The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) is the National body of the tourism industry.It has over 1600 members covering all segments of Tourism Industry. Established in 1982, IATO today has international acceptance, and linkages.It has close connections and constant interaction with other Tourism Associations in US, Nepal and Indonesia, where USTOA , NATO and ASITA are its member bodies; and is increasing its international networking with professional bodies for better facilitation to the International traveler visiting not only India but the entire Region.
Blessed naturally, India attracts millions of travelers from all over the world round the year with enticing India tour packages. Be it mountains or plains, beaches or backwaters, wildlife tours or adventure activities, secluded islands or bustling metropolitans, culinary delights or local drinks, spiritual holidays or romantic vacations, for those travelers who are visiting India for the first time, tourist destinations in India offer every reason that makes them wish they stayed a little longer in our Incredible India.
The famous Taj mahal, was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is an Ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of Yamuna. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 for being the jewel of Muslim art. It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India’s Rich History. Taj Mahal attracts 7-8 million visitor a year and 2007 it was declared a winner of the new 7 wonders of the world (2000-2007) initiative.
Aristocracy has been there in Delhi, India’s capital city. Most of the travellers to India land at Delhi. Along with the nobility came the great architecture. The entire history of India seems to have fallen at the same place. From the Mughal monuments to the modern Delhi it’s all a treat to watch for the bag packers. Amongst the many famous monuments in India, the Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kerala is perhaps most well known for its pristine and untouched backwaters. Kerala is visited by tourists to enjoy the serenity, peace and aquatic life of its extremely well known backwaters. It is a perfect destination to enjoy its tranquil beauty and clean scenic beaches. It is rightly said that your exploration of India is incomplete without visiting ‘God’s Own Country’. In addition to its pleasing green lands and a huge coastline, Kerala is blessed with mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, rivers and peaceful backwaters.
Rajasthan is well known for its history and admirable royal hospitality. Along with the hospitality it is a home for several glorious architectural buildings including forts and palaces. You cannot compare the unparalleled Royalty. Should you visit Rajasthan set your eyes on these forts which are a reflection of creativity and the might of the rulers. So if you want to live like a Maharaja and for the ability to immerse yourself in royalty, Rajasthan is a must visit.Needless to say why you should visit forts in Rajasthan! Nothing can over shine the charm of these impressive grand forts and palaces, with most welcoming people in India.
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in Rajasthan. The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine. The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. Each saloon highlights the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, painting and furnishings. Delhi-based interior designer Payal Kapoor did the interiors of the train
Goa, tucked neatly into the western coast of India, popular throughout the country for its beautiful beaches. You explore north of the city or go south in the city; you will find beaches characteristically different from one another.
Varanasi is said to be a holy city which is set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges. Mark Twain once wrote, “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” Varanasi earlier used to be known as Banaras and it is one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. It is a sacred place for people who follow Hindu religion in India. The sights, sounds, smells and colors can be overpowering. Rites and rituals performed by the priests, cremation proceedings on the riverside does not let devotees at the banks of the Ganges to not offer their prayers with complete devotion to the river Ganges.
Golden Temple also known as Harmandir sahib or Darbar sahib is located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab. Amritsar literally means the tank of nectar of Immortality and was founded in 1574, by the fourth sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Arjan, the fifth Guru of sikkhs designed golden temple to be built in the centre of this Holy tank. It’s the spiritual capital of the Sikhs. The extreme beauty of Golden Temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The golden temple looks particularly divine in the evening when it is dazzle up in thousand of bright electrical lights.
The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train based on the model of Palace on Wheels to boost tourism on the Maharashtra route of the Indian Railways. It is a venture of the Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. In addition to being a train that touches tourist spots, this aims to be a complete 5-star hotel on wheels, with two restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center and other such amenities on board. The coaches fitted with special amenities were manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai.
