India’s glorious past with its over 42 UNESCO-listed heritage sites and 14 intangible cultural heritage, including ancient temples, palaces and historical monuments, beckons travellers to its shores.
Heritage tourism is a unique differentiator for India as a tourism destination making it a key pillar of India’s Tourism Policy. The recently concluded G-20 presidency showcased 56 destinations in India spotlighting its invaluable historic treasures in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “making India a hub of heritage tourism.”
Heritage tourism allows visitors to witness the majestic ruins of Harappa, explore the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, and marvel at the architectural brilliance of Hampi’s Vijayanagara Empire. The awe-inspiring temples of Khajuraho, the intricately carved Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and the breathtaking forts of Rajasthan like Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh, stand as living testaments to the country’s architectural prowess. India’s architectural heritage is a fascinating blend of indigenous styles combined with influences from various civilisations and cultures. India, often referred to as the cradle of spirituality, is a treasure trove of religious and spiritual sites. Pilgrimage destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Tirupati, Bodh Gaya and others draw seekers from around the globe.
Intrinsically bound with the country’s history and culture there are many palaces and forts of India which are living testimonies to its heritage and traditions. They continue to inspire awe and admiration, reminding us of the grandeur of India’s royal past. Many of these are today living legacies with their doors having opened as hotels and welcoming guests from around the world. Taj, India’s Strongest Brand by Brand Finance has long been heralded as a purveyor of Indian heritage. With its presence in key historic destinations such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Varanasi and Mumbai. It was recently ranked the best in the ‘World’s Finest Luxury Grand Palaces’ category by 101 Executive Summit.
The vibrant tapestry of Indian culture is woven with threads of dance, music, festivals, and traditional arts – India’s living heritage is equally fascinating and offers travellers a unique glimpse into the heart of India’s identity. The 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted by 178 countries, emphasises the importance of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for ensuring cultural diversity. ICH represents the “living” heritage of a country and is made up of practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills, including instruments, objects, artefacts, and cultural spaces that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals, recognize as part of their cultural heritage.
In a recent move, IHCL, India’s largest hospitality company, announced its collaboration with UNESCO to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of India, as part of a major new initiative meant to transform the travel landscape in the post-pandemic world. IHCL and UNESCO offer experiential tours for travellers at various IHCL hotels so that they can experience the living heritage of the country better. Travellers can experience the distinctive tribal life of the Bishnoi village in Rajasthan, Karnataka’s vibrant past and festivities via Janpada Loka and Mysuru Dasara or stories hand moulded in terracotta by Molela Terracotta Art in Udaipur. Discover a love story of patterns and textiles through Bagru Hand Block Printing and a Turko-Persian tradition kept alive via Blue Pottery at Jaipur, a celebration of the divine force, Durga Puja in Kolkata or Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.
India’s heritage tourism offers a substantial opportunity for the hospitality industry. The government’s focus on tourism and the increased infrastructure development will contribute significantly to its growth.
