India

India is one of the popular tourist destinations in Asia. Bounded by the Himalayan ranges in the north, and surrounded on three sides by water (the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean), with a long history and diverse culture, India offers a wide array of places to see and things to do. In 2004, foreign tourists visiting India spent 15.4 billion USD - the ninth highest in the world. India is also ranked among the top 3 adventure tourism destinations.

Taj Mahal

Perhaps India's best-known site is the Taj Mahal, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements. It was built between 1631 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife, Arjumand Banu, more popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal serves as her tomb. Taj Mahal is a 3 hour drive from Delhi. The Golden Triangle

One of the popular tourist circuits is called the Golden Triangle: the cities Delhi; Agra (site of the Taj Mahal); and Jaipur. Delhi is approximately 200 kilometers away from Agra, and 250 kilometers from Jaipur.

Wildlife in India

India also has a large variety of protected wildlife. The country's protected wilderness consists of 75 National parks of India and 421 Sanctuaries, of which 19 fall under the purview of Project Tiger. Its climatic and geographic diversity makes it the home of over 350 mammals and 1200 bird species, many of which are unique to the subcontinent. Some well known national wildlife sanctuaries include Corbett, Kanha, Sariska, Periyar, Ranthambore, and Bharatpur.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is very good place for tourism. Andhra Pradesh is India's fifth largest state. AP is also known as the "Rice Granary of India". The main languages spoken in Andhra Pradesh are Telugu, Hindi, Urdu and English. The weather is mostly tropical. June to September are the monsoon months and travel is not advised during this time. NOvember to January are the best time to visit. Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage. Andhra Pradesh has a variety of attarctions including beaches,hills,wildlife,forests and temples.

People coming to Andhra Pradesh visit: • Hyderabad • Tirupati • Vizag • Nagarjuna sagar • Vijaywada • Warangal

Delhi

Delhi... The capital of the vast, mystic subcontinent that is India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern in every stream of life is the soul of Delhi. A melting pot of cultures and traditions, religions and castes Delhi is true to its democratic nature. Delhi has ruled... always from the mythological days to the present, the Aravali ridges and the Yamuna river stand a mute witness to it. The rulers left behind their trade marks in the architecture. Tughlakabad fort and the Qutab Minar, the Jama Masjid and the Lotus temple, The Humayun's tomb and the Red Fort, and India Gate and the Magnificent President's house. Delhi is famous for its wide roads and crisp winters. One of the few places in India where colours of nature changes with the seasons. From Kerala to Kashmir and from Gujarat to Assam all the mouth watering delicacies and shopping goods are found in Delhi. The cosmopolitan nature of the city has only added to the beauty and glory of it. Big gardens, wide roads, ancient structures, and power of politics is what Delhi is all about.

Goa

Goa is another popular destination, famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples.

Goa is a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India situated between the borders of Maharastra and Karnataka and is better known to the world as the former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil. With the rule of the Portuguese for over 450 years and the consequential influence of the Latin culture, Goa presents a somewhat different picture to the foreign visitor than any other part of the country. Not only is the proportion of Christians (almost all of whom are Catholics) in the total population of Goa much higher than that obtaining in most of the other States; the general way of living is also markedly different. Western influence is evident in the dress and food habits, and the general life of the people is quiet and peaceful. A striking feature of Goa is the harmonious relationship between the two principal religious communities, the Hindus and the Catholics, who have lived together peacefully for generations. The Bom Jesus cathedral is another famous attraction in Goa.

Jammu and Kashmir

Tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir include: • Srinagar • Jammu • Leh • Amarnath • Vaishno Devi

Other cities of interest in Northern India include Gwalior, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Mathura, and Haridwar.

Moving south, many places are a mix of ancient historic sites as well as industrial/technological hubs. Some of these are listed below.

Karnataka

The southern state of Karnataka offers:

• Bangalore, the IT capital of India, is also significant for its history • Mysore, about 140km from Bangalore, has palaces, KRS Dam, several temples, a Hindu temple atop Chamundi Hills, Chamundeswari Temple. • Srirangapatna, where nearby fortresses can be found (Tipu's) • Hampi the city of ruins (1500's when the Muslim kings destroyed the prosperous Vijayanagar empire) • The Belur and Halebidu temples are famed for their sculptural beauty. • Sravanabelagola has a Jain temple dedicated to king Bahubali. The statue is massive and a MahaMasthakaAbhishekham performed one every year, attracts a huge number of pilgrims • Sringeri, located in the western ghats, has a wonderful temple dedicated to Sarada devi. • The Western Ghats offer many other places of exceptional beauty like Agumbe, Horanadu etc. • Madikeri, Kodagu, Talakaveri, Kemmanagundi all places of immense natural beauty.

Kerala

Kerala is an evergreen lush state, tucked away in the southern corner of India. It is one of the most haunted visits of tourists in India. The state has its own tourism brand name - "God's Own Country", which has super-brand status.The state was nicked as one of the "10 paradises of the world" by the National Geographic traveller, the only other Indian place listed being the Taj Mahal. Kerala is famous for its backwaters and lagoons.There are also several beautiful beaches along the coastline of Kerala. There are also hill stations and tropical rainforests with exquisite flora and fauna including endangared animals like elephant, tiger, nilgiri thar and lion-tailed macaque. Recently, a new brand of tourism was introduced called Monsoon Tourism, aimed at beckoning tourists to enjoy the beauty of the state's hauntigly beautiful rainy season extending from June to September.

Kerala is also known for its Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system of India. The government of Kerala offers tourism packages related to Ayurvedaand promotes health tourism since treatment charges are low in Kerala.

On the cultural front, the several unique and colourful festivals of Kerala like Onam, Thrissur Pooram, the snake boat races etc. provide great attraction to tourists. The classical artforms Kathakali, Mohiniyattam etc. are also a delight.The martial artform Kalaripayattu is the parent form of all famous martial arts like karate and kungfu. The Kerala Cuisine is also world famous. Also Kerala's rich history of maritime trade from ancient times has left a number of interesting historical monuments.

The major attractions in Kerala include:

• Kumarakom, Kuttanad, Kumbalanghi and other backwater locations. • Vembanad Lake and the housboats of Alappuzha • Beaches like Kovalam,Marari etc. • Hill stations at Thekkady and Munnar • The city of Kochi with its chinese fishing nets, Bolgatty Palace, Mattanchery Jewish Synagogue, Jew Street, Fort Kochi etc. • Enchanting waterfalls at Athirappilly and Vazhachal • Periyar Tiger Reserve, Iravikulam National Park, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and other forests • Its historical monuments like Bakel Fort, Edakal cave of Wayanad • Kerala Kalamandalam, deemed university teaching classical artforms • Kalady, birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, Sabarimala Temple, Guruvayur Temple, Malayatoor Church and other pilgirimage centres

Orissa

Orissa has been a preferred destination from ancient days for people having interest in spirituality, religion, culture, art and beauty of the nature. Ancient and medieval architecture, pristine sea beaches, nature at her beautiful best, the classical and ethnic dance forms and a variety of festivals, all in combine attract tourists from far off places to explore this state to a have a divine exposure of love and hospitality. Orissa has kept alive Buddhism and the Buddha in its ancient womb. The spirit of Buddhism still haunts the very air of Orissa. Rock-edicts that have challenged time stand huge and over-powering by the banks of the river Daya. The silent stones sing out songs of peace and non-violence. The torch of Buddhism is still ablaze in the sublime triangle at Udayagiri, Lalitgiri & Ratanagiri, on the banks of river Birupa. The surrounding hills of Langudi and Kayama stand as mute witness to the quirks and twists of history. Precious fragments of a glorious past come alive in the shape of stupas, rock-cut caves, rock-edicts, excavated monastries, viharas, chaityas and sacred relics in caskets. Rock-edicts of Ashoka are a bonus for your eyes. Orissa is the home for various tribal communities who have contributed uniquely to the multicultural and multilingual character of the state. Their handicrafts, different dance forms, jungle products and their unique life style blended with their healing practices have got world wide attention.

Pondicherry

• Aurobindo Ashram • Auroville

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the "Land of the Kings", is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern India. The vast sand dunes of the Thar Desert attract millions of tourists from around the globe every year. Major visitor attractions in Rajathan include:

• Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, famous for its rich history and royal architecture • Jodhpur - fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert, famous for its blue homes and architecture • Jaisalmer - famous for its golden fortress • Barmer - Barmer and surrounding areas offer perfect picture of typical Rajasthani villages. • Bikaner - famous for its medieval history as a trade route outpost • Mount Abu • Pushkar-It has the only Brahma temple in the world Sikkim

Originally know as Suk-Hem, which in the local language means "peaceful home", Sikkim was an independent kingdom till the year 1974, when it became a part of the Republic Of India. The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, located approximately 185 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri, the nearest railway station to Sikkim. Although an airport is under construction at Dekiling in East Sikkim, the nearest airport to Sikkim would be Bagdogra. Sikkim is the land of Orchids and mystic culture and colourful tradition. Sikkim is well know among trekkers and adventure lovers, as West Sikkim has a lot to give them. Some must-visit places within Sikkim include: 1.NIT ( National Institute Of Tibetology) 2.Hanuman and Ganesh Tok 3.Nathula pass 4.Baba Harbajan Mandir 5.Seven View Points 6.Rumtek Monastery 7.Lachen and Lachung 8.Pelling 9.Pemayantzy 10.Uttaray 11.Dzongri 12.Chewa-bhanjang 13.Barsay 14.Legship - Hot water spring 15.Khorong Hotwater spring 16.Samdrupsey at Namchi

Places near Sikkim include Darjeeling also know as the Queen of hills and Kalimpong. Darjeeling, other than its world famous "Darjeeling tea" is also famous for its refined "Prep schools" founded during the British Raj. A few of the top Schools in the District are: 1.St.Paul's School - Known as Eton of the East. It is 190 years old, thus one of the oldest schools in India. 2.Mt.Hermon School. 3.St.Joseph's School - where the H.M of Bhutan and the Late H.M of Nepal did their schooling. 4.Loreto Convent - where Late Mother Teresa served for many years. 5.Dr.Graham's Homes. 6.St.Joseph's Convent. 7.St.Augustine's School. Kalimpong is famous for its Flora cultivation and is home to many internationally known Nurseries.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a rich culture and offers a wide selection of temples famed for their architectural beauty. Some of the more popular temple tour destinations include:

• Chennai - The capital of Tamil Nadu has the second longest beach in the world, the Marina Beach. • Madurai - known for the beautiful Meenakshi temple • Rameshwaram - The temple here the longest corridor in the world • Kanyakumari, located at the tip of India, is at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Recently a massive statue of Thiruvalluvar has been installed here. • Kumbakonam, known for the numerous temples in the town. The Mahamaham festival is held here once in every twelve years and attracts millions of devotees to the place. • Tiruchirapalli known for its Akhilandeshwari temple and Rockfort temple • Thanjavur has the famous Brihadeeswara Temple. • The famous hillstations Kodaikanal and Nilgiris offer the visitors a welcome relief from the usually hot climate in the state.

Ski resorts

Auli (Joshimath), Narkanda, Rohtang Pass ("Heap of Corpses"), Solang Nala, Patnitop, Solang Nala, Kufri

Beach resorts

Beach Resorts in Kerala: Beach Resorts in Cochin,Taj Malabar Cochin, Taj Residency Cochin,Le Meridien Cochin, Beach Resorts in Kovalam,Ashoka Beach Resort, Kovalam;Hotel Palmshore, Kovalam;Leela Beach Resort, Kovalam; Beach Resorts in Varkala:The Taj Garden Retreat Varkala, Sea Pearl Chalets Varkala, Beach Resorts in Kumarakom: Coconut Lagoon Resort Kumarakom,Golden Waters Resort Kumarakom, Kadaloram Beach Resort; Beach Resorts in Alappuzha: Alleppey Beach Resort, Coir Village Lake Resort Alappuzha, Punnamada Beach Resort Alappuzha, Marari Beach Resort Alappuzha, Other Beach Resorts in Kerala: Poovar Island Resort, Isola Di Cocco Beach Resort, Poovar; Coconut Bay Beach Resort, Vizhinjam; Ashatheeram Beach Resort, Chowara; Ayurvedic Beach Resorts in Kerala, Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort , Beach Resorts in Tamil Nadu: Taj Fisherman's Cove Covelong Beach, Comfort Inn MGM Resorts Velankanni, Mamalla Beach Resort Mahabalipuram, Green Coconut Resort Muttukadu, Ideal Beach Resort Mahabalipuram, VGP Golden Beach Resort Chennai; Beach Resorts in Goa: Aguada Hermitage, Alor Beach Resort, Bogmalo Beach Resort, Cidade de Goa, Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort, Coconut Grove Goa; Beach Resorts in Lakshadweep: Agatti Island Beach Resort, Bangaram Island Resort, Kadmat Beach Resort; Beach Resorts in Orissa: Hans Coco Palm Beach Resort, Hotel Nilachal Ashok, Puri, Hotel Toshali Sands, Puri; Mayfair Beach Resort, Palm Beach, Gopalpur on Sea; Sterling Resort, Puri; Beach Resorts in Maharashtra: Prakruti Resorts Kashid, Kashid Beach Resort Kashid, MTDC Beach Resort Ganapatipule, Golden Swan Resort Murud-Janjira, MTDC Holiday Resort Harihareshwar, The Resort - Madh Marve, Aksa Beach; The Retreat, Madh Island; Beach Resorts in Andaman Islands: Fortune Resort Bay Island Port Blair, Peerless Resort Port Blair, Hotel Megapode Nest Port Blair, Hotel Sinclairs Bay View, Port Blair; Dolphin Yatri Nivas Havelock Island, The Wild Orchid, Havelock Island, Barefoot at Havelock Jungle Resort

Spa resorts

The Ananda In The Himalayas Resort and Spa , The Arya Vaidya Sala, Devaki Ayurvedic Health Care Centre, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort , Kayaloram Ayurvedic Spa, Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort, Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam Hospital, Somatheeram, Surya Ayur Health Centre Heritage Resort, Surya Ayur Health Centre Hill Resort, Susrutha Ayurvedics, Taj Exotica Goa, Benaulim, Goa

Golf regions

Agra Golf Club, Bangalore Golf Club, Karnataka Golf Association, Eagleton - The Golf Resort, The Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club, Infantry Institute Golf Club, Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Tollygunge Club, Chandigarh Golf Club, Cockerel Golf Club, Hyderabad Golf Club, Jaipur Golf Club, Army Golf Course, Kanpur Golf Club, Rail Golf Club, Kodaikanai Golf Club, Mauribagh Army Golf Course, Lucknow Golf Club, Madras Gymkhana Club Golf Course, Cosmopolitan Club Golf Annexe, Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Course, Delhi Golf Club, Classic Golf Resort, Noida Golf Course, Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, Poona Golf Club, Shillong Golf Club, Trivandrum Golf Club, Jahankhelan Golf Club