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India Travel & Tour Destinations
The Travel Destination
India is a vast and diverse country with many facades. The country changes at every short distance which is a matter of intrigue. India's enigmatic charm lies in its scenic splendor, its colors and festivities. The rich heritage encompasses its history, ethnic profiles and magnificent monuments of yore.
All the bundle of delights make this Nation an attractive tourism destination with lots to offer. The holiday opportunities are many and range from wildlife to culture. The wonder of the World Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, it is a place worth a visit. Agra along with New Delhi offers the best monuments of Mughal Era to the visitor for sightseeing.
India comprises of thirty two hundred thousand kilometers of land which includes islands like Andaman and Nicobar and Lakhsdeep. More than one billion people live on this land in town, villages and metro cities.
Ajanta Ellora
India Amazing
Mount Everest
Manali in Shimla
Tribal Photo
Reach Easily
Amer Fort Rajasthan
Hindu Pilgrim
India Demographic & Ethnic Profile
The country is sub divided into States which are based on linguistic profiles. Within the States inhabit many ethnic profiles pertaining to many creeds. The major agglomerations are of the Aryans in North and Dravidian in the South. But the country practically exists as one entity irrespective of racial characteristics.
English is commonly spoken all over India while Hindi dominates in Northern States. Each State has its own language culture and lifestyle. The bewildering potpourri is an amazing experience.
The country has been attacked by invaders for centuries. It is home to migrants from far away destinations which have added to the cultural flavor. Extrinsic cultures and creeds have easily intermingled with local inhabitants and hence influenced the people as whole.
India is dominated by Hindus who comprise of eighty five percent of the population. The rest are Muslims, Sikhs, Jain, Buddhists and Christians. The country is liberal in beliefs and many cults, sub sects and minor religion flourish with equanimity and freedom.
Hawa Mahal
India in Photos
Travelling in India
Being a large country, travelling all over is not possible in one visit. The tourists need to fix their focus on one or two sectors, sightseeing and wildlife are major draws. But the visits also offer opportunity to understand the country's culture, bizarre rites, rituals and wonderful cuisine along side.
While many people travel on package tours, there are independent travelers as well. Both the travel options require a tourist to understand the mind boggling complexities and inadequacies of present day India. Heat and chaos bewilder and frighten one at times. But the system functions in its improper way and delivers. The country barely conforms to developed World's perfect infrastructure. However what it has to offer undermines all the inadequacies.
Knowing English helps inbound travelers. This language is understood to a varying degree all over the country. Savoring spicy food is another aspect but less spicy foods are available in many restaurants. All Indian foods are not spicy and the sweets can be addicting.
Carrying your passport as identification and papers for legal entry is essential and required everywhere. Citizens of many countries now get visa on arrival. Carrying a credit card is better than carrying lot of cash.
India is a safe country, still basic precautions should be taken. Avoid touts, ask for a service providers from your hotel staff or your travel agent. Do not befriend strangers but mingle with families and recommended people.
Kutub Minar
Golden Temple
India in Pictures
Major Tourist Attractions
As a tourist destination India has huge potential. Some of the Internationally popular centers attract hundred thousands of tourists from foreign countries. But there are many lesser known places which are slowly emerging as popular destinations.
Some of the landmark places are the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho Temples, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Gwalior Fort, Rajasthani Forts & Palaces, Ashoka Pillar, Somnath Temple in Gujarat and many more.
India offers sightseeing holidays, beach holidays in Kerala & Goa, spiritual Holidays in Himalayas, Varanasi, Gaya, Sanchi and Temples of Southern India.
For wildlife tourism the tiger reserves offer the best opportunity. These are habitat of not only the tiger but other rare and endemic animals like one horned rhino, golden langur, Indian elephant, Nilgiri macaque, clouded leopard, snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion and many more.
For bird watching Bharatpur is one of the finest destination in the State of Rajasthan followed by Corbett National Park in Uttranchal District.
Unique festivals and fairs also attract lot of visitors the most popular among them being the Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan.
As a tourist destination India has so much to offer that it is a discovery in itself and the diversity is indescribable.
City Palace Jaipur
Taj Mahal
Elephant Ride
Transportation
Depending upon your budget you can hire air conditioned taxi that transports you in style and comfort. These are expensive but the best way to go around. In major cities like New Delhi you can move around in the metro network which is fast and economical. The buses in major towns are efficient and offer reasonable comfort.
There are many luxury buses that ply within the States and cities. These are comfortable but you have to book in advance. Trains are the best mode of traveling in India provided you have reserved your birth in advance. The comfort of AC class beckons you but if you wish to save more money than opt for second class reserved mode. Be prepared to travel overnight.
Air services in India are increasing their network hence this is also a good and fast option. But for those who do not wish to spend money on air fares, trains are the best option.
Agra Fort
Courtyard House Kanha Accommodation
Jaipur
Accommodation in India
In major and medium sized cities all kind of accommodations are available. The best options are economy hotels if you do not wish to stay in luxury. The mid range hotels offer good comfort and less pricey meals, you can even stay in an air conditioned room for little more expense.
It is best to avoid sleazy guest houses in congested areas. These come cheap but may be harboring bad elements. Prior reference should be taken from assured sources as to which guest house is good.
There are many home stay accommodations spread all over the country. These charge different tariff depending upon the location and amenities offered. These are mostly run by families hence you get a close perspective of that part of the country. This is a good way to understand the people of India.
The mega hospitality chain owned five star resorts cost the nose and are good if you can afford them. Mid sized towns usually have three star hotels as upscale accommodation and offer some discount during lean period, The small towns have small hotels which may or may not be good. It is best to schedule your stay at the next big town rather than in very small places.
In tiger reserves and popular holiday resorts all kinds of accommodations are available. While on India tour it is better to book your stay in advance.
Chaturbhuj Temple
Tourism in India
Indian Meal
South Indian Lucnh
Food in India
Food in India is a matter of discussion amongst the foreign travelers. Even for those traveling on budget, roadside food joints should be avoided. In absence of good restaurants in small places packed snack food from major brands should be preferred.
In small cafeterias and restaurants ask for hot and deep fried food. This does not imply that there is dearth of hygienic eateries in India. But it is difficult to make out good and bad for the first timers.
Indian cuisine can be hot and spicy but not all recipes are like this. You can discuss with the wait staff what exactly you wish to eat. Food is prepared in many styles hence you will get what you want.
Mumbai
Buland Darwaza
Temple at Narbada River
Baazar
Tour Organizers
Traveling in India requires support and management. If your are traveling alone you have to use services of travel agents in order to make hotel booking, hire taxis and decide on best itineraries.
For those willing to travel in groups package tours to India are the best. These are provided by seasoned tour operators based in major cities. The companies offer all inclusive packages to traveler in India. These packages are the most comfortable means of touring various destination without any hassles. The onus of arrangements, bookings and travel is taken care of by the landing agent.
Demand for all inclusive package tours to India has grown rapidly. This is not a new concept but as tourism increases in the country tourist choose the best traveling mode. The country receives a large number of tourists interested in Eco-tourism. The top rated tour operators in India offer affordable wildlife safari packages. These are organized in tiger reserves for animal watching and birding.
Most of the tourism companies organize trips all over the country. But there are many companies that specialize in a particular region.
Fatehpur Sikri
Diwane Khas
Ram Temple Mandsar
Himayala
Orcha Fort
Mural
Ithun River
Holy Ganges
India Travel
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Kothi Entrance
© 2012 Uday Patel