The rising middle class of India is over million strong and growing, and they are influencing travel and tourism here more than ever. Foreign visits are still below levels, but domestic tourism and travel continues to grow substantially. So does India really need or want foreign visitors? And what happened to many of the business that catered mostly to foreign tourists? The short answer is that many of them closed and have not reopened. In the Tamil Nadu hill station of Ooty, many of the pre-Covid travelers cafes and restaurants listed in guidebooks and online had closed.
And service at the ones that survived suffered serious interruptions. But fret not weary traveller, as they are being replaced by new trendy cafes, restaurants, and other businesses that a western traveller will enjoy, but will need to learn to share with local and much hipper Indians. The modern growth and poverty reduction in India over the past 16 years is a great thing, and classic traveller towns of Asia may be legendary and great fun to meet other travelers, but they are always a curated experience.
Plus, modern Indian cities and the rise of tech and related services are just as important as understanding the symbolism of old temples IMO. And modern India is going to have a big influence on the world over the next century with one of the fastest growing economies and large population growth. And English is often limited to middle and upper classes or people in the tourism trade. Sure, we cherish our interactions with any local, no matter how brief or limited, but to us, it is also equally fascinating to learn about the lives of other other educated professionals in a very dynamic place.
Or maybe you are lucky enough to have close contacts, business ties, or even family hereβ¦. But one resounding theme in the South has been how nice everyone is, especially away from the main tourist areas. There are no train options and the vague bus info I could find involved 2 transfers. And with Cheryl still unable to carry her pack and 35c heat and sunβ¦ you get the idea. Car transfers here are affordable and often take out massive stress of uncertain buses and rickshaw connections.
It turns out this car trip included a route through the Mudumalai Tiger reserve and was delightful, as we saw two wild elephants up the hill from the car as we passed through beautiful landscape. We loved the Jungle Hut, with its great guides, food, vibe, and staff engagement. It also appeared that the area was being managed well, with a balance of needed tourism dollars and protection of the environment.
