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Introducing India
With its mind-bending diversity - from snowcapped mountains to sun-washed beaches, crusty old bazaars to chichi designer boutiques, tranquil temples to feisty festivals, ramshackle rural villages to techno-savvy urban hubs - it’s hardly surprising that India has been dubbed the planet’s most multidimensional country.
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The subcontinent is home to more than a billion people, and its eclectic melange of ethnic groups translates into an intoxicating cultural cocktail for the traveller. For those on a spiritual quest, India has oodles of sacrosanct sites and stirring philosophies, while history buffs will discover gems from the past almost everywhere - from grand vestiges of the British Raj peering over frenetic city streets, to battle-scarred forts rising from forlorn country fields. Meanwhile, lovers of the great outdoors can paddle in the shimmering waters of the palm-fringed beaches of Goa, scout for tigers on an adrenaline-pumping wildlife safari in Kanha National Park, or simply breathe the fresh air on a rejuvenating trek in Himachal Pradesh. And then there’s the food! From squidgy south Indian idlis (rice dumplings) to zesty north Indian curries, travellers are treated to a positively seductive smorgasbord of subcontinental specialities.
Demystifying India is a perpetual work-in-progress and for many travellers that’s precisely what makes her so deeply addictive. Ultimately, it’s all about surrendering yourself to the unknown: this is the India that nothing can quite prepare you for because its very essence - its elusive soul - lies in its mystery. Love it or loathe it - and most visitors seesaw between the two - India will jostle your entire being and no matter where you go or what you do, it’s a place you’ll never forget.
Make it happen
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- take a classic trip to Rajasthan
- discover Southern India
- journey from Deli to Kathmandu
- see the real deal with a North India unplugged tour
Want more? We can recommend more India trips
our latest India guide is out, and you can get 20% off Just enter the promo code: INDIA20 and shop here
Travel Alert: Jammu and Kashmir (with the exception of Ladakh) are subject to political violence: travellers should seek consular advice before entering any area bordering Pakistan. Similar advice should also be sought before travelling to Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur in northeast India. There is a high security risk in Bihar and Jharkhand. Several Indian cities suffered violent attacks during 2008-2009 including Bangalore, Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Mumbai. Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for advice from other travellers.
Last updated: Oct 29, 2009
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India
Our Top Picks For India
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1 Darjeeling
Wrap your chilly hands around a hot cuppa in this quintessential Indian hill station
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2 Varanasi
Take a soul-soothing dawn boat ride along the ghat-lined Ganges River in this sacred city
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3 Khajuraho
Blush at the erotic sculptures embellishing these exquisitely carved temples, a Kama Sutra in stone
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4 Agra
Imbibe the legendary beauty of the milky white Taj Mahal, the ultimate monument to love
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5 Leh
Get lost in the old town's alleyways, nuzzled amid the soaring moonscape of the Himalaya
Fast Facts about India
- Literacy rate
53.7% (women) and 75.3% (men)
- India’s percentage of world population
16.7%
- Inflation
5.2%
- Unemployment rate
8.6%
- GDP growth rate
8.5% (2006)
- Population
1.027 billion (2001 census)
- Population growth rate
1.4%
- Life expectancy
65.6 years (women) and 63.9 years (men)
- Proportion of females to males
933:1000 (2001 census)
- Families living in one-room homes
41%
Related Groups
Our favourite India Blogs (beta)
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Friday Flashback – India’s Golden Temple & Pakistan Border Ceremony
Blog: GoBackpacking - 20 November 2009
_ As my time in India drew to a close, I made a mad dash from McLeod Ganj to a few special sites further west. The Golden Temple in Amritsar is literally a temple made of gold, and the number one pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Despite the overcast weather, it was still a sight to behold. Later in [...]Buy travel insurance from Worldnomads.com (Lonely Planet's preferred carrier) No related posts.
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Our Top Adventures in Asia
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 19 November 2009
In Six Days we will be in India. While it is drawing closer with every minute, it doesn't even feel like in less than we week we will be on the other side of the world. We may be starting in India, but we have a lot of countries on our itinerary and we can't wait to visit all of these destinations. So we want to share with all of you the adventures that we are most looking forward to in our upcoming travels. Will Dave be wrestling in Mongolia or will we find ourselves taking part in a Pilgrimage...Most Likely. We just can't wait to get this adventure started!
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Beena Homestay Review – Fort Kochi, Kerala
Blog: Kerala India Travel - 15 November 2009
Homestays are a wonderful way to explore Kerala, as you get the opportunity to meet local people and eat authentic home-cooked food, all for reasonable prices. Beena Homestay in Fort Kochi is a favourite of mine, and is highly recommended for those looking for good value accommodation in Cochin.
