INDIA
Hindustan or India or Bharat as it is also known is undoubtedly the biggest democracy and the seventh jumbo nation globally. It is a preferred tourist destination because of unity in its diversity in culture art and topology. Its location is also one of the factors contributing to its popularity.
GEOGRAPHY
It is located on the Indian subcontinent between the highest elevation of the world the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south. India has borders with Pakistan in the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north, and Bangladesh and Burma in the east.
The Indian peninsula dwindles towards the south separating Indian Ocean into two parts namely the Bay of Bengal, and Arabian Sea. Easterly Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal is also Indian Territory; the coral foundation Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea belongs to India. The Maldives is independent region of India. The tropic of Cancer bisects the nation into two parts.
According to the physical features classification of India it has five parts the Great Mountains located in the north, the Plains of the north, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plain, and the Island region.
Northern India is mountainous and includes parts of the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. From the mountains flow many rivers including the Ganges and Brahmaputra which water the vast Northern Plain. This is world’s largest alluvial plain, is India’s most densely populated region. The western border with Pakistan however passes through the desolate Thar Desert. Southern India consists largely of a plateau called the Deccan which is bounded by two ranges the Western and Eastern Ghats.
Forests yielding rare woods and bamboos exist here. India is a world class tea producer. Other significant agricultural products are rice, sugar-cane, cereals, cotton, spices rubber and tobacco. Hinduism forbids cow slaughter. Sheep and goats are bred for milk and meat.
There are deposits of metal ores like iron, manganese, other non-ferrous metals, coal, oil, diamonds, semi-precious stones, magnetite, mica etc. Jute cotton and silk industries are very important. Other traditional products include carpets, woodwork, and jewelry.
Railways are a leading ways of transport followed by waterways and roads. Air transport network is well fanned out.
Highest elevation is Kanchenjunga at 28,208 ft in the Himalayas on Nepal border and Nanda Devi in the Himalayas. Himalaya acts as a barrier for India from remaining Asia and China.
Chief rivers are Ganges, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna. The land around the river course is very fertile.
Major cities are Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad,
THE CAPITAL
Delhi is the capital city. Delhi has two areas the old and the metropolis New Delhi. There are many pious temples The Birla Mandir, the Lotus Temple, ancient mosques, British time constructions the India Gate and the surrounding area along Raj path; among the gardens Lodi Garden is worth a visit.
THE CLIMATE
The Himalayas in the north because of its height influences climatic conditions. Climate disparity is freezing at places of glaciers, windy regions warm river regions and scorching deserts.
The north includes some of the rainiest parts of the world; the rest of the country has three main seasons a cool dry winter a hot season, from March –June, and a rainy monsoon season from June-September. Temperatures are high for most of the year except in the mountainous north.
HISTORY
The Greek named the region India after Indus River. Humans have been living in the region as long ago as 2,000 BC. It was a fragmented land demarcated by different kingdoms. The north India was governed by the Aryans in 2000 BC and they laid the foundation of Hinduism. The inception of caste system began here. Magadha a 600 BC kingdom still vividly remembered because it brought out religious reforms leading to the philosophy of Buddhism and Jainism.
Muslims made their entry in the 7th century; the entire region was governed by them in by the 11th century. Hinduism still existed. Another milestone to the history was added when in the 1600 the Mughals became trade partners with Britain and France. By 1700 the Mughal rulers grip slackened and eventually in 1858 the British became the rulers. They ruled lasted for a century. After this the natives began stir for independence and intensified it. In 1947 India gained liberty and became a free country.
POPULATION
India is a proud but reluctant and concerned second largest populated country in the world a little over billion. In terms of percentage 15% of the people reside in thickly populated India
National composition is extremely diverse; the population of northern and central India consists largely of peoples who speak Indo-European languages like Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, Bihari, Rajasthani, Marathi, Gujarati, etc.; the people of southern India speak such Dravidian languages as Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu.
Religions practiced are Hinduism, Islam, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhist, and Jainism.
Official status is enjoyed by Hindi and English language. The constitution also recognizes 18 other major regional languages used officially in the states; altogether some 900 languages and dialects are spoken in India.
Indian rupee is mode of transaction.
TOURISM
The religious and majestic glory of the Himalayas is impossible to define. At different heights the people belonging to Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh enjoy it as a habitat. Tourists make a beeline for the region renowned world over.
The architectural designs are amazing; The Taj Mahal at Agra is a marble splendor. There are finely awe inspiring sculptured statues on many temple premises. Art is visible in all designs.
Visit the second time pick as one of the wonders of the world The Taj Mahal on River Jamuna at Agra; its construction was done from 1632-1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s inlaid and masonry workmanship is amazing. The structure stands elegantly surrounded by beautiful gardens. The minarets appear to almost touch the blue sky.
The Ajanta and Ellora rock cut caves of 200 BC near Mumbai is also a World Heritage Site. Its beauty lies in the colored religion based wall paintings in
If you enjoy traveling India is the right destination for you and your family. The pages will not suffice if the beauty of India had to be put in words. Once a trip to the Himalayas Hill station like Himachal, Queen of Hill Station Darjeeling Paradise on Earth the Kashmir etc is done, enjoy the Palace on Wheels journey on rail and explore the beauty of desert state Rajasthan. Visit wildlife sanctuaries the beaches in the south and Goa, temple across India.
Plan your trip well so that you are able to cover sightseeing spots in specified period.
ACCOMMODATION
India has the infrastructure to cater to the ever growing influx of tourist making it their holiday destination. The hotel accommodation comprises of all major international chains, 5-3 star hotels, best value, airport hotel and city center ones. Resorts and camping facilities are available at the most natural unblemished locations. All bookings are possible online. Winter months the bookings are full and it is best to do in advance.
FOOD
Indian food is very popular with all international tourists because of its pungent taste through use of fragrant spices and herbs and health value. Over the centuries the influence of various rulers on the land added more and more variations and novelty to the cooking style of food. There are regional and climatic variations in food. The basic food is wheat flour baked round chapattis or bread, rice, pulses and vegetables. The dishes most in demand are the Punjabi dish Makki ki Roti and spinach; the Mughlai kababs, rich Kormas, soft Nargiasi Koftas, biryani, mutton based Rogan Josh, accompanied by Tandoori roti and tandoori chicken. Try all the curries chutneys South delicacy Idli-Sambhar, Dosa-Sambhar Rasam and pickle.
There is huge variety in sweets such as Rasagulla, and Sandesh from Bengal; others being Rasamalai Kheer, Shahi-tukra, Gulab jamun and Kulfi.
NIGHTLIFE
Bars discos and late night parties are not uncommon in metros and towns. Goa is famous for night life.
India mystifies many tourists by its philosophy and religion. It’s a great land where many saints live. We greet all of you with folded hands. Jai Hind!
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