last edited Dec 11, 2019
Introduction to South Asia
Quick Overview
Countries of the Indian Subcontinent
- Bangladesh: completely off the beaten track and not necessarily the easiest in every respect, the country is worth the effort and presents itself as a "complement" to India, with which, given its history, it shares many similarities.
- Bhutan: due to its "restrictive" tourism policy, this small Himalayan kingdom sees few visitors despite its beautiful landscapes and a culture and traditions that remain very much alive.
- India: even if it seems less appealing than before, the country remains unique in every way and never fails to make an impression, no matter how many times you visit. So much so that some travelers don’t hesitate to return again and again...
- Maldives: a holiday, diving, and honeymoon destination with stunning postcard-perfect beaches on dreamlike atolls. Behind this scenery lies a dictatorship with one of the world’s most repressive regimes.
- Nepal: from the tropical plains of the Terai to the world’s highest mountains, Nepal is famous for its vast trekking, mountaineering, and outdoor opportunities. The country is also home to unique populations and cultures to discover.
- Sri Lanka: often described as "India but quieter," Sri Lanka offers a similarly diverse mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, attracting more and more visitors, including families.
Tourism
| Visitors (millions) | including French | Main source countries | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 1.026 (2017) | - | India... |
| Bhutan | 0.274 (2018) | 1,500 (2016) | China, USA, Japan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany... |
| India | 17.427 (2018) | 238,000 (2016) | Bangladesh, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, Germany, China, France... |
| Maldives | 1.484 (2018) | 42,000 (2015) | China, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, India, Russia, France... |
| Nepal | 1.173 (2018) | 26,140 (2017) | India, Sri Lanka, USA, Thailand, United Kingdom, China, Canada... |
| Sri Lanka | 2.334 (2018) | 96,500 (2016) | India, China, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Maldives, Australia... |
(): reference year - Sources: UNWTO and others