Why India?
1. Architecture
There are at present 22 cultural (i.e., historical) and five natural 'world heritage sites.' Some 19 more are awaiting recognition for the last two to ten years respectively. Highlight below are the UNESCO world heritage sites of India:
2. Adventure tours
Plan an exhilarating adventure, eco tour, or jungle safari with its extraordinary pastiche of landscapes from pancake flat deserts to jagged mountain peaks- India offers a myriad of outdoor pursuits: a blood-pumping Himalayan trek, an inspiring wildlife safari, an invigorating white water rafting trip, or a splash in the sun - warmed water of tropical southern beaches. There is no death of fresh air pastimes. Thrill -seekers indulge in everything from paragliding, kayaking, and rock climbing to scuba diving, skiing, and even the new sport to "Zorbing."
A brilliant way to explore India's great outdoors- blessed with a stunning repertoire of flora and fauna - is by safari. Safaris - on foot, jeep, elephant, boat, or horse - are possible in numerous protected areas, where visitors can view some of the most exotic wildlife on earth, including endangered animals like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and India rhinoceros. Birdwatchers shouldn't miss premier sanctuaries such as Keoladeo Ghana National park, near Bharatpur, Rajasthan, which attracts over 350 species. India has more than 80 national parks and hundreds of wildlife sanctuaries. No matter which type of reserve you visit, making arrangements in advance for accommodations and safari bookings as well as checking prime wildlife - spotting time - is advisable.
3. Wildlife Tours
If you have yen for wildlife and wish to capture it on your camera, then make your travel plans to some of India's finest wildlife parks. India's wealth of plant and wildlife can be best savoured in its national parkls and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the famous national parks of India are Ranthambore national park, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Periyar, Kaziranga, Gir Forest. Judging from statistic, India is concerned about it's flora and fauna - we have 80 national parks, 441 sanctuaries, 23 tiger reserves, which house the largest number of tigers, Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhino, elephants and birds in the world.
4. Shopping Paradise
India is a treasure for shopping lover. India is known for its handicraft, jewelry, textiles, carpets, stones, spices and many more items. The artisans of India have been in business since the days of Indus valley civilization (2500 BC). Like in pre-industrial medieval Europe, craftsman were organized into various corporate guilds in ancient India. Every craft was sub-case e.g. weavers, potters, carpenters, goldsmiths that gave them a hereditary genius. From Kashmir to Kanchipuram (Tamil nadu) and Kutch (Gujarat) to India's north-east almost every state of India has a flourishing craft culture. The art of silk weaving in India is said to be one of the finest in the world.
5. Peoples and culture
The people and their genuine warmth is what attracts everyone to India. Treat the guest like "Atithi Devo Bhavah" hold absolutely true here. This is something you won't find anywhere in the world. The optimism in us is what keeps us going. It's only in this land where you will stumble upon people playing marbles and flying kites, juxtaposed with ascetics meditating on the riverbanks and the Himalayas. India is a land of contrasts. Here, the past rubs shoulders with the present and great architecture, a rich culture, history, diversity and magnificent natural splendour make this country the preferred destination of many.
6. Festivals
India is a rainbow of festivals. In a land of diversity, each of India's many diverse groups exult in their own special revelry. Be it the vibrancy of Ganesh Chaturthi, the beautiful classic poses of dancers during the Chennai dance festival, the clarion call of muezzin during Eid, the furious rowing of the boatman during the snake boat races of Onam, the gourmet spreads laid out during Navroz, the chanting of hymns in white-washed churches or the tribal festivities of the Hornbill festival. The biggest fairs and festivals to be enjoyed in India from the months of August to December. Travelers are coming from all over the world for festival tours of India.
7. Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is famous and relished all over the world and enjoys a reputation at par with other cuisines of the world. The culinary of Indian cuisine is a science, which has developed over thousands of years. The classic range of regional cuisines from North to South and East to West reflects the great size of India and its un parallel cultural heritage. The Indian cuisine in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food, has an unmatched charm because of the extravagant spices used in Indian cuisine, thus India is better understood as "HOME OF THE SPICES." The art of preparing authentic Indian food does not involve an overdose of spices, but the delicacy and mixing of right spices in right quantities. India is a land of diverse religions, customs, festivals, culinary flavors and climatic conditions. Thus each part of India has added and enhanced the flavor of its dishes by blending spices, herbs and condiments to make the dish more exquisite, exotic and heavenly.
8. Wellness and Spa
Wellness in India, has different forms, connotations and techniques. From Yoga to Ayurveda (the science of healing) to Indian medical systems, the most famous way of keeping fit is perhaps Yoga. The recent surge of different forms of yoga and its popularity in almost every generation of fitness enthusiasts has proved one thing: India is going back to its roots and leading the world too.
In recent years peoples are visiting India for yoga and wellness tour. India has variety of Ayurveda and Spa resorts. South India is famous for its Ayurveda packages. Destinations like Rishikesh and Ananada in the Himalayas are very famous for their ashrams and yoga learning centers in India.
9. Spiritual
India spirituality, like an ageless rhythm, has travelled through the ages, enveloping sages, kings, reformers and devotees in India. Some kept it hijacked, as a tool to power; some coined it in difficult texts and kept it carefully guarded from ordinary men; some liberated it from the clasp of priest; some transformed it into melodious rhyme and song; some gave it the freedom to curl on lips the way nature intended it to be …
Pilgrimage Tours of India gives an opportunity to communicate with the creator, it opens up the bright vistas of positivism as one begins top expect, it renews the will to live. Spiritual India brings comfort to the soul.
10. Landscapes
No destination in the world beats the landscapes of India. Where else in the world you can find deserts and mountain ranges together. India is blessed with natural beauty and a land of topographical contrasts. India is, undoubtedly, the ideal and affordable destination for those looking for a relaxed holiday in a cool and pollution-free setting. Explore the nature, beautiful landscapes and snow covered peaks.
There are at present 22 cultural (i.e., historical) and five natural 'world heritage sites.' Some 19 more are awaiting recognition for the last two to ten years respectively. Highlight below are the UNESCO world heritage sites of India:
- Taj Mahal - Symbol of love, one of the seven wonders of the world.
- Agra Fort - Mughal emperor Akbar (1542-1605) made Agra his capital and commissioned the massive red sandstone fort.
- Fatehpur Sikri - 26 km from Agra, served as the short-lived capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1571-1585.
- Qutub Minar - The 238-ft (72.5m) five story high sandstone minaret in Mehrauli, area makes a travel guide icon in Delhi.
- Red Fort - When Mughal emperor Shah Jahan shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi in 1639, he built the lal quila (Red Fort).
- Humayun's Tomb - The Mughal practice of building gardened-tombs began with Humayun's mausoleum.
- Rock Shelter of Bhimbetka - 45 km south of Bhopal, harbor exquisite stone age rock paintings dating approximately 9,000 years ago.
- Buddhist Monuments, Sanchi - The great Stupa - or Buddhist relic mound-commissioned by emperor Ashoka became the nucleus of architectural and artistic enterprise that continued through Sunga, Satvanha and Gupta period.
- Temples of Khajuraho - The much publicized erotic sculptures of Khajuraho constitute a small niche.
- Elephanta Caves - The island called Gharapuri got its name Elephanta from Portuguese colonizers.
- Ellora Caves - One of the largest rock-shewn temple complexes in the world, the Ellora Caves mark the apogee of Indian rock cut architecture
- Ajanta Caves - The Ajanta caves are most renowned for their pseudo-frescos and relief sculptures.
- Champaner Pavagarh -50 km from Vadodra, is an awe inspiring complex where Hindu and Muslim Architectures jostle.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - Formerly called Victoria Terminus or Bombay VT this grand British era railway terminus is one the busiest in India.
- Monuments of Hampi - Hampi ruins are the 'remains of the day' when the 'never to be forgotten Hindu empire' Vijaynagar succumbed to the Bahmani coalition on January 23, 1 565 at the battle of Talikot.
- Chola Temples - Cholas, the mighty empire builders, also erected some magnificent temples in Tamil Nadu between 10th and 12th century.
- Churches and Convents of Goa - The Churches and Convents of Goa, built in 16th and 17th century, include earliest specimen of European architecture in India.
- Mahabalipuram Temple Complex - Mahabalipuram temple complex is an alfresco museum of religious architecture and sculpting.
- Monuments complex at Pattadakal - 8th century-wonder of consecrated architecture, Pattakadal temple complex in Karnataka was primarily a work of Chalukya kings.
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex - Bodh Gaya (2002), Gautam Buddha (566-486 B.C.), famously attained his enlightenment below a Bodhi tree near today's Gaya (Bihar) in 526 B.C.
- Sun Temple, Konark - a small coastal town in Orissa, is best known for its 13th century architectural wonder, the sun temple.
- Mountain railways of India. - When British developed hill stations in India, they were faced with the challenge to connect them meaningfully with the plains. This was achieved through construction of mountain railways that were an engineering miracle.
2. Adventure tours
Plan an exhilarating adventure, eco tour, or jungle safari with its extraordinary pastiche of landscapes from pancake flat deserts to jagged mountain peaks- India offers a myriad of outdoor pursuits: a blood-pumping Himalayan trek, an inspiring wildlife safari, an invigorating white water rafting trip, or a splash in the sun - warmed water of tropical southern beaches. There is no death of fresh air pastimes. Thrill -seekers indulge in everything from paragliding, kayaking, and rock climbing to scuba diving, skiing, and even the new sport to "Zorbing."
A brilliant way to explore India's great outdoors- blessed with a stunning repertoire of flora and fauna - is by safari. Safaris - on foot, jeep, elephant, boat, or horse - are possible in numerous protected areas, where visitors can view some of the most exotic wildlife on earth, including endangered animals like the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and India rhinoceros. Birdwatchers shouldn't miss premier sanctuaries such as Keoladeo Ghana National park, near Bharatpur, Rajasthan, which attracts over 350 species. India has more than 80 national parks and hundreds of wildlife sanctuaries. No matter which type of reserve you visit, making arrangements in advance for accommodations and safari bookings as well as checking prime wildlife - spotting time - is advisable.
3. Wildlife Tours
If you have yen for wildlife and wish to capture it on your camera, then make your travel plans to some of India's finest wildlife parks. India's wealth of plant and wildlife can be best savoured in its national parkls and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the famous national parks of India are Ranthambore national park, Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Periyar, Kaziranga, Gir Forest. Judging from statistic, India is concerned about it's flora and fauna - we have 80 national parks, 441 sanctuaries, 23 tiger reserves, which house the largest number of tigers, Asiatic Lions, one-horned rhino, elephants and birds in the world.
4. Shopping Paradise
India is a treasure for shopping lover. India is known for its handicraft, jewelry, textiles, carpets, stones, spices and many more items. The artisans of India have been in business since the days of Indus valley civilization (2500 BC). Like in pre-industrial medieval Europe, craftsman were organized into various corporate guilds in ancient India. Every craft was sub-case e.g. weavers, potters, carpenters, goldsmiths that gave them a hereditary genius. From Kashmir to Kanchipuram (Tamil nadu) and Kutch (Gujarat) to India's north-east almost every state of India has a flourishing craft culture. The art of silk weaving in India is said to be one of the finest in the world.
5. Peoples and culture
The people and their genuine warmth is what attracts everyone to India. Treat the guest like "Atithi Devo Bhavah" hold absolutely true here. This is something you won't find anywhere in the world. The optimism in us is what keeps us going. It's only in this land where you will stumble upon people playing marbles and flying kites, juxtaposed with ascetics meditating on the riverbanks and the Himalayas. India is a land of contrasts. Here, the past rubs shoulders with the present and great architecture, a rich culture, history, diversity and magnificent natural splendour make this country the preferred destination of many.
6. Festivals
India is a rainbow of festivals. In a land of diversity, each of India's many diverse groups exult in their own special revelry. Be it the vibrancy of Ganesh Chaturthi, the beautiful classic poses of dancers during the Chennai dance festival, the clarion call of muezzin during Eid, the furious rowing of the boatman during the snake boat races of Onam, the gourmet spreads laid out during Navroz, the chanting of hymns in white-washed churches or the tribal festivities of the Hornbill festival. The biggest fairs and festivals to be enjoyed in India from the months of August to December. Travelers are coming from all over the world for festival tours of India.
7. Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is famous and relished all over the world and enjoys a reputation at par with other cuisines of the world. The culinary of Indian cuisine is a science, which has developed over thousands of years. The classic range of regional cuisines from North to South and East to West reflects the great size of India and its un parallel cultural heritage. The Indian cuisine in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian food, has an unmatched charm because of the extravagant spices used in Indian cuisine, thus India is better understood as "HOME OF THE SPICES." The art of preparing authentic Indian food does not involve an overdose of spices, but the delicacy and mixing of right spices in right quantities. India is a land of diverse religions, customs, festivals, culinary flavors and climatic conditions. Thus each part of India has added and enhanced the flavor of its dishes by blending spices, herbs and condiments to make the dish more exquisite, exotic and heavenly.
8. Wellness and Spa
Wellness in India, has different forms, connotations and techniques. From Yoga to Ayurveda (the science of healing) to Indian medical systems, the most famous way of keeping fit is perhaps Yoga. The recent surge of different forms of yoga and its popularity in almost every generation of fitness enthusiasts has proved one thing: India is going back to its roots and leading the world too.
In recent years peoples are visiting India for yoga and wellness tour. India has variety of Ayurveda and Spa resorts. South India is famous for its Ayurveda packages. Destinations like Rishikesh and Ananada in the Himalayas are very famous for their ashrams and yoga learning centers in India.
9. Spiritual
India spirituality, like an ageless rhythm, has travelled through the ages, enveloping sages, kings, reformers and devotees in India. Some kept it hijacked, as a tool to power; some coined it in difficult texts and kept it carefully guarded from ordinary men; some liberated it from the clasp of priest; some transformed it into melodious rhyme and song; some gave it the freedom to curl on lips the way nature intended it to be …
Pilgrimage Tours of India gives an opportunity to communicate with the creator, it opens up the bright vistas of positivism as one begins top expect, it renews the will to live. Spiritual India brings comfort to the soul.
10. Landscapes
No destination in the world beats the landscapes of India. Where else in the world you can find deserts and mountain ranges together. India is blessed with natural beauty and a land of topographical contrasts. India is, undoubtedly, the ideal and affordable destination for those looking for a relaxed holiday in a cool and pollution-free setting. Explore the nature, beautiful landscapes and snow covered peaks.
