NEW DELHI, January 10. /Dunyo IA/. Popular Indian television channel NDTV published a comprehensive analytical article on its website titled “Complete Uzbekistan Travel Guide For Indian Travellers: Visa, Budget & Best Cities”, presenting Uzbekistan as one of the most promising tourism destinations in 2026, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article not only describes the attractions of Uzbek cities but also deeply analyses the reasons why Uzbekistan is becoming a “new favourite” among Indian citizens.

NDTV emphasizes that Uzbekistan long remained a “hidden gem” of Central Asia, but recent years have seen rapid changes. The material pays particular attention to tourism dynamics. Interest from Indian travellers has shown steady growth: over 80,000 Indian tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2025. Channel experts attribute this success to a well-managed openness policy.

“Uzbekistan is a rare destination that offers multiple worlds at once: from the ancient Silk Road cities, reminiscent of fairy tales, to modern metropolises with accessible luxury,” the publication notes.

NDTV places special emphasis on the concept of a “cultural bridge”. For Indian tourists, Uzbekistan is not merely a foreign country but a space with an intuitively understandable cultural code. The article highlights several key points of cultural connection.

First is architecture: there is a direct link between the Timurid heritage in Samarkand and the architectural legacy of Babur’s descendants in India. Next is culinary refinement. Similarities in culinary traditions—from the love of plov to samsa, and the use of common spices such as cumin, coriander, saffron, and others—create a familiar gastronomic experience. Traditions also play a significant role. The culture of market trade, hospitality, and even musical works create an atmosphere in which Indian visitors feel at home.

NDTV thoroughly explains to its audience the advantages of visiting Uzbekistan over traditional European or Asian routes. First and foremost is the simplified visa regime. The possibility of obtaining an electronic tourist visa within 3–4 days for a minimal fee is highlighted as a decisive factor. Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa to Tashkent make Uzbekistan more accessible than many domestic destinations within India itself. The authors also emphasize that travel costs in Uzbekistan are two to three times lower than for comparable levels of service in other countries. Five-star hotels and high-quality cuisine are accessible to a broad range of travellers.

NDTV identifies the “golden quadrangle” of Uzbek tourism. The article describes Tashkent as a modern metropolis with a unique metro gallery and the colourful Chorsu Bazaar. Samarkand is called the “heart of the Silk Road,” with particular admiration for Registan Square, recommended for visiting at sunrise and sunset. Bukhara is characterized as an “open-air museum,” where the old city retains a living atmosphere spanning centuries. Khiva is recommended as a must-see destination for those wishing to experience the most well-preserved authentic Eastern architecture.

Uzbekistan is successfully transforming its historical capital into a modern tourism brand. The article on NDTV’s website confirms that India, with its large middle class, is becoming a strategic partner for the country’s tourism sector. The Indian publication concludes that for their compatriots, Uzbekistan is not just a vacation but “education, adventure, and discovery all at once”.