India - A wounded destination. Review on General Tips on Travel in India

This one might offend, many patriots out there, but if one decides to be opjective, then I am sorry to say that I firmly believe, that the credibility of India as a tourist destination seems speculative! Especially for heritage travellers, who are more interested in civilization than nature.

Undoubtedly the Palaces of Rajasthan WERE mind blowing, the caves of Ajanta Ellora WERE mysterious, the charm of Calcutta WAS gravelling, but what about the present? I've recently visited Jaipur and Udaipur. The cities have no character. Udaipur the city of lakes, seemed to me the city of swamps and gutters! Where is the dignity and the elegance of say, a Paris? Or Athens? Undoubtedly, the palaces as structures are outstanding. Nothing can beat the prestine beauty of the Taj Mahal. But where the hell is the maintainence? Is the dept of Tourism sleeping?

Instead of preserving our heritage, and attracting more tourism, which could do good to our balance of payments, we have shamelessly and idly, left it to rot.

Agreed, foreign tourists find India 'charming', but that is primarily due to the cultural difference. And fortunately or unfortunately, that is not going to last soon. Because of globalization and corporates cultural dissimilarities are on an increase, and the world will soon be one 'stereotype', if it already isn't. The 'culture' that people talk about has vanished into thin air. Then who will come to India for its 'culture'? Wouldn't they rather go to Greece, or Egypt, or Turkey, or Burma? They are much more organized, much more cleaner, more hygenic, less polluted, more aware of the preciousness of their heritage structures. Their cities have an identity, a tradition!

Well, for those of you, more interested in the 'nature aspect' of travelling, India is at par with the best. The Georgious himalayas, the back waters of Kerala, the pristine hill stations. These are beyond words! My suggestion is, let them be just that! Don't commercialize them! Don't let the tourist spot a half eaten plastic 'Ruffles lays' packet, in the misty grass on the foot hills of that sun bathed snow-mount!