If there is one word that best describes India, it is 'varied'. From the mighty mountains of the north and north-east, to the sandy beaches down south and everything in between, India never fails to impress. Varied weather and topography across the country make each region unique and special. Teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna, the country's glorious past with a history of being ruled by so many different empires ensures that there is no dearth of ancient monuments. Culturally, India is arguably the richest, as every state here has its own language, costumes, cuisine and folk culture. Also, the modern cities like Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta show that this country is the perfect mix of new and old.
No doubt then, that India is a popular tourist destination all over the world. The snow-capped peaks of the great Himalayas, the desert state of Rajasthan with all its grandeur and charm, the sunny beaches at Goa, the pristine backwaters of Kerala, the unspoiled natural beauty of the north-eastern states, the wildlife sanctuaries in different parts of the country and the urban appeal of the mega-cities, there is just so much to see! Food lovers in particular must try out the various regional cuisines like Punjabi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, Mughlai, Konkan, Goan and Tamil. And of course, shopping opportunities are ample, seeing that every state has numerous cottage industries like handicrafts and textiles. From different weaves to spell-binding paintings to clothes and jewellery, there is something for everyone.
Of course, with so much to see and do in this vast country, planning a holiday can be tedious. That is where tour operators help. They offer customised packages that include several places in one trip, so one can derive the maximum fun in minimum time. Like, say, if one wants to visit places of pilgrimage, a travel package will pack several holy destinations in one tour, which a person might otherwise skip. Not only does one get to see more places, it is also more convenient, as the accommodation, travel and meals are usually taken care of. Depending on how much one is willing to spend, there are packages that suit every pocket.
The Golden Triangle tourist circuit is the most popular tour in India. It covers three historic Indian cities-Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Of these cities, Delhi is the oldest followed by Agra and Jaipur. Himachal Pradesh, located at the heart of the mighty Himalayan ranges, it is adorned with fertile green valleys, snow-laden peaks, serene lakes, fragrant tea plantations and lush orchards. The Himachal Pradesh Tour includes Shimla, Dharamshala, Chamba, Dalhousie, Kasauli and Manali. The Kerala Backwaters Tour covers Cochin, Karakoram, Alleppey and Kayamkulam. This tour offers one the chance to live in the lap of nature while enjoying comfort and luxury on the boathouses. The Mumbai-Goa beach tour is for beach and adventure sports lovers. Then there are numerous packages covering the various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the country.
The list of packages mentioned above is just indicative and certainly not exhaustive. There are a host of packages and one can choose according to the region or the activities or area of interest like pilgrimage, hill station or adventure sports. India is one country that has it all, and everyone should experience this exotic place at least once in their lifetime.
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