States that topped Tourism in 2015
By Shubhauklangi Sh
Indian States and Union Territories saw a major flow of tourist visits in 2015. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the total domestic and foreign tourist visits were 1,431,973,794 and 23,326,163 respectively in 2015. The numbers saw an increase as compared to 1,282,801,629 domestic and 22,334,031 foreign tourist visits in 2014.
Domestic Tourist Visits
TAMIL NADU
The “Land of Tamils” tops the chart with the maximum domestic and foreign tourist traffic. Known for its Dravidian architecture, Tamil Nadu is the most visited state in India. According to the Ministry of Tourism statistics , 23.3% (333,459,047)of the total domestic tourist visits in 2015 were made in Tamil Nadu. In 2014, 327.6 million domestic tourist visits were made. The most visited attractions in TN are Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram Temple, Dolphin’s nose in Kodaikanal, Hogenakkal Falls and Jambukeswarar Temple.
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UTTAR PRADESH
The most populous Indian State, UP, bagged the second lead in terms of domestic tourist visits in 2015 with 14.3% (204888457) of the total tourist traffic. The famous tourist attractions in this vibrant land of culture and festivals are Taj Mahal and Buland Darwaza in Agra and Kashi Vishwanath and Munshi Ghat in Varanasi.
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ANDHRA PRADESH
The Koh-i-noor of India, Andhra Pradesh is the third in order when it comes to domestic tourist travel. In 2015, 8.5% (121591054) of the total tourist travel was routed towards AP. Frequently visited places include RK Beach, Araku Valley, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary and Tirumala Temple.
KARNATAKA
The land of Kannadigas, scenic hills, temples and beaches is of the most frequented tourist spot too. 8.4% (119863942) of the total domestic tourist travel in india was directed towards Karnataka. The most visited places are Keshava Temple in Somanathapura, Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, Mysore Palace at Mysore and Bannerghatta National Park in Bangalore. Apart from this tourists are also mesmerized by Channapatna, “The Toy Town of Karnataka”.
Foreign Tourist Visits
Each year many tourists come and visit various Indian states. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the total foreign tourist visits were 23326163 in 2015. The numbers saw an increase as compared to the 22334031 foreign tourist visits in 2014.
TAMIL NADU
Tamil Nadu tops with a flow of 20.1% (4684707) of the total foreign tourist population in 2015. The foreign tourists cherish various famous sites in TN. These include Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kodaikanal Lake, Ooty Lake, Vattakotai Fort and Sim’s Park in Coonoor.
MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra holds the second lead when it comes to foreign tourist visits. In 2015 Maharashtra received 18.9% (4408916) of the total foreign tourist crowd. The land of Bollywood has many attractions to offer. The most visited places include Ajanta Caves, Pratapgarh Fort, Elephanta Caves, The Gateway of India and Kailasha Temple.
UTTAR PRADESH
The “land of Gods” receives as much foreign tourist traffic as it entertains the domestic tourist visits. In 2015, 13.3% (3104062) of the total foreign arrivals were made to Uttar Pradesh. The Most visited spots included Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daula, Fatehpur Sikri, Jama Masjid, Kashi Vishvanath Temple, Banaras Ghats, Alahabad Fort and Moti Mahal.
DELHI
The Capital of India is of the most travelled foreign tourist spots in India. In 2015, 10.2% (2379169) of the total foreign tourist visits were made to Delhi. The most visited tourist attractions include Qutab Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Rashtrapati Bhawan.
WEST BENGAL
West Bengal also ensures foreign tourist visitors in huge numbers. In 2015, 6.4% (1489500) of the total foreign tourist visits in India were made to West Bengal. The most attractive places to visit in this cultural and ethnic rich state are Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge. The state is also known for its delicacies and cuisine. Mishti Doi, Sondesh, Malda mangoes and prawn curries are to name a few.
This Article is written by Shubhauklangi Sh as part of curriculum at IIJNM
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