A souvenir picked up during an overseas holiday is often meant to bring home a little piece of the destination. It could be an exotic plant from a Bangkok nursery, a regional food speciality, a decorative seashell or a handcrafted item made from natural materials. However, what appears to be an ordinary holiday purchase could become a customs issue when the traveller arrives in India.

The issue came into focus after Kolkata Customs intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok on October 24, 2026, and seized 220 live plants weighing approximately 17 kg. The consignment, comprising 150 guava plants, 20 jamun plants and 50 Caladium plants, was reportedly carried in a trolley bag without the mandatory import permit and phytosanitary certificate. Following examination, the Plant Quarantine Authority ordered the consignment to be deported or destroyed in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The incident raises an important question for international travellers: just because an item can be purchased legally in another country, does it mean it can be brought into India?

What Travellers Should Watch Out For

Plants, seeds, saplings, bulbs, cuttings and other plant materials are among the items that can attract scrutiny at Indian airports. Under the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, the import of regulated plant materials is subject to prescribed conditions. Depending on the product and its origin, travellers may require an import permit, a phytosanitary certificate and inspection by the competent authority.

Food products also deserve attention. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products and other animal-origin materials may be subject to separate import and quarantine requirements. However, not every packaged food product is prohibited, and admissibility depends on the nature, origin and applicable regulations.

Wildlife-derived souvenirs present another concern. Items made from ivory, protected animal parts, certain corals or products derived from endangered species may fall under India's wildlife protection laws and international trade restrictions. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in listed animal and plant species, including their parts and derivatives. Purchasing such an item from a commercial shop overseas does not automatically make its import legal.

Why This Matters to the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

The issue extends beyond individual travellers. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel operators and destination retailers are also connected to the movement of goods across international borders.

Luxury resorts, for instance, may use imported ornamental plants and specialised landscaping materials to create distinctive guest experiences. Restaurants depend on imported speciality ingredients, while hotels increasingly cater to international guests with specific food preferences and requests.

These activities require responsible sourcing and compliance with applicable import regulations. Tour operators and travel companies can also play a role by informing guests about restrictions on souvenirs, food products and natural materials before they return home.

For hospitality businesses, awareness of these requirements is particularly relevant when arranging international deliveries, sourcing imported products or assisting guests with special requests. A seemingly minor oversight in procurement or transportation can have regulatory and operational consequences.

Understanding India's Customs and Import Regulations

India's Customs Baggage Rules, 2026, which came into effect on February 2, 2026, provide the framework for passenger baggage allowances and declarations. Eligible arriving passengers, including Indian residents and tourists of Indian origin, have a general duty-free allowance of up to ₹75,000 when arriving through modes other than land, subject to the prescribed conditions and exclusions. The allowance for foreign tourists is ₹25,000.

However, the duty-free allowance should not be confused with permission to import restricted or prohibited goods. Items such as plants, wildlife products and other regulated materials remain subject to their respective laws, regardless of their purchase value.

Passengers arriving in India can choose between two customs clearance channels. The Green Channel is intended for those without dutiable or prohibited/restricted goods, while the Red Channel is for passengers carrying goods requiring declaration. Travellers carrying dutiable or restricted items must follow the applicable declaration and clearance procedures. Using the Green Channel despite carrying such goods can result in confiscation, penalties or prosecution, depending on the circumstances.

Check Before You Pack

International travellers should verify the admissibility of their purchases before leaving the destination country rather than waiting until they reach an Indian airport. This is particularly important for live plants, seeds, fresh produce, animal-origin products, wildlife-derived souvenirs and other natural materials.

Passengers should retain purchase receipts, product descriptions and relevant certificates or permits wherever applicable. When the status of an item is unclear, checking with Indian Customs or the relevant Plant Quarantine or wildlife authority is a safer approach than assuming that personal use or gift-giving provides an exemption.

The Kolkata seizure is a reminder that international travel comes with responsibilities that extend beyond immigration formalities and baggage allowances. As travel becomes more accessible and travellers increasingly seek distinctive local products and experiences, understanding what can legally cross borders becomes equally important.

A souvenir is meant to preserve a memory of a journey, not create an unexpected problem at the airport. Sometimes, the most responsible travel decision is knowing what to leave behind.

India's aviation sector is facing fresh challenges as airlines have reduced their scheduled flights by around 6% during October and November compared to the same period last year. The decline comes during the busy Diwali travel season, as rising operating costs, expensive airfares and operational difficulties put pressure on airlines. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, this is the first year-on-year capacity decline since 2020, when airlines cut nearly 45% of their services following the collapse in travel demand during the pandemic.

Several factors have contributed to the reduction in flight schedules. Rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices remain one of the biggest concerns for airlines, as fuel accounts for a major share of their operating expenses. IndiGo's fuel bill reportedly increased by 67% during the relevant quarter. At the same time, the weakening rupee has added to expenses linked to aircraft leases, maintenance, spare parts and fuel, most of which are paid for in US dollars.

Airspace restrictions around West Asia have also affected flight operations. Some international flights are now taking longer routes to avoid restricted areas, increasing fuel consumption, flying hours and crew duty time. In certain cases, airlines have also had to arrange technical stops, adding further costs to their operations.

Passenger demand has also shown signs of slowing down. Domestic air passenger traffic fell 6.5% year-on-year in September, recording 118.2 lakh passengers compared to 126.4 lakh during the same month last year. With fewer passengers willing to pay higher ticket prices, airlines are reviewing their schedules and reducing flight frequencies on routes where passenger numbers and earnings do not justify continued operations.

Airfares have become another concern during the festive travel period. On some routes, one-way ticket prices reportedly reached levels comparable to the cost of a full round trip during the previous year. Higher fares are not just a result of rising operating expenses but are also affecting passenger demand. As ticket prices increase, budget-conscious travellers may postpone their plans, choose trains or buses, or cancel their trips altogether. This further affects seat occupancy and makes it difficult for airlines to operate flights profitably.

Technical and operational difficulties have added to the situation. In September, technical issues accounted for 37.8% of scheduled domestic flight cancellations, followed by operational reasons at 31.2%. The overall industry cancellation rate stood at 1.15%. Aircraft availability, engine maintenance and shortages of spare parts have also affected airline operations, while longer flight routes have made crew scheduling and aircraft planning more challenging.

The impact has varied across airlines. IndiGo recorded 91.1% on-time performance across 10 major airports in September, followed by Akasa Air at 90.8%. However, SpiceJet reported a cancellation rate of 20.29%, while its on-time performance stood at 16.6%.

To manage these challenges, airlines need to focus on controlling operating expenses, improving aircraft maintenance, securing spare parts and planning flight schedules more effectively. Better fare options, advance-booking offers and clearer ticket pricing can also help passengers plan their journeys without facing unexpected costs. Timely cancellation updates, easier refunds and rebooking facilities are equally important in improving the overall travel experience.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is already monitoring domestic airfares, particularly on busy routes and sectors with limited travel alternatives. The regulator has also asked airlines to bring fares down to reasonable levels on 10 routes following concerns over high ticket prices.

India's aviation sector now faces the challenge of balancing operating costs with passenger expectations. Rather than focusing only on increasing the number of flights, airlines need to ensure that services remain reliable, affordable and capable of handling growing travel demand. The recent reduction in schedules highlights how rising costs, airspace restrictions and technical difficulties can affect both airlines and passengers in a market that continues to hold strong growth potential.

Films inspired by India's epics have the potential to take audiences beyond the screen and introduce them to destinations connected with their stories. With the release of Ramayana: Part 1, places associated with the character of Jatayu have received renewed attention, raising an interesting question for India's tourism sector: can interest generated by a film translate into lasting visitor growth?

One of the strongest reported examples comes from Jatayu Earth Centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district, Kerala. According to local tradition, the hill is associated with the place where Jatayu fell after fighting Ravana while attempting to rescue Sita. Reports following the film's release have highlighted an increase in visitors to the destination. Separate coverage has put its current attendance at around 2,500 visitors a day.

However, the daily attendance figure should be viewed carefully. Without comparable visitor numbers from before the film's release, it is not possible to establish how many additional visitors came specifically because of the movie or measure the exact increase. It nevertheless points to renewed attention towards a destination that already holds a strong connection with the epic.

Beyond Kerala, several other places associated with Jatayu are also part of the conversation. Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh has a local tradition connecting its name with Rama addressing the wounded Jatayu. The destination is also known for its Jatayu sculpture. In Tamil Nadu, Thirupputkuzhi near Kanchipuram is associated with Rama performing Jatayu's final rites, while Thirupullabhoothangudi is another Vaishnava shrine linked to Jatayu's liberation and final rites. Taked near Nashik in Maharashtra is home to Sarvatirth Jatayu Mandir, which preserves a local tradition connected with Jatayu and Rama.

These destinations offer opportunities to explore a wider Jatayu trail. However, renewed public discussion should not be mistaken for proven tourism growth. It is also important to distinguish destinations associated with the epic through religious belief and local traditions from actual filming locations.

The wider Ramayana Circuit provides another opportunity to connect such destinations. The government-backed circuit includes places such as Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Sitamarhi, Buxar, Darbhanga, Nashik, Hampi, Bhadrachalam and Rameswaram, among others. While this network offers a framework for developing epic-inspired travel experiences, its inclusion does not establish a recent increase in visitors because of the film.

For tourism organisations, the next step should be to understand what motivates people to visit these places. Some may feel emotionally connected to Jatayu's sacrifice, while others may wish to revisit childhood memories of the Ramayana. For some visitors, the film or a social media post may have introduced them to a destination for the first time. Others may be interested in seeing a temple, sculpture or landscape connected with a story they have watched on screen.

There is already an example of promotional interest from the government. Kerala's Chief Minister publicly invited audiences to visit Jatayu Earth Centre after watching the film. Such initiatives can help convert attention into travel plans, but destinations also need to be prepared for the interest they generate.

Tourism bodies can support this through multilingual destination information, verified booking details, transparent prices, better transport access and manageable two- or three-day regional itineraries. Local guides can help visitors understand the religious, architectural and cultural significance of each place, including the different regional traditions associated with Jatayu. Better visitor facilities, including drinking water, toilets, shade, queue management and emergency arrangements, will also be important.

The benefits should extend to local communities through opportunities for guides, homestays, food businesses, craftspeople and cultural performers. At the same time, tourism campaigns must clearly explain when a destination's connection comes from religious belief or local tradition rather than presenting disputed associations as historically established facts.

Whether the current interest becomes a short-term visitor spike or sustained tourism growth remains to be seen. To understand the actual impact, destinations need to compare daily visitor numbers before and after the release, hotel occupancy, visitor spending and the places from which tourists are travelling. Asking visitors whether the film influenced their decision will also help separate movie-related travel from regular holidays, pilgrimage visits and other promotional activities.

The release of Ramayana: Part 1 has created an opportunity to bring greater attention to India's epic-linked destinations. The reported increase at Jatayu Earth Centre offers an encouraging starting point, while other locations present possibilities for future regional travel experiences. The real opportunity lies not simply in attracting visitors through a film, but in creating meaningful journeys that preserve local traditions, support communities and encourage travellers to explore India's cultural heritage beyond the screen.