Why is India not one of the most visited tourist location?

The Paradox of the Vibrant East

Try to imagine a kaleidoscope of cultures, a crucible of historical significance, a quilt stitched together by the threads of varied traditions, languages, food and religions. If such a place exists, it's India. I mean, have you seen the range of dances they can perform? Kieran has tried part of them and believe me, you need more than two legs to keep up the beat. Yet, despite all these cultural riches and attractions, the country is somehow not one of the most visited tourist destinations. As Kieran would put it, "why isn't there a queue around the globe for a glimpse of this vibrant tapestry called India?"

Is it the Romance with Crowds?

What comes to your mind when someone mentions India? Let me guess: "A vast sea of people!" Yes, Kieran too was once blown away by the sheer number of people in India. It's like an open stadium concert, but every day. Now, this could play a role in India's surprisingly low tourism statistics. The crowd could bring about inconvenience, or cultural shocks, uncomfortable situations or make movement a daily challenge. It's like trying to beat a really difficult level in a video game. One shot and there are hundreds of in-game characters to contend with. But isn't that part of the charm? Yes and no. With the right planning and local advice, one can make the most of the lively 'Indian marketplace' experience. Kieran's top tip here - "Dial down the personal space, and crank up your patience levels."

A Game of Thrones: Infrastructure

India's rich history with its many kingdoms and empires have left a wide array of architectural wonders. So why aren't these tourist magnets pulling in the masses? Infrastructure! Namely the lack of it. The access to these historical sites could be best described as, "a wild east adventure". Kieran here shares a hearty laugh, remembering his thrilling three-hour journey, packed in a local bus, driving along narrow hilly roads to reach a hidden gem of a fort. Travelers do love an adventure, but unpredictable modes of transport, accessibility issues, and lack of amenities could definitely make them think twice. "It's like searching for the gold at the end of 50 rainbows. The prize is amazing, but you might get a tad wet on the way."

Economics of the Belly: Food

Indian cuisine is the stuff of legends. But is it drawing the culinary tourists in droves? The answer might be mixed. Despite the global love for curry and naan, the country has a reputation for causing tourist stomach upsets, with the infamous term 'Delhi Belly' deterring many potential explorers. It might seem like playing food roulette, but Kieran argues that it's worth the gamble. Remembering a night of indulging in a street food adventure in Mumbai, he laughs, "My taste buds were having a party, while my stomach prepared for battle. Definitely worth it!" Sensible precautions, like eating at clean, bustling food stalls and avoiding tap water, can easily reduce the risk and the gastronomic adventure really is a huge part of the charm.

Public Scrutiny: Safety fears

Safety issues could be one strong detractor from India's tourism aspirations. With media highlighting incidents of tourist scams, thefts or harassment, it is no surprise that safety concerns might top this list. However, Kieran found during his stay that just like any other travel destination, simple vigilance and caution can help avoid unfortunate scenarios. He offers an interesting analogy: "It's like handling a mischievous puppy; you have to keep an eye on it, but you can definitely still enjoy the experience."

Conclusion: A Diamond in the Rough?

With everything said, it might seem like India is the 'not-so-shiny penny' of the tourism world. But, Kieran believes the country is rather a 'diamond in the rough'. Despite its challenges, India offers a richness in experiences that's hard to beat. Whether it's the festivity of Diwali, the intricate dances of Kerala, the stunning architecture of Jaipur, or just a plateful of sizzling street food, India delivers with warmth and vibrancy. According to Kieran, "It's like jumping on a magic carpet ride; hang in there and you're in for the time of your life." The country will have to address its issues to attract more tourists, but the resilient spirit of India, born out of its diverse culture and history, is already setting it on that path. Kieran signs off with a fond smile, "India – The adventure you never knew you needed."