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India's most Instagrammed tourist hotspots in 2024

travel company in India has revealed the country's most Instagrammable spots, based on the number of photos tagged in each place on the social media platform. India Someday identified 25 popular tourist attractions across the country, and then recorded the total number of Instagram posts featuring each location-specific hashtag. These were then calculated by acre – equal to 0.4 hectares – to provide a standardised measure of Instagram popularity density. Mumbai's Gateway of India came out on top with the most hashtags per acre. “Discovering the most Instagrammable destinations in India offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of travel and social media,” said Harsh Sonawala, co-founder of the travel company that specialises in trips to the subcontinent. “The high density of Instagram hashtags per acre at iconic landmarks like the Gateway of India underscores their enduring popularity and visual allure. It is interesting to note that although the Taj Mahal has the maximum number of hashtags as expected based on the size and area of the monument, Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India gets the most call-outs”. Here are India's top 10 Instagrammable locations in 2024 for some travel inspiration ahead of your next visit. 1. Gateway of India Mumbai's top tourist destination stands on the waterfront in Colaba, in the city's south overlooking the Arabian Sea. With 700,000 hashtags per acre, it is India's most Instagrammed destination in 2024. Built by the British, the structure combines elements of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and serves as a gateway to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Mumbai. It's also free to visit, which helps boost its popularity. 2. Jama Masjid Located in Old Delhi, this large mosque was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and can accommodate more than 25,000 people in its courtyard. The marble and red sandstone structure is a rare place of tranquillity in the very heart of Old Delhi's mayhem and is the country's second-most Instagrammed tourist attraction with 359,000 tags per acre. It has four watchtowers and two towering minarets, one of which visitors can climb for breathtaking views of the city 3. Hawa Mahal The third most Instagrammable spot in India is Hawa Mahal, with 261,326 hashtags per acre. Located in Jaipur, this five-storey red and pink sandstone structure is constructed from the same salmon-toned stone used in the construction of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple. Famed for its intricate latticework, Hawa Mahal was originally designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals while remaining unseen. Today, it's largely in ruins, but its distinctive facade makes it a popular choice for photographers, and its top floor offers views over the City Palace and Sireh Deori Bazaar. 4. Patrika Gate Jaipur's Patrika Gate is perhaps a surprising entry on the list given it's not as famous as other monuments in the country. But with 186,667 hashtags per acre, it ranks as the fourth most Instagrammable spot in India. Travellers can find it at the entrance to Jawahar Circle Garden, where its colourful and intricate frescoes reflect traditional Rajasthani art and architecture. It's also a relatively new addition on the tourism circuit, having only opened to the public in 2016. 5. Golden Temple Glistening in the Amritsar sun, Sri Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, has clocked up about 75,000 hashtags per acre on Instagram. The sacred site is regarded as the holiest temple in the Sikh faith and is famed for its gold-plated exterior and views of the surrounding Amrit Sarovar Lake. Built in the 1500s, the temple blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles and is actually just a small part of the sprawling gurdwara complex on which it sits. 6. Taj Mahal One of the Seven Wonders of the World, and arguably India's most famous site, the Taj Mahal ranks lower on the list than might be expected with just 61,905 hashtags per acre on Instagram. Located in Agra, the mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631. Crafted from pristine white marble, it attracts millions of visitors each year and was described by novelist Rudyard Kipling as being “the embodiment of all things pure”. 7. City Palace City Palace in Udaipur is a striking place of beauty on the banks of Lake Pichola. Built by Udai Singh II, the Maharana of Mewar in 1559, this fortress was erected as a point of strategic defence. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it has an impressive 244-metre-long facade and combines Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Surrounded by balconies, towers and domes, it offers visitors a glimpse into history and stunning views, helping it record 50,600 hashtags per acre on Instagram. 8. Nahargarh Fort The fort in Jaipur's Aravalli Hills is known for being one of the best places to take in panoramic views of the city. With 50,244 hashtags per acre on Instagram, Nahargarh Fort dates back to 1734 when it was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as a retreat for royal families to escape to. It has a charm of its own and has been used to shoot several Bollywood films, meaning visitors might be lucky enough to stumble upon live-action scenes. 9. Qutab Minar Significant because it symbolises India's rich cultural and religious history as well as the Mughal Empire's rule, Delhi's Qutab Minar is an architectural marvel. One of the oldest surviving monuments in India, it has the tallest minaret in the country as well as the tallest brick minaret in the world at a height of 72 metres. The Unesco World Heritage Site clocked up 27,151 hashtags per acre on Instagram. 10. Sanchi Stupa A Buddhist complex most famous for its Great Stupa, Sanchi is perched on a hilltop and rises 16 metres in the air. One of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the country, it is believed to house the ashes of the Buddha. Beautifully proportioned, the mound-like structure shelters the original brick stupa inside and is encircled by intricately carved gateways. The Madhya Pradesh attraction racked up 23,857 hashtags per acre.

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Ahmedabad-Delhi Bullet Train to Cut Travel Time to 3.5 Hours

In a major boost to travel infrastructure, the Ahmedabad-Delhi bullet train will become a reality soon. The high-speed train is likely to reduce the travel time from 12 hours to just 3.5 hours. After Ahmedabad-Mumbai, the railways has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) which said that the train will commence its journey from Sabarmati station in the city. A multi-modal hub has been set up at Sabarmati station for passengers’ convenience. The train can attain an average speed of 250 kmph on an elevated corridor. The train will traverse through stations in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana before entering the national capital. It will cross Himmatnagar, Udaipur, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Rewari, and Manesar.

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ADB urges Fiji government to prioritise tourism industry

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recently released its economic outlook, emphasising the need for the Fijian government to take action to maintain the growth of the tourism industry and keep hotel pricing competitive. The ADB predicts that the limited availability of tourist accommodation may hinder sustainable economic growth in the coming years. Currently, there are 13,000 hotel rooms available from 421 licensed accommodation providers, but the increasing number of unlicensed short-term accommodation providers on platforms like Airbnb is also a concern. To address these issues, the ADB has proposed three ways in which the government can help: easing impediments to domestic and foreign tourism investment, improving tourist infrastructure, particularly in outer islands, and exploring alternative forms of tourism. The ADB suggests that Fiji should act quickly to attract more investment in tourism, as potential investors may view the government’s complex foreign investment procedures as a barrier to entry. The government is encouraged to streamline and expedite investment processes while prioritising environmental protection and promoting sustainable tourism. One of the critical obstacles to realising investments is the delays in finalising and obtaining approval for environmental impact assessments. To address this, the government has established an inter-ministerial body to help streamline investment-related processes. The ADB also suggests that Fiji can work on spreading tourism activity and benefits to more areas, as 75% of hotel rooms are currently concentrated in the Coral Coast-Nadi corridor. Improving transportation connections to Vanua Levu, such as upgrading airports in Savusavu and Labasa and constructing a new airport, is a potential solution. While sea transportation remains viable, the initial focus should be on enhancing key connecting jetties to Vanua Levu. The ADB also suggests exploring alternative forms of tourism, such as sports, retirement, and medical tourism. Fiji has already been successfully hosting some of the Super Rugby Pacific Competition since 2022, and there is potential to attract medical tourists from neighboring Pacific countries by investing in additional privately operated hospitals to enhance healthcare infrastructure. A study by the International Finance Corporation indicates opportunities for private sector investment in advanced diagnostic facilities and specialist care hospitals.

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Iran Israel war travel advisory: India issues advisory, says “not to travel to Iran or Israel”

Iran attacked Israel a few hours ago. Sirens and explosions are being heard across Israel, including cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and given the new recent turn of events, India has issued travel advisory, warning Indians against travelling to Iran and Israel. The travel advisory was issued on Friday only in anticipation of rising tensions between the two West Asian countries. The statement released by the ministry of external affairs mentions, “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian embassies there and register themselves. They are also requested to observe utmost precautions about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum,". This advisory was released soon after Tehran blamed Israel for launching an airstrike in Syria. It said that because of the airstrike, several top Iranian military commanders were dead. The tensions between the two countries have been rising gradually. India had already shared its concern over the situation. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, ministry of external affairs, had said that they have noted with concern the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria on 1 April 2024 and that India is distressed at the rising tensions in West Asia. He further requested all parties to avoid actions and accept principles and norms of International Law. As of now, some 18,000 Indian nationals live in Israel. A number of them are care-givers and IT professionals. On the other hand, Iran has around 4,000 Indian nationals, including small traders and those from academics. Besides India, France and the US have also issued similar travel advisories for their citizens, amid the ongoing war situation.

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After 1000 years, water returns to Rome’s famed Baths of Caracalla!

More than a millennium after its waters last flowed, the historic baths of Caracalla in Rome have been witness to a poignant revival as water returned to its ancient precincts. This was indeed a surprise and welcoming change. If reports are to go by, this significant event unfolded recently, which was celebrated by a captivating spectacle: ballet dancers gracefully dancing on a platform positioned above a newly installed pool. As per the records, built originally in 212 AD under the auspices of Emperor Septimius Severus, the expansive thermal complex was completed during the reign of his successor, Caracalla. Spanning across a vast area, these baths stand as one of the grandest structures of antiquity. Over the centuries, they have transformed into a cherished tourist attraction, and are known for frequently hosting cultural events, such as concerts and theatrical performances. Recently, local authorities made an ambitious endeavour to reintroduce water to this historic site. A pivotal aspect of this initiative was the creation of a sizable, shallow pool, christened the Specchio, or ‘mirror’ in Italian. Designed by architects Hannes Peer and Paolo Bornello, this rectangular pool measures 42 m by 32 m and is just 10 cm deep. Its purpose is to evoke the grandeur of the Natatio, the principal swimming pool typically found at the heart of ancient Roman baths. Mirella Serlorenzi, the director of the site, aptly remarked, "Water, an element absent for more than 1,000 years, returns in a decisive yet respectful manner to the ruins." The installation, embellished with submerged water jets and artistic lighting effects, stands as a testament to Rome's ongoing commitment to restoring its ancient landmarks to their original splendour. The inaugural performance, choreographed by Iratxe Ansa and Igor Bacovich and presented by Aterballetto, marked the commencement of a series of cultural events scheduled to grace the hallowed grounds of Caracalla throughout the spring and summer months. This harmonious blend of contemporary artistry and ancient heritage promises to captivate visitors and breathe new life into Rome's storied past.

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Amarnath Yatra 2024: Pilgrimage to start from June 29, registration now open

Nestled within the picturesque Ladar Valley, the holy cave of Amarnath is perched at an impressive altitude of 12,756 feet above sea level, a considerable distance of approximately 141 km from the bustling capital of Srinagar. Soon, it will be the time for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has recently disclosed the schedule for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage revered by devotees. According to the announcement, this sacred Amarnath Yatra will span from June 29 to August 19, 2024. For those intending to participate, the early registration begins today. This early registration allows pilgrims to secure their spots for the 52-day-long yatra, ensuring a smooth and organised pilgrimage experience. Every year, the Amarnath Yatra unfolds amidst stringent security measures and careful monitoring. Pilgrims embark on this sacred journey through two distinct paths: the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but more challenging 14-km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district. If reports are to go by, preparations for the safety and convenience of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage are underway. Specifically, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are currently undergoing specialised training. This training is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and expertise to become part of the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The objective behind this initiative is to bolster safety measures along the pilgrimage routes, ensuring the well-being of pilgrims amid the challenging mountainous terrain. Annually, the Amarnath Yatra welcomes a vast multitude of devotees, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, who gather at the site during the 'Shravani Mela' held in July and August, corresponding to the auspicious Shravan month in the Hindu calendar. This significant pilgrimage season marks the exclusive period when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. Pilgrims undertake this arduous journey, motivated by their deep faith and reverence, to seek blessings at the sacred site amidst the serene Himalayan surroundings.

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