilizing tourism as a tool for sustainable development and poverty alleviation, the UNWTO designated September 27 as World Tourism Day. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” encourages the global tourism community to reflect on how travel can promote peace, mutual understanding, and sustainability. By integrating tourism into broader development agendas, nations can unlock new avenues for economic and social progress. India, with its innovative tourism policies and initiatives, continues to lead by example in leveraging tourism for both economic and cultural enrichment.

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