Election tourism offers travelers a chance to see Indian democracy in action

For most travelers, a trip to India might center around temples, forts, festivals and food.

But for one niche set of visitors, it’s all about “election tourism” right now.

Home to the world’s largest democracy – with up to 900 million votes being cast in the current parliamentary election – India is an ideal place to immerse yourself in politics, history and culture.

Throughout the elections, on till May 23, local villages, towns and cities are buzzing with energy and events. And that’s exactly what Akshar Travels hopes to highlight with its collection of political tours and experiences.

“When elections are happening, it’s like a festival over here. The people and all the political parties are holding events, rallies, parties and parades to promote their visions,” Manish Sharma, founder of Akshar Travels, tells CNN Travel.

“You can see that the energy and the participation is tremendous. It is in our blood, it’s our passion.”

Introducing ‘election tourism’

India's general parliamentary elections run from April 11 to May 19, with the results to be declared on May 23.

Established 22 years ago, Akshar Travels originally focused on general services such as visas, tickets and tours.

But Sharma says he’s always on the lookout for ways to innovate and expand. That’s how he came to introduce what he calls “election tourism” to India back in 2012.

Inspired by a “poll tourism” concept that he experienced in Mexico in 2005, Sharma conducted a trial during the Gujarat State Assembly Election to test the waters.

“We saw some success, so we initiated another project on a more global scale during the 2014 parliamentary elections,” says Sharma, who estimates about 5,200 tourists booked tours that year.

“We found that there’s a lot of people who are interested in learning about India’s democratic process – not just the criteria and system, but the various experiences. It’s an opportunity to take part in India in a different way.”

The Samajwadi Party's bicycle symbol pictured on a flag during a 2017 rally. Assigned by the Electoral Commission of India, party symbols can be important campaigning tools.

The lotus symbol has been used by Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for almost four decades.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) keeps a list of election symbols that parties can choose from.

When designing the symbols, officials chose everyday objects that could be easily remembered and identified by voters.

The Communist Party of India's election symbol depicts ears of corn and a sickle.

An electronic voting machine shows party symbols alongside candidates' names.

A flag shows the open-palmed hand symbol of the Indian National Congress, alongside the bicycle symbol of the Samajwadi Party.

Supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) paint the party's symbol on a wall ahead of the 2019 general election.

The Congress has used a number of different symbols throughout the party's history. Changes resulted from internal splits dating back to the late 1960s, and the current symbol did not come into common use until the late 1970s.?

Activists from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) wave flags bearing the group's elephant symbol during a 2014 protest.

Election symbols of India's political parties

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This year, the company expects to welcome about 10,000 travelers on its six- to eight-day election tours. Each group is accompanied by a dedicated guide, which Akshar Travels has hand-picked and trained.

So far, Sharma says the majority of guests tend to be researchers, university students, special interest groups, history lovers, culture enthusiasts and journalists from all over the world – in particular, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan.

“The elections are a large, complicated process – every state has different languages, cultures, traditions, rules and knowledge,” says Sharma.

“There is huge diversity in the system here in India. It really shows the dynamic culture of India and the power of the people.”

On the campaign trail

A man shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote in the outskirts of Ajmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, on April 29.

Covering major historic and political destinations across India, Akshar Travels offers more than a dozen different itineraries.

“We take our guests to visit local villages, meet with local people, and have dinner with political leaders so they have a chance to really understand how India’s democracy works,” says Sharma.

On the eight-day “Election Moves in Uttaranchal” trip in northern India, for instance, travelers can attend a political rally in Haridwar, visit the thunderous Kempty Falls, enjoy a jeep safari through Corbett National Park, as well as attend meetings and “luscious meals” with party officials in the picturesque Himalayan resort town of Nainital.

Meanwhile, the “Domestic Affairs of Uttar Pradesh” itinerary takes travelers through eastern India with stops in the city of Lucknow, known for its Mughal architecture and captivating culture; Ayodhya, famed for its caves and temples; and Varanasi, where political junkies can immerse themselves in the constituency of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sharma says another popular tour is “Gandhi’s Gujarat,” where guests have a chance to trace the spiritual leader’s footsteps from his hometown of Porbandar to the state capital of Ahmedabad.

Food journey through India: There's no such thing as one type of "Indian" cuisine. With 29 states -- each with its own topography and traditions -- the country's food experiences vary based on the landscape, climate, immigration patterns, trade links, rulers and religions.

Northern India: In Northern India, jalebi -- flour batter fried into circles or swirling shapes -- are a popular sweet, especially when paired with condensed milk and topped with spices.

Northern India: In Jammu and Kashmir, you'll find street snacks like paratha -- flatbread -- around every corner.

Northern India: The markets of Amritsar, in Punjab, are a great way to explore the local spices, vegetables and street foods.

Northern India: Saffron, a common spice in Jammu and Kashmir, has been growing in the town of Pampore for hundreds of years.

Delhi: In New Delhi, a vendor prepares paneer tikka, a grilled dish made with vegetables and paneer (farmer's cheese).

Delhi: In Old Delhi, you'll find some of the city's best street foods in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk market.

Delhi: Among the abundance of street snacks, look for vazhaipoo vadai, deep-fried fritters made of banana flowers and lentils.

Delhi: Beyond Old Delhi, travelers can explore Tibetan cuisine, such as thukpa (a Himalayan noodle soup), in the northern residential area of Majnu-ka-Tilla -- also known as Little Tibet.

Central India: Professional chef and homestay operator Amit Pamnani, who's based in in Madhya Pradesh, recommends local staples such as sev (a savory crispy fried noodle snack) and dahi vada (lentil dumplings covered in yogurt and chutney), pictured here.

Central India: In Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, mutton biryani (made with rice, spices and meat or vegetables) is a common dish at both restaurants and roadside stands.

Western India: Mumbai, India's financial capital, is known for its vast array of street food. From Persian-influenced Parsi snacks to Goan fish curry, the city's culinary diversity is hard to match.

Western India: The street foods of Mumbai offer a peek into the city's diversity. In particular, food experts recommend seeking out misal pav, vada pav and Bombay grilled chutney sandwiches.

Western India: In the state of Gujarat, you'll likely encounter a Gujarati thali -- a platter of various dals, kadhi (a sour yogurt curry with vegetable fritters), sabzi (a mixed vegetarian dish), steamed basmati rice and rotli bread.

Western India: Fried samosas, often filled with vegetables and potatoes, are a popular street snack in many cities in India, including Mumbai.

Eastern India: In Kolkata, a vendor makes puchka. First, he pokes a small hole in a fried dough ball, then fills it with stuffing, and duns the savory pastry into a tamarind and green mango sauce.

Eastern India: Kolkata restaurant 6 Ballygunge Place serves a traditional Bengali thali with all the fixings.

Eastern India: "We can't talk about Bengali food without mentioning sweets," Anubhav Sapra, founder of Delhi Food Walks, tells CNN Travel. He recommends specialties such as rasgulla (dumplings full of paneer and sugary syrup) as one of the most loved regional desserts.

Southern India: Sudip Misra, chef of Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, tells CNN Travel that every traveler should try delicious idli (fluffy rice cakes) when in Southern India.

Southern India: Though Misra says it's impossible to do the region justice by picking just a few favorites, chicken chettinad (yogurt-marinated chicken curry with coconut) is among the most common dishes.

Southern India: Kebabs are a staple street food in Bangalore.

Southern India: In Hyderabad, the capital of southern India's Telangana state, streetside vendors prepare masala dosa -- a fermented crepe that's often eaten for breakfast.

Eat your way through India

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“We like to include a lot of cultural experiences and landmarks. This mixture helps travelers to understand the values, traditions and culture of India,” says Sharma. “In this way, even a small village can be connected to the world.”

When travelers have dinner with political leaders, for instance, Sharma says that it’s an opportunity to not only learn more about the group’s vision and mission, but also to sample signature local cuisines.

“Food is something that people often want to experience, so it goes hand in hand,” he adds.

With the 2019 elections winding down, Sharma has his eyes set on the 2024 parliamentary elections when he hopes to expand to an even larger pool of politically savvy travelers.

“The election can really show the power of the people,” says Sharma. “I love my country and I want to show travelers a different aspect of our unique heritage and culture.”