India Overview

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia. It is bordered by Pakistan to the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. To the south, India is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, making it a peninsula. With its unique geographical location, India is often referred to as the “subcontinent”. India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state has its own distinct culture, traditions, and languages, contributing to the rich tapestry of India’s diversity. The country’s population is one of the world’s largest, with over 1.3 billion people, making it a vibrant and dynamic nation.

The climate and weather in India vary greatly due to its vast size and diverse topography. From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, India experiences a wide range of climatic conditions, including tropical, subtropical, desert, and alpine climates. India’s history is steeped in ancient civilizations and has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires and dynasties. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich historical and cultural heritage. The Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, are a prominent feature of India’s geography. These majestic peaks not only add to the country’s scenic beauty but also hold significant cultural and spiritual importance for various religions. Religion plays a vital role in India, with Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism being some of the major religions practiced here. The country celebrates a multitude of festivals and cultural events, making it a year-round carnival of colors and traditions.

Essential Information about India: Quick Facts and Highlights

Discovering India: States and Their Capitals

Union Territories & Their Capitals

For travelers, India is a treasure trove of exploration and experiences. From the bustling cities to serene rural landscapes, India offers a diverse range of attractions, such as historical monuments, palaces, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful beaches. The country’s tourism industry attracts millions of visitors every year who come to witness its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Visiting India is a journey that promises unforgettable memories, providing a blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Delhi, marveling at the beauty of the Taj Mahal, or meditating in the peaceful foothills of the Himalayas, India offers a truly magical experience that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.

There’s simply no other word that convincingly captures the enigma that is India. With its in-your-face diversity, from snow-dusted mountains to sun-washed beaches, tranquil temples to feisty festivals, lantern-lit villages to software-supremo cities, it’s hardly surprising that this country has been dubbed the world’s most multidimensional. Love it or loathe it, and most visitors see-saw between the two, India promises to jostle your entire being, and no matter where you go or what you do, it’s a place you’ll never forget. Diverse culture, religion, mesmerizing landscapes, ancient and colonial architectural styles, wildlife, exotic cuisine, handicrafts, colorful festivals, mysterious rituals, and many more things attract international travelers to visit India. Every trip to India is a fresh exploration that makes the country truly incredible.

Culture & Heritage

India the colourful and vibrant, a land as diverse as its people. A mosaic of faiths, heritage, tradition, culture, and complex languages that blend harmoniously to form a composite whole. Understanding India with its long history of conquests a social and religious systems can be daunting. You may choose to go to the ‘Land of the Maharajas’ a land rich in music, dance, art and craft, and adventure.

Beach Escapes

Surrounded by water on three sides, the vast peninsular coastline of India offers an amazing array of beaches. Both the West and East Coast of India offer verdant vistas of palm on the Arabian Sea shores or the Bay of Bengal. On the west coast, there are miles of sandy beaches broken into attractive bays by rocky headlands. The most popular ones are the beaches of Goa and Kovalam in Kerala.

Wellness & Spa Holidays

An essential during a visit to India is to experience a complete rejuvenation of the soul through one of the wellness treatments. Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation are offered at numerous centers and Hotels – all guaranteed to ensure you leave the country a different person!

Wildlife & Nature

India is abundantly unique in the context of the flora and fauna also. Its impeccable natural diversity is the cherished home of millions of diverse wildlife, throughout the country – in the various National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries. From the viewpoint of the wildlife tour, the most prominent States of India are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Kerala, and Karnataka. A wildlife tour in India is bound to be immensely exciting, entertaining, adventurous, enlightening, and ineffably enriching.

Special Interest

We can very easily organize special tours of your liking and interest, on demand. Our company is immensely eminent and one of the leading tour and travel companies of India, and is, therefore, well-equipped with every resource and latest technology to serve you optimally at reasonably minimal costs. We provide ample guidance and counsel regarding any kind of touring activity in India

M.I.C.E

Whether you are arranging a meeting for 2 or a conference for 2000 we can find the venue for you. With a huge selection of venues, we can offer the technology and facilities. We can also arrange for some entertainment and motivational activities to ensure the attendees get the most out of the occasion. Conferences at outdoor locations are an invigorating experience, unusual and memorable by all means. All conference equipment like OHP and LCD projectors, mikes, and screens will be made available for conference use.

Adventure

The Adventure Tour in India can also be immensely gratifying, giving diverse excitement and experience. Tours to various mountains and plateaus, forests, rivers, beaches, etc. in addition to participating in — traveling on camelback amidst and along the Thar desert, camel races, and other sporting events of Rajasthan; participating in the boat races and dances of Kerala; and in the various events and sporting games of other States.

Pilgrimage & Religious

India is uniquely diverse in race and religion, and is an immensely religious country, with numerous numinous monuments in every part of it. Therefore, a pilgrimage tour in India is always immensely satisfying. The most prominent States from this point of view are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Tamilnadu, and Kerala.

Unique Traveller

There are varieties of tourist and few are different from the regular ones as they have their reasons and ways of traveling. We at TBi do cater to the individual or group requirements of such travelers. To know more about what we have to offer you.

Stays of Distinction

Highly recommended by our customers who have experienced staying there! The hotels below are listed by our thumb rating – a combination of customer scores and our independent inspection reports.

Luxury Trains

Palace on Wheels tour train takes you on a colorful, mesmerizing voyage of the aristocratic land of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is the land of regal palaces, forts, and other historical monuments, that tell the royal past of India. Travel through this land of royalty with an equally aristocratic ambiance on the Palace on Wheels luxury train to get the authentic feeling of royalty of Rajasthan.

Things to do in India

Pop a ‘Golgappa’ in your mouth

On the roadside, fresh and hot from a pot of bubbling oil, are carefully stacked tiny, golden puffs. Put one between your teeth and bite down. Instantly the frail crust gives way, flooding the mouth with cool, cilantro-flavoured water spiked with chilli. This is great fun, like popping edible balloons. There is extreme joy with each little explosion. The witty little Golgappas or pani pooris, created with a subtle sense of humor, are a memorable snack on the road.

Get Indian in your attire

For the ladies, wearing the Indian ‘sari’ will be a delightful experience. After you’ve managed to put on one that is. There is an art to it, which the friendly Indian ladies will only be too happy to help you with. Gentlemen may try out kurta-dhoti and ‘sherwanis’ with the famous gear for the head, turban.

Healing Gems

The Navaratna (nine gems) is an exquisite piece of jewelry and every woman must own one. Traditionally the stone and its weight are decided according to the individual’s astrological chart. The Navratna consists of diamond, ruby, emerald, coral, pearl, sapphire, garnet, topaz, and cat’s eye. This combination of gems is considered highly auspicious and is said to protect the wearer.

Join a cookery class

Learn the subtle variations of India’s cuisine and unlock the magic of Indian food. The flavors of Indian food are alluring and fragrant. Fluffy rice, tender morsels of meat and chicken, creamy and aromatic sauces, hot baked bread studded with spices, mouth-tingling chutneys, and pickles-all these authentic flavors are yours to be discovered and enjoyed.

Design your hands

Mehendi, “henna coloring” has become the in thing for women. No Indian wedding is complete without mehendi. Whichever part of the country the bride may be from; her hands are adorned with the lovely red hue of mehendi. Visit a local bazaar and get your hands colored. Popular traditional images used in mehendi designs are the peacock, the national bird of India, the lotus flower, and an elephant with a raised trunk- a symbol of good luck. It usually takes over six hours for the mehendi to set properly. The intricate patterns are dabbed with cotton balls doused in sugar syrup and lime juice to make the mehendi darker.

Get Married Indian Style

Indian marriages are symbolized by a host of rites and rituals, traditions, pomp and festivity, and numerous customs passed down from generation to generation. Take a quick peek into the world of Indian weddings in all their glory by getting married Indian style at a luxurious heritage hotel. The groom dresses in traditional attire and is welcomed by friends with flower garlands by the bride’s ‘close relatives’ (hotel staff and guests in the case of international visitors). The bride and groom exchange garlands during this ceremony. The mahurat or auspicious time for the wedding ceremony is usually set after dinner. The couple walks around the sacred fire. At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds touch the feet of elders to take their blessings.

Visit an Indian home

Indians are hospitable people and respect religious and social customs. Chances are that if you show an inclination, you will get invited to their homes. Indians have always believed that ‘The Guest is God’.

Learn Yoga

Yoga is a system of exercises for physical and mental well-being. It was developed about five thousand years ago. It combines stylized poses with deep breathing and meditation. The term Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to ‘join together’. The ultimate aim of yoga is to unite the human soul with the universal spirit. There are great opportunities to learn yoga and make it a part of your everyday living.

Watch an Indian film

Be it the Oscars or the friendly neighborhood theatre in our country. Indian movies have made a mark in the world. When in India, it will be a good idea to hop into a movie theater and experience an exciting array of drama, emotion, and dance & music. You will not only be thoroughly entertained but you may also find enough inspiration to make a flick of your own.

Celebration of goodness over evil

In October a ten-day-long festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Prince Ram over the evil king Ravana. Ram-Lila, a drama that brings to life the legend of Prince Rama is held in various parts of the country. On the tenth day a huge effigy of Ravana, filled with crackers, is burnt. This becomes a most spectacular display of fireworks that fills up the evening sky.

Eat food off a banana leaf

Numerous local restaurants in South India serve their staple. Dosas, griddle-fried pancakes, and Idlies, steamed rice dumplings on a banana leaf. It can prove a little awkward to those who have never used their fingers before. But once you get the hang of it, there can be no other way to eat these delicacies.

The Indian Digestive

The Indian paans are famous for their taste and digestive properties. Paans are special leaves commonly had with betel nuts which can also be tailor-made on request with coconut powder, clove, sugar, camphor, Gulkand (a sweet paste), etc. Go ahead and eat your heart out and top it up with paan.

Sip tea at a wayside stall

On the way to Kerala’s hill country, Munnar, stop at a tea plantation tea stall and sip a cup of the brew. The cool mountain air makes the experience invigorating. ‘Kawa’ is a light tea, without milk, topped with grated almonds, popular in Jammu and Kashmir. The masala tea served in the Dhabas in north India is another specialty.

Holi-Festival of colors

Welcome to Holi, India’s fluorescent Mardi Gras where no one is safe from being turned into something that resembles a Jackson Pollock canvas. It is the most colorful, friendly battle on earth. Holi is a time for celebrating the arrival of spring and the approaching harvest season. The frenzy takes place all across northern and eastern India. Join in the celebration as vibrantly colored powders are thrown on friends, relatives, and strangers. The festival is accompanied by noisy makeshift parades, feasts, and dancing in the streets, and in true Indian fashion.

Explore a village by jeep

Explore the Buddhist mountain kingdom of Ladahk and the mysterious Nubra Valley. Wide open spaces, wind across your face, and breathtaking, bewitching scenery are what you are driving past different landscapes on mountain roads. The Zanskar Valley is a particularly challenging area where even a casual visit to a monastery or a remote village settlement involves a rewarding safari. Driving past different landscapes apple orchards, quaint villages, and temples, the tribal districts where the landscape contrasts starkly with the greenery seen earlier; the Great Himalayan Jeep safari is an unmatched experience.

Golf in the summer capital of the British

Shimla was the summer capital during the British Rule. Since no English township could be complete without a golf course, a suitable site was finally chosen at Naldehra 23 km from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy turf, which requires little maintenance.

Aarti- Homage to the Ganges

In Rishikesh and neighboring Haridwar, each evening, as the sun’s last rays reflect off the boundless waters of the Ganges, people gather for the Aarti. This divine light ceremony is filled with devotional songs. The Aarti, ornate oil lamps, are released into the water. Aarti is a time when people break free from the stresses and strains of everybody’s life, and gather together in joy, reverence, and peace. As the bright yellow sun dips into the water, one is filled with a deep sense of bliss and spiritual connection.

Visit the oldest restaurant in India

In Old Delhi, close to the Red Fort, is India’s oldest restaurant, Karim’s. Founded by the family of chefs who fed the Mughal emperors exotic dishes, the tradition of great cuisine lives on. Try their Koftas, peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a boiled egg; and succulent chicken yogurt laced with spices that burst upon the palate like star shell.

Sound and lights

The Lal Quila (Red Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence. Sound and light shows, highlighting particular phases of history are held here and are worth attending. The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and light shows are also held at other important monuments.

Spring ahoy

From the backwaters of Kerala and the waters of Goa to the northern frontiers in Kashmir, cruising on the calm waters surrounded by scenic beauty adds a magical charm to a unique holiday. You could choose to stay on a houseboat or Shikara in Kashmir. Or relax in the Kettuvalloms in Kerala, a houseboat made out of jackwood planks sewn together with coir ropes.

Mount Abu

Discover a tropical hill resort in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Surrounded by forests and flowering shrubs, Mt. Abu was selected as the site of the most sacred mystic rite in ancient times, the sacrifice of the fire pit. Also, it is the center of the Jain pilgrimage. Check out the intricate carving of the marble Dilwara temples and expect to get lots of spicy vegetarian food.

Sunset on the dunes

Take a camel safari out into the desert to watch the sunset over miles upon miles of sand. Camp on a solitary oasis, experience the dark starry nights, and dance to musicians playing haunting music.

A palace shimmers in the lake

The Lake Palace, Udaipur is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake, an elegant fantasy in white marble. The palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. Run by the Taj Group, the rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves, and painted mirrors.

A centuries-old eco-tourism effort

While in Jodhpur, visit the Bishnoi Village. The Bishnoi clan holds a special significance in the culture of India. Their commitment to the natural environment is extraordinary. The basic philosophy of the clan is that all living things have a right to survive and share all resources. In the fifteenth century, Jambhoji, a resident of a village near Jodhpur, had a vision that the cause of the drought that had hit the area and the hardship that followed was caused by people’s interference with nature. Nature protection was given foremost importance in these tents. Since then, the sect has religiously followed these tenets. The blackbuck and the chinkara are not afraid of humans here and are often seen near the villages eating out of the villager’s hands.

In the footsteps of Kipling

Relieve the good old days of the sahibs and shikari (hunter) by going on an elephant safari. Elephants might seem huge, intimidating beasts but they are quite gentle really and one can soon get used to the swaying motion of the elephant’s gait. Travel through the hills and wide river valleys of the Corbett National Park, named after the famous hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett. Wild Boar and herds of deer browse the vegetation in this scenic reserve, becoming convenient prey for the park’s leopards and tigers.

The Darjeeling train journey

Make sure to be on board the Darjeeling Himalayan Train. Described by the Guinness Railway Book as ‘one of the world’s most spectacular’ rail journeys, it is one of the things you must do when you are in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a piece of inspirational railway engineering. A tiny locomotive engine heaves its way up a near-vertical mountain, daily hauling its trainload of men and materials up a climb of over 2000 meters.

An oil massage in Kerala

Ayurvedic massage may have tongue-twisting names but has close-to-guaranteed remedies for many ailments. A synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as masseurs knead the body. The effect of this is obvious as the body relieves itself of excess fluids. An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with Sirodhara, as medicated oil is poured in an even stream onto the forehead, said to pacify and revitalize the mind and body.

Watch a Kathakali dancer apply makeup

A Kathakali performance is a major social event that starts at dusk and goes on through the night. Kathakali is performed only by men. The makeup is so elaborate that it is more like a mask. The materials that comprise the makeup include rice flour for white, the red is made from Vermilion (a red earth such as cinnabar). The black is made from soot. The colors are not merely decoration but are also a means of portraying characters. For instance, red on the feet is used to symbolize evil character and evil intent.

Stands on the tips of India

Kanya Kumari, the southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea meet- a place from where one can see spectacular sunrises, colorful sunsets, and the full moon rising from another part of the sky! A temple dedicated to goddess Kanyakumari is located close to the seashore. Off the coast, on a rocky island, is the memorial to the great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda who sat in meditation here in 1862.

Rajasthani Music

Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. Through songs, the legendary battles of the Rajputs are told. The music engenders both a spirit of identity and provides entertainment as relief from the daily grind of wrenching a living from the inhospitable land.

Visit a spice garden in Kerala

A visit to a spice garden is memorable Here one can find spices native to the state growing in a garden. Pull some nutmeg from the bark of a nutmeg tree or wrench out some peppercorns. Owned by families, one can get a glimpse into their simple homes and a taste of their gracious hospitality.

Shopping

India is a paradise for shoppers. From traditional Indian bazaars to modern shopping arcades, India offers splendid buys to suit individual tastes and pockets. No matter where you are in the country, you will encounter a bewildering array of shopping options. You could shop for fine brocades, shimmering silks, woolens, cool cotton, and a range of other fabrics. There is rich embroidery and mirror work as also an amazing variety of gold and silver jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, miniature paintings, metal, marble and stone-wares, pottery, jute, and bamboo crafts, to choose from.