Namaskar, welcome to Incredible India, where culture echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthrals and diversity delights. Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.The timeless mystery and beauty of India has been waiting for you for 5000 years, always warm and inviting, a place of infinite variety - one that favours you with different facets of its fascination every time you visit India.  

India Facts - General

Coastline

• over 7.516 km (total)
• almost twice the distance from the Eastcoast to the Westcoast of USA

International Borders

• 15.200 km

Neighbouring Countries:

• Afghanistan
• Pakistan
• China
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Myanmar
• Bangladesch

Music and Dance

Indian music (Hindustani in the north and Carnatic in the south) has been evolving as part of India’s culture for centuries. Aspects of musical from such as tonal intervals, harmonies and rhythmical patterns are the unique products of a wealth of musical traditions and influences; they are also very different from those familiar in the west. Much of the music recalls Indian fables and legends, as well as celebrating the seasonal rhythms of nature. Indian dancing, similarly unique and timeless, is also widely performed throughout the country, either at major festivals and recitals, or at the many cultural shows which are staged in hotels.

Music Festivals

The following is a list of the major music festivals in India:

• Sangeet Natak Akademi - New Delhi.
• January: Tyagaraja - Tiruvayyaru, near Thanjavur.
• March: Shankar Lal – New Delhi.
• August: Vishnu Digambar -New Delhi.
• September: Bhatkhande - Lucknow.
• October: Sadarang - Calcutta.
• November: Sur-Singar - Bombay.
• December: Tansen - Gwalior.
• Music Academy - Madras.
• Shanmukhananda – The Music, Dance, and Drama Festival, Bombay.

The visitor may also be lucky enough to witness dancing at a village festival or a private wedding.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

The Indian peninsula is a continent in itself, whose geographical diversity has encouraged the flourishing of a whole range of wildlife with over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds in the country. While there is an overlap in the habitats of many species, each region has something special to offer - the hangul is restricted to the valley of Kashmir in northern India, the rhino is found in North-East states of India and pockets along the Brahmaputra river area, the black langur in the western ghats, and western India is the home of the last remaining Asiatic Lions.

Two of India's most impressive animals, the Bengal/Indian Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant are found in most regions, The tiger originated in Central Asia and migrated over the great Himalayas to the dense tropical forests, adapting itself well to the plains.

A herd of elephants in the wild is a breathtaking sight. These huge mammals are respected by all animals, including the Tiger. Widely distributed throughout India, the Indian Elephant is slightly smaller than its African counterpart. Generally, only the males have tusks. Today, most of India's wildlife finds refuge in over two hundred sanctuaries and parks around the country. The following section gives a brief description of some of the more important of these. The accommodation often needs to be booked in advance, either by direct application to the hotel, resthouse etc. concerned, or through the local State TDC or the controlling authority of the respective park. Brochures giving further information may be obtained from Government of India Tourist Offices

World Heritage Sites India

1983 Ajanta Caves

1983 Ellora Caves

1983 Agra Fort

1983 Taj Mahal

1984 Sun Temple, Konarak

1985 Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

1985 Kaziranga National Park

1985 Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

1985 Keoladeo National Park

1986 Churches and Convents of Goa

1986 Group of Monuments at Khajuraho

1986 Group of Monuments at Hampi

1986 Fatehpur Sikri

1987 Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

1987 Elephanta Caves

1987 Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur

1987 Sundarbans National Park

1988 Nanda Devi National Park

1989 Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi

1993 Humayun's Tomb

1993 Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

1999 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

2002 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

2003 Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

STATES