Tourism

Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes". Tourism is important and in some cases vital for many countries, such as France, Egypt, Greece, Lebanon, Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain,Italy, and Thailand, and many island nations, such as Mauritius, The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives, Philippines and the Seychelles. It brings in large amounts of income in payment for goods and services available, contributing an estimated 5% to the worldwide gross domestic product (GDP), and it creates opportunities for employment in the service industries associated with tourism.[2] These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxicabs; hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts; and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues andtheatres.

Recent developments
There has been an up-trend in tourism over the last few decades, especially in Europe, where international travel for short breaks is common. Tourists have a wide range of budgets and tastes, and a wide variety of resorts and hotels have developed to cater for them. For example, some people prefer simple beach vacations, while others want more specialised holidays, quieter resorts, family-oriented holidays or niche market-targeted destination hotels. The developments in technology and transport infrastructure, such as jumbo jets, low-cost airlines and more accessible airports have made many types of tourism more affordable. On April 28, 2009 The Guardian noted that "the WHO estimates that up to 500,000 people are on planes at any time."[27] There have also been changes in lifestyle, for example some retirement-age people sustain year round tourism. This is facilitated by internet sales of tourist services. Some sites have now started to offer dynamic packaging, in which an inclusive price is quoted for a tailor-made package requested by the customer upon impulse. There have been a few setbacks in tourism, such as the September 11 attacks and terrorist threats to tourist destinations, such as in Bali and several European cities. Also, on December 26, 2004, a tsunami, caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, hit the Asian countries on the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives. Thousands of lives were lost including many tourists. This, together with the vast clean-upoperations, stopped or severely hampered tourism in the area for a time. The terms tourism and travel are sometimes used interchangeably. In this context, travel has a similar definition to tourism, but implies a more purposeful journey. The terms tourism and tourist are sometimes used pejoratively, to imply a shallow interest in the cultures or locations visited by tourists.

History
Wealthy people have always travelled to distant parts of the world, to see great buildings, works of art, learn new languages, experience new cultures and to taste different cuisines. Long ago, at the time of theRoman Republic, places such as Baiae were popular coastal resorts for the rich. The word tourist was used by 1772 and tourism by 1811.In 1936, the League of Nations defined foreign tourist as "someone traveling abroad for at least twenty-four hours". Its successor, the United Nations, amended this definition in 1945, by including a maximum stay of six months.

Leisure travel
Leisure travel was associated with the Industrial Revolution in the United Kingdom the first European country to promote leisure time to the increasing industrial population.[22] Initially, this applied to the owners of the machinery of production, the economic oligarchy, the factory owners and the traders. These comprised the new middle class.Cox & Kings was the first official travel company to be formed in 1758. The British origin of this new industry is reflected in many place names. In Nice, France, one of the first and best-established holiday resorts on the French Riviera, the long esplanade along the seafront is known to this day as the Promenade des Anglais; in many other historic resorts in continental Europe, old, wellestablished palace hotels have names like the Hotel Bristol, the Hotel Carlton or the Hotel Majestic reflecting the dominance of English customers. Many leisure-oriented tourists travel to the tropics, both in the summer and winter. Places of such nature often visited are: Bali in Indonesia, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico the various Polynesian tropical islands, Queensland in Australia, Thailand, SaintTropez and Cannes in France, Florida,Hawaii and Puerto Rico in the United States, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St.Lucia Saint Maarten, Saint Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda.

Tourism in India
Tourism in India is the largest service industry, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. In 2010, total Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India were 5.78 million and India generated about 200 billion US dollars in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$375.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.[1] The majority of foreign tourists come from USA and UK. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the top five states to receive inbound tourists. Domestic tourism in the same year was 740 million. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra received the big share of these visitors. Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate national policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism. In the process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/agencies, the state governments and union territories and the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism. The Ministry of Tourism also maintains the Incredible India campaign.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hot-spot from 2009 to 2018,[6] having the highest 10-year growth potential. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007 ranked tourism in India sixth in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security.[8] Despite short- and medium-term setbacks, such as shortage of hotel rooms, tourism revenues are expected to surge by 42% from 2007 to 2017. India's rich history and its cultural and geographical diversity make its international tourism appeal large and diverse. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business and sports tourism. India has one of the largest and fastest growing medical tourism sectors.

Tourism in eastern India: BHUBANESHWAR

INTRODUCTION
The word Bhubaneshwar which means the "Lord of the Universe" is the capital of Odisha.In Bhubaneshwar Shiva is known as Tribhuvaneshwar or "Lord of the Three Worlds from which the city derives its name.Bhubaneshwar is also popularly know as the "The Temple City of India. This is an important pilgrimage centre and hundreds of temple dot the landscape of the old town which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. The new Bhubaneshwar with its modern buildings and extensive perfectly complement its historic surrounding. With facilities to cater every type of visitor, Bhubaneshwar makes an ideal tourist destination.

ORIENTATION

Bhubaneshwar is flanked by Bay of Bengal in the east, West Bengal in the North East, Jharkhand in the North, Chattisgargh in the West and Andhra Pradesh in the South.

HISTORY
Bhubaneshwar was once the capital of the ancient kingdom Kalinga.Today this bustling centre of commerce and religion is Odisha's modern capital. Having merged its past with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the golden triangle that include the holy cities of Puri and Konark.The historical period of the Bhubaneswar monuments covers two millennia, between 300BC and 1600AD.A distinctive version of the North Indian style of temple architecture was evolved in Odisha over centuries under the patronage of different dynasties.

FESTIVALS
Makar Mela - This is a festival dedicated to Sun God and it falls January. Megha Mela - This mela is held at Khandagiri and it falls in the month of January and February. It is celebrated with great fervor by the people. Maha Shivaratri - Devotees of Lord Shiva celebrtae this on the Amavasya night of Phalgun.Orthodox remain awake on the proceeding night listening to hymns and sacred text. Taratarini Mela - This is one of the biggest fair of Odisha and is held in the months of March and April. Ashokastami - This is a Car festival dedicated to Lord Lingaraj where the idol of Lord Lingaraj is transported on a chariot from the main temple to Rameswar temple. Other common festivals celebrated here include Durga and Laksmi pooja.

PLACES OF WORSHIP LingarajTemple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Lingaraj.Lingaraj temple represents the peak of achievement in Odisha's middle period. The 54m spire of the temple dominates the Bhubaneshwar.The lingam is 8 ft in diameter and is raised 8 inches above the ground. The deity is given a bath daily with water, milk and bhang .The Lingaraj temple has another outstanding shrine dedicated to Parvathi.The outer walls of the temple are lavishly decorated with beautiful sculpture which marks the climax of the Hindu decorative architecture. The inner walls of the shrine containing the phallus symbol of Lord Shiva are plain without any embellishment.
Rajarani Temple

This unique example of Odishan temple art is full of erotic mithuna figures,fascinting nayikas,nymphs and gaja sinhas.Its plain but majestic Jagmohan mandap presents great contrast to fully decorated main shrine. This 11th century Raja rani temple is aesthetically endearing and sculpted with graceful feminine figures. This temple is no longer used for worship.
Mukteshwar,

Siddeshwar and Kedargauri Temple

The small 10th century Mukteshwar mandir is the Gem of Odishan architecture. In front of the there is a beautiful arched architrave showing Buddhist influence. The walls are covered with female warriors, erotic scenes, elephants, maidens and monkeys in various comic scenes. The Siddeshwar temple is in the same compound and it has fine Ganesh figure.Kedargauri is one of the oldest temple in the city.

Parasurameshwara Temple

It is a 7th century Shiva temple, classical in style, one of the oldest in Bhubaneshwar.It is a cluster of about 20 small temples. Built in 650 AD, the temple also has the idols of the Vishnu, Yama, Surya and Mother Goddess. Profusely carved temple has the friezes depicted with delicate carvings of elephant and horse processions, human figure, floral motifs and the bust of Shiva.

Vaital Deul Temple

This temple which belongs to the 8th century AD is situated near the Bindu Sarovar tank. The goddess which houses this shrine is Shakti which is adorned with garland of skulls around her neck, holding weapons in her arms and flanked by a jackal and an owl. This temple is a famous temple for it was the first temple to depict erotic sculptures on the walls of the temple. The outer wall of the temple is plain whereas the inner wall is fully decorated.

MONUMENTS Konark - The Sun temple

Designated as a chariot of the Sun God with 12 giant wheels, each of 10 feet high, fixed on either sides, whirled by seven horses the Sun temple is the translation of Rig Vedic allegory in stone. This temple is located at a distance of about 35kms away from Puri amidst sand dunes of the Bay and the palm casuarina plantations are sublime monument. The nearby museum has a rare collection of has sculptures from the ruins of this temple.

Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves

Twin hills honey combed with Jain caves that reveal the sculptural are of the 2nd century BC makes an interesting study of the life and temples of Jain aesthetics.Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udayagiri has 44 caves.

PLACES OF INTEREST Odisha State Museum

A rich collection of sculpture, cons, copper plates, stone inscriptions, armours, rare palm leaf manuscripts, Bronze Age tools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments are displayed in the museums.

Handicrafts Museum
A large collection of Odishan handicrafts, among them stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree are worth seeing.

Nandan Kanan
Picturesquely carved out of the Chandaka forest, nandan kanan is a biological park where animals are kept in their natural habitat. A centrally located lake divides the zoo from the botanical gardens. Clouded leopards, black panthers, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, grey pelican and Indian python are among the attractions of the zoo. This place is located at a distance of about 20 Km from Bhubeneswar and it is the largest lion safari park in the country, especially known to shelter rare white tigers.

Cherrapunji
INTRODUCTION Cherrapunji in the state o Meghalaya takes the record of being the second wettest place on earth with a rainfall record of 2,300 cm.But however according to a recent study this title is taken away by Mawsynram, 55 kilometers from Shillong.Cherrapunji is noted for its orange groves, orange honey and the limestone caves.Cherrapunji is situated at a distance of about 56 km away from Shillong and at an altitude of about 4,500 feet .The Guinness Book of World Records has notes carrying about this misty valleys as the wettest place on earth, the place where the rainfall can be recorded in feet rather than in millimeters. The other main feature of Cherrapunji is that it houses the world's fourth highest waterfall the Nohkalikai Falls which is at a distance of 5 km away from Cherrapunji.This land of pristine beauty is the only place in India which has the monsoon season throughout the year. One of the other major attractions of Cherrapunji is the living bridges where for years and years people have developed techniques for growing roots of trees into large bridges. The process takes 1015 years and the bridges typically last hundreds of years, the oldest ones in use being over 500 years old.

LOCATION Cherrapunji in the north eastern state of Meghalaya is situated at an altitude of 1,484 meters high in the southern part of the Khasi Hills, facing the plains of Bangladesh. It coordinates at 25.30N 91.70E. BEST TIME TO VISIT The ideal time to visit Cherrapunji is between the months of September to October. HISTORY Cherrapunji was initially named as Sohra, pronounced as "Churra" by the British. But however now again the government of Meghalaya is decided to refer Cherrapunji by its original name. There are evidences for this place being under the British for a period like one can see the monument of David Scott who was the British Administrator in NE India, 180231.Though the place receive rainfall throughout the year irrigation is not possible here because of heavy rain the topsoil is washed away and as a result of this you can see encroachment of the people into the forest. PLACES OF INTEREST Nohkalikai Waterfalls

The Nohkalikai Falls is supposed to be the world's fourth highest waterfall and it can be viewed only during the monsoon season. This waterfall is situated at a distance of about 5 km away from Cherrapunji.The waterfall starts off as a clear bubbling stream and turns into a majestic waterfall gushing down the rocky precipice into a deep gorge. Thangkharang Park The Thangkharang Park under the State Forest Department control, directly overlooks the vast plains of Bangladesh is at a distance of 12 kilometers from Cherrapunjee.It gives a magnificent view of the crisscrossed plains with wide rivers on their final leg to their journey to the sea are visible from this hilltop. Another main attraction of this park is the 200 feet giant Koh-ramhah, a natural single rock formation, shaped like an upside down basket. Kynrem Waterfall The Kynrem Falls which falls from an altitude of 1000 feet high can be seen from across the park. It is supposed to be the highest waterfall in the state. Double Decker Root Bridge

Double Decker Root Bridge situated in the Tyrna village is considered as an example of the achievement of bio-engineering. This is a two-tier living root bridge which is estimated to carry at least 50 or more people at a time and is over 100 feet long. It takes nearly 10 to 15 years to become fully functional, and gets stronger every day. Dainthlen Waterfalls The Dainthlen waterfalls are one of the ideal places for picnics and the drive to this place is very pleasant with the scenic beauty around. There is a village nearby Rangjyrthei, which should not be missed. Khasi monoliths

Close by is located a beautiful intricate structure of interconnecting underground passages beneath age-old caves. It is quite adventurous and interesting to explore this place. Elsewhere around Cherrapunji, Khasi monoliths which are the stones in memory of their ancestors lie scattered around. Mawsmai Falls

Mawsmai Falls just a few kilometres away from Cherrapunji falls from a height of 1,035-ft and is supposed to be the 4th highest in India.

Other places of interest in Cherrapunji are the Kshaid Dain Thlen Falls, Nohsngithiang falls, Cherrapunji Meteorological Observatory, Ramakrishna Mission Museum, First Presbyterian Church, David Scott Memorial, etc.

Jamshedpur
INTRODUCTION The credit of the first Indian cosmopolitan and planned industrial city goes to Jamshedpur.It is otherwise popularly known as Steel City or Tatanagar.This industrial area is also known for its relaxed environment which is engrossed with parks and gardens which helps you to relax from the tensions of life. The city was named after its founder Jasmshedji Nusserwanji Tata in 1919. ORIENTATION

Jamshedpur lies on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.It is enclosed by Dalma Hills and is fenced by the Subarnrekha and Kharkai rivers on the Northern and Western part. HISTORY Jamshedpur was originally a part of the Bihar state and was called as Sakchi.It was Jamshedji Tata who discovered a terrain rich in iron, coal, limestone and water near Sakchi for his construction of Indias first steel city in 1904.After which in 1919 Sakchi was renamed as Jamshedpur in the name of its founder.But however in 2000 after the formation of the new state Jharkhand Jamshedpur became its capital. FESTIVALS Bhaubeej - This is the festival celebrated for the brothers well being by the sisters and it falls either in the month of October or November.On this day the sisters perform aarthi to their brothers and put tilak on their forehead. Gowri Habba -It is one of the most famous festival celebrated in major parts of the country.It falls on the day before Ganesh Chaturthi and the main diety which is worshipped on this day is Goddess Gowri the mother of Lord Ganesha. Chhath - This festival is celebrated twice a year once in summer around May and is referred as Dala Chhath and once in the winter around September and is known as Kartik Chhath. Other common festivals celebrated here includes Diwali,Durga Puja,Navratri,Ganesh Chaturthi,KrishnaJanmashtami,Rama Navami,Holi and Makar Sankranti. PLACES OF WORSHIP Bhuvaneshwari Mandir - This temple is located on top of a small hill in Telco.This shrine houses the idol of Goddess Bhuvaneswari which is featured by four hands.From this temple you can get a breath taking view of the city surrounded by the rivers. The Parsee Fire Temple - This is one of the holy place of worship for the Parsees and is located near the Jubilee Gardens.The main feature of this temple is the holy fire which was installed in 1960.This holy fire was transformed from Cursetjee Manockjee Shroff Agairy of the khades Parsee in Bombay.

Swami Ayyappa Temple - This temple located in Jamshedpur is known for its spiritual ambience.The supreme diety which is worshipped here is Swami Ayyappa.

PLACES OF INTEREST Parks & Gardens Jubilee Park

This is an amusement park spread over an area of about 200 acre and is also housed with a small lake and a zoo.This centre for recreation has exciting rides along with Laser shows and musical fountain. Sri Dorabji Tata Park This is another famous park in Jamshedpur located close to the Keenan Stadium of the city.It has a beautiful and well maintained garden.Apart from this other major attraction of the garden includes illuminated fountains and colouful flowers.This park is named after Sri Dorabji Tata,pioneer of Tata Iron and Steel Company. Lakes Hudco Lake

This is an artifical man made lake situated in the TELCO colony.This is one of the famous picnic spot in the city and it also has a beautiful park with a well maintained garden and an artifical waterfall.From the park you can get a beautiful view of the city. Dimna Lake

This lake is at the foot of the Dalma hills located at a distance of about 8 miles from Jamshedpur.Being an artificial reservoir, it is one of the main sources for the city's drinking water needs. It also has facilities for water sports like jetskiing and rowing. Hirni Falls

This fall which is a feast for nature and scenic beauties are situated amidst dense forest.It is situated at a distance of about 70 kms from Ranchi. Wildlife Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is spread over an area of about 193square.kilometers and is located close to the city of Jamshedpur.This sanctuary is mainly featured by the elephants which migrates from different parts of the country. Tata Steel Zoological Park

This zoological park is also close to the Jubilee Park and is known for its flora and fauna.This is of major interest to bird lovers for differnt varities of birds migrate from differebt parts of the world.It also entertains the people with a boathouse and Machaan Restaurant.

Kolkata
NTRODUCTION Kolkata the capital of West Bengal is the nerve centre of intellectual and human values having given birth to numerous modern movements in literature, art, cinema, theatre, science, politics and industry.Kolkata is regarded as the cultural capital of India for her immense contribution in these fields.Kolkata is also the hub centre of West Bengal. The Kolkata port is one of the major ports of the country. ORIENTATION Kolkata in the Ganges delta is located in the eastern part of India at 2282'N latitude and 8820'E longitude. The Sundarbans delta which is located at a distance of 154 km to the south of Kolkata separates the city from the Bay of Bengal. HISTORY Kolkata was founded more than 300 years ago out of 3 villages namely Sutanuti, Gobindpur and Kolikata.After London; Kolkata was the British empires second city of pride. Once the capital of the British India, the capital of undivided Bengal and the capital of West Bengal since independence.Kolkata retains the aura of days long gone weaving the glorious past, the fascinating present and integrating a mix up of Indian and colonial heritages. FESTIVALS Durga Puja is by far the most popular festival of Kolkata.When her invocation begins there is autumn ambience in the air;fields look emerald green, seeds are sowed and every heart is filled with expectation of her joyous home coming. The other religious festivals include Kali Pooja, Diwali, Rathajatra, Holi, Id, Muharram, Christmas and Sraswathi pooja. PLACES OF WORSHIP Kali Temple - This temple of Kalighat rebuilt in 1809 an important shrine of Hindu Shakthi worship. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple

This temple was built in 1847 associated with Lord Ramakrishna Paramahansa Deva, 3km to the south of Kamarpukar, engineering who had been an exponent of integration among different religions.

Nakhoda Mosque - This mosque modelled on Akbar Tomb in Sikandra, distinctively marked for its unique architecture and huge capacity to accommodate nearly 10000 people. Parswanth Jain Temple - This temple is known for its architecture and spiritual environment. St.Johns Church - This church located in the town of Kolkata was built in 1878 with Grecian columns. Armenian Church - This was built in 1764, which is the oldest place of Christian worship in Kolkata. St.Pauls Cathedral - This cathedral was consecrated in 1847 which is famous for its gothic style of architecture. MONUMENTS Victoria Memorial

This was built in 1921 on the lines of Taj Mahal in memory of Queen Victoria, now housing valuable paintings, manuscripts and other objects of historic value, museum and art gallery. Raj Bhavan This was built in 1803, to be used as the residence of Governor General of India, presently used as the residence of Governor of West Bengal, remarkable for wonderful architecture and collection of rare works of art. Town Hall

This was built in 1813, in Doric style of architecture, now housing the first high - tech story telling museum in the country. Indian Museum This was built in 1887 in Italian style of architecture, housing the largest collections in the country. Fort William

This is one of the massive British citadels built in 1773, still in use retaining the well guarded grandeur. Ochterlolny Monument

This was built by the British government in 1828; renamed Shahid Minar in 1969 is an old witness to great events in history and politics.

PLACES OF INTEREST

National Library
This was initially Vice Regal house now housing the biggest library in the country with the rarest collection of books. Tagore House This is situated at Jorasanko; birth place of Rabindranath Tagore is now housing a centre for Indian Classical Fine Arts. Marble Palace

This palace was built in 1840, famous for its marble walls, pillars, mirrors and beautiful architecture presently housing a museum. Rabindra Setu

This is popularly called as Howrah Bridge, a huge cantilever bridge strung on two 196 feet high pillars connecting Kolkata with Howrah and still framing the skyline of the riverfront along with the newly built Vidyasagar Setu, the latest style of cable stayed bridge. Museums Birla Planetarium This is one of the largest in the world, offering regular shows on different aspects of space sciences. Nandan

This houses Satyajit Ray film archive and cinema halls with a number of auditoria and exhibition centres namely Academy of Fine Arts,Rabindra Sadan, Bangla Academy etc. forming a large cultural complex and attracting people interested in film, music and other facets of art and architecture. Science City This is a sprawling convention centre also famous for space theatres, museum and ropeway. Parks and Gardens Eden Garden

This is one of the sprawling gardens with a bandstand and a beautiful Burmese pagoda.

Ganga River This river front comprising outram ghat and the newly set up Millenium park, offering cool breeze of the river, pleasant walks and visual delight. Zoological Garden This is at Allipur having a vast collection of animals, birds, snakes and reptiles and this attract a major tourist crowd especially in the months of winter. Nicco Park This is a popular amusement park offering the modern sports opportunities.