TBM Staff - Mumbai
India offers a paradise for travellers with its vast and diverse range of destinations, from serene beaches to towering snow peaks, backwaters, and bustling party hubs. The country caters to all types of travellers, whether they seek spiritual tourism, inner peace, or a relaxing getaway. Recognised by the World Economic Forum for its rich natural heritage, ranked 10th globally, India holds immense potential for developing new nature and adventure-focused travel destinations, as highlighted by Padma Shri awardee Ajeet Bajaj.
Bajaj, honored in 2012 for his achievements in adventure sports, emphasised the need for sustainable and well-managed tourism to protect India’s natural environment. He believes adventure and nature experiences are crucial for India’s youthful population, and advancing these forms of tourism will be key to tapping into the country’s diverse landscapes, including the Himalayas, deserts, and islands.
Bajaj pointed out that India, with 73% of the Himalayan range and over 7,000 km of coastline, must promote sustainable tourism while preventing overcrowding. Educating tourists on responsible practices is vital to preserving nature, he noted. Additionally, he discussed the introduction of two major walking trails: one from Jammu to Uttarakhand via Ladakh, and another from Gaumukh to Gangasagar, offering long-distance walks with homestay options.
The adventure tourism sector is also focused on promoting border tourism to support economically underdeveloped regions. Bajaj shared that seven pilot projects are being launched in Arunachal Pradesh, the India-Nepal-China trijunction, and Ladakh, aiming to draw motorcyclists and adventure travellers to these scenic, off-the-beaten-path destinations. These initiatives seek to optimise infrastructure and bring tourism opportunities to underexplored areas across the country.
