India

Overview
India, located in South Asia, is the seventh-largest country in the world by land area and the second-most populous. It is a country of immense diversity, where ancient traditions coexist with modern advancements. India’s vastness and variety are reflected in its geography, languages, cultures, and religions.
The capital city, New Delhi, is part of the larger Delhi metropolitan area, a city that juxtaposes history and modernity. Here, ancient monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar stand alongside contemporary government buildings and bustling markets. Mumbai, India’s financial capital, is known for its cosmopolitan vibe, Bollywood film industry, and the iconic Gateway of India.
India’s landscapes are equally varied. The northern region is dominated by the towering Himalayas, offering opportunities for trekking, skiing, and spiritual retreats in places like Rishikesh and Dharamshala. The Thar Desert in the west, with its golden sands and camel safaris, presents a stark contrast to the lush greenery of Kerala’s backwaters in the south. The country’s eastern states, less frequented by tourists, offer a glimpse into unique tribal cultures and dense forests.
Cultural heritage is at the heart of Indian tourism. The Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, epitomizes India’s rich history of art and architecture. Rajasthan’s forts and palaces, the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, and the spiritual cities of Varanasi and Haridwar add layers to India’s multifaceted identity.
India’s culinary diversity is legendary, with each region offering distinct flavors and dishes. From the spicy curries of the south to the tandoori delights of the north, food is an integral part of the Indian experience.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and varied landscapes, India promises a journey like no other, offering something for every type of traveler.

India location, climate & geography
India is located in South Asia, sharing borders with Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. To the south, the country is flanked by the Indian Ocean, with the Arabian Sea to the southwest and the Bay of Bengal to the southeast.
India’s geography is incredibly diverse, ranging from the towering Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south. The country can be broadly divided into six regions: the Northern Mountain Region, the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the Thar Desert, the Central Highlands, the Eastern and Western Ghats, and the Coastal Plains.
The Northern Mountain Region includes the Himalayas, home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. This region is also the source of many of India’s major rivers, such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains, lying to the south of the Himalayas, are among the most fertile areas in the world, supporting a large portion of India’s agriculture. The Thar Desert, in the west, is characterized by arid landscapes and sand dunes, contrasting sharply with the lush Western and Eastern Ghats that run along India’s western and eastern coasts.
India experiences a wide range of climatic conditions, from the tropical climate of the southern states to the temperate climate of the Himalayas. The monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September, plays a crucial role in the country’s agriculture and water resources.
India’s diverse geography and climate provide a wide range of experiences for travelers, from the cold mountain peaks of the north to the warm, sandy beaches of the south.

10 things to know when travelling to India
1. The Taj Mahal: One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal in Agra is an iconic symbol of love and a must-visit.
2. Diverse Festivals: India celebrates a multitude of festivals, including Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
3. Spirituality: India is the birthplace of several major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, with numerous pilgrimage sites across the country.
4. Varanasi: One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi is a spiritual hub on the banks of the Ganges River, known for its ghats and temples.
5. Indian Cuisine: Indian food is as diverse as its culture, with regional specialties like Punjabi tandoori, South Indian dosas, and Bengali sweets.
6. The Himalayas: The Indian Himalayas offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and spiritual retreats.
7. Rajasthan’s Forts and Palaces: Rajasthan is known for its majestic forts and palaces, including the Amber Fort in Jaipur and the City Palace in Udaipur.
8. Kerala’s Backwaters: The serene backwaters of Kerala are best explored by houseboat, offering a unique glimpse into rural life in the south.
9. Bollywood: India’s film industry, based in Mumbai, is the largest in the world, producing hundreds of movies each year in multiple languages.
10. Yoga and Ayurveda: India is the birthplace of yoga and Ayurveda, offering numerous retreats and wellness centers focused on these ancient practices.

Last update August 2024