Factors Attracting Foreigners and Tourists towards India *
The article is based on observations, personal experiences and review of literature.
There are various reasons that attract foreigners towards India who come individually, with their families or in groups; some of the factors are as follows:
- MEDICAL TOURISM:In India, emphasis is given on Holistic health. Modern as well as traditional system of treatment namely Ayurveda, Allopathy, Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani and Naturopathy are being followed. There is well defined Government policy for health of people. To get world class and advanced treatment in less cost, people from other countries come to India. Yoga tourism is gaining popularity and flourishing in India.
- Monuments: Modern architecture, historical places / architectural marvels / wonders of science, old forts, fortress and palaces, gardens, world famous statues, historical caves, heritage sites are a great attraction for tourists.
- Rich Heritage and Cultural Diversity: Foreigners are curious to know and understand Indian traditions ,customs and family structures particularly in rural and tribal areas .They want to observe how people in extended and joint families live together and also want to understand Indian traditional family values system in different regions. They like to explore and study INDIAN CULTURE and its cultural diversity.
- Religious Places, Towns and Cities:India is the most ancient country in the world. Tourists like to visit, stay and experience at different religious places located in plains, on hills, banks of the rivers, and sea shores, and places famous for Meditation and Spirituality.
- Indian Art Forms, Beautiful Indian Paintings, drawings, crafts, and scriptures are very much appreciated by foreigners. They do shopping of different items for themselves and take as a souvenir and gifts for their friends and relatives.
- Entertainment Industry: Indian films in different languages and filmi songs are very popular amongst foreigners. ; Modern theatres are gaining popularity amongst foreigners.
- Folk Dances, folk music, traditional folklores and songs are very much liked by the foreigners.
- Dance Drams music; Young foreigners take interest in Indian classical dances, dramas and music .and many join these courses in Indian institutions. They also like to learn musical instruments like Sitar and Tablaa, Dholak, Harmonium, Dhaplee, Manjeera, Kartal and Damru.
- Educational Opportunities: Best quality education and training is provided in India. Higher level educational Institutes, innumerable no of courses in all fields and space research and development attracts many.
- Developed Infrastructure:India has become a country of high class developed infrastructure, network, roads, smart cities, magnificent buildings, conferences halls, hotels etc. High class stadiums and play grounds are also a great attraction to players.
- Hospitality Sectors: Tourism / village tourism, safari, country side stay are becoming popular amongst tourists. Foreigners feel more welcomed in India.
- Shopping Avenues for All Budgets: Traditional shopping markets( Haatt) are a great attraction for foreigners ,who want typical Indian material. Modern show rooms, State Emporiums, local markets , whole sale markets for different things are available . Foreigners also do online shopping of Indian material from their respective places .
- Textiles, Fabric Ready Made Clothes and Costumes: Each region in India has its uniqueness in fabrics and designs . khadi / Handloom / jute are becoming very popular. New Innovation as per the latest fashion and requirements is done continuously by Indian weavers and manufacturers. More durable, attractive and blend of modern and traditional material is produced . Foreigners do shopping of Wollen and silk carpets , rugs ,furnishings , shawls , scarfs and stoles, dresses. Indian costumes are becoming popular amongst foreigners and they wear in their countries on different occasions, festivals and functions .Foreigners appreciate vibrant colors in dresses, jewelry of all kinds, sarees, ready to wear sarees, salwar kameez, lehngas, dhotis , sherwanis and other dresses from different regions. Also different head gears (Pagris) are becoming very popular.
Hand-crafted shoes ,purses ,show pieces , wooden toys and furniture, paper mâché are world famous. - Indian Cuisine: Cooked local and regional food, dishes for vegetarians and non vegetarians both and recipes in many other categories are available Traditional food from different regions are gaining popularity amongst foreigners. Different types of spices and tea from India are world famous. There are many varieties of fruits and vegetables available in India which are popular amongst foreigners.
- Combination of Modern and Traditional Attitude and characteristics: Majority of the people have a combination of traditional as well as scientific bent of mind are innovative. They are tech savvy, adapts to modernity and to latest technology.
They show warmth and love, are courteous and generous, humane and they respect others. They are nature lovers . Adapt to latest good trends in fashion and food. They Celebrate festivals with a part of their life. People are hard working, progressive, creative, innovative and supportive. - Variety of Seasons Throughout the Year: Foreigners experience and enjoy different seasons like spring, summer monsoon ,autumn, pre winter (with exceptions in some regions). They get chance to wear variety of clothes made out of different fabric/ material which is usually not possible in many countries because of more or less same weather.
- Scenic beauty: Diversity of natural sights across regions , photo graphic places ,flora and fauna ponds and rivers and lakes ,sea beaches, back waters, hills and mountains, gardens, deserts and sand dunes , sun sets and sun rise, and green lush grounds are a great attraction .
- Languages and Dialects: People from all over the world take interest in Indian languages and students come to India to learn different languages.
- Modern Transport System: foreigners come to India to observe and experience Indian efficient modern Transport System ;railways and road transport, multilane roads, bridges and flyovers. They appreciate multiple options to book tickets.
- Growing Digital Technology: Digital India attracts people from over the world. People are curious and many want to experience Indian advanced digital payment system.
- Social Functions and Rituals:: Tourists come to India to participate in national and religious festivals, functions, and practices. Destination wedding in India are also becoming popular amongst foreigners.
Nirmal Tikku (Ex Deputy Director), NIPCCD, New Delhi. July 2025.