India, the seventh largest country in the world, second most populous after china and the largest democracy is an ancient land with a rich cultural heritage. It is covered by the mighty Himalayan range in the north and the confluence of the three oceans (Arabian bay of Bengal and Indian ocean) to the south.
In the north, the Himalayan hill stations of Leh, Srinagar, and Shimla are a perfect visual treat to the eye. Numerous waterfalls, lakes and important peaks dot this Himalayan landscape. In the winters, mountain based adventure sports are very popular. Coming down to the northern plains, you come across the greatest symbol of love ever known to mankind i.e. the Taj Mahal. An Indian honeymoon is incomplete without a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal.
Western India houses the historically important state of Rajasthan. Much of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan is owed to the Rajputs, a native martial race. The landscape of Rajasthan is dotted with historically important cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaiselmer etc. The most prominent feature of these towns is the magnificent forts and palaces built to safeguard the rajput kingdoms.
A trip to eastern India will bring you across the heritage destinations of the Konark Sun temple, Orrisa and the Mahabodhi temple complex, Bihar. The former is mesmerizingly shaped like a chariot whereas the latter is pure brick construction and one of the four holy sites of Buddhism.
The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is famous for the twin hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal, as also for the Madurai town which houses the Meenakshi temple. If you have the time to visit just one temple in south, it has to be this The majestic entrance ,huge beautifully designed shrines and a temple complex dotted with endearingly crafted out pillars and sculptures make for a mersmersing experience.
For the sea lovers, India offers the twin states of Goa and Kerela. While Goa is all about the fun filled beaches, water sports and the rocking night life in addition to the beautiful portugese style churches, Kerela is known as God’s own country for its pristine natural beauty. Dotted with ayuveda and yoga resorts, Kerala is sure to leave you thoroughly refreshed.
Apart from teeming with human life which is evident from the 120 crores strong population, India is also over flowing with wild life of all varieties. 440 sanctuaries, 80 national parks and 23 tiger reserves bear testimony to this fact. Some of the more famous among these are karizanga national park, Assam; Gir wild life sanctuary and the sunder bans, West Bengal.
The art and craft of ancient Indians can be felt in Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad. These caves contain well proportioned & decorated paintings and sculptures which are widely regarded as master pieces of Buddhist religious art. Ellora caves feature a chaitya hall with a beautiful image of a Buddha set on a stupa.
A travel through the length and breadth of the country is likely to leave you amazed and perplexed in the same measure.
On your India travel, be sure to visit at least some of heritage destinations. An India tour is unfulfilled without experiencing the beauty of these heritage destinations.
