Why do people come to India?

India, a place of infinite variety, is fascinating with its ancient and complex culture, dazzling contrasts and breathtaking physical beauty. With the great potential available and the development initiatives taken by the government, Indian inbound Tourism has shown a substantial growth in the last decade, especially 2003-04 has been the best in the history of Indian tourism. In fact, Tourism has become the second largest foreign exchange earner for the country. In terms of visitor numbers, now India is 11th among Asia Pacific countries.

Keeping pace with the country's varied topography is its cultural diversity. This diversity is the result of the coexistence of a number of religions as well as local traditions. The beautiful temples of south India, easily identifiable by their ornately sculptured surface, for example, are associated with a great many crafts and performing arts of the region as you'll see on your India Travel experience.

In the desert of Kutch, Gujarat, on the other hand, the local folk pit themselves against the awesome forces of nature. These people have made their lifestyles vibrant by a profusion of jewellery and ornamental embroidery used to adorn apparel and household linen. In the extreme north is the high altitude desert of Ladakh, Local culture is visibly shaped by the faith - Buddhism - as well as by the harsh terrain. Yet another facet of Indian culture is observed in the colourful lifestyles of the northeastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya and Sikkim with their tribal folk culture. In the central Indian states of Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, tribal village life has resulted in a variety of artistically executed handicrafts, which you can see on your India Travel tour to Ina's north eastern states.

With over one billion citizens, India is the second most populous nation in the world. It is impossible to speak of any one Indian culture, although there are deep cultural continuities that tie its people together. English is the major language of trade and politics, but there are 16 official languages in all. There are 24 languages that are spoken by a million people or more, and countless other dialects. India has seven major religions and many minor ones, six main ethnic groups, and countless holidays.

Religion is central to Indian culture, and its practice can be seen in virtually every aspect of life in the country. Hinduism is the dominant faith of India, serving about 80 percent of the population. Ten percent embrace Islam and five percent are Sikhs or Christians: the remainder (a good 45 million) are Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Bahais, among others. Enjoy learning about the festivals, culture and cuisine of different communities on your India Travels.

In its quest for modernization, India has preserved its ancient civilization and never lost sight of the ideals that gave her strength through countless centuries. Science and technology has been steadily raising the living standard and prosperity of its people, but the nation of more than one billion people - one sixth of humanity - continues to live with some of its traditional values that go back 4,000 years and more. See this synthesis of tradition and modernity on your India Travel itinerary.

In a world where nations, big and small, are breaking into micro entities, often with disastrous consequences, India has demonstrated its inherent strength. This strength comes from its composite culture that has made India a truly vibrant democracy, the largest in the world - a country where unity thrives on diversity.