India is the seventh largest country by geographical area and has an estimated population of 1.17 billion, making it the world's second most populous country. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometres. India's largest cities are Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmadabad. India is basically divided into four parts: North, South, East and West India. Each carries a unique flavour and places of attraction of their own.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Location: New Delhi

Modern Delhi, or New Delhi as it is called, centres around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building, flowing down as if towards the India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past. India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of Indian soldiers martyred during the war. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike.

The Red Fort

Location: Old Delhi in Delhi, on the bank of the river Yamuna

In 1638, Emperor Shah Jahan shifted the Mughal Empire's capital from Agra to Delhi and a new royal palace known as Red Fort (Lal Qila) was constructed. The name is symbolic to its massive red sandstone walls that surround it. The Fort houses the Hall of Public Audiences (Diwan-i-Aam), where the Emperor would sit on a marbled paneled alcove, studded with gems, and hear complaints of the common people. The Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours",

holds a spectacular lotus-shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The other attractions in this monument include the Royal Baths (hammams), the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area, and the Pearl Mosque. The Prime Minister of India still addresses the nation from this Fort on India's Independence Day every year!

The Taj Mahal

Location: Agra in the North Indian State of Uttar Pradesh in India

This beautiful masterpiece is a must-visit because no matter how many photographs you might have seen of it, nothing can justify seeing it for yourself!

The Taj Mahal stole so many hearts because of the romantic tale behind its existence. The Taj is actually the mausoleum of the Mughal Empress Mumtaz Mahal, built by her husband the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of her. After 22 laborious years, the complex was finally completed in 1648 AD. The dome is made of white marble and it is set against an awesome backdrop of the river. The Taj sparkles in the moonlight when the semi-precious stones inlaid into the white marble catch the glow of the moon. The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines. These changes, they say, depict the different moods of a woman.

Hill Stations of Kerala

If you are a nature's enthusiast then Hill Stations of Kerala is your personal piece of paradise! Rising to an average height of 1,520 metres, the tropical forests of the ghats house rich flora and fauna.

There are plenty of choices here so take your pick!

Munnar Hill Station Tea plantations, book towns and winding lanes make Munnar popular. The exotic rare blue flower Neelakurinji that bathes the hills in blue once every 12 years makes it a sight to behold!

Devikulam Hill Station With its velvet lawns and cool mountain air, Devikulam is a rare experience indeed. The Sita Devi Lake with its picturesque surroundings will take your breath away.

Idukki Hill Station Idukki offers attractions like wildlife sanctuaries, mountain treks and elephant rides.

Charminar

Charminar is always on the top of the attraction list of any tourist visiting Hyderabad. This beautiful massive structure in granite, lime, mortar and some say, pulverised marble, was at one time the heart of the city. Apart from being the core of the city's cultural ambience, it has become a brand name. The night view of the arch will take your breath away!

Marble Palace

Location: C.R. Avenue in North Calcutta at Muktaram Babu Street, Chorabagan

The Marble Palace is a must-visit indeed! Built in the year 1835, the Marble Palace is an exquisite art gallery. Marble Palace houses marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures and oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt, Reynolds and Van Goyen.

Darjeeling

Location: Foot Hills of the Himalayan Mountain

Situated at 7,000 feet (2,135 metres), Darjeeling is a pretty resort built among tea plantations. Half the fun of visiting Darjeeling is getting there so enjoy the journey. Darjeeling is also home to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training school for mountain climbers. Other attractions include a zoo, botanical gardens, two Buddhist monasteries and a racetrack.

Eden Gardens

Location: Calcutta

Eden Gardens is actually a cricket stadium, where people have witnessed the history of Indian cricket. It has undergone tremendous modernisation and it can actually accommodate about 120,000 people! Even though you aren't a cricket fan, the Eden Gardens is definitely worth your while.

Palitana Temples

Location: Gujarat

Gujarat is a complete destination in itself. The south of Gujarat holds a few attractions that are must-visit spots. The Ancient Temple of Somnathpur near Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, the Union Territory of Diu with its Portuguese characteristics, the house of majestic Lion at Sasangir and the imposing forts atJunagardh are some of the highlights. The west of Gujarat meanwhile is dominated by the Runn of Kutchh, which is the heart of Gujarat's handicrafts business that has flourished for many centuries.

Elephanta Island

Location: Bombay

Bombay is India's most cosmopolitan city. Its main attraction, Elephants Island, makes the city a required stop. The island, about an hour away by boat, has 1,200-year-old rock-cut Hindu temples. Other sights include the Marine Drive (by the sea), called the Queen's Necklace because of its view of sparkling night lights; the Mosque of Haji Ali, set in the middle of the sea and accessible only during low tides; the Prince of Wales Museum and the Jehangir Art Gallery. For shoppers, the Jhaveri Bazaar and the Chor Bazaar is a must. Jhaveri Bazaar is known as the gold and silver market while the Chor Bazaar boasts that it is a place you can find whatever your heart desires!