Tourism Development: Lesser Known Destinations in Madhya Pradesh

 Madhya Pradesh Profile

Being the second largest State of India, Madhya Pradesh or MP is covered to large extant by forests with good crown cover and destinations that are ideal for ecotourism. The state is culturally rich with iconic monuments created by erstwhile ruling dynasties. The indigenous tribal culture dominates the hinterlands and is equally robust and colorful with impactful cultural ethos and some spectacular architecture and artisanal industry.

Kundawara Forest

MP is well known as a tiger state thanks to a large number of protected areas notified as National Parks, Tiger Reserves and WLS. With scenic locales and impressive wildlife comprising of mega fauna and flora,  birds, reptiles and butterflies, the State promises tremendous ecotourism potential. It is not only the major tiger reserves that attract tourists but hill resorts and places with rich architecture and lifestyle do as well. The State is rich in geographical features with diverse terrain in which major rivers like Narmada, Son, Chambal as vital life support systems enriching societies and culture as they flow towards their final immersion.      

MP is diverse, politically stable, safe, and has sound infrastructure in terms of roads and highways. Tourism is being conducted since decades and has brought International fame with overseas tourists throbbing year on year in ever growing numbers. However the tourism potential is much more than is evident, with greater reach and development in lesser known destinations it will lead to an economic bounty in terms of revenue, increase in employment with emphasis on empowering local communities and thus culminating in better conservation and preservation of our heritage wealth.

Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary 

Lesser Known Destinations in Central India & Development

Just as the title portrays unknown, undiscovered destinations with tourism potential abound in the State. With focus on few major destinations the potential is not being properly utilized. In order to develop and attract tourism an innovative, broadminded and committed approach is a prerequisite.    

Developing tourism in lesser known destination calls for greater vision and effort aided by planning and strategic actions in a calibrated manner keeping potential, size and remote distances in mind. 

Some Points to be Noted Are:

       A) Study & Highlighting  

 

1)      Highlighting Potential Destinations

2)      Making A Feasibility Study

3)      Listing in Preferential Order

4)      Core Focusing of Key Features

5)      Initiating Development & Funding 

B) Preferred Destinations – Action

6)      Development of Road Infrastructure

7)      Re-engineering Assets Present For Utilization

8)      Enhancing Destination Potential

a)      Conservation Initiatives

b)      Institutional Empowerment

c)      Training of Local Work Force

 

9)      Bolstering Safety Measures

10)  Establishing Additional Recreation Venues

a)      Ecotourism/ Heritage Museums and Interpretation Centers

b)      Canteens

c)      Encouraging Heritage Shopping

d)     Encouraging Tribal/Local Performers

e)      Encouraging Local Artisans

f)       Inclusion of Nearby Interesting Spots   

11)  Establishing Hospitality Infrastructure     

a)      Encouraging Hotels & Resorts

b)      Encouraging Home Stays

c)      Facilitating Small Restaurants/Dhabas

d)     Encouraging Travel Service Providers

e)      Enhancing  Financial Facilities

f)       Creation of Viable Land Banks

g)      Single Window Clearance

h)      Adequate Security Measures

 

12)  Propaganda on Global/National Scale

 

Tourism Development A Holistic & Non Conventional Approach

Encouraging Private Participation

India as a country has instituted tighter administrative controls over all its heritage wealth and to some extent potential destinations. Though stringent rules and regulations are a must in case of sensitive places like the conservation units, the same approach is followed in case of imperishable heritage wealth and ecotourism centers sans indicator species.

The tighter institutional control has to be done away with in places with imperishable heritage wealth and ecotourism centers in non protected areas. And this calls for private participation in order to increase innovative approach, funding and supervision.

Cave Paintings 

 

Benefits of Participatory Enterprise Model

Inviting Private Enterprises & Business Houses

 

A participatory enterprise economic model (PEEM) will result in better infrastructure development, innovative/diverse tourism practices, investment in and development of public properties facing neglect for better utilization and preservation.

Initiation of private participation will lead to greater exploration and enhancement all venues of recreation and experiences for visitors leading a holistic approach to nature/cultural tourism.

PEEM will lead to availability of greater funds and managerial capabilities due to induction of experience and skills through diverse staffing.

Inherent Benefits 

In case of MP distant spread of niche tourism will lead to reduction in crowd pressure on popular tiger reserves and hill resorts. Greater exploration efforts will lead to discovery of unknown heritage wealth for better preservation and conservation initiatives.

The benefits will roll down to local communities as well which is essential for a poverty ridden country and states.  Revenue generation is vital for the State Economy. And a proactive broadminded approach towards tourism will lead to crucial revenue generation.    

Amarkantak

Some of the Potential Destinations Under Scope

 

1)      Amarkantak  Biosphere Reserve

 

Origin of Narmada & Son

Spiritual Importance

Includes Achankamar Tiger Reserve

Amarkantak Hill Resorts 

 

Potentia:l Wildlife Tourism & Walking Holidays

 

2) Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary 

   

Tiger Translocation

Slated for Cheetah Translocation

Easy Access From Jabalpur Airport/ Sagar Town

 

Potential: Wildlife Tourism

 

3) Rehta Pani Tiger Reserve

 

Bhimbetika Cave Paintings

Easy Access Bhopal (Capital)

Potential: Wildlife Tourism    

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Uday is a blogger and offers Seo + Content For Digital Marketing Services. 

He teaches digital marketing (SEO) in Jabalpur.

He freelances as a naturalist/birder at Kanha National Park

He can be contacted at: 

pateluday90@hotmail.com

09755089323

Author

Travel Advisory - India

Time to time many countries publish travel advisory or warnings for India. This is in keeping with safety of their country men traveling in this country. But care should be taken so as not to create a panic or feeling of doom. The risk factors should be clearly defined and places mentioned. The wrong perception of Incredible India should not be forwarded.

Those who are unaware of this country  and its magical destinations are most susceptible to panic. Best advise is to consult your countrymen who have traveled to India often. They can clear your doubts and apprehensions.  

India is a very large country and at any given moment situation differs between its various states and holiday destinations. That untoward incidence happen sometimes, but then there are million or more or less people staying there carrying on with their daily lives. Hence though danger is there of political unrest, riots, terrorist acts, strikes etc this does not affect visitors much until unless they are very unfortunate. The incidence are very sporadic and rare at any given place.          

Most of the susceptible sightseeing destinations are well protected hence the risk is diluted. Travel risk in India - largely a very peaceful and tolerant country - perhaps equals that of any other country. Anyway it is wise to heed the warnings and avoid risk fraught places as mentioned. This should not certainly make people avoid the wonderful destinations in the country.     

Mischief mongers sometimes carry out senseless acts, and most of the victims are Indians carrying on their day to day life. The risk is higher in major towns especially in crowded localities and public places. Health hazard, political disturbances, riots, terrorism, strikes, disturbing weather changes are localized and the news services are quite prompt to alert you of any danger or discomfort. Always keep in touch with your consulate or embassy.       

Hence do not press the panic button. Think wisely and travel safe. But enjoy the colorful and diverse magnificence this country offers. Bon Voyage & Happy Holidays.

Kerala Wildlife

A strip of land on the leeward side of the Western Ghats the Indian state of Kerala abounds in enchanting things. The altitude variations and diverse geographical features makes this land heaven for wildlife.  The forest types are true Tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and deciduous. 

The state contains little less than 10,000 sq. km of forest teeming with endemic, rare and common animals and birds. The wilderness is protected in numerous conservation centers notified as wildlife sanctuary, National Park and Tiger Reserve.

The popular tiger reserves are Periyar and Eravikulam National Park besides Nilgiri Biospheres Reserve is a biodiversity hub of International significance. The major fauna are the Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Chital, Sambar, Bison, Leopard. Nilgiri tahr, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Sloth Bear, Swamp Lynx, Flying Squirrel, Indian Muntjac, Jackal and Jungle Cat. Some less known animals are Stripe-necked Mongoose, Bonnet Macaque, Rusty Spotted Cat, Nilgiri Marten, Dusky Striped Squirrel, Small Clawed Otter, Briwn Mongoose, gray Slender Loris and Ruddy Mongoose.

Kerala is also home for King Cobra the biggest venomous snake in the World.  The number of reptilian species is very impressive and a treat to watch.The largest population of marsh crocodiles in the state survive in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The protected areas are best for wildlife safaris in the state. The travelers should gather prior information before visiting the forests of the Southern state. 

Periyar or Thekkady is the most popular destination in the state. It is a large tiger reserve with many interesting animals species and birds. 

Kerala is India's top tourist destination famous for backwater tours and beach resorts as well. The are many package tours available to discover the state and its wildlife. There are many tourism destinations for safaris, beach holidays and backwater houseboat stays.  

The best season for visiting the state is from August to March. The state offers unique experience to the visitors hence other timing may also be preferred. The timing would depend upon what you wish to see and experience.

Madhya Pradesh destinations

The major tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh are of course the tiger reserves Khajuraho Temples  and Pachmarhi Hill Resort. But then one cannot forget Amarkantak, Orchha and Mandu. For the religious kind Amarkantak, Sanchi, Omkareshwar, Chitrakoot, Maheshwar (Maheshwari Sarees), Bhojpur and Ujjain are a must visit.  

Major towns must visit are Jabalpur, Indore, Gwalior and Bhopal for food, commerce and sightseeing historical monuments. Jabalpur is the best conduit for the tiger reserves - Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench and Satpura National Park. One can also reach Khajuraho & Panna tiger reserve via Bandhavgarh or from Satna/Katni. For sightseeing Jabalpur has the famous Mable Rocks, Dhuandhar Falls, Chausathjogini and the Madan Mahal Fort. 

There are many lesser known destination worth visiting in Madhya Pradesh but proper research should be done before moving in. Among Hill Resorts Pachmarhi takes the cake. It is a pristine forest with magical landscape - Valleys, forest clad mountains, ancient temples and numerous waterfalls.   

For those averse to making rigorous travel arrangement package tours to MP are best. The tour companies do all the work for for a hassle free holiday in Central India. Though English is in use everywhere a touch of Hindi Dialect would make things easier. In rural and distant areas banking and shopping would be limited. Hence it is better to pack oneself with the prerequisite before leaving.

Traveling in the state is safe but still it is better not to be on road during the night time. One should keep one's valuable in sight since minor theft can take place. 

MP tours - Destinations

Much publicized as a popular destination for holidays, sightseeing, birding and wildlife. The state of Madhya Pradesh offers much more. The state has gained popularity as tourism destination due to tiger safari parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench tiger reserves.

Top MP Tourism Destinations 

Khajuraho Temples

Eleventh Century AD temples that depict Kamasutra on the outer falls of many temples. The  temples are a fine example of ancient Hindu Architecture and typifies the construction under the Culchuri dynasty of Central India. The exhibits on the outer walls exonerate humans as sexual beings and are more of a treatise  without any malaise.      

Khajuraho is well connected by flights from metros especially New Delhi. The nearest rail head  is at Satna. The destination can also be reached from Bandhavgarh & Jabalpur.  The tourism infrastructure is well developed with hotels ranging from five star to budget class available for accommodation. Nearby places of interest are Panna National Park and Ken Gharial Sanctuary. These places are within driving distance and can be easily approached from Khajuraho. The temple town is popular among inbound tourists and the highlight is the Khajuraho Dance Festival.    

Pachmarhi Hill Resort

One of the finest hill retreats in Madhya Pradesh, India, Pachmarhi is more popular amongst Indian tourists. The retreat is a wildlife sanctuary and a Cantt hence rabid development has not taken place outside the township. The retreat is a magnanimous delight of  forest clad and rugged mountains, deep valleys and  rivers. The sightseeing is at waterfalls, glens and mountain sides. Pachmarhi is picturesque beyond words and abounds in birds and wildlife. There are many ancient caves and temples devoted  to Lord Shiva. Nearest places of interest are the pristine Bori Sanctuary and Satpura National Park.  

Only MP tourism hotels provide adequate accommodation though many private hotels are in the town limit.  The hill resort is approached from Piparia rail head and is about 57 km uphill. Piparia is well connected with Jabalpur rail head with number of trains plying to and fro. From Jabalpur, Piparia is about two and half hours of train ride.   

Kanha National Park

A well known tiger reserve Kanha is a prime tiger habitat famous for tiger safaris. It is a heaven for wildlife watchers and birders. There are more than 22 Central Indian mammals that inhabit the park. The park abounds in birds, butterflies and reptiles. The keystone species are tiger, leopard, wild dog, swamp deer, sloth bear ad the bison.     

The tourism infrastructure is well developed with large number of wildlife resorts and hotels for accommodation. The park safaris are organized by the hoteliers under supervision of the forest department. The safaris are conducted under strict rules and regulation t benefit the conservation efforts.

Kanha can be approached from Jabalpur, Raipur and Pench Tiger Reserve near to Nagpur. Jabalpur offers the best approach to Kanha via Mandla. The driving distance is about 165 km. The city is well connect by Indian Railway network and by flight to New Delhi.    

Bandhavgarh National Park

Famous for its tigers on which many films have been made. Bandhavgarh tigers might be the most filmed tigers in the World. In my opinion Bandhavgarh is one of the most charismatic tiger reserve in MP, India. It is home to more than forty tigers in an area little more than four hundred sq.km. This National Park is unique since it has historical and religious importance.  

Bandhavgarh draws lots of tourists from all over the World to see the tiger in the wild. The density of the tigers is high and so is the visibility because of unique terrain. The park is full of low rising hillock interspersed with marshy grasslands which provide the tigers with ideal hunting grounds. Besides the tiger one can spot the leopard, sloth bear, sambar deer, wild dog, wild boar, barking deer, spotted deer and the ubiquitous langur.

The places of interest are within the park: Bandhavgarh Fort, Sesh Shaiyya or reclining Vishnu, many zoo morphic form of Lord Vishnu carved out of igneous stones and Laxman temple near the fort. One comes across many mad made caves and temples in ruins on wildlife safaris. The preserve is an excellent place for birders as large number of bird species are found here. 

Bandhavgarh is best approached from Jabalpur which is about four hours drive via Katni or Umaria.  Umaria railway station is connected overnight with New Delhi and few trains from Jabalpur. The rail head is about 32 km from the  park. Bandhavgarh is about six hours drive from Khajuraho and about seven hours drive from Kanha.   

Pench Tiger Reserve

Pench in the Seoni Hills as Kipling described it is a tiger heaven. It is where Mowgli the wolf child was born. One can still see the wolf pack from Khwasa to Turia gate with some luck. The park lies ten km inside from Khwasa on Jabalpur Nagpur Road. The keystone species are tiger, leopard, wild dog, bison besides many Central Indian mammals, reptiles and insects make Pench their home.

Pench is famous for tiger safaris and leopards are more frequently seen here. The preserve is good place for birding with many exciting finds to be discovered.

The best approach to Pench National Park is from Nagpur which is one and half hours drive and connected with air service from New Delhi and some other towns. Jabalpur is about 200 km from Pench and a good drive. Pench is also about six hours drive from Kanha.

Marble Rocks Jabalpur

Jabalpur is a go between the top tourism destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Embellished with verdant greenery the city still retains its Old World charm at many places. It is a large town with all modern amenities and accommodations. There is lot of sightseeing to be done at Jabalpur City but most popular is a visit to Marble Rocks a gorge in the Narmada River. It is a famous boat ride amidst dazzling melange of color on smooth rocky mountains of marble. Nearby places of interest are Dhuandhar Falls and Chausath Yogini Temples.      

Tourism in Madhya Pradesh is well organized. The best way to tour is on MP package tours organized by tour companies in the state. Hotels and Taxis can be booked online directly. Most of the hotels in Kanha National Park, Pench and Bandhavgarh have their websites for online booking facilities.   

MP Tourism Hotels are the best stay in Pachmarhi while Khajuraho has wide range of hotels. There many tour operators offering packages for the state of Madhya Pradesh in India.     

Traveling to Madhya Pradesh

Central India - Madhya Pradesh

Central India has always been a tourist attraction because of its natural beauty, wildlife and historic monuments and ancient temples.


Ujjain is a religious center for Hindus in the Malwa region. The river Kshipra runs through east of the town. Kumbh Mela Hindu religious festival is held here every twelve years. It is also the abode of Shiva as the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga a shrine of Lord Shiva is situated here.

Ujjain is well connected with Indore by road and rail. Indore has an airport with flights from Delhi, Mumbai abd other major cities.

Sanchi is located in Raisen district and is a pilgrimage center of the Buddhists. the famous Sanchi Stupas are relics of Buddhism first commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BCE. The Stupas are World Heritage site.

Sanchi is accessible by road and rail with Bhopal which is 46 kilometers away. Bhopal is well connected by rail network and air flights. It is the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. The third World Heritage site to be declared UNESCO is the rock shelters at Bhimbetika which is near Bhopal.

Orchha on the Betwa river is situated in the district of Tikamgarh in MP. Orchha has many cenotaphs, ancient forts and temples of Hindu architecture .

Marble Rocks and Duandhar Falls is a gorge in the river Narmada situated at Jabalpur. The river runs through rocks of marbles of various colors and hues in the process creating scenic and splendorous wonder. Other places of interest at Jabalpur are Madan Mahal the ancient fort of Raj Gond Dynasty built by Madan Shah the husband of Gond Queen Rani Durgavati.

Pachmarhi the queen of Hill stations, and Indian Tiger Reserves Kanha, Bandhavgarh. Panna and Pench are accessible from Jabalpur which is a major railhead and an Airport. Other wildlife destinations are the Chambal river sanctuary, Shivpuri National Park, Bori Sanctuary near Pachmarhi and Satpura National Park.

The most famous destination in Madhya Pradesh is the Khajuraho Temples situated in Chhatarpur district is World famous and tourists from all over the globe. No wonder it is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples date back to 10 to 11th Century AD.

Other places of architectural, cultural, and religious significance are Amarkantak near Jabalpur, Bhopal, Chanderi, Chitrakuta, Gwalior, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Mandu, Omkareshwar and Sonagiri.

About Kerala in India

The Kerala State Tourism

The Southern State is diverse, colorful and buzzing with life. The land of spices is home to multi-ethnic humanity an agglomeration of people from many lands. The Malayali Culture exhibits characteristic flavor of  amalgamation of many exotic communities. Festivities, rites and rituals abound and the celebration takes place in unison as one large community. 

Kerala is a complete tourism destination that offers many activities for holiday making. The land is full of historical forts, palaces, museums, beaches and backwaters. The cuisine is as exotic as it comes and the colors of the rich culture impress the visitor no end.

Major places to visit in Kerala:

1) Alappuzha Canal

2) Alappuzha Beach

3) Bekal Fort Beach

4) East Fort

5) Eravikulam National Park

6) Fort Kochi

7) Kappad Beach Kozikhode

8) Kovalam Beach

9) Munnar

10) Ashtamudi Backwaters

11) Silent Valley National Park

12) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

13) Veli Tourist Village

14) Wayanad

Kerala has been ranked among the World's top ten travel destinations and is the most popular travel destination in India. There are many tour operator packages for sightseeing in Kerala. The packaged tours offer sightseeing, beach tourism and backwater boat cruise.

Special ayurveda extension can also be arranged at health spas in the state of Kerala. One can find both luxury and budget spas in the state.

Goa beaches, hotels, resorts and sightseeing

Goa offers the best beaches in India. This beach resort has number of tourist friendly beaches that are popular with sea bathers and sun bathers. Most of the holiday makers are from foreign countries in Europe and Asia. Calangute, Anjuna, Dauna Paula, Bagga, Vagator, Majorda are beach is the most inhabited beach at Goa.

This little paradise has many luxury beach resorts:

• Aguada Heritage Hotel
• Leela Palace Hotel, Goa
  
• Marinha Dourada Hotel
• Sun Village Resort, Goa
  
• The Kenilworth Beach Resort
• Hotel Delmon
• Longuinhos Beach Resort, Goa
  
• Hotel Panjim Inn
• Majorda Beach Resort
• Taj Hotels Goa
  

For budget travelers Goa has plenty to offer:

Budget Hotel Packages

• Hotel Nova Goa

• Whishpering Beach Resort

• Ronil Beach Resort

• Captain Lobos Hideaway

• Silver Sands

Goa Travel Guide: Places to See

• Panaji: is the state capital. Located on the south bank of the wide Mandovi river.
  

• Margao
  

• Mapusa
  

• Ponda
  

Forts:

• Aguada Fort
• Cabo De Rama Fort
• Cabo Raj Niwas
• Chapora Fort

• Mormugao Fort

• Teracol (Tiracol) Fort
• The Gate of the College of St. Paul
• The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah
• The Tower of the Church of St. Augustine
• The Viceroy`s Arch

Goa: Churches & Temples

Churches of Goa:

• Se Cathedral
  

• Church of St Francis of Assisi
  

• Church of St Cajetan
  

• Church of St Augustine Ruins
  

Temples

• Shri Bhagavati
  

• Shri Bhagatvati Temple at Parshem
  

• Brahma Temple
  

Mosques

• Jama Masjid
  

• Safa Shahouri Masjid

Goa Carnival

The carnival takes place in the month of February about 40 days before Lent and is being celebrated since the eighteenth century. It is held for three days and nights. During the carnival the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with color.

Huge parades organized with bands, floats and dances and ball dances in the evening. The final day event is the red-and-black dance held by the Clube National in Panajim.

King Momo presides over the carnival, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party.

Indian states: Tourist Places

The states of India with much tourism potential are Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Rajasthan. Goa is another tourist which is very popular.

Madhya Pradesh is popular for Khajuraho Temples and Indian tiger reserves. Apart from these is Ranchi and places of interest near Ujjain, Bhopal and Indore. Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserve. Indian wildlife and tiger makes its last stronghold in this state.

Delhi and Agra offers historical places to visit. Taj Mahal and Delhi fort, Kutub Minar are well known. Delhi is capital of India and bustling metro with excellent cuisine, culture and hectic civic life.

Kerala is God's own country with unique landscape, culture and back water paradise which is responsible for the popularity of this state. It offers excellent festivities and public ceremonies.

Rajasthan is ful of desert kingdoms of Rajputs. It is well known for its forts, palaces of Maharajas and desert life. It is well known for wildlife as well, namely Ranthambhore and Sariska tiger reserves.

Goa a union territory is a beach paradise well known for its culture, cuisine and beaches. Beach parties are important events for vacation seekers from USA and UK and from the rest of Europe.

Apart from all these states whole of India has tremendous tourism to offer. It is for those traveling in India decide what to see and where to see...tiger safari..cultural tour...historical tour..religious tours or just to experience India sub continent.

Places to see in India?

A very difficult question to answer since India is so vast and diverse. It is each to himself or herself depending upon what you wish to see during your travel in India. For lovers of archeology historical places in New Delhi and Agra are must visit, as for example the "Taj Mahal" Delhi Fort, Kutub Minar and Fatehpur Sikri.

For the lovers of Indian desert life it is a trip to vast stretches of Rajasthan to live in Maharaja style in the palaces in Udaipur, Jaipur and Jaisalmer to name few. Rajasthan has a rich colorful culture to offer to the visitors. Bharatpur offers excellent bird watching to birders and is one of finest birding destinations in India.

Central India offers best tiger safaris to wildlife enthusiasts. Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench are popular tiger reserves in India. Pachmarhi is a pristine, unspoiled little paradise for holidaying at high places. It is a popular hill station in Madhya Pradesh.

These posts are going to highlight best places to see in India so keep subscribe if you wish to know about the places to visit in India.

Indian Road Travel

Driving on the Indian roads is the most challenging task during India tour. India has vast road network that stretches miles and miles across. From six lane expressways to two lane highways and main roads, roads in the interiors you ask for it and there is a road.

Roads made of bitumen or good ones made of cement and the usual cross country and jungle roads which are popularly know as metal roads...most primitive type of road in the country.

The roads are classified as good and bad roads and those which do not come in either category are referred to as "ok" roads. During preparation for a road trip the first travel tip that is considered is the road condition, weather and climate come much later perhaps after the details of roadside food joints, dhabas and tea stalls have been inquired about.

Well whatever the road may be it is assured for an enthusiastic traveler it is the way to an exciting unexplored destination of India for him. That is the fun of travel in India the real good roads lead to more or less homogenous globalized metro or capitals but the rough roads to lead exciting destinations like historical places, wildlife reserves and eco resorts.

And in extreme cases road or no road ...keep move ahead...India awaits you.

India travel basics

When traveling in India the following tips will come useful for inbound tourists from all over the globe.

Make your reservations in advance. Seek a good travel agent and go ahead. Fix your itinerary in and deliver to the travel agency for quick booking of accommodation in hotels and wildlife resorts and rail or air reservations and of course the ubiquitous taxi for road travel where ever required.

If you are planning for a temple and tiger tour which would include both historical monuments like “Taj Mahal” and tiger safari for Indian wildlife then find a travel agent online who specializes in eco tourism. These online travel agencies offer both tours in one package.

When you arrive in India take these precautions…

Drink only mineral water from trusted companies like Bisleri, Pepsi and Kinley…there are many more.

Eat fresh hot food at clean restaurants and totally avoid road side joints. You can safely consume fruits with cover. Try a hot tandoori in chicken or other curry dishes if you can stand it for it is going to tickle your palate like nothing else. India is an abundance of gastronomic delights so do not be surprised if you get addicted to Indian food.

The safest beverage is tea which is brewed at high temperature. India chai tea is unique drink and is available everywhere in wide range of flavor and taste which is unique to the regions in India. You get ample supply of tea in Indian railway to keep your spirits full of cheer during a long journey. Do not forget to drink ginger tea if you are a tea lover or that masala chai of which it is a part.

Keep cash at hand when you travel to interior where banking facilities may be limited. The urban localities have an advance infrastructure so traveling is not difficult at all if you have made your bookings in advance.

Keep tag on weather and the climate of the places you wish to travel to for this vast land has varied climate and somewhere you will need warm cloths to fight of freezing cold and other places might be warm and humid.

English is quite popular in India and Indians understand sign language very well, but learning bits and pieces of local dialect especially Hindi is going to make your trip more enjoyable. Keep medicine for any medical emergencies if you are traveling to rural areas of Indian jungles since modern medication might not be available there.

Above all stay in high spirits and enjoy either the ruggedness of economy class or luxury of traveling in amazing India premium package. You can travel on budget or travel in the luxurious five star class if you are rich.

For student and adults with a spirit of service and sacrifice, travel volunteer is the best option to experience India from close at grass root level. There are many Indian ngo or non profit organizations that offer volunteer opportunity and internship. India is a growing economy with multitudes of problems and complexities where in you can take part for the betterment of the country and its people.