North-Eastern States

This most exotic, untamed and unexplored part of India is endowed with unmatched natural grandeur still unspoilt by human activity. The verdant valleys, mighty mountains, glaciers, serpentine rivers, cascading waterfalls and an extraordinary range of flora and fauna are some of the attractions of the region. The North Eastern States are home to the most colourful people on the earth and is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse regions in Asia.

Under North-Eastern States: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura.

Tamil Nadu

Traditional Tamil Nadu, the land of Tamils and Temples is situated on the southern tip of the Indian Peninsula. This gateway to the South, offers everything that excites a visitor… clean and quite hill stations, beautiful beaches, magnificent temples with towering gopurams, waterfalls, historical monuments, art, culture, heritage and much more. This ‘nature’s paradise’ has over 1010 kms. long coastline dotted with some of the best beaches of the country. There are some excellent hill resorts too…, endowed with exceptional scenic beauty and bracing climate. It also has come of the finest wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. If this is not enough, experience the splendid festivals, the feast of Carnatic music and Bharata Natyam, the shimmering silk of Kanchipuram and the most delicious South Indian cuisine. A visit to this complete tourist destination is bound to be etched in your mind forever.
Info:
Capital: Chennai
Language: Tamil
Best Visit Season: Oct. to Apr.
Well-known for: Beaches, Temples, Handlooms and Kanchipuram Silk.

Kerala

Colourful Kerala, the land of the Kera (coconut palm) is an enchanting kaleidoscope of deep rooted cultures, traditions and delightful sensations. This narrow strip of land at the south-western tip of India is about 565 kms. long and just 120 kms. at its widest. It is an exotic blend of nature’s very best-cool, mist shrouded highlands, fertile plains, dense tropical forests, palm-fringed sandy beaches and a complex maze of backwaters. The State is flanked by the high ranges of Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea on the west. Thus, the beaches and backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and hill stations are all located in close proximity, providing a unique experience to the travelers visiting this land of great beauty. Nowadays, Kerala has emerged as a major tourist destination and is ranked among the ten paradises of the world by the ‘National Geographic Traveler’.
Info:
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Languages: Malyalam
Best Visit Season: Nov. to Apr.
Well-known for: Kathakali dance, Snake boat race, Backwaters, Onam festival, Coir goods and Cashewnuts.

Andhra Pradesh

Amazing Andhra Pradesh, a fascinating blend of antiquity and modernity is a beautiful panorama of magnificent monuments, great ancient shrines, splendid natural beauty, exotic wildlife and modern temples of progress like Nagarjunasagar and Hitec City of Hyderabad. This land of Krishna and Godavari also noted for its rich cultural heritage of literature, art, music, dance and drama, caters to the demand of every visitor. The coastal Andhra extends for over 965 kms., making it the State with longest maritime boundary in the country. It is dotted with some of the most fascinating virgin beaches which have a potential of making Andhra one of the most exciting sea-side destinations of the world. The northern areas are mountainous and have some beautiful hill and health resorts. The State also known for its excellent communication network and hospitality is rapidly emerging as the tourist destination of the new millennium.
Info:
Capital: Hyderabad
Languages: Telugu & Urdu
Best Visit Season: Dec. to Apr.
Well-known for: Beaches, Pilgrim and Historical Centres, Handicrafts.

Karnataka

Charming Karnataka, the land of royal grandeur and oriental glory is studded with architectural marvels, ancient sculptures, endless beaches, looming hill stations, pristine forests and excellent game reserves. Kaveri, Tungabhadra and Krishna, the three great rivers of the South, originate from the verdant ghats. Karnataka is also a fine base for adventure enthusiasts and wildlife lover’s. It is a treasure trove of exquisite handicrafts made in metal, stone, sandalwood, rosewood and ivory. And it is equally famous for silks and scented oils.
Info:
Capital: Bangalore
Language: Kannada
Best Visit Season: Oct. to Apr.
Well-known for: Scenic beauty, Sandal wood and Silks, Magnificent monuments, Dassara Celebrations.

Goa

Gorgeous Goa, the tiny tropical paradise tucked away on the western coast of the Indian peninsula is endowed with exceptional scenic beauty an rich cultural heritage. Goa has lured mankind since time immemorial; it was referred as ‘Goyem’ by the ‘Mundaris’, one of the oldest tribes of the world. Its pristine beauty is quite inebriating; everything is so special and unique that no visitor can escape the magical charm of Goa. With the coastline extending for about 130 kms., and a stretch of about 85 kms. of silvery palm-fringed beaches, the State has emerged as a virtual paradise for the nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The State is also dotted with ancient forts, ruins, mansions, churches, temples and tombs etc. The numerous fairs and festivals as well as the weekly markets show cases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Info:
Capital: Panaji
Languages: Marathi & Konkani
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Churches, Cashews, Beaches, Seafood and Feni.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra or the ‘great nation’ is indeed one of the greatest states of India. Not only is it a State larger in area and population than most countries of the world, but it is also one of the most industrially and commercially developed areas of India. Apart from culture and history, Maharashtra offers a traveler idyllic bliss in a land blessed by nature. Quiet and beautiful hill stations nestling in the bosoms of rugged peaks, secluded palm-shaded golden beaches lapped by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, rushing rivers offering sport and recreation, placid lakes and warm springs that are balms that soothe and dense monsoon forests where bird and game never fail patient animal lover...these are all part of a land created, as it were, only for a relaxing holiday.
Info:
Capital: Mumbai
Languages: Marathi & Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Konkan Beaches, Archaeological & Historical Sites, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Gujarat

Gorgeous Gujarat, the ‘glorious land’ of India has a very rich historical and cultural legacy. Gujarat is also regarded as a bastion of Jainism. Gujarat has witnessed a spectacular growth in every sector and is one of the leading industrialized States of India. It has also emerged as a leading tourist destination in the country. The rich history and culture as well as the immense natural beauty and charm provide a fabulous off-beat holiday. Its numerous archaeological and historical sites, majestic monuments, sacred sites, beautiful beaches, hill and health resorts, wildlife sanctuaries, handicrafts, cuisine and a tradition of hospitality combined with excellent transport network and other modern amenities will compel any traveler to pack the bags and reach for this amazing destination.

Info:
Capital: Gandhinagar
Languages: Gujarati & Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Navaratri Celebrations, Asiatic Lion, Hindu & Jain Pilgrim Centres, Textiles & Diamonds.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a state with a natural grandeur. Its vast plateau is broken up by the mighty Vindhya and Satpura mountains and is marked by numerous rivers inclusive of majestic Narmada, Chambal, Betwa and Shipra rivers. The eastern plateau is densely forested while in the west, the Malwa region is blessed with agricultural bounty with rich crops of wheat and cotton. The State has some of the finest game reserves in Asia, with larges variety of wildlife in the country, ranging from big cats to exotic birds. It is also the land for the pleasure-seeking, for those who are looking for solitude and tranquility. Its retreats are delightful for quiet walks, trekking and rock climbing.
Info:
Capital: Bhopal
Language: Hindi
Best Visit Season: Nov. to Apr.
Well-known for: Forts & Palaces, Khajuraho Temples and Wildlife.

Chhattisgarh

Charming Chhattisgarh, the beautiful land locked island of tranquility is predominantly inhabited by peace loving tribals and is a major ethnic and eco-destination of the country. Chhattisgarh, a land teeming with virgin natural beauty and magnificent monuments can also become a leading tourist destination of the country. The unique tribal culture along with intricately carved shrines, caves, majestic forts, palaces and above all the splendid scenic beauty will certainly leave an indelible mark on the memories of a traveler to the “land of plenty”.
Info:
Capital: Raipur
Language: Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Scenic Beauty, Tribal culture and Waterfalls.

Orissa

Orissa, the land of Oriyas, earlier known as Kalinga, is flanked by the Eastern Ghats on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the East. The State is known for its beautiful beaches, mountains teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, hot sulphur springs and Chilka Lake. Sun Temple at Konark is in itself a reason enough for a trip to India. The sacred city of Puri is considered to be one of the four holiest places – “Char Dhams” and other ancient Hindu and Jain temples attract millions of pilgrims from all over the country.

Info:
Capital: Bhubaneshwar
Language: Oriya
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Ratha Yatra, Sun Temple, Handicrafts & Odissi Dance.

West Bengal

Wonderful West Bengal, well known for its rich cultural and historical legacy as well as politics and business is regarded as the ‘think-tank’ of India and the ‘intellectual capital of India’. West Bengal is also recognized for the haunting Rabindra Sangeet and Durga Puja. It is also the only State in the country, which sprawls from the snowy summit of Himalayas in the north to temperate coastal plains in the south. It is the gateway to the exotic east and is studded with beautiful beaches, flat riverbeds and deltas, scenic hill stations, historical towns and modern industrial cities.
Info:
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Art & culture, Handicrafts & Handlooms, Durga Puja & Jagadhattri Puja.

Jharkhand

Jharkhand, spread tantalizingly over Chhotanagpur Plateau and Santhal Paragana is a land endowed with rare natural gifts. This homeland of tribals is full of stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, verdant valleys, serpentine rivers, wonderful waterfalls, lush green forests and exotic wildlife. It seems as if Mother Nature has magnanimously bestowed much of its charm to the State and presents her best form – pure, pristine, picturesque and phenomenal. This retreat of peace and beauty has all the ingredients for a perfect off beat holiday. It is a must visit destinations for the nature lover’s and adventure enthusiasts.
Info:
Capital: Ranchi
Language: Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Natural Beauty, Wildlife, Rich mineral Deposits, Tribal culture.

Bihar

Bihar, the bastion of Buddhism is said to be named after a Sanskrit word “vihara” or a Buddhist monastery, as this is the land from where the great religion of Buddhism originated and spread all around the world. This ancient land is also held very sacred by the Jains. The State has a very ancient, glorious and colourful history. India’s first major empires, which held sway over the region before Christian era, rose and fell here. The holy river Ganga flowing through the State has enriched the plains and made the region so fertile and plentiful that its natural prosperity nurtured a veritable fountainhead of political and cultural civilizations down the millennia. Today, Bihar is a quaint interface of ancient and anon.
Info:
Capital: Patna
Language: Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Buddhist & Jain Pilgrim centers.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan,the State is exactly a treasure house of history and archaeology. There has may beautiful landscape varies from golden sand dunes to lush forests and lofty peaks to fertile plains and is littered with formidable forts, magnificent palaces, sprawling havelis, sacred shrines, graceful gardens, lovely lakes and exotic wildlife. No doubt every town is studded with formidable forts and magnificent palaces, which have been silent sentinels to the turbulent past of the region. The State is also well known for its rhythmic folk dances and music. Info:
Capital: Jaipur
Languages: Rajasthani & Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Golden Sand Dunes, Forts & Palaces, Handicrafts, Culture & Heritage.

Delhi

Delightful Delhi, the capital city of India, has traditionally been the seat of administrative power of India. It is a bustling metropolis which is known to be devastated and rebuilt many a times in written history. This city is a real delight for the tourist who wishes to learn about the past and present of India and Indian people.

Haryana

Haryana, the ‘Green Land’ of India, is famous for its spectacular progress in the field of agriculture and industry and is a pioneer in ‘Highway Tourism’. Haryana has also become the first State in the country to launch ‘Farm-Tourism’. It has been a trend-setter in the fields of ‘Golf Tourism’ and organizing crafts festivals. The world renowned Surajkund Crafts Fair held every year in the month of February is one of the most important tourist attraction of Haryana. The sacred pilgrim sites, tourist resorts, Mughal gardens, beautiful lakes and bird sanctuaries etc. have made Haryana a perfect ‘Vacation Land’.
Info:
Capital: Chandigarh
Language: Hindi
Best Visit Season: Nov. to March
Well-known for: Green revolution, Surajkund Crafts fair & Farm tourism.

Punjab

Prosperous Punjab, the land of five (Punj) rivers (Aab) was the great land of – Vedas, Indus valley civilization, Taxila University, of milk and honey, arts and artifacts. This progressive state of Punjab is a treasure trove for an avid tourist. The fertile land is dotted with formidable forts, magnificent palaces, beautiful gardens and sacred pilgrim centres. Its rich culture and zest for life is very well reflected in the rhythm of Bhangra, the witty repartees of girls performing the Gidda and in its numerous fairs and festivals.
Info:
Capital: Chandigarh
Language: Punjabi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Bhangra dance, Golden Temple & other Sikh pilgrim centres, Green revolution.

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, the ‘Land of Celestial Beauty’ is also known as “Dev Bhoomi” or the house of gods, as it is said that Lord Brahma, while creating the world reserved this place for his fellow deities. This land of great pilgrimages has attracted pilgrims and seekers of spiritual fulfillment from world over since time immemorial. It is also a ‘paradise’ for nature lover’s and adventure sports enthusiasts. This State is also a treasure hose of exotic flora and fauna and is an ideal location for eco-tourism, as well as wildlife tourism. The world-famous Corbett National Park is the pride of Uttarakhand. However, the rich cultural traditions and the cool and refreshing climate of Uttarakhand sums up for a perfect holiday destination to relax and chill out.
Info:
Capital: Dehra Dun
Languages: Garhwali, Kumaon & Hindi
Best Visit Season: Apr to Oct.
Well-known for: Pilgrim centres, Scenic beauty, Char Dhams & Wildlife

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, the holy land of Ganga land Yamuna is a place of never – ending history and unlimited legends. The land of diverse cultures is studded with temples and monuments of all religions. It is also the heartland of Hindi, the principal indigenous language of India and is endowed with rich natural wealth.
Info:
Capital: Lucknow
Languages: Urdu & Hindi
Best Visit Season: Oct. to March
Well-known for: Taj Mahal, Pilgrim centres, Handicrafts.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal or the ‘Land of Snow’, is a veritable paradise endowed with great natural beauty and spiritual calm. The verdant valleys surrounded by lofty snow-capped peaks, roaring rivers rushing through gorges or flowing gently in the valleys, dense forests of deodar and oak, flowering meadows, glaciers and high altitude lakes literally brings an ethereal other worldly beauty at your door steps. No doubt, this ‘Himalayan Jewel’ is a tourist’s dream and delight.
Info:
Capital: Shimla
Languages: Pahari & Hindi.
Best visit season: Apr to Oct.
Well-known for: Temples, Natural beauty, Apples & Adventure Sports.

Srinagar-Dal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir

Delightful Dal, the largest lake of the city is indeed the icon and focal point of Srinagar. The lovely lake is divided by causeways into four parts – Gagribal, Lokutdal, Boddal and Nagin. Both Lokutdal and Boddal have an island in the centre – called as Rup Lank or Char Chinari and Sona Lank respectively. Nagin Lake at the foot of Shridhara (Zabarwan) mountain is the smallest and the most beautiful part of the Dal. One can also enjoy shikara rides, staying at houseboats, swimming and water skiing etc. at the Dal.

J&K-Srinagar

Charming Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir state sprawls elegantly on both sides of the river Jhilum.
Arrival info:
Railway: Jammu Tawai (304 kms.)
Airport: Srinagar is well connected by air.
Road: Srinagar is connected by National Highway 1A.

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir, the state endowed with stunning natural beauty is regarded as the ‘Crown’ of India as well as the ‘Heart of Asia’. Geographically and culturally, this northern-most State of the country can be divided into three distinct regions. The hilly plains of Jammu lie in the south; the high altitude desert region of Ladakh is in the north. And in the middle, like a dazzling jewel in the crown, is the mountainous valley of Kashmir.

Info:
Capital: Srinagar (Summer)
Jammu (Winter)
Languages: Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Ladakhi.
Best visit season: Apr to Sep.
Well-known for: Charming beauty, Handicrafts, Adventure Sports.

Incredible India

Incredible India, the ‘intellectual capital of the world’ is a colossal pendant shaped sub-continent full of breathtaking contrasts. It lies in South Asia, covering a land mass roughly the size of Europe. Bounded 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. India holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. Snow clad Himalayan peaks, piercing the heavens. Undulating sand dunes, rolling on endlessly in the deserts of Rajasthan. Fertile plains of Ganga and Indus rivers. Mangrove swamps of Sunderbans in the east, inhabited by the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. String of beautiful beaches dotting the 7,500 kms. Long coastline and the virgin islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar. This Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, and Democratic-Republic country also one of the most spiritual lands in the world. Religion is a way of life in this country, where rivers are held sacred, cows worshipped and worldly sins washed away with a dip in the holy Ganga. India provides an enlightened holiday that enables a tourist to go back as a better human being. India’s sheer size and dazzling diversity make for hundreds of interesting tourist centres and can be called as a complete and ultimate tourist destination of the world. As it has something for every one and visitors are encouraged here to look beyond the expected.

Some Information about India:

Country name: Republic of India
(Bharat Ganrajya)
Capital: New Delhi
National Anthem: Jan-Gan-Man
National Song: Vande-Mataram
Currency: India Rupee (INR)
National Animal: Tiger
National Bird: Peacock
National Flower: Lotus