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Geography

India is the seventh largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country in the world. 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 kilometers (4,671 mi). It borders Pakistan to the west;[14] China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north-east; and Bangladesh and Burma to the east. India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia in the Indian Ocean.

Climate and Weather

India has hot tropical weather with variations occurring region to region. While the coolest months are from November to mid-March, hottest are from April to June. From mid-July to September one can experience Monsoon rains. Winters in India are pleasant with plenty of sunny days. Most of the North India remains dry, dusty, and unpleasant during the summer months.

Population

India's population of approximately 1.13 billion people (estimate for March 10, 2008) comprises approximately one-sixth of the world's population. India is expected to overtake China by 2030 and will then be the most populated country in the world. India has more than two thousand ethnic groups, and every major religion is represented, as are four major families of languages (Indo-European, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic and Tibeto-Burman languages) as well as a language isolate (the Nihali language spoken in parts of Maharashtra).

Transportation

The main forms of transport in India are public transport and private vehicles. Buses, trains, metro rail, hired cars, cabs and auto rickshaws come within the category of public transport in India. These forms of transport connect one state, region and place very effectively with the other parts of the country. Air routes connect all metropolitan cities, states and majority of the big towns in India and that makes traveling from one place to another very easy.

Top Attractions

1. Taj Mahal.
2. Agra Fort.
3. Fatehpur Sikri.
4. Pagal Baba Temple.
5. Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi.
6. Ghats of Varanasi.
7. Lotus Temple.
8. Purana Qila.
9. Sahastradhara.
10. Mansa Devi Temple.

Best Travel Time

Regarding the question of “when to visit India”, the best time to visit India for tourists is the winter season. The season lasts from October to February. It is a pleasure to visit India during these cooler months, when the heat of summer is no more. Around this time, the usually wet areas of Northeast also become dry, making it easier to travel there. Even the hot South India is blessed with cool weather and rain on beaches in this peak season for India. Another reason to visit India in these months is that they coincide with the celebration mood in India. This is the time when maximum well-known festivals of India are celebrated. In October - November falls Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali. Also in November is the Pushkar Fair (in Rajasthan), the largest cattle fair in India. In January is the Republic Day of India and Lohri - the festival of Punjabis. In March falls Holi, the festival of colors. Then there is Id, Easter, Christmas and a number of another festivals, each celebrated in totally Indian fashion. You can experience true India, in all its richness, by attending these festivals. The summer months of March to May are very hot and humid. If you are planning to visit India during summers, then the best thing is to go to the hills and enjoy the scenic beauty. If you are interested in trekking or mountain climbing, then, the Himalayas are for you. Months of March to May, September and November are ideal for trekking in the Himalayas.

Food and Drink

National specialties:
• Dal (crushed lentil soup with various additional vegetables).
• Kulfi (Indian ice cream).
• Gulab Jamuns (flour, yogurt and ground almonds).
• Jalebi (pancakes in syrup).
• Pan (betel leaf in which are wrapped spices such as aniseed and cardamom).

National drinks:
• Chai (tea) is India’s favorite drink. It will often come ready-brewed with milk and sugar unless ‘tray tea’ is specified.
• Coffee is increasingly popular.
• Nimbu Pani (lemon drink). • Lassi (iced buttermilk).• Indian beer (in many varieties).

Local Products/Shopping

Each region has its own specialties, each town its own local craftspeople and its own particular skills. For fabrics, silverware, carpets, leatherwork and antiques, India is a shopper’s paradise. Bargaining is expected, and the visitor can check for reasonable prices at state-run emporia. Fabrics: One of India’s main industries is textiles. Of the silks, the brocades from Varanasi are among the most famous. Rajasthan cotton with its distinctive ‘tie and dye’ design is usually brilliantly colorful, while Chennai cotton is known for its attractive ‘bleeding’ effect after a few washes. The himroo cloth, a mixture of silk and cotton, often decorated with patterns, may be found throughout the country. Kashmir sells beautiful woolens, particularly shawls. Carpets: India has one of the world’s largest carpet industries. Each region will have its own specialty, such as the distinctive, brightly colored Tibetan rugs, available mainly in Darjeeling. Clothes: Clothes are cheap, and can be quickly tailor-made in some shops. Cloth includes silks, cottons, himroos, brocades and chiffons. Jewelry: This is traditionally heavy and elaborate. Indian silverwork is world-famous. Gems include diamonds, lapis lazuli, Indian star rubies, star sapphires, moonstones and aquamarines. Hyderabad is a leading pearl center. Handicrafts and leatherwork: Each area has its specialty; the range includes bronzes, brasswork (often inlaid with silver), canework and pottery. Woven rugs and papier mâché (some decorated in gold leaf) are a characteristic Kashmir product. Inlaid marble and alabaster are specialties of Agra. Rajasthan is known for its colorful fabrics and silks. Leatherwork includes open Indian sandals and slippers. Woodwork: Sandalwood carvings from Karnataka, rosewood from Kerala and Chennai (Madras). Other goods: Pickles, spices, Indian tea, perfumes, soap, handmade paper, Orissan playing cards and musical instruments.

Travel Resource

Delhi India Guide Delhi Travel Information and Guide by TravelPuppy.com