India

India is a mystical land of age-old religious traditions; this vast country of South Asia shares its borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan. It is also surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and looks over the Bay of Bengal.

Sri Lanka is on the southern tip and the Maldives are off the southwest coast of India. Goa and Kerala are also other beautiful islands offering wide beaches of fine golden sand lined with palm trees.

Inland, the Himalayan mountain range in the north, the Ganges River and the Indus River are magnificent examples of Nature’s beauty, they also form a natural barrier between India and the bordering countries.

Most of the population speaks Hindi as well as English; several other regional languages are also spoken throughout the country. New Delhi is the capital with its winding streets, bazaars and modern buildings, offering a blend of the past and the future.

India counts an infinite number of majestic palaces, temples and monuments, the famous Golden Triangle is one of the favorite routes, this comprises Delhi, Agra with its famous Taj Mahal and Jaipur known as the Pink City. The holy city of Varanasi and the mystic temples of Tamil Nadu are also favorite sites, while Bombay and Calcutta offer a charming colorful and at times hectic side of India.

The Himalayas boast pristine mountains, beautiful pine forests; streams and peaceful landscapes, where trekkers and nature lovers love to explore the heights.

The climate is generally hot all over India, though it varies depending on the regions. The coolest weather is from December to February, while the Monsoons are from June to October.

  • 10

    Qutb Minar, Qutb complex

    Qutub Minar, at 120 meters, is the tallest brick minaret in the world, and the second tallest minar in India after Fateh Burj at Mohali.

  • 9

    Rani ki vav

    Rani ki vav is an intricately constructed stepwell situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat, India. It is located on the banks of Saraswati River. Rani ki vav was built as a memorial to an 11th century AD king.

  • 10

    Red Fort, Delhi

    The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government and the setting for events critically impacting the region.

  • 5

    Sakhargad Nivasini (Yamai)

    Built in the 18th century, the Yamai or Sakhargad Niwasini temple complex, with its different structures and unique, extensive fortifications, is full of surprises in terms of fine craftsmanship, unique and popular folk art, graceful fusion of Yadava Period and Bahamani styles of architecture.

  • 6

    Salimgarh Fort, Delhi

    Salimgarh Fort was built in 1546 AD, in Delhi, in a former island of the Yamuna River, by Salim Shah Suri, son of Sher Shah Suri.

  • 10

    Sanchi

    The Buddhist vihara at Sanchi, famous for its Great Stupa. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by the emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BCE.

  • 5

    Shimla Railway Station, Kalka–Shimla Railway

    Shimla Railway Station, Kalka–Shimla Railway. The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge railway in North-West India travelling along a mostly mountainous route from Kalka to Shimla.

  • 10

    Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

    The Shore Temple (built in 700–728 AD) is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD

  • 10

    Taj Mahal

    The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

  • 10

    Valley of Flowers National Park

    Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in West Himalaya, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.