Overview

India, the seventh largest country, the second most populated country, the largest democracy, the center of one of the earliest known civilizations. India is all this and more. Down history, conquerors and colonialists, raiders and traders, philosophers and students, tourists and travelers - all have come to India on their own individual quests

It is the diversity of the country that stuns most - a modern busting city brushes shoulder with scorching desert sands less than 5 hours drive away - while lofty snow clad mountains beckon from the other side with another 5 hour drive. Ceremonial elephants tread the same streets as latest car models while classical singers and rock stars share a stage. The apparent joy for life that will greet you at every corner in India - in spite of poverty, social curbs and language barriers - will not fail to amaze and intrigue. Most Indians would be hard pressed to explain the unwritten philosophy of life here and many foreign travelers come back again and again to carry on their search for that illusive "real India".

India offers such diversity that you are indeed at a loss to decide what to see, where to go, what to do? Many regular travelers miss the 9000 year old art of cavemen, stone pillars that play the do-re-me, salt lakes at 14,000ft miles from any sea or the golden domed temple of the Hindu Lord of Dances.

History

A glimpse into the dateline of Indian history gives you an idea of the cause and extent of her diversity in culture, language and architecture.

• The earliest known human settlement in the country date back to stone age - with cave shelters and paintings telling their story in central India. The Indus Valley Civilization of around 2500 BC - 1700BC was one of the most evolved and advanced civilizations of the time and attracted the Aryans from the north-west.

• The Aryans managed to push the then local population of Dravidians southwards into the peninsular India. With the influence of the Aryans developed the Vedic Civilization that saw the development and indoctrination of Hinduism over a thousand years. The next millennium saw the flourishing of small and large kingdoms along the River Ganga as well as in the southern peninsular region. It also saw invasions by the Greeks, the Kushans and the Huns, the development of Buddhism and Jainism and the flourishing of maritime trade with South East and Eastern Asia and Africa. All this contributed to the diversity of Indian people, art and culture. The legacy of architecture of this period is unique - the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, The Khajuraho Temples, Nalanda ruins, Hampi and Badami Ruins, the Ashokan Pillar are but a few glowing examples.

• As news traveled of India’s glory and grandeur, more invaders came from the west - some to loot others to make India their home. Of all the Muslim dynasties, the Mughal reign that started from 1526 had the greatest impact on Indian history, culture, religion, art and music. Islam was established in India and the Persian and Turkish influence of the era are still clear in monuments like the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, the Red Fort, art forms like miniature paintings, music and dance forms like gazals and kathak, etc. It was their 200 year reign that saw the rise and flourish of the Sikh religion as well as the sowing of the seed of imperialism through trade.

• The period that followed saw the European influx - the Portuguese, French, Dutch and British - who came to trade but stayed to colonise. The British left a varied legacy of their 200 years in India - with extensive railways, establishing of Universities and medical colleges, stamping out social evils being some of their positive contributions. But on the flipside they drained the wealth of the country and managed to sow dissidence in the minds of the religiously tolerant and peace loving populace, and ingrained the divide and rule principle that still haunts the sub-continent today.

Geography

India is situated in the Northern Hemisphere between the 6°44' and 35°30' north latitude and 68°7' and 97°25' east longitude, with the Tropic of Cancer running trough it. Her neighbors - clockwise from west - are Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (island in the Bay of Bengal). The southern half of the country is a huge peninsular guarded by the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea

Politically, the country in divided into 28 states and 7 Union Territories - with a democratically elected government at the helm of affairs. The broad divisions based on physical features are as follows:

• The Himalayas - The guardian on our northern and north-eastern border that has shaped the history as well as the climate of the country. The four near parallel ranges that make up the Himalayas have got eroded in some sections but still boast some of the highest peaks, mountain passes and valleys of the world. The snow-clad peaks, the mighty glaciers, the torrential rivers and the verdant valleys of this region are centers of Adventure Tourism. The many hill stations and the places of Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage in the region also draw many Leisure and Religious tourists. .

• The Gangetic Plains - To the south of the Himalayas lie the fertile plain that has been the center of India’s riverine civilization. The River Ganga and its many tributaries have drained this plain over centuries, with major towns and cities developing though out. A major portion of North India's Heritage and Cultural Tourism is based in this region.

• Thar Dessert - The Aravalli range of mountains separate the plains from the desert region of India. The tough weather conditions of this region has made her people resilient and courageous - yet simple and nature loving. They have had a profound influence on the history of India by defending her from western invasions time and again. Historical monuments in various shades of sandstones strewn over the region and its colorful folk arts and fairs draw millions every year for Eco Tourism, Heritage and Culture.

• Plateau Region - South of the Gangetic Plains is the big chunk of table land that is one of the oldest landmasses in the world and was once the center of many volcanic eruptions. The legacy of that ancient past is the black cotton growing soil of the region which is also a rich mineral storehouse. The plateau is also an extremely bio-diverse region - with tropical and sub-tropical forests in the northern areas to the rich and fertile river plains of Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery rivers in the south. Adventure seeking tourists visit the northern forests for a glimpse of the illusive tiger while in the south they can see large packs of the majestic Indian elephant. The region beckons Hindu pilgrims for Religious Tourism to its many beautiful temples and promotes fascinating Heritage tours of Khajuraho Temples, Ajanta-Ellora Caves and Hampi-Badami temples.

• Coastal India and her Islands - The long coastline of India is home to many beach resorts that tourists flock to, to soak up the tropical sun. Pristine beaches, clear waters, fast developing water sports facilities together with the world famous Ayurvedic spas make Kovalam, Plage Paradiso, Anjuna, Calangute, Marari, Varakala and many other much sought after Leisure Tourism destinations. The coasts are separated from the peninsular region by the two ranges - the western ghats and the eastern ghats. Off the coast of India are two small groups of islands - the Andaman & Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep, Amindivi and Minicoy in the Arabian sea - which are picturesque to say the least. Beautiful coral reefs in the shallow seas draw many a snorkeling enthusiast to these islands for Leisure and Adventure Tourism.

• North - Eastern States - Seven states in the north-eastern corner of India together add immense diversity to the Indian culture, language, flora and fauna that is to be seen to be believed. The seven states - often called "the seven sisters" - are situated at the foothills of the Himalayas with the mighty Brahmaputra river roaring through. The region has many ethnic tribal people who have their distinctive dance forms, costumes, food and languages. The tropical rainforest in parts of the region are home to the One- horned Rhino, Elephants, Red Panda, Gloden Langur, Indian Bison, etc. Eco Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Leisure Tourism - all roads lead to this beautiful region

People

India has one of the most diverse populations anywhere with all major racial types to be found here. Down history, the many invaders who settled in India have mixed with the local population, resulting in a potpourri of facial features, languages, food habit, religions and cultures. Ethnic tribes have lent added color and the varying geographical factors across the country has ensured that visitors to India find it hard to understand the multi- faceted "real India"". But most come to appreciate the spirit of tolerance, sacrifice, minimalism and respect for others that keep a smile on the face of the average Indian in midst of all hardships and trouble. The ever-extended helping hand is always a comfort to all travelers to India.

Today, India is one of the fastest growing economies with a huge population of well trained professional work force with expanding purchasing power that is much sought after by the rest of the world. The country is a perfect balance between the modern and the traditional that never fails to attract and fascinate.