MAIN Travel South & Southeast Asia India

With its a dizzying array of languages, ethnic groups, cultures, and landscapes it could be said that India is an entire world all to itself.

Welcome to Planet India - home to 1 billion people second in population only to China - and separated from the rest of Asia by the towering Himalyas.

Top Attractions

For many visitors, India begins in the north at the country's capital, Delhi.

No less a place of contrasts, Delhi is great place for shopping, fine Indian restaurants and nightlife, along with living history lessons at such top attractions as Qutub Minar - the 12 century victory tower, as well as the regal Jama Masjid with its striped domes, and the impressive government building complex on Raisina Hill.

It's just a short trip from here to begin the famed Golden Triangle tour that includes the Taj Mahal, a must-see stop on any trip to India, or head for the mountains to live like royalty in any number of scenic Himalyan resorts.

To the West lies Mumbai (formerly, Bombay) perhaps India's most cosmopolitan city offering a mix of exciting shops, art galleries and historic sites centering around a major landmark, the Gateway of India, built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

Also worth a trip are Elephanta Island's huge rock carvings nearby, as well as lazing away on the beach resorts of Manori and Madh Island. Halfway down the western coast lies Goa, a world-famous beach resort that casts a spell on well over a million visitors a year, most of them from overseas.

Elsewhere on the Web, get a closer look at the sub-continent and prepare to spend time getting to know modern-day India with news & updates on what's happening, guides to beach, mountain or wildlife treks, virtual visits to ancient temples and monuments, as well as practical information on transportation, shopping, dining, and seeing India at its best ....

Journey Mart.com - India - Despite this being a commercial travel tour site, it's a near-miracle of organization - featuring a detailed map with thumbnail descriptions of every major town & city, a complete guide to top beaches, wildlife tours, religious treks, honeymoons and more, plus good overviews of the country's heritage and culture, extensive schedule of fairs & festivals, travel & health tips, online booking of airfare, trains, cruises & travel tours.

WebIndia123.com - City Guides - Arranged by state, with links to information on than 50 major cities with descriptions of major attractions, hotels & restaurants, getting around, weather, population, best times to travel.

Tourism India - The official government travel site with hotel & travel agent guide, airfares, railway schedules, travel itineraries for The Golden Triangle, temple tours, beach exursions and more, with brief city guides to Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Delhi/New Delhi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. Ignore the links to now-defunct bulletin and chat boards.

Incredible India - Over-the-top descriptions with musical accompaniment (turn down the volume), but otherwise a good jumping-off point for all the country has to offer. Browseable by main headings including beaches, architecture, wildlife, culture & heritage, plus photos, practical tips on airfare, railways, weather.

Mumbai / Bombay - What's going on with general city news headlines, cultural and entertainment venues, travel guides including descriptions & contact details for luxury and budget hotels & restaurants, major & nearby attractions.

Delhi - Lonely Plant - Expert tips on top attractions, brief overview of the city's history & culture, insider info on hotels & restaurants, transportation, map, photo gallery.

Taj Mahal - Take the 360-degree panorama virtual tour.

Also see -> Indian Ocean Beach Guide

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