Explore India
India as history knows it is a land that inspired many a great voyager to undertake an epic journey. It is the largest Democracy in the World, the largest country in the Indian subcontinent. It houses the second largest population in the world. Its people speak 29 different languages with hundreds of different dialects.
This vastly diverse country has great differences in ethnicity, culture, food, climate and geographic terrain. Its’ bordered by the Great Himalayan range in the North, the Arabian Sea in the West, the bay of Bengal in the East and the Indian Ocean in the South. It is the seventh largest country in the World and shares borders with Pakistan on the West, China and Nepal in the North, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar in the West.
It was often referred to as the Jewel in the Crown by the British Empire.
Regions:
North- Himalayan Regions - The states that lie in this region are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. A breathtakingly beautiful snow capped region that inspires tourists, adventure seekers and those in search spiritual solitude. This region has the some of India’s most visited Hill resorts and a vast number of temples and shrines.
The Great Plains - The States that lie in this region are Bihar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. New Delhi is India’s Capital. The Plains of India have inspired major events that shaped the History of India. Two of India greatest rivers Ganga and Jamuna flow though these Plains.
Western India - The States that lie in this region are Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Home to the Majestic and colourful Palaces, Cities and Forts of Rajasthan, the pristine beaches of Goa, the great commercial city of Mumbai and the vast arid deserts of the Thar Desert ,
Southern India - The States that lie in this region are Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar, Pondicherry and Lakshadweep. South India is famous for its temples, tropical forests and backwaters. It has a very large coastline and two clusters of very beautiful islands the Andaman and Nicobar islands on its east and Lakshadweep on the west.
Eastern India - The states in this region are Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Sikkim. This region is mineral rich and one of the most tolerant region in India towards foreigners. The great city of Calcutta lies in this region. Its also one of the most culturally advanced regions of India and the temple cities of Konark, Puri and Bhubaneswar are very famous and attract thousands of devotees worldwide.
North Eastern - The states in this region are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland. Popularly nicknamed as the seven sisters, this region is famous for its world-renowned Tea gardens, beautiful virgin landscapes, lush flora and fauna. The cities are tinier compared to the Indian cities.
Highlights:
Taj Mahal – An awe inspiring mausoleum made of marble built as a memorial for a Queen by her beloved husband Shah Jahan. Located in Agra near New Delhi.
Meenakshi Temple - Located in Madurai in South India, this is a must see spectacular temple.
Khajuraho Temple - The only temple in the word that has erotic sculptures. It’s the inspiration for Kamasutra. Located in Madhya Pradesh.
Bodh Gaya - Located in Bihar, the complex houses a temple called Mahabodhi and a Bodhi Tree under which Buddha Shakyamuni gained enlightenment
Ajanta & Ellora - An impressive collection of rock shrines in caves representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Located in Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The sculpture on the rocks inside the caves is simply awesome.
Golden Temple - Located in Amritsar, Punjab, this stunning temple is the holiest of temples for the Sikhs. Its always filled with thousands of devotees that come from al over India and the world. The Golden temple is the grandest and main attraction for anyone visiting Amritsar.
Hampi - In the 14th century there existed a great empire called the Vijayanagar Empire where diamonds were supposedly sold on its streets. Hampi was the capital of this empire. Today all that remains of this great empire are its ruins. Located in the Southern State of Karnataka, Hampi ruins is a World UNESCO Heritage site.
Konark temple - This temple is dedicated to the Sun. Located in Orissa this splendid temple used to be called the ‘Black Pagoda’ by European Sailors. Now in ruins and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This majestic temple facing the sea is a must see.
Lake Palace of Udaipur - Lovers of the James Bond flicks would remember this palace from the movie Octopussy. One of the most beautiful lake palaces around, the Udaipur Palaces houses a number of small and big palaces, museums and gardens. Its located in Rajasthan.
Goa - The place needs no introduction. Rich with Portuguese history amalgamated with Indian culture, Goa is known for its beaches. It draws an estimated 2.5 million people from all across the Globe per year. Goa is the tourism hub of India.
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