Medical tourism in India has been seeing an upward trend for the past five years. The country has been experiencing a significant influx of international medical tourists for the past decade. In 2023 (Jan-Oct) alone, India received over 504,000 international patients. This influx is set to increase as more medical visitors come to know about the world-class yet cost-effective treatments that India has to offer. Moreover, getting treatment in India can save you almost 50-60% of the costs that you would have otherwise incurred in Western countries.

Besides availing of affordable healthcare, medical tourists to India can also partake in the country’s rich cultural experiences. India is a kaleidoscope of heritage sites, spiritual centers, adventure activities, and luxury indulgences. Medical tourists can explore India’s history and spirituality during their treatment procedures. The cultural experiences allow them to relax their mind and rejuvenate their health. Some of the top cultural experiences that medical tourists can enjoy in India include spiritual retreats, heritage tours of forts and palaces, yoga and meditation programs, culinary journeys, wildlife safaris, and more.

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Medical Tourism in India

Medical tourism in India has been growing in popularity since the late 1990s. Several factors led to the rise of India as a global medical tourism destination:

• Affordable medical treatments with no compromise on the quality aspect.
• There is a presence of world-renowned hospital chains like Aster DM Healthcare, Apollo Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Fortis Healthcare, etc., with their patient-centric approach and comfort rivaling those of five-star hotels and top hospitals in Western countries.
• Presence of 54 JCI-accredited hospitals that can rival the top global standards.
• Home to highly experienced and well-known medical specialists.
• Availability of alternative treatments like Ayurveda and Yoga that can be combined with allopathic treatments for holistic care.
• An array of tourism experiences is available for medical tourists.

Popular Medical Tourism Destinations

India offers world-class healthcare in its major cities, which also provide rich cultural experiences for medical tourists.

1. Delhi-NCR

The capital city of India, Delhi, is home to some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country. Hospitals like Max-BLK Super Specialty Hospital, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Artemis Hospitals, and Sharda Hospitals are some of the most famous hospitals in Delhi-NCR. Apart from its robust healthcare system, Delhi is also highly famed for its vibrant mix of heritage and modernity. Be it the scrumptious street food to mesmerizing monuments like Red Fort and Qutub Minar to help market and party places like Connaught Place – Delhi is a complete package.

Moreover, with the festival season starting in October, Delhi becomes a place of vibrance.

2. Mumbai

As the financial capital of India, you will find top-notch hospitals like Tata Memorial Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, etc. These hospitals offer excellent medical facilities along with robust patient-centric care. Apart from getting treatment, feel free to explore Gothic and Indo-Saracenic monuments like the Gateway of India. While you are at it, make a visit to Juhu Beach in Mumbai. It’s one of the most famous bioluminescent beaches in India.

3. Chennai

Chennai attracts medical tourists for its advanced healthcare technology and services. Tourists can visit Mahabalipuram for its stone carvings and temples or go on a heritage walk through the Fort St. George area. Chennai offers classical South Indian cuisine, especially Chettinad delicacies.

4. Bangalore

Known as India’s Silicon Valley, Bangalore has state-of-the-art medical infrastructure. Tourists can visit the Bangalore Palace, Vidhana Soudha, and Cubbon Park. It offers a trendy pub culture, nightlife, and shopping destinations. The local cuisine includes dosa, vada, and filter coffee.

5. Kolkata

The cultural hub of Bengal, Kolkata, is a well-known medical tourism destination among Bangladeshis due to its proximity to their country. Moreover, Bengalis and Bangladeshis share a solid cultural affinity, making it easier for them to navigate through the process. Kolkata is dotted with famous hospitals like Apollo Multispecialty Hospital, AMRI Hospital, and Fortis Hospital, amongst others.

Kolkata has the best and most grand Durga puja celebrations in India. The whole city is immersed in the aroma of authentic, finger-licking Bengali dishes, and every corner is lit as people come together to celebrate the most joyous festival of the state. It is one of the best cultural experiences for medical tourists in India.

Cultural Experiences for Medical Tourists in India

India, the land of mysticism and culture extravaganza, has a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. As a medical tourist in India, you will have ample opportunities to explore the country’s rich offerings.

1. Cultural Traditions and Heritage

India is a melting pot of various cultures. The land has been the birthplace of many religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Moreover, it is also one of the very few countries where you can find pilgrimage places of almost all religions. Fall in love with India’s magnetic charm as you explore the majestic temples like Konark temple in Odisha, Kailasha temple in Maharashtra, Brihadeshwara temple in Tamil Nadu, and Golden Temple in Punjab. Find peace in exploring the colonial-era churches and the beautiful mosques built by one of the greatest conquerors known to the world.

India has 42 UNESCO world heritage sites that showcase its cultural legacy, like the Group of Monuments at Hampi, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi, and Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Not to forget the evergreen Taj Mahal in Agra!

India’s performing arts have evolved over centuries with dance, music, theatre, and puppetry traditions. You can watch a classical Kathakali dance drama in Kerala, listen to Hindustani classical music, or see a play by one of India’s revered playwrights.

India’s gastronomical palate is as unique as its culture. Each region is gifted with its own distinct flavors and cooking styles. As you traverse this diverse land, you can savor the spicy curries in the north, coconut-based dishes in the south, the Parsi cuisine of West India, and rich meat-based cuisine in the east.

2. Food, Festivals, Religion and Performing Arts

Food is an integral part of India’s cultural fabric. Every region has its own cuisine that reflects the local produce, spices, and cooking methods. As a tourist, you must try popular dishes like biryani, masala dosa, fish curry, kebabs, and desserts like gulab jamun.

India celebrates many vibrant festivals showcasing performing arts, culture, and religion. Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and Onam are key Hindu festivals, while Eid and Christmas are also widely celebrated across India. You can plan your medical trip around a significant festival for an unforgettable experience.

Religion has shaped India’s cultural landscape. Hinduism is a major religion, but there are sizeable Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, and Zoroastrian communities. You can visit significant pilgrimage sites or observe the influence of faith on day-to-day life.

Classical and folk dance, along with music, are integral parts of India’s performing arts heritage. Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, and Manipuri are renowned classical dance forms. Folk dances like Bhangra, Ghoomar, and Chhau use elaborate costumes to express local culture. Indian classical music covers both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions involving melodic ragas.

As a medical tourist, experiencing this living culture will give you unique memories beyond your treatment procedure.

3. Spiritual Retreats

India is the birthplace of yoga and meditation, making it an ideal destination for spiritual retreats. Many medical tourists extend their trip to experience the transformative power of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.

• Rishikesh – Known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh offers ashrams set against the backdrop of the Himalayas. Spend your days practicing yoga, meditation, and pranayama breathing techniques to rejuvenate the body and mind.

• Kerala – With its serene backwaters and lush greenery, Kerala provides the perfect setting for Ayurveda retreats. Undergo Panchakarma cleansing rituals and treatments based on your dosha at renowned Ayurvedic centers. The treatments will boost immunity, remove toxins, and promote overall well-being.

• Dharamsala – Nestled in the Himalayas, Dharamsala is home to the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan population. It has many Buddhist temples and meditation courses to deepen your spiritual journey. Wake up early for morning prayers, chant with monks, and receive blessings.

• Haridwar—During the Kumbh Mela festival in Haridwar, Take a holy dip in the Ganges River. The spiritual energy is palpable as saints gather here. Attend Ganga aarti ceremonies, yoga sessions, and satsangs with gurus. It’s a profoundly moving experience.

India’s ashrams, yoga centers, and Ayurvedic clinics allow you to immerse in spiritual practices. Complementing medical treatment with traditional wellness modalities enhances the healing process.

4. Heritage Tours

India’s long and rich history has left a remarkable legacy of historic sites across the country. Medical tourists can easily combine treatment with visits to some of India’s most iconic heritage attractions.

Most visitors’ bucket lists include the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the exquisitely crafted white marble mausoleum is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Marvel at its symmetrical beauty and intricately carved designs.

Several historic forts are also worth a visit, such as Amber Fort, a sprawling hilltop fortress complex built with red sandstone and marble. Visitors can ride elephants up to the entrance and then explore the palaces, temples, gardens, and maze-like passages within. The majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in India, set atop a 125-meter-high hill.

India is dotted with countless temples showcasing the decadent opulence of ancient India. The architectural style of these temples is beyond the world. Be enchanted by the intricate carvings of Indian odysseys like Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as nature-inspired delicate carvings all over the place. Let your eyes feast on the marvel of ancient India while admiring the blissful paintings and frescos. Some of the notable temples include the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai with its ornate towers, the Jagannath temple in Puri, and the intricately carved Khajuraho Group of Monuments, famous for their erotic sculptures.

Immerse yourself in India’s living heritage by going on walking tours in historic areas, such as Chandni Chowk in Delhi or Johri Bazar in Jaipur. Ride a camel through the Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer to relive the camel caravans of the past.

5. Adventure Activities

India, also known as the Indian subcontinent, offers some of the most thrilling adventure activities for those looking to explore the country’s natural endowments. Some of the most popular options include rafting, hiking, kayaking, paragliding, safaris, and rock climbing.

The Himalayas in the north provide excellent hiking trails with stunning mountain scenery. Destinations like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim have trails ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks. For rafting, Rishikesh on the Ganges River is considered the rafting capital of India. The rapids range from Grade 1 to 4.

Other top rafting destinations are the Zanskar River in Ladakh, the Teesta River in Sikkim, the Kali River in Karnataka, and the Brahmaputra River in Assam. Whitewater kayaking is also popular on these rivers. Rock climbing hotspots include Hampi, Badami, and Ramanagara near Bangalore and the Himalayas.

Jeep safaris in national parks allow tourists to spot wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, rhinos, deer, and exotic birds. The top national parks for safaris are Ranthambore, Kaziranga, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Gir Forest. Camel safaris in Rajasthan and elephant safaris in Kerala are great cultural experiences. Paragliding sites are located across Himachal Pradesh, Kamshet near Pune, and Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh.

6. Luxury Experiences

India offers world-class luxury experiences for medical tourists seeking to combine healthcare with indulgence. With its heritage palaces converted into five-star hotels, rejuvenating spas, and private tours, India is a haven for those who want to recuperate in style.

a. Five-Star Hotels

India’s most luxurious five-star hotels provide unparalleled service and amenities. Many are located in heritage palaces and forts, giving a taste of royal India. Hotels like the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, Oberoi Udai Vilas in Jaipur, and ITC Grand Chola in Chennai offer lavish rooms, spa treatments, gourmet restaurants, and butler service. These hotels have state-of-the-art fitness centers and swimming pools and provide airport transfers in luxury vehicles for ultimate comfort.

b. Spas

India is known for its holistic wellness traditions, such as Ayurveda and yoga. World-class spa resorts in Kerala provide rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, yoga sessions, and massage therapies. The Leela Kovalam, Ananda Spa in Rishikesh, and Vivanta by Taj Bekal offer customized spa menus and luxurious accommodations for medical tourists to relax and unwind.

c. Cuisine

India is a paradise for food lovers. Five-star hotels arrange exclusive dining experiences—candlelit dinners on palace rooftops, champagne breakfasts by infinity pools, and traditional thalis at heritage mansions. You can savor gourmet curries, aromatic biryanis, fresh seafood, jalebis, and local wines or spirits. Hotels also cater to dietary requirements—gluten-free, vegan, low-calorie, and diabetic-friendly meals.

d. Private Tours

Luxury tour operators like IC Bellagio, DPauls, and Travel Triangle provide a VIP experience for medical tourists with private air-conditioned vehicles, personal guides, and tailored sightseeing. You can enjoy exclusive access to monuments before/after public hours. Tours are customized based on your interests—heritage walks, culinary experiences, wildlife safaris, or Bollywood trails. With luxury transportation and personalized attention, you can immerse yourself in India’s culture while prioritizing comfort.

The scope for cultural experiences for medical tourists in India is immense. The country, with its natural wonders and rich heritage, offers a variety of experiences that medical tourists can enjoy. There is something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us and make your treatment journey filled with everlasting memories.

Choose GoMedii For The Best And Affordable Treatment Cost In India

Suppose you are looking for the best and most affordable treatment cost in India. In that case, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii, the best medical tourism company in India, with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.

We have tie-ups with one of the most reputed hospitals to get you the best medical treatment in India at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to get access to our packages, you can contact us on our website or call us at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.

Contact GoMedii to get your queries resolved by our team of medical experts. You can also reach out to us to apply for a medical visa.

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