Reading Time: 9 minutes

India now offers a visa-on-arrival facility for nationals of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced this update in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 5.

This facility applies to tourism, business, conference, and medical purposes, allowing visitors to stay in India for up to 60 days with double entry.

The visa-on-arrival can be used at six designated airports across India, streamlining the process for travelers from these countries and making their journey more convenient.

Additionally, the Ministry has expanded the e-visa facility, offering Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to nationals of 167 countries.

This e-visa allows entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports, making it significantly easier for international travelers to visit India.

The Ministry of Tourism conducts need-based tourism surveys, research, and feasibility studies regularly.

These initiatives are crucial for shaping policy development and evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs.

Data gathered from these studies helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that tourism policies align with intended objectives.

To enhance tourist safety and provide immediate assistance, 15 State Governments and Union Territory (UT) Administrations have deployed tourist police.

The Ministry has also established a 24×7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline, accessible toll-free at 1800111363 or short code 1363.

This service provides guidance and information to domestic and foreign tourists in 12 languages, including 10 international ones.

Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India, providing financial assistance to States, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies.

Since its inception, 76 projects under various thematic circuits have been sanctioned, with a revised total budget of ₹5287.90 crore, of which ₹4944.47 crore have been released.

The scheme has evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to promote sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist-centric focus.

The Ministry also introduced the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) as a Central Sector Scheme.

This initiative focuses on the integrated development of selected pilgrimage destinations.

Under the PRASHAD scheme, ₹1621.14 crore have been sanctioned, with ₹1024.18 crore already released.

In addition, travel advisors from the UAE, Japan, and South Korea can now plan trips to India more easily thanks to the Visa on Arrival policy, further enhancing the convenience for international tourists visiting the country.

Top places to visit in India:

Taj Mahal:

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is a magnificent mausoleum complex that stands as a symbol of eternal love. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal is India’s most iconic and widely recognized structure. This architectural marvel is situated on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, with the Agra Fort (Red Fort) located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) to the west.

Other Attractions Besides the Taj Mahal:

Mehtab Bagh:
Mehtab Bagh is a charbagh garden complex situated on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, directly aligned with the Taj Mahal. This square-shaped garden, measuring approximately 300 by 300 meters, offers a serene view of the Taj Mahal and is a popular spot for photography.

Agra Fort:
Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, is a historical fort that played a significant role in the Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperor Humayun was crowned here in 1530, and later, Emperor Akbar renovated the fort from 1565, completing it in 1573. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Fatehpur Sikri:
Located just west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a historic city founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Known for its red sandstone architecture, the city features the grand Buland Darwaza gate, which serves as the entrance to the Jama Masjid mosque. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating destination for those interested in Mughal history.

Top Five Hotels:

• The Oberoi Amarvilas:
• Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra:
• ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra:

Airports Near Taj Mahal:

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport:
Also known as Agra Airport, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. While primarily a military base known as Agra Air Force Station, it also handles commercial flights, serving as a key regional airport for travelers visiting the Taj Mahal and other historical sites in Agra.

Amer Fort in Jaipur

Amer Fort in Jaipur ranks among the top attractions and must-visit sites in the city. Why is Amer Fort so famous? Recently, the Ministry of Tourism of India identified Amer Fort as one of the 17 iconic tourist sites. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” cluster. Though commonly referred to as a fort, it is actually a palace where the former rulers of Jaipur once resided. It is also known by several other names, including Amber Palace, Amer Ka Kila, and Amber Fort.

Other Places to Visit:

Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors):
Located within the Amber Fort Palace, the Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, is a breathtaking area where countless small mirrors are meticulously embedded in the walls and ceiling, creating a dazzling effect.

Man Sagar Lake:
Man Sagar Lake, an artificial lake in Jaipur, was created around 1610 by damming the Dravyavati River during the reign of Raja Man Singh. The stunning Jal Mahal sits at the center of this lake.

Hotels in Jaipur:

• Rambagh Palace
• Golden Tulip Essential Jaipur
• Trident, Jaipur

Airport in Jaipur:

Jaipur International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city and is located in the southern suburb of Sanganer, 13 km (8.1 mi) from the city center. It is the 13th busiest airport in India in terms of daily scheduled flight operations.

Golden Temple

Amritsar, the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion, is renowned for its iconic Golden Temple, officially known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib. The city’s name is derived from the sacred water body encircling the temple, meaning “Holy Tank of Nectar of Immortality.” As one of North India’s top destinations, Amritsar is celebrated for its rich local cuisine and significant heritage linked to the Partition of India.

The Golden Temple is Amritsar’s crowning jewel, making this otherwise typical Punjabi city truly extraordinary. This stunning temple, formally named Sri Harmandir Sahib, “The Abode of God,” serves as the primary place of worship for Sikhs globally. It draws pilgrims from around the world, who come to pay their respects and engage in voluntary service, with visitor numbers rivaling those of the Taj Mahal. The temple welcomes people of all faiths, offering a place of worship and refuge to everyone.

Places To Visit Near Golden Temple:

Jallianwala Bagh:
Jallianwala Bagh is a poignant site, remembered for the horrific massacre carried out by the British Army under General Dyer’s orders on April 13, 1919, which coincided with the Punjabi New Year. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of nearly 379 people and left approximately 1,100 injured. In 1951, a memorial was erected in Jallianwala Bagh to honor those who lost their lives.

Wagah Border:
Located near the Golden Temple, the Wagah Border is a major tourist attraction and the second most visited spot in Amritsar after the temple. It is the only road crossing between India and Pakistan, and the daily beating retreat ceremony and change of guard draw tourists from all over India. Visitors from both countries gather to witness this display of valor and patriotism as the border is formally closed and the national flags are lowered at night.

Harike Wetland:
Also known as Hari Ke Pattan, Harike Wetland is the largest wetland in northern India, spanning three districts of Punjab: Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala. This artificial wetland, created by the construction of a diversion across the Satluj River in 1953, covers approximately 4,100 hectares. It serves as a habitat for various species of animals, including snakes, fish, turtles, and amphibians.

Hotels Near Golden Temple:

• Hotel CJ International
• Hotel Urban Galaxy
• Hotel A Star

Airports:
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, located in Raja Sansi, 11 km (7 mi) northwest of Amritsar’s city center, is the largest and busiest airport in Punjab. Named after Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of Amritsar, it is the third-largest airport in Northern India. The airport ranked as the 3rd fastest-growing airport in India in the fiscal year 2017–18 and serves as a major hub for cargo movements both domestically and internationally. It was recognized as the 6th-best regional airport in India and Central Asia in 2019 and 2020 by Skytrax and was awarded the title of Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (2 to 5 million passengers per annum) by Airports Council International in 2020. In 2024, it also ranked among the top 10 airports in India and South Asia for Best Airport Staff, according to Skytrax.

Hawa Mahal:

Hawa Mahal, a stunning palace located in the heart of Jaipur, was designed by Lal Chand Ustad and completed in 1799 for Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Jaipur’s founder. As one of Rajasthan’s most iconic landmarks, Hawa Mahal stands proudly in the center of the state’s capital city, symbolizing the rich architectural heritage of the region.

City Palace:

Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, City Palace is a magnificent landmark in Jaipur and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This grand palace offers a deep dive into Jaipur’s rich history and architectural splendor. Within its complex, you will find the famous Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal, adding to its allure as one of the best places to visit in Jaipur.

Chokhi Dhani Village:

For an authentic Rajasthani experience, Chokhi Dhani Village is the perfect destination. Visitors can immerse themselves in Rajasthani culture through traditional paintings, arts, performances, and delectable local cuisine. Situated away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Chokhi Dhani provides a refreshing escape to the serene atmosphere of Indian village life. It is a must-visit spot when exploring Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar:

Located near Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top tourist attractions in Jaipur. It houses the world’s largest stone sundial, completed in 1734, along with 19 other architectural astronomical instruments. This site has been featured in films and magazines, making it not only a significant historical monument but also a popular cultural landmark. A visit to Jantar Mantar is essential for anyone exploring the heritage sites near Hawa Mahal.

Airport:

Jaipur International Airport is the main gateway to the city, located in the southern suburb of Sanganer, about 13 km (8.1 mi) from the city center. It ranks as the 13th busiest airport in India for daily scheduled flight operations, connecting Jaipur with major cities both domestically and internationally.

Top Hotels Near Hawa Mahal:

• Taj Rambagh Palace:
• Jai Mahal Palace:
• The Oberoi Rajvilas

The Gateway of India:

The Gateway of India stands proudly on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Mumbai,” this iconic basalt arch is the city’s most popular tourist attraction. The Gateway incorporates Islamic architectural styles reminiscent of 16th-century Gujarat and was originally built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V, though it was not completed until 1924. Ironically, the same structure used by the British to celebrate their rule was used just 24 years later to mark the departure of the last British regiment as India moved towards independence.

Other Places to Visit Near the Gateway of India:

Jehangir Art Gallery:
Located in the Kalaghoda area of Southern Mumbai, Jehangir Art Gallery is a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts near the Gateway of India. Since its opening in 1952, the gallery has become a hub for artists and art lovers alike. Showcasing the works of renowned artists like M.F. Hussain and S.H. Raza, the gallery hosts over 300 exhibitions annually. It features a large space divided into four halls, a terrace art gallery, an auditorium, and the Hirji Jehangir Gallery, offering visitors a rich experience of India’s vibrant art scene.

Rajabai Clock Tower:
Situated within the University of Mumbai, Rajabai Clock Tower is another remarkable site near the Gateway of India. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and funded by Premchand Roychand, the tower was completed in 1860. Standing 85 meters tall, the tower is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and was named in honor of Roychand’s blind mother, Rajabai. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the tower and listen to its clock chimes every 15 minutes—a captivating experience in the heart of the city.

National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA):
The National Gallery of Modern Art in South Mumbai, near Regal Cinema, is an essential destination for art lovers visiting the Gateway of India. The gallery boasts a diverse collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures, including works by global artists like Pablo Picasso. The NGMA offers a space for contemporary artists to showcase their creations while also housing ancient artworks, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts from around the world.

Hotels Near Gateway of India:

• Hotel Manama
• goSTOPS Mumbai
• Sea Green South Hotel

Airport:

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport:
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is the primary airport serving Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). It is the second busiest airport in India in terms of both total and international passenger traffic, following Delhi. In the fiscal year 2023–24, it ranked as the ninth busiest airport in Asia and the 25th busiest globally by passenger traffic.