DRUG TOURISM IN INDIA: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Drug Tourism is becoming a trend with India's inbound and domestic tourists. Its traveling to another country or place with sole purpose of using the drugs that are illegal or expensive or unavailable in one‟s hometown. Hashish of Malan at Himachal, Magic Mushrooms from Kodaikanal, Idukki Gold in Kerala, Bhang and Opium of Rajasthan, Psychedelic drugs in Goa are major drugs or destinations that attracts domestic as well as international tourists. This paper studies the drug tourism in Indian society and Tourist destinations. Also the substance abuse due to drug tourism and effects on local communities and cities. Methods like Participant Observation (Goa, Malana, Kodaikanal, Idukki), In Depth interviews with Tourists and local communities, Open ended Questionnaire and News reports, and articles resulted that Indian working youths and students had traveled once with sole purpose of using drugs. International tourists stayed more days on destinations promoting drugs and Rave parties. Educated unemployed youths (both gender), Stressed working class peoples, Artists, Backpackers are followed the trend. From school kid to senior citizens Drugs had become part of the travel plan . Drug abuses are reported in India that caused by international and domestic tourists. The impact of Drug tourism can be reduced by private, public and community participation activities.