Welcome to India, a country as large as the European continent and one of the world's oldest civilizations. India is a prodigious country, peopled with diverse and ancient civilizations. India is the home to antique Vedas and Upanishads respected all over the world. India brags the existence of every major religion in the world, as well as many of their branch and surfaces all being supported, nourished and living in proportional harmony. Many of these religions were envisaged in India, and others have come here looking for a safe shelter from harassment after being created in their own lands.
India is a grand country. It is the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populated country in the world. Many see India as a sub-continent rather than a country. There exist in different parts of India, different cultures, languages, manners as well as different historical backgrounds and influences of the same historical events. The official name for the country is Republic of India. The Indians call their country INDIA. There are also two other names for India less known outside India; BHARAT and HINDUSTAN.
Sikkim, the least populous state of India is situated in the north-east India under the protection of Himalayas. Sikkim, spread below the Mt. Kanchanjungha (8534 m), the third highest mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese as their protective Deity, Sikkim shares her borders with Tibet in the north; Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and state of Bengal in the south. Sikkim is special for its magic and its charm: a garden state with rich green tropical forests; brilliant birds and butterflies; an amazing variety of orchids, rhododendrons and wild flowers; rushing tumbling streams and torrents; and endless vistas of snow-crowned peaks.
Darjeeling is a state nestled in the Himalayas, approx. 700kms from Calcutta, at 2134 meters, and is surrounded by tea plantations. Darjeeling is famous for Tiger Hill, the highest point (2590 m) and an excellent spot to see the world's third highest peak Kanchanjungha (8598 m) at sun-rise as its snowy peak emerges from darkness into light. t has over 75 tea gardens employing over 40,000 people. The most convenient plantation to visit is the Happy Valley Tea Estates, only two km from the town.
Facts of India: -

- Country name: conventional long form: Republic of India
- Government type: federal republic
- Capital: New Delhi
- Population: 1,147,995,904 (July 2008 est.)
- Fertility rate: 2.73 children born/woman
- Nationality: noun: Indian(s)
adjective: Indian
- Ethnic groups: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3%
- Religions: Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.1%
- Independence: 15 August 1947 (from UK)
- National holiday: Republic Day, 26 January (1950)
- Constitution: 26 January 1950
- Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
- Area: Total: 3,287,590 sq km
- Land: 2,973,190 sq km
- Water: 314,400 sq km
- Coastline: 7,000 km
- Climate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north
- Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and
Pakistan
- Literacy:
- definition: age 15 and over can read and write
- total: 59.5%
- male: 70.2%
- female: 48.3%
- GDP: $2.966 trillion (2007 est.)
- GDP growth rate: 7.6%
- GDP per capita: $2,600
- Inflation rate: 4.2%
- Labor force: 496.4 million
- Unemployment: 8.9%
- Budget:
- revenues: $111.2 billion
- expenditures: $135.8 billion
- Currency: Indian rupee (INR)
- Administrative divisions: 28 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondicherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
- Coordinates: 20 00 N, 77 00 E
- Land boundaries: total: 14,103 km
border countries: Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km,
China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km
- Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0m/highest point: Kanchanjungha 8,598 m
The political map of antique and primeval India was made up of inestimable kingdoms with unsure boundaries. In the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., northern India was allied under the Gupta Dynasty. During this period, famous as India's Golden Age, Hindu culture and political authority achieved new heights.
Places to visit in India: -
Taj Mahal
If there is an edifice which represents India, then it has to be the Taj Mahal. Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the reminiscence of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is often referring to as the most profligate memorial ever built for love.
There is no other shrine in this world, which can compete with the beauty and splendor of the Taj Mahal. Situated at the city of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most attractive masterworks of architecture in the world. Agra is sited about 200 km south of New Delhi, Capital of India.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho is the subsequent most visited place by foreigners in India after Taj Mahal. There are lots of Hindu and Jain temples in Khajuraho and is famed for their aphrodisiac statue. The Khajuraho group of shrines is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khajuraho is sited in Chhatarpur District of Madhya Pradesh State 620 km from Delhi.
Kerala - God's own Country
Edged by the Western Ghats on one side, the Arabian Sea on the other, and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation in between, Kerala is an intriguingly beautiful, emerald green land.
For sightseers, Kerala proffers nature on a plate. Sandy beaches of Kovalam, blue Lagoons at Veli, Hill stations at Ponmudi and Munnar, backwaters of Kollam and Alappuzha, enthralling waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal, greenland plantations in the highranges, wildlife, high mo
untain peaks, picturesque valleys and intricately bedecked temples, etc. are the specialties of Kerala.
Goa - Backpackers Paradise
Goa is also known as 'the pearl of the east' and is acknowledged for its Gothic churches, age old ruins, palm fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music.With its long coastline, Goa is an imperative target in every sightseer’s itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation.
Delhi
Delhi is the capital city and second biggest city of India. It has been incessantly colonized from at least 6th century BC. There are several chronological shrines in Delhi like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rastrapathi Bhavan, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Akshardham Temple, Bahai Lotus Temple and many more.
Qutub Minar and its shrines, Red Fort, and Humayun’s Tomb are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Mumbai
Mumbai is the money-making and entertainment hub of India. There are lots of tourist’s acne in Mumbai together with Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves, Haji Ali Mosque, beaches and other places.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Elephanta Caves are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful, peaceful and a green hill station sited at an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level. It resides in state Uttarakhand. There are much magnetism like snow view, Naina peak, Tiffin Top, ropeway, horse riding and boating etc.
‘View Point’ is another beautiful tourist spot of Nainital and 5kms away, where you can boast the sights of potent Himalayan range. This place is famous for people who love walking. So you can enjoy the scenic beauty by taking long walks.
Manali
Manali is the most beautiful honeymoon destination in Himachal Pradesh state. Manali is admired for its natural beauty. Inhabitants say this place as “India’s Switzerland”. May to October is the best time for visiting this place. Rafting, Skiing, Paragliding are some of the audacious actions that can be done here. Biuside this, Rahalla Falls, Malan Valley, Manali Sanctuary etc are some other attractions of Manali.
Ooty
Ooty is a well-liked hill station located in Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu state. Ooty is also called as a “Queen of Hill stations” and is positioned at an altitude of 7,440 feet above sea level. This “Queen of Hill stations” draws sightseers with its opaque forests, lofty mountains, tea estates and charming flowers.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital of the state, Rajasthan. There are many places to visit in Jaipur counting Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, and Chand Baori stepwell.
Varanasi
Varanasi is positioned on the banks of River Ganga in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is also well-known as Kashi and Banaras. It is the voyage place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is one of the oldest frequently colonized cities in the world.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta Caves are situated in Aurangabad District the state of Maharashtra. Ellora Caves are positioned at 30 km from the city of Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra. Ajanta Caves are rock cut cave shrines dating back to 2nd century BC. These both cave are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are built by the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. There are 34 caves with Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and monasteries, which were erected between the 5th century and 10th century.
Trekking might be the most popular tourist activity in Nepal but for travelers who want ultimate adrenaline rush, bungee jumping is the thing.
Mister Wong
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