Tourism in India in 2014 | Expectations from Narendra Modi Government

At last some tourist-friendly decisions, and hopefully actions, from the Indian Government to revive tourism in India. Mr Narendra Modi who recently swept to power has declared that he wants tourism to be a significant growth area for India. The sub-continent is blessed with iconic monuments, rich cultural traditions, mountains, beaches, wildlife, birding and culinary delights but also infuriating bureaucracy that seems to conspire to hinder ease of access to this most beautiful and varied holiday destination.

Incredible India Tourism

 The first example of this bureaucracy that tourists meet is the visa system. It is complicated, time consuming and expensive. Just this week Shine Gold Tours India lost a booking as one of the group of travelers was refused a visa because of – why? No-one really knows but probably he put something on his visa application to suggest to a London-based bureaucrat that he may have intended to work in India even though he was only going for 7 nights, had a Golden Triangle tour arranged and a return flight on the 8^th day. Just saying that you work as a “consultant” seems to be enough to bring down the wrath of the issuing authorities and woe betide you if you work in a laboratory. Bureaucracy is big hurdle in the growth in Indian travel industry.

From the 1^st of October 2014 it has been agreed that visas can be picked up on arrival. We are not sure at this stage if the price will be more reasonable or if the time period for staying in the country, shorter or longer than the current 6 months, will be more flexible. But it is a step in the right direction to promote tourism in India.

 Mr Modi has appointed a minister for tourism and has said that tourism enhances the economic development of the poor. Too true it does from hotel workers, taxi and rickshaw drivers, tourist guides, to food production - all offering jobs and opportunities for the innate Indian talent for entrepreneurship.

Added to this, one of Mr Modi’s “early wins” will be a huge programme of revival for the sacred city of Varanasi which is a major visitor site for both tourists and pilgrims. Situated on the banks of the Ganges, this is one of the major Hindu religious sites with its burning ghats one of the iconic sights of India.

Varanasi happens to be Mr Modi’s parliamentary seat so there may be a connection – but to be fair it is also an important part of Shine Gold Tours India programme, featured in our “Spiritual Tours” section under “Buddhist Tours”.

Ghats at the Holy City of Varanasi

Mr. Narendra Modi is considered to be a visionary and a great leader, and Shine Gold Tours India hopes that under his leadership tourism sector in India will grow by leaps and bound.

Traveling to Goa | Best Places to Visit in Goa

Situated in the tropics, Goa is the smallest State in India but offers a wide range of exciting possibilities from beach holidays to wildlife, birding, jungle trekking in the Western Ghats plus landscape, city, and historical sightseeing - and shopping. And all of this can be carried out in only a few hours drive from the International Airport or train station.

Beaches in Goa

Goa boasts superb sandy beaches all along its coast - Baga in the north, Colva in the middle and Palolem, the original hippy beach, in the south. Water-sports, fishing and paragliding are all well developed along many of the beaches, as are the beach-hut restaurants and bars. The night life can be extremely lively especially in resorts such as Calungate. However it is still possible to find deserted beaches for that “get away from it all” feeling. Add to this the availability of Yoga classes and Ayurvedic massage and therapies and it can truly be claimed that there is something for everyone in Goa. Find more about beaches in Goa.

Palolem Beach

Arambol Beach Goa

Birding in Goa

If birding is your thing then Naresh, who has some 15 years experience, will meet you at your hotel and take you on a morning, evening or all day excursion when you will be able to visit the varying habitats. Even from around hotel there is a chance to see over 100 species – and be back in time for breakfast! If you would prefer a longer birding experience, Backwoods Camp, run by Leio and Lovel, in the Ghats and just a 2 hour drive from the coast may be for you. Accommodation is in very comfortable lodges with morning and afternoon birding trips with lunch and dinner in a communal open-air thatched shelter where birding photographs and experiences can be shared.

Religious Places in Goa

Goa has a rich Portuguese colonial tradition with many fine buildings such as Braganza House to visit along with many fine churches – Goa is predominantly Christian – but also Hindu Temples and Muslim Mosques.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa

Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Goa

Scenic Places to Visit in Goa

Dudhsagar is the second highest waterfall in India and is well worth a visit. It takes about 1 hour by road and then 30 minutes or so by off-road jeep to get there but the spectacle of the falls and the possibility to swim in the falls pool (life-jackets are provide) make the journey worth while and the photo opportunities bring lasting memories.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls Goa

Goa has something for everyone. Here is the list of most visited places in Goa India.