World Tourism Day 2023: 5 places to visit in India for best light and sound experience

World Tourism Day 2023: The travel and tourism industry is one of the biggest contributors to the global GDP and the tourism sector has experienced continued growth and deepening ‎diversification to become one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the world. Popular heritage sites and places of interest increasingly use technology to engage audiences, creating engaging multi-media stories and projections. 

Digital projection and imaging company Barco has created several eye-catching displays both globally as well as in India. According to Rajeeva Lochan Sharma, MD, Barco India, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping the tourism sector. 

"Through innovative solutions and immersive experiences, we are proud to be at the forefront of bridging the gap between cultures and destinations in ways previously unimaginable. Our cutting-edge technology opens doors to new dimensions, allowing travellers to dive into the heart of destinations, experience their rich history, and forge deeper connections with diverse cultures,” he said.

Here are five places you can visit in India for the best light and sound experience:

1. Andaman & Nicobar’s Historical Cellular Jail

Barco and Tricolor India Schauspiel upgraded the visitor experience at Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands with high-brightness laser projectors and immersive sound systems, creating an awe-inspiring multimedia projection mapping show that brings the history of the former colonial prison to life.  

2. Statue Of Belief- Nathdwara 

It is a first-of-its-kind installation featuring the largest deployment of 4K projectors in India. Barco has powered the spectacular projection mapping on the ‘Statue of Belief’, or ‘Vishwas Swaroopam’ in Nathdwara, the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world. 

The mesmerizing sound and light show, conducted in the evening, showcases a divine passage to spirituality by highlighting the true essence of Shiva and its connection with the universe. The show runs over a span of 30 minutes.

3. Ajmer Smart City Council

Ajmer is one of the 4 cities in Rajasthan selected under the Government’s Smart City Mission. The city ranks 22nd in the list of India’s 100 smart cities. The installation was inaugurated on September 3, 2021, Ajmer.

Ajmer’s historic King Edward Memorial façade is the backdrop for the light and sound show, which narrates the story of how the city was formed and indicates its diverse values and culture by stating that Ajmer is now a religious centre of worship. The show features 16 elaborate scenes and runs over a span of 30 minutes.

4. Avadhoota Datta Peetham

Avadhoota Datta Peetham is an Indian international spiritual, cultural and social welfare organisation established by His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji in Mysore over 50 years ago. The installation was inaugurated on September 12, 2018, in Mysore.

Sri Swamiji’s signature style of thinking is to blend tradition with technology. He was the first to endorse the digital sampling of music, the first to use wearable technology to remotely measure the heart rate variability of his devotees and assess their levels of meditative calm and the first to be made into a 3D hologram. The installation on the Hanuman statue is more than a projection mapping but also a conceptually powerful art installation that ignites the minds of the viewers. 

5. Akshardham 

The Akshardham complex features temples, a theatre, formal gardens and musical fountains, celebrating different aspects of Hinduism. ‘Sahaj Anand’ water show - a recently added attraction, has become the crown jewel of the Akshardham experience. The installation was inaugurated on April 9, 2015 in Delhi.

The Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is a unique temple complex and touristic attraction. The temples form the backdrop for an immersive water spectacle, retelling an ancient story through state-of-the-art Barco projectors. The spectacle translates one of the oldest Hindu scriptures into a mesmerizing 24-minute show using water, music, special effects, live acting and animations.