Indian Tourism - an idea yet to fructify

My sister-in-law's family was here this week, and we have been planning their itinerary for visits in and around Pune, and visiting a couple of places with them. Yesterday we had been to Mahableshwar (120 kms from Pune), a place touted as a weekend retreat for families and honeymooners. We went around the many points of interest, and what struck me was the amazing natural beauty of this hill station. The views of the majestic Krishna valley, the greenery even in the height of summer, the sheer ravine drops sculpted by rain and wind that are almost as good as the Grand Canyon are pleasures that is not adequately marketed. What is worse the lack of infrastructure, paths and areas where you can lounge and enjoy the beauties of nature without being harried by vendors of corn, strawberries or a horse ride. There is a paucity of road and path signs because the local travel guides' union will not allow them or will deface them if they are put up!! Increasing the ease of doing it yourself, enjoying nature at its best and easy access to modern amenities at the end of a day of commune with nature are what will grow the industry and make these frequent destinations for us Indians, let alone foreign visitors.

In yet another case, the Bhimashankar temple, one of the 12 jyotirlingas which is part of any Siva worshiping devotee's life dreams, is a mere 112 kms from Pune, but the bus journey takes 5 hours. What should be a mere one day visit, turns into a 2 day nightmare thanks to lack of infrastructure. The result: though it was on co-brother's ardent wish to visit the temple, even if he had to do it alone, he dropped the idea. The result a loss of one tourist visiting and helping the local economy. I sincerely hope that in my lifetime, Indian tourism comes of age and we are able to visit the diverse places that we have within our borders and feel proud of our heritage.