Spiritual Travel
MP now heartbeat of global tourism, 134.1 million tourists visited last year
Jaipur, July 19 (IANS) With its sweeping landscapes, sacred rivers, vibrant culture and world-class heritage, Madhya Pradesh is no longer just the ‘Heart of India’ — it’s becoming the heartbeat of global tourism.
This message rang loud and clear during the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board’s roadshow held at Jaipur’s Jai Mahal Hotel on Friday.
Speaking to a packed event of tourism stakeholders, filmmakers, and hospitality professionals from both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Bidisha Mukherjee, highlighted the state’s soaring popularity.
In 2024 alone, Madhya Pradesh welcomed 134.1 million tourists, with 70 million visiting for religious and spiritual experience, to Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas, Chitrakoot, Maihar, and Amarkantak, the sacred origin of the Narmada River.
But spiritual tourism is just one facet of Madhya Pradesh’s appeal.
“We want to showcase the hidden gems of Madhya Pradesh to the world,” Mukherjee said.
“From majestic temples to dense jungles, from tribal art to local cuisine — we’re creating experiences, not just sightseeing tours. We’re building a sustainable, immersive, and community-led tourism model that speaks to the soul of every traveller.”
In an interesting pitch, she proposed an exciting expansion of the iconic Golden Triangle tourism circuit which she said can work miracles if turned into an arch.
“Imagine tourists travelling from Agra to Gwalior, then exploring the Orchha-Gwalior-Datia belt,” she said.
“Those coming from Chittorgarh can easily explore Mandsaur, Ujjain and Omkareshwar — blending Rajasthan’s desert heritage with Madhya Pradesh’s water sports and adventure tourism offerings in a single trip.”
She also added that Madhya Pradesh is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Khajuraho, Sanchi and Bhimbetka — and 15 others on India’s tentative list, making up a quarter of the country’s UNESCO sites.
Madhya Pradesh also boasts a vibrant cultural identity, with tribal traditions like the Bhagoria dance, Gond paintings, and the Narmada Parikrama pilgrimage recognised on India’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list, she said.
With titles like Tiger State, Leopard State, Cheetah State, and even Vulture and Gharial State, Madhya Pradesh has something for every nature lover, Mukherjee added.
It is a wildlife haven and with all these products, the number of tourists soared from 11.41 crore to 13.42 during 2023 to 2024, she said.
With the upcoming Tourism Policy 2025, Madhya Pradesh is also rolling out the red carpet for investors, she added.
The policy offers attractive incentives, including 90-year land leases, low stamp duties, and e-tender processes for accessing land, wayside amenities, and heritage properties.
Ultra-mega tourism projects with investments more than Rs 100 crore can even be allocated land directly.
The Madhya Pradesh Tourism officials also said: “It is not tourists who are flocking to Madhya Pradesh — the film industry is also being lured to the state. With a dedicated Film Facilitation Cell, shooting permissions are now fast-tracked. Since the launch of its film policy, more than 400 film and OTT projects have been shot in Madhya Pradesh, including Stree, Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Sui Dhaaga, Laapataa Ladies, Padman, Dhadak 2, Panchayat, Kota Factory, Gullak, and Citadel.”
No surprise then that the Indian government named Madhya Pradesh the “Most Film-Friendly State” for 2017–2020, she added.
Mukherjee concluded with a smile, saying: “Madhya Pradesh offers ‘sab kuch jo dil chahe’. The world is welcome to discover it.”
–IANS
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Spiritual Travel
5 Spiritual Destinations You Can Visit with Your Partner – News18
Spiritual Travel
First spiritual tourism roadmap for Isfahan bazaar planned
TEHRAN — Isfahan Municipality is set to officially unveil the spiritual tourism routes of Isfahan, highlighting saqqakhanehs (traditional places providing water to the passersby), seminaries, and mosques located within the city’s ancient bazaar, said Alireza Massah, who presides over the municipality’s tourism office.
Speaking at a press conference of a cultural event themed “Isfahan, a Narrative of Love and Art” with focus on spiritual tourism, handicrafts and Muharram rituals, he said all the facilities of Cultural Complex of Isfahan Municipality’s District Four have been made available to the “Narrative of Love and Art” exhibition, Mehr news agency reported.
He said, “Our cultural colleagues have done their best to prepare the space in Chahar Bagh Boulevard in recent days.”
Since the exhibition will continue until 22 at nights, the coordination has been made with Isfahan and Suburbs Bus Company for transferring the artisans and citizens until that time, he added.
Pointing to the special potentials of ritual tourism in Isfahan, he said Takht-e Foulad site is one of the important centers of Isfahan’s spiritual and religious tourism.
This site is not only valuable in terms of architecture and history, the carvings on tombstones, the calligraphy lines, and the mystical concepts engraved on the tombstones are themselves a living museum of the religious beliefs of the people of this land, he mentioned.
He gave news of the role of Specialized Office of National and Ritual Arts of Isfahan Municipality in this event, saying: “This office with cooperation of other cultural bodies, will launch stands in Chahar Bagh and also perform special artistic programs in public space. The event is an opportunity to showcase the artistic potentials associated with religious and spiritual rituals.”
Massah also gave news of planning for revival of spiritual tourism in Isfahan’s historical Bazaar, adding that Isfahan Bazar is full of religious spaces, which includes traditional saqqakhanehs, mosques, seminaries and Hosseinieh which are rooted in Muharram history and culture.
All of them are proper grounds for planning new tourism routes with spiritual approach, he pointed out.
He expressed the hope that these new routes can familiarize domestic and foreign tourists with rarely-seen manifestation of Isfahan cultural heritage, a heritage which has deep ties with Muharram rituals and public beliefs.
KD
Spiritual Travel
Goa Unveils Vibrant Tourism Portfolio at TTF Ahmedabad 2025, Featuring Spiritual Retreats, Adventure Tourism, and Unique Monsoon Experiences
Friday, July 18, 2025
Goa is all set to be part of the upcoming Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) in Ahmedabad from July 31 to August 2, 2025. The Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar will be the venue of this cross-sectoral event, which provides important networking opportunities for travel industry players, tourism boards and operators to meet and explore domestic and international tourism markets. Goa’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad is important especially for showcasing Goa the destination beyond its popular beaches, an official release stated.
This year’s involvement further attests to Goa’s status as a year-round tourist destination that has something to offer every type of traveller at every time of year. The idea is for the Department to create focus on different types of tourism and sectors so that it will change what the state’s main tourism identity is and appeal to a diverse group of people who aren’t necessarily the same old, same old kind of tourists.
A Fresh Look at Goa’s Multi-Dimensional Tourism Offerings
Goa’s pavilion at the fair will showcase the state’s multi-dimensional tourism profile, breaking away from the traditional image of sun and sand. Goa is positioning itself as a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers, whether they are looking for spiritual renewal, wellness retreats, adventure-filled experiences, or immersive cultural encounters.
Among the key attractions highlighted at the Goa Pavilion will be spiritual tourism, where visitors can explore the state’s rich religious heritage through visits to iconic temples and churches. In addition, wellness and Ayurveda-based experiences will be a central feature of Goa’s offerings, allowing tourists to indulge in rejuvenating treatments that are an integral part of Goan culture.
Another unique aspect that will be showcased is adventure tourism. Goa is becoming increasingly recognized as a hotspot for adventure seekers, offering a variety of activities such as trekking, water sports, and wildlife exploration. The state’s monsoon tourism will also be emphasized, where travelers can enjoy the lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and serene environment that Goa uniquely offers during the rainy season.
Embracing Responsible and Sustainable Tourism
Goa’s tourism strategy is evolving to reflect a strong commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. The Department of Tourism will highlight initiatives such as homestay and community-based tourism, which are gaining traction under Goa’s inclusive tourism policy. These programs aim to provide travelers with authentic local experiences while supporting local communities and promoting environmental conservation.
Sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword for Goa; it’s a core principle of the state’s future tourism plans. Goa is becoming increasingly focused on reducing the environmental impact of tourism and ensuring that growth benefits local people and preserves the natural environment.
Experiential Tourism and Cultural Calendar
Goa is not just about its natural beauty; it’s also a treasure trove of cultural experiences. At the Goa Pavilion, visitors will be introduced to the state’s rich cultural calendar. The state hosts a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year, which are major attractions for experiential travelers. Events such as Sao Joao, Chikhal Kalo, Spirit of Goa, Shigmo, and Carnaval are integral to Goa’s cultural identity. These festivals celebrate local traditions, music, dance, and cuisine, offering a deep dive into the state’s heritage.
For travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences, Goa’s cultural festivals provide the perfect opportunity to engage with the local way of life. Whether it’s the colorful processions during Carnaval or the joyous celebrations of Sao Joao, these events attract visitors looking to experience the true spirit of Goa.
Strengthening Ties with Gujarat and Beyond
The state’s participation in TTF Ahmedabad is of particular significance, as Gujarat is one of Goa’s key domestic source markets. The event offers an opportunity to strengthen engagement with travel trade partners in Gujarat and to attract a wider audience to Goa. With its rich tourism offerings and strategic location, Goa continues to draw significant interest from Gujarat, with many residents choosing Goa as their preferred travel destination for leisure, wellness, and adventure.
Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism for Goa, expressed the state’s excitement about the event: “Our participation at TTF Ahmedabad aligns with Goa’s vision to promote tourism that is immersive, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to engaging meaningfully with the travel trade community and highlighting the wide spectrum of experiences that Goa offers across all seasons. Gujarat remains a valuable market, and we look forward to welcoming more travelers who seek depth, culture, and renewal in their journeys.”
The Future of Goa Tourism
Goa continues to evolve as a dynamic and year-round destination, catering to a variety of tourist interests. The Department of Tourism’s presence at TTF Ahmedabad is just one example of how Goa is actively positioning itself as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination. The state’s focus on creating an inclusive environment, promoting responsible tourism, and offering varied cultural and adventure-based experiences is helping to build Goa’s future as a world-class destination.
With year-round tourism offerings, Goa is no longer just a seasonal getaway but a place that welcomes tourists throughout the year. Whether it’s the calming monsoon, the vibrant festivals, or the rejuvenating wellness experiences, Goa offers something for everyone. The future looks promising, as Goa sets its sights on becoming one of India’s top destinations for both domestic and international travelers.
Conclusion: Visit Goa at TTF Ahmedabad 2025
The Goa Pavilion at TTF Ahmedabad 2025 promises to be an exciting destination for travel professionals and visitors alike. Goa’s diverse tourism offerings, commitment to sustainability, and rich cultural experiences make it one of India’s most compelling and evolving destinations. The Department of Tourism invites all interested parties to explore new collaborations and discover why Goa continues to be an attractive choice for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation in equal measure.
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