Top 10 tourist destinations of India of 2013

New Delhi: Accroding to ASSOCHAM reports for the period between 2006 and 2012, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Rajasthan are the top five destinations attracting maximum number of foreign tourists, collectively accounting for 70% of the total number of foreign tourists visiting India. Tourism is booming in India due to the following states responsible for the influx of foreigners: 1. MaharasthraThe second most populous state, Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the, main financial hub. It is also a favorite for tourists as it is the entertainment capital. Pune and Nagpur are also among the developed cities of the country where influx of tourists is seen. 2. Tamil NaduTamil Nadu is home to many natural resources, classical arts, classical music, classical literature, Hindu temples of Dravidian architecture, hill stations, beach resorts, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram built by the Cholas, the Airavateswara temple in Darasuram and the Shore Temple, along with the collection of other monuments in Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 3. DelhiThe heart of the country is the most loved tourist destinations of India. Known for its, cosmopolitan culture, one can experience varied cultures from all over the states in the capital. It also the political hub. Parliament house, Rashtrapati Bhawan, all major buildings important for governance are in the capital. 4. Uttar PradeshUttar Pradesh is a state with multi hued Indian culture. The place is garlanded by holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers, pilgrims, holy shrines. The state is one of the places where Kumbh Mela , an important Hindu pilgrimage gather once every three years. It is a largest gathering of Hindus. Varanasi is also an important holy place for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has several historical monuments like Chhota Imambara. The Taj Mahal, which is a world heritage monument is a major attraction for foreign tourists. 5. RajasthanA home to royal palaces and forts, anyone visiting this place would feel as if they have been transported to the 18th century in the times of kings and queens. Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of Winds', located in Jaipur , designed in the form of the crown of Lord Krishna is a beautiful construction, which draws tourists from all over the country. Jal Mahal, a palace located in the midst of Man Sagar Lake , Aravali Hills dotted with temples and ancient forts are great places to go. 6. West BengalThe capital Kolkata, is one of the metropolitan cities of the country. It is also called as the cultural capital of India. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Cooch Behar Palace, Hazarduari Palace, Adina Mosque, Gaur, shantiniketan, Eden Gardens, Howrah station are some of the places why tourists like to visit the state. 7. KarnatakaThe southern state of India, Karnataka is a tapestry of colours, cultures, flavours, landscapes, timelessness and heart stopping beauty. Hampi, Bandipur National Park, Chikmagalur, Gokarna beach, Shravanbelagola are some sights which are a must watch for tourists. 8. Andhra PradeshThe state has variety of attractions like Hyderabad city, Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, Visakhapatnam known for Araku Valley and Borra caves. 9. GoaThe exotic beaches, amazing sunrise and sunset views, golden sand and coconut palms are one of the reasons of tourists flocking to this place. Sea food which can relish your taste buds, water sports, banana boats make these beaches happening. Calangute beach, Alorna Fort, Ancestral Goa Museum, Arvalam Waterfalls, Chapora Fort are the tourist hotspots in Goa. 10 . KeralaWith the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. The major cities where tourists flock to see are Thiruvananthapuram , Kollam , Kochi , Thrissur , Kozhikode.