India is a large and colourful peninsula in South Asia, which is bounded by the Bay of Bengal on the east coast and the Arabian Sea on the west cost of India. Look for Best Hotels and cheap travel
India’s geography is diverse with the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges at the northern fringes and an archipelago of Andaman & Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep islands in the Indian Ocean at India’s southern tip. India’s southern scape is also marked by the Sahyadri mountain range, which cuts across Central India. The Indian territory is made lush and green by a network of the perennial rivers – Gangar, Yamuna and Sindhu in the North and the Narmada, Godavari and Kaveri in the South. Although there is a harsh Indian desert area known as the Thar desert in the North West; and dense rain-drenched tropical forests in the south west. This country also has an endless coastline that stretches out on the East and West and has a tremendous impact on the culture and cuisine of the people.
India’s culture is as diverse as it’s geography. The culture of the citizens of this secular country is rooted in their diverse origins; some of the notable empires that reigned in India were the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Mughals, the Rajputs, the Marathas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas, Cheras, Pandyas, Cholas and Vijayanagara. Languages, non-verbal forms of communication, cuisine, style of dressing, festivals and traditions vary from state to state within India. A sign of India’s much touted diversity is the Indian currency, the Rupee, which features 15 out of India’s 20 official language; in all, approximately 46 regional language are spoken across India.
A land of myriad culture and outstanding natural beauty, it is ideal to explore India one region at a time although tourists may also take a quick tour, covering as many popular locations as possible. Some of India’s most popular desitinations are:
- Delhi - India’s capital and the heart of Northern India.
- Goa - India’s beach capital, Goa is popular for surf, sun and sand; the perfect holiday destination.
- Silvassa – This pretty, little town in Gujarat is a major manufacturer of steel and is the ideal business destination.
- Karwar - Seated on the banks of the Kali River, Karwar is an industrial town; excellent for a business trip or a weekend getaway.
- Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) - The cultural capital of India, Kolkata is home to numerous colonial buildings and several world-renowned Indian artists, musicians and authors are from here.
- Aronda – Tranquil and picturesque river banks invite you for a peaceful holiday away from the city, at Aronda.
- Aurangabad – This city name is translated as ‘Built by the Throne’ because it was built by Aurangzeb; the Mughal architecture is a must-see.
- Lonavala - Popularly known as the ‘Jewel of the Sahayadri Mountains’ because Lonavala is one of Maharshtra's most beautiful and picturesque places.
- Mahabaleshwar - Overflowing with the beauty of nature's bounty and situated high on the misty mountain tops of the Western Ghats, Mahableshwar is a wonderful destination for a summer getaway.
- Mumbai (formerly Bombay) —India’s financial capital and a buzzing business centre, it is also popular as the home of ‘Bollywood’ ie Indian Hindi Film Industry.
- Murud - Get away from the city, free yourself from stress and have an absolutely relaxing vacation, at this little fort city.
- Nagpur – As Maharashtra’s ‘Second Capital’ and India’s famous ‘Orange City’, Nagpur is an excellent destination for business and pleasure.
- Nashik - Popularly known as ‘India's Wine Capital’, Nashik is one of the most holy, beautiful and highly industrialized cities of India.
- Pune - Historically, a centre of international trade, now the gateway to the sandy beaches and backwaters.
- Konark - A pious beach town in the Puri distirct of Orissa, Konark is well-known for its' Sun Temple.
- Bhubaneswar – Known as the ‘Temple City of India’, Bhubaneswar is famous for its’ scenic natural beauty and ancient architecture.
- Jalandhar – The Punjabi city of extremely high fertility; Jalandhar is well-known for its’ outstanding agricultural produce and enormous manufacturing industry.
- Jaipur / Udaipur - popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a major exhibit of Hindu Rajput culture of medeival Northern India.
Filled with lakes, gardens and palaces, Udaipur is the ‘Venice of the East’, perfect for a romantic getaway.
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