Untitled Document

Amitabh Kant
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi - 110 001.
T: 91 + 11 + 23715084
F: 91 + 11 + 23710518
M: amitabhk@incredibleindia.org
W: http://www.incredibleindia.org

While others may claim breathtaking locales, the mysticism of the east, the draw of civilization, the call of the wild.... India is that and much more.....
It is a journey of mind and soul.
It is a journey of the five senses
It is a journey of self-discovery
It is a journey of self-fulfillment.

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	Namaste Friends, Would you like to be privy to some inside fashion information? Some of the world’s best-known haute couture designers and hippest fashion brands use India as a sourcing base. India Fashion Week, alternating between Mumbai and Delhi, has seen a huge increase in the number of foreign buyers and quantum of business conducted. Yes, the world is realizing what we Indians have always known - our textiles are unmatched, our embroideries are renowned for their workmanship and our cotton casuals are just what you need to update your look without denting your wallet. Hindi movies and movie stars have long set fashion trends for Indians. With Bollywood becoming a global phenomenon, they seem set to influence fashion globally. So, on your next India trip, be sure to schedule some time for shopping and wow them back home with your new wardrobe.


			Foreign tourist arrivals increased by 25% in volume and 33% in value in March 2005, as compared with March 2004. The Incredible India campaign contributed
	its bit, as did India’s inherent charms, an open skies aviation policy, and the growth of the IT and ITES sectors (leading to a surge of business travelers).



	A 120 year old delivery system, manned by a (mostly uneducated) workforce, that delivers home-cooked lunch to 0.2 million office workers, has been described by no less than Forbes magazine as a Six-Sigma operation. It’s an awesome exercise in logistics, and, like Richard Branson and the Prince of Wales, you can see it in action if you stand outside Mumbai’s Churchgate station around 11.30 am.




	Right from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to airlines, hotels, tour operators, travel writers and state tourism boards, India figured prominently among the winners at the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Awards given during the 54th Annual Conference held in Macau in April see list...


			India on the Move: Forbes Global Travel Guide reports on Indians traveling both in and out of India, in a look at what the World Travel & Tourism Council acknowledges as one of the world's fastest growing travel markets. More...


			If you love the countries affected by the devastating tsunami of Dec 26, 2004, advises Financial Times' Rahul Jacob, jump on a plane and travel there. The money you spend will do plenty of good and dignity and resilience of the survivors will move you. Read article...

	Stephen McClarence explores Kerala's exclusive plantation retreats, boutique hotels and luxury cruises in DestinAsian's Apr/May 2005 issue, while Kim Inglis takes you on a tour of India's stylish new boutique heritage properties in the Feb/Mar 2005 issue.

The ancient Indian medical science of Ayurveda has been getting a lot of attention lately. Not so well-known, perhaps, are our strengths in modern medicine. Our surgeons are experienced, our equipment modern, our success rates high, our wait-lists negligible, and our costs a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere. From invitro fertilization to dental work to joint replacement surgery, Westerners are discovering that the savings on procedures covers the costs of a holiday too.



		India and China represent huge tourism markets for each other. In recognition of this, India Tourism plans to open its first tourism representative office in Beijing to woo tourists from China. India is also planning to build a Buddhist temple in the International Gardens at Luoyang in China’s Henan province and will gift a statue of the Buddha for the same.

David Gentleman, well-known English artist, designer and architecture lover, released his magnus opus, "India", recently in Delhi. This book is about his experiences of the places he traveled through in India, which attracted him enough to stop, write and draw.



Ramoji City, Hyderabad's answer to Universal Studios, is planning to execute at least 100-premium designer weddings this year. Inquiries are pouring in from people who want to get married Bollywood-style and are willing to pay $ 6000 to 7000 for it.


		A toilet conference held last year at Singapore evoked a lot of interest. India plans to go a step further by opening the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets in Delhi at Dwarka. This Museum has a rare collection of objects detailing the evolution of toilets from 2500 BC to date. Exhibits include pictures of the 4500 year old Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjodaro, showing the existence of well planned common baths and private toilets in households.


	What's that silver stuff on food? Is it safe to eat? The silver stuff is called varakh. It is actually real silver, beaten really thin. It is usually found on Indian sweets, and yes, it's perfectly safe to eat. According to a feature article in a local magazine, a whopping 275 tons of silver is eaten annually in the form of foil.

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