India Tourism
One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south.
As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.
Fringed by the Great Himalayas in the north, it stretches southwards and at the Tropic of Cancer, tapers off into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west. As you travel the expanse of the country, you are greeted by diverse nuances of cuisines, faiths, arts, crafts, music, nature, lands, tribes, history and adventure sports. India has a mesmeric conflation of the old and the new. As the bustling old bazaars rub shoulders with swanky shopping malls, and majestic monuments accompany luxurious heritage hotels, the quintessential traveller can get the best of both worlds. Head to the mountains, enjoy a beach retreat or cruise through the golden Thar, India has options galore for all.
Popular In India
Heritage
A land resounding with the riches and glories of opulent dynasties, powerful rulers, flourishing civilisations and profound history, India has a splendid heritage that is reflected in its architecture, monuments, arts, crafts, cultures and even religions. While formidable forts, ancient temples and grand palaces testify of the grandeur of times gone by, the various museums and galleries scattered across the country act as inventories of India's seamless past. Such is the magnificence of the structures in the country that UNESCO has identified several of them as heritage sites.
Adventure
Spirit of Adventure/ Allure of AdventureScale the heights of thrill, or plummet to the depths of excitement or if you're truly daring, survey gorgeous lands and waters, while suspended in the sky. All this and more awaits you as you explore land, water and sky adventures in the country. From trekking, mountain biking and mountaineering in the secluded snow-capped Himalayas to surfing, rafting, scuba diving and snorkelling, there are a multitude of options for thrill seekers.
India’s diverse terrain ensures optimum adrenaline-pumping for those looking to tread on the exhilarating side of a holiday. The north beckons adventure seekers with the gregarious spirit of the Himalayas that offer visitors thrilling experiences in destinations like Manali, Dharamsala, Ladakh, Srinagar, and Kedarnath. In south, you can visit Ootacamund and Yercaud, while Goa, in the western part of the country, is a delight for water-sport enthusiasts. In the east and northeast, you can head to Kurseong (West Bengal), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Sikkim, Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh), and Bhalukpong (Arunachal Pradesh) for a tryst with adrenaline. Rest assured that trained professionals make sure everything on your adventure-filled itinerary follows the strictest standards of safety. All you have to do is sign up and enjoy all the activities on offer!
Art
The land where classical melodies merge seamlessly with a mesmerising mosaic of exquisite paintings, ancient weaves and other handicrafts, divine dance forms, fascinating festivals and scintillating sculptures, India is a vibrant potpourri of arts and crafts. With each of its states and union territories bursting with ethnic flavours that multiply at every turn, the country sparkles with vitality and vivacity.
Be it the gorgeous and remarkably intricate Bidriware in Bidar or the beautiful pink-kissed meenakari jewellery of Agra city, the roots of these crafts are embedded in various eras of history. While the premium heavy-weight silk Kanjeevaram sarees of Kanchipuram found a humble beginning during the reign of the Pallava kings (275 CE to 897 CE), the chikankari embroidery of Lucknow is said to be the endowment of Mughal empress, Nur Jahan, in the 17th century, who herself was a master of the craft.
To savour the nuances of India's diverse cultural palate, deep dive into some of the most awe-inspiring archives of the country's arts and crafts.
Food And Cuisine
Known for its diversity that varies with every region, state, community, culture and even religion, food in India is a vibrant assortment of uncountable dishes. It is distinctly characterised by the subtle and sophisticated use of spices, grains, fruits and vegetables that are all grown in the country. Home to people of many religions who come from a plethora of cultural backgrounds, the food culture of the country has been influenced by all of them, including foreigners.
On his way back to England from India, it is said that legendary British chef, William Harold, made a note in his diary that read: “Of all the food cultures I have had the fantastic opportunity to savour, Hindoostani remains one of the most enigmatic, enchanting and extremely addictive. It is both ancient in practice and modern in approach, and in the years to come will be the one system that would turn cuisine in the world.”
Luxury
Home to several royal dynasties that enjoyed an opulent and an ostentatious lifestyle, India is a land steeped in history. Over the years, age-old cultures, traditions, arts and practices have been blending seamlessly with modern comforts, culminating to tailor a regal experience for tourists who want to sample luxury. From its northernmost tip to its southernmost end, the country has a number of luxurious escapades that warrant a splurge. While spanning its eastern corner to the western coast, India offers luxe experiences galore — these range from rejuvenating beach getaways, luxurious oases in the desert, jungle jaunts, and even glorious experiences on cruises and trains.
The diversity of a vast country like India is legendary, and even more notable is how the country’s colourful culture is showcased beautifully through the lens of luxury. You may want to experience the gems of the jungle: why not do it in the forests as the regal Rajput royals did? You may want to take a journey through the interiors of the country: why not hop on board an elegant train for a ride to remember? You may want to tee off and relax: why not do it at some of the most scenic golf courses in the world? Whatever you desire from your vacation, India has the answer—one that’s laced with panache!
India has consistently ranked high when it comes to some of the world’s most regal getaways. Truly, the call of the luxury is never too far, no matter which corner of the country you visit!
Nature And Wildlife
From hauntingly beautiful snowy escapades to lush forests and hills of rolling green, from the endless golden beaches to the sapphire and emerald lakes embedded in the landscape, the natural beauty of the Indian subcontinent is unparalleled. The unspoilt and unexplored terrains of the country leave one in awe of their breathtaking splendour. Moreover, the differences and contrasts of one region from another accentuate the appeal of these landscapes - be it the frigid cold deserts of Leh that call to the soul-searcher in you or the sun-drenched mystique desert dunes of Rajasthan that take you back to the times of royals. Starting from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north, traversing the deserts of Rajasthan, crossing the lush forests of Madhya Pradesh and then sailing in the expansive backwaters of Kerala, and finally diving into the pristine waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the journey is full of adventurous highlands and serene plains and lowlands. A land boasting a diverse variety of flora and fauna, India is also home to many national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and biosphere reserves, which offer enchanting wildlife sightings. From hill stations and lakes to beaches, here are all the natural retreats to include in your itinerary while travelling from one end of the country to another.
Spiritual
India is its billion people. And it is safe to say that these people define what spirituality in India is. The most prominent religions in the country are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Apart from these there are several other schools of thoughts. The country is filled with many spiritual destinations which should not be missed by anyone looking for the true Indian experience. These are open and welcome to everyone.
Museums
The glorious ancient history of India withits rich cultural heritage and a vibrant potpourri of traditions has beenimmortalised in various museums and galleries across the country. Frompre-historic relics, impressive art forms and unique collections of rareartefacts to priceless antiques, luxurious vestiges and other fascinatingdisplays, the museums of India are overflowing treasure troves that leave youwith an everlasting pride in the magnificence of the country.
Shopping
India is a dream destination for shopaholics as colours, cultures and curious buys greet you at every turn. From shopping for jewellery in the bustling streets of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, to heritage weaves from Kashmir, Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu) and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), there's much on offer. Moreover, high-end brands, plush malls and swanky stores provide a retail therapy that would leave any shopping enthusiast ecstatic. So whether you're weaving through the lanes of Varanasi looking for premium Benarasee sarees, or stopping at designer stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, India delights you every time.
Yoga And Wellness
India's sun-kissed coastlines, peace-permeated hill stations and breezy riversides offer a host of nutritious food, spas, yoga, detox therapies, Ayurveda, naturopathy, Vedanta and meditation techniques, retrieved and curated from the most ancient of sciences and arts. With innumerable ways to keep both the mind and body aligned, peaceful and in perfect health, the country is the perfect stopover to holiday at a softer pace. It’s all in the mind, and reflected on the body… And our ancestors were well versed with this simple concept, owing to which many ancient sciences and techniques are still in practice. These have received worldwide renown and still continue to grow.
- India, officially the Republic of India (IAST: Bhārat Gaṇarājya) : Capital: New Delhi
- Largest city : Mumbai & Delhi (metropolitan area) : Official languages: Hindi & English
- Total Area : 3,287,263 km2 + Water (%) 9.6 : Currency: Indian rupee (₹) (INR)
- Population • 2022 estimate - 1,375,586,000 : GDP (PPP) 2023 estimate - $13.033 trillion