India is a global travel destination thanks to its rich and diverse culture, people and landscapes.
Published by the Traveling in India team 02/08/21 | 15:41The allure of the East has drawn visitors to the subcontinent for thousands of years. One source of information about India in earlier times is the writings of Ibn Battuta, who visited India in the 14th century.
In 2017, India welcomed around 10 million international tourists. Tourism grew strongly, by around 14%. That same year, domestic tourists made more than 1650 million visits. Tourism generated around 27 billion dollars in foreign exchange earnings. The largest numbers of international tourists come from the United States and the United Kingdom.
The 5 most visited states are Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Rajasthan. Other states that attract many tourists include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. The Himalayas in the north and tropical beaches in the south draw travelers, alongside India's ancient religions, yoga and meditation practices, and rich art and architecture.
One of India's most prominent attractions is the Taj Mahal in Agra, a monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the site welcomes more than 3 million visitors each year.