India. Cities of India: List of the Largest List of Cities of India by Population

Until the mid-twentieth century, India was considered a country with a low level of urbanization. Most of its citizens were villagers. The few cities, such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Delhi, Patna, were the focus of the ancient culture that arose at the dawn of civilization. In the 80s of the last century, an urban boom occurred in the country. Large cities have sharply crossed the millionth milestone. New urban agglomerations appeared. What are the largest cities in India in terms of area or population? A list of such entities we will consider in this article. For now, we’ll just say that India takes the second place in the world in the number of citizens. It is second only to China in this indicator.

Urbanization growth rate

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, two thousand cities were not recruited in a vast country. Now their number has more than doubled. In 1991, there were more than 4,700. But not because of the number of cities, India is "breathing in the back of the head" to China. Urban settlements themselves swell by leaps and bounds. In large agglomerations, two-thirds of the total population of the country live. But back in 1901, only one Calcutta could boast of a million inhabitants. But already in 1911, Bombay (now Mumbai) crossed this line. In the middle of the century there were already five millionaires in India, in 1981 - twelve, and another ten years later - twenty-three. The country met the beginning of this century with 34 huge megacities, twelve of which had a population of more than two million people. The number of cities in India, whose population exceeds 500 thousand, will soon exceed 300. Below we look at the top 5 largest cities in the country.

The largest cities in India by population

The list of the greatest megacities of the country is headed by Mumbai. Previously, this city was located on seven small islands in the Arabian Sea. But now the former Bombay captures the vast mainland. The islands have long been soldered together by numerous jumpers. Rapid population growth was laid by the construction of the British cotton factory in 1851. Then hired workers from the countryside came to the city and settled in it. Now the megalopolis in the state of Maharashtra has (according to the 2011 census) 12,478,447 people. The remaining megacities included in the top 5 "largest cities in India" were distributed as follows. The second position is the capital of Delhi with a population of eleven million people. Then come Chennai in Tamil Nadu (8 425 970), Hyderabad in the province of Andhra Pradesh (6 809 970) and Bangalore in the state of Karnataka (5 570 585). In India, there are more than fifteen megacities, where there are from one and a half to five million inhabitants.

Mumbai is the most populated city in India

First, the seven islands in the Arabian Sea were captured by the Portuguese. It happened in 1534. But already in 1660 they entered the dowry of the Portuguese princess, who married the British king Charles II. The British in every possible way contributed to the growth of the city. By earthen dams, all the islands were interconnected and with the mainland. The historical part of Mumbai is located in the south. There is an old fort and the famous "Gateway of India" erected in the Indo-Muslim style. Administrative quarters are located on the hill of Malabar. The southern islands in appearance resemble a European metropolis. In the north, the traveler will find slums, narrow streets and a minimum of infrastructure. The mainland and port are occupied by industrial enterprises. Together with the surrounding area, about twenty million people inhabit the agglomeration. Thus, Mumbai deservedly received the title of the largest city in India.

Delhi

During the colonization of India, the British, as a rule, built a new European part, leaving the locals a tangled maze of old streets. It so happened that the major cities of India consist of two distinctly distinct halves. In Delhi, this division is especially clear. This city on the banks of the Jamna has been the capital of various states for many centuries. Fate himself was destined to lead the independent republic of India. Although in 1911, the population of Delhi, along with the suburbs, amounted to only 214 thousand people. Now the agglomeration totals about fifteen million. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is a chaotic building with shops, artisans, bazaars, Hindu temples and mosques. The main street of this part of the city is Chandi Chowk (Silver). One end it rests on the famous Lal Kila (Red Fort). New Delhi was built south of the Old in 1911 according to the project of Edwin Lutens. It was conceived and implemented as a "garden city." Prospectuses of the radial-ring layout diverge from the Cannout Square. In New Delhi, there is the government quarter of Rashtra Pati Bhawan.

Kolkata

The name of this city of India, more common for a European, is Calcutta. The metropolis is located in the Ganges delta, at the confluence of the Hoogley. The city was formed in 1690 on the site of three villages by an employee of the East India British company Job Charnock. Calcutta experienced rapid growth from 1773 to 1911. Then it was the capital of the colony of British India. When Bangladesh was formed in 1947, industry, previously closely associated with East Bengal, began to curtail. And with the transfer of the capital to Delhi, the growth of Calcutta slowed down altogether. However, it still holds the position of the second industrial city of India. Here, contrasts in the standard of living of the population are also most noticeable. More than half a million people do not have a roof over their heads.

Chennai

Until recently, the name of this large city of India was different - Madras. It was founded in 1639 by the British as the southernmost fort of the East India Company. The city spread out along the Bay of Bengal for twenty kilometers. The local Marina beach is considered one of the best in the world. Chennai, like Kolkata, is a city of contrasts. Next to the chic skyscrapers, square kilometers of slums shrink in whole blocks. About thirty percent of the inhabitants of this metropolis are deprived of any sanitary and hygienic conditions. Chennai is the capital of the province of Tamil Nadu. It produces cars, bicycles, wagons.

Hyderabad and Bangalore

These major cities of India are not alike. Hyderabad is famous for its centuries-old history. The city has many temples (Hindu, Islamic, Christian), palaces and examples of colonial architecture. Once it was the capital of the Nizams - rulers who became rich in the diamond trade. They say that even their clothes were woven from gold threads and studded with pearls. Hyderabad is a recognized center of Islamic culture in the country. Bangalore is its exact opposite. It was electrified earlier than other big cities of India. And now it houses centers of high-tech companies. Because of this, Bangalore got its second name - Silicon Valley of India. This city traditionally rushes a large flow of tourists, which is why it is also called the capital of pubs.

Far India is of great interest to tourists. In this country there are thousands of ancient attractions that will be interesting to any traveler. India is home to religions such as Buddhism and Jainism. However, millions of foreign tourists annually come to India not only, for example, to visit the places where the Buddha preached. India now has a large number of attractions, spa resorts, as well as ski and beach resorts.

Geography of india

India is located in South Asia. In the west, India borders on Pakistan, in the northeast - with China, Nepal and Bhutan, and in the east - with Myanmar and Bangladesh. In the south, India is washed by the Indian Ocean, in the south-west - by the Arabian Sea. In the south-west of the country is the Bay of Bengal. The total area of \u200b\u200bthis country is 3,287,590 square meters. km, including islands, and the total length of the state border is 15 106 km.

India owns several islands. The largest of them are the Laccadive, Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean.

Himalayan mountain system stretches across the territory of India from north to northeast. The highest peak in India is Mount Kanchenjunga, whose height reaches 8 856 meters.

There are several very large rivers in India - the Indus (its length is 3,180 km) and the Ganges (its length is 2,700 km). Among other Indian rivers, Brahmaputra, Yamuna and Koshi should also be distinguished.

Capital

The capital of India is New Delhi, which is now home to about 350 thousand people. New Delhi became the capital of India at the beginning of the 20th century. The "old" city in New Delhi was built in the middle of the XVII century by the emperor Shah Jahan, the ruler of the Mughal empire.

Official language

The official language in India is Hindi. In turn, English is the "auxiliary state language" in India. In addition, in this country another 21 languages \u200b\u200bhave official status.

Religion

More than 80% of the population of India profess Hinduism. More than 13% of the inhabitants of this country are Muslims, more than 2.3% are Christians, about 2% are Sikhs, and 0.7% are Buddhists.

Government of India

According to the current Constitution of 1950, India is a parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected by a special board for 5 years (this board consists of members of parliament and members of state fees).

The parliament in India is bicameral - the Council of States (245 deputies) and the People’s Chamber (545 deputies). The executive power in this country belongs to the President, the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.

The main political parties in India are the Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, the Socialist Party, the Communist Party of India, the National People's Party, etc.

Climate and weather

The climate in India ranges from tropical monsoon in the south to temperate in the north. The Himalayas, the Indian Ocean, as well as the Thar Desert, have a great influence on the climate in India.

There are three seasons in India:
- from March to June - summer
- from July to October - monsoons
- from November to February - winter

The average annual air temperature in India is + 25.3C. The hottest month in India is May, when the average maximum air temperature is + 41C. The coldest month is January, when the average minimum temperature is + 7C. The average annual rainfall is 715 mm.

Average air temperature in New Delhi:

January - + 14C
- February - + 17C
- March - + 22C
- April - + 28C
- May - + 34C
- June - + 34С
- July - + 31C
- August - + 30C
- September - + 29C
- October - + 26C
- November - + 20C
- December - + 15C

The seas and oceans of India

In the south, India is washed by the Indian Ocean, in the south-west - by the Arabian Sea. In the south-west of the country is the Bay of Bengal. The total coastline in India, including the islands, is more than 7.5 thousand km.

Average sea temperature near Goa, India:

January - + 28C
- February - + 28C
- March - + 28C
- April - + 29C
- May - + 30C
- June - + 29C
- July - + 28C
- August - + 28C
- September - + 28C
- October - + 29C
- November - + 29C
- December - + 29C

Rivers and lakes

In India there are two river systems with different “feeding” modes. These are the Himalayan rivers (Ganges, Brahmaputra, etc.) and the rivers flowing into the ocean - Godavari, Krishna and Mahanadi.

One of the longest rivers in the world flows along the territory of India - the Indus, whose length is 3,180 km.

As for the lakes, there are not very many of them in India, but, nevertheless, there are very beautiful ones among them. The largest Indian lakes are Chilika, Sambhar, Kolera, Loktak, and Vular.

History

Neolithic settlements of people in the territory of modern India appeared about 8 thousand years ago. In the years 2500-1900. BC. in West India, there was the first urban culture that developed around the cities of Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dhalavira.

In 2000-500 BC. Hinduism is spreading in India, and in the same period there began to take shape a caste system consisting of priests, warriors, free peasants. Subsequently, castes of merchants and servants formed.

Around the V century BC there were already 16 independent states in India - Mahajanapada. At the same time, two religions were formed: Buddhism, founded by Siddhart Gautam Buddha, and Jainism, which was founded by Mahavira.

In the VI century BC some territories of India were conquered by the Persians, and in the 4th century the troops of Alexander the Great conquered some of the northwestern parts of this country.

In the II century BC The Mauryev kingdom reached its heyday, conquering several neighboring Indian states.

In the 1st century BC Indian kingdoms traded with Ancient Rome. In the 7th century, most Indian kingdoms were united by King Harsha into a single state.

In 1526, the Mughal empire was founded on the territory of modern India, the rulers of which were the descendants of Genghis Khan and Timur.

In the XVII-XIX centuries in the territory of modern India, the British East India Company was in charge, even having its own orgomny army.

In 1857, the so-called The Sepoy Uprising, whose discontent was precisely caused by the East India Company. After the suppression of the Sepoy Rebellion, the British liquidated the East India Company, and India became a colony of the British Empire.

In the 1920s, a massive national liberation movement against the British government began in India. In 1929, Great Britain granted India dominion rights, but this did not help the British. In 1947, independence of India was declared. Part of the Indian territories after some time became an independent state of Pakistan.

India was admitted to the UN as early as 1945 (although, then, this country was still British India).

Culture

India is a country with a huge cultural heritage. Indian culture has had (and continues to have) influence not only on neighboring countries, but also on other states located far from it.

There is still a caste system of society in India, thanks to which Indian culture retains all its traditional values.

An expression of Indian traditions is music and dance. Nowhere else in the world is there anything like it.

Tourists in India, we recommend to see the local festival and parades, of which there are a lot. During festivals, elephant processions, musical performances, “tiger dances”, fireworks, distribution of sweets, etc. are often held. The most famous Indian festivals are Onam festival (dedicated to the memory of the mythical king of Bali), Tea Festival in Calcutta, Diwali, Ratha Yatra (Festival of Chariots), Dussera in Delhi, Ganapati Festival in honor of God Ganesha.

An interesting holiday of sisters and brothers “Raksha Bandhan”, celebrated every year in July, should also be noted. On this day, the sisters tie the brothers' wrists with scarves, ribbons that protect against evil forces. In turn, the brothers give their sisters various gifts and swear to protect them.

Indian cuisine

Indian cuisine is known worldwide for its use of spices. It is thanks to Indians in the world that various condiments and spices, including black pepper and curry, have spread.

India is a very large country, and therefore it is not surprising that each of its regions has its own culinary traditions. However, rice is characteristic of all regions of India. This product is the foundation of Indian cuisine.

It is generally accepted that the inhabitants of India are vegetarians, as required by their religious teachings. However, in fact, meat dishes are quite popular in India, because in this country there are also Muslims. The most famous Indian meat dish is “tandoori chickens”, when the chicken is marinated in spices and then baked in a special oven. Other famous Indian meat dishes are “biriani” (chicken with rice), “gustaba” (meatballs stewed in yogurt with spices).

In general, meat dishes are most often included in the diet of the inhabitants of northern India. Fish and seafood are popular in coastal areas, and vegetables are in southern India.

For tourists in India, we also recommend tasting Dal soup, Naan wheat cake, Sabji vegetable stew, chapati and samba rice cakes, kichari (stewed rice with mash and spices), jalebi ”(Pancakes in syrup),“ rasgulla ”(balls of cottage cheese),“ gulab-jamun ”(yogurt with flour and almonds).

The traditional non-alcoholic Indian drinks are “dhai” (yogurt or yogurt), “raita” (yogurt with mint and grated cucumber).

India Attractions

There are so many attractions in India that it is difficult for us to highlight the most interesting of them. Perhaps, in our opinion, the following can be included in the top ten best Indian attractions:

The construction of the Red Fort in Delhi began in 1638, and ended in 1648. This fortification was built by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Now the Red Fort is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Taj Mahal was built in 1653 by order of Shah Jahan, Emperor of the Mughal Empire. This mausoleum was built by 20 thousand people over 20 years. The Taj Mahal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Qutb Minar Minaret in Delhi

The height of this brick minaret is 72.6 meters. Its construction lasted from 1193 to 1368.

Elephant Cave near Mumbai

In the Cave of Elephants is an underground temple of Shiva with its sculptures. It was built several thousand years ago. Now the Elephant Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first small temple on the territory of the modern city of Hampi was built in the 7th century A.D. Gradually, other religious buildings were built around it, and after a while there was already a huge beautiful temple complex in Hampi.

Harmandir Sahib Bole is known as the Golden Temple. This is the most important religious building for the Sikhs. The construction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar began in the 16th century. In the XIX century, the upper floors of this temple were covered with gold.

Buddhist monks began to cost their Ajanta caves around the 2nd century BC. These caves were abandoned around 650 A.D. Only in 1819 did the British accidentally stumble upon the caves of Ajanta. Until today, these caves have preserved unique frescoes that tell about the life of people in the distant past.

This fort was built near the city of Amber in 1726. According to legend, once upon a time, the largest cannon in the world was placed in Fort Jaigarh (it can be seen now, because the old fort is now a museum).

Raj Ghat Palace in Delhi

Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated in this palace.

Pearl Mosque in Agra

This mosque in Agra was built in the middle of the XVII century under the emperor Shah Jahan. No, there are no pearls in this mosque, just its domes shine very much in the sun.

Cities and resorts

The largest Indian cities are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, and Kanpur.

In India, there are a large number of beautiful seaside resorts with magnificent beaches. The sand on the Indian beaches is white, shallow. The most popular beach resort in India is Goa. Among other Indian beach resorts, the following should be mentioned: Andra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, as well as beaches on the Andaman, Nicobar and Lakkadiv islands.

There are several ski resorts in India that are considered the best in Asia. Of course, with the ski slopes of Austria, Italy and Switzerland, the winter resorts of India can not be compared. However, for those travelers who like to ski, and who at the same time want to get acquainted with the unique India, a vacation in the Indian ski resorts will be remembered forever.

The most popular ski resorts in India are Auli, Dayara-Bugayal, Mundali, Munsiari, Solang, Narkanda, Kufri, and Gulmarg. By the way, the skiing season in India lasts from mid-December to mid-May.

Many foreign tourists come to India to relax in the spa resorts. Indian spas offer clients a variety of Ayurvedic programs. Among such spa resorts should be called, first of all, Beach & Lake, Ayurm, and Ananda.

Souvenirs / Shopping

Before you go to India, think about what you want to buy there. Otherwise, Indian merchants at bazaars and shops will impose on you many different kinds of unnecessary goods, and you will lose thousands of rupees. For tourists from India, we recommend bringing Indian tea, various incense, bracelets (glass, metal, precious metals), amulets, talismans, souvenirs made of marble (for example, a small marble Taj Mahal), scarves, shawls, sarees (traditional Indian dress ), leather shoes, sets of Indian dry spicy mixtures, henna paint, carpets, musical instruments (for example, drums or an elegant wooden flute).

Office hours

India is an ideal country for both experienced freelance travelers and beginners. Here you can find a variety of vacations and experiences. Many begin their acquaintance with India from the resort, buying a tour package, so it was with me. However, as lovers of this country say, this is not India at all.
Want to see real India? Do not be limited to one state, do not be afraid to travel outside of tourist places - this is where real adventures await you! The main danger of traveling in India is that most likely you will want to return there again and again.

India is love for life. India is very multifaceted. Each state is a different world. Deserted beaches, bustling cities, mountains with snow-capped peaks, eastern bazaars, colonial quarters, ancient temples; many cultures and religions intermingled here, making it so special. That is why it is a pleasure to make your own route. The main problem that I encounter on every trip is how to meet deadlines and see all the most interesting!

India is a huge country, each of its staff (and there are 29 of them) deserves special attention. No matter how many times I have been to India, there are always places that you simply need to visit. So I’m coming back ... On the first trip, it is better to combine the most interesting sights (to your taste), beautiful cities and beach vacations. I will try to help you with this.

Visa and border crossing

It will not be difficult for Russians to get an Indian visa. The set of documents required to obtain it is minimal. Today there are 2 types of visas:

• standard
• electronic.

I have always issued a regular visa for a period of 6 months. Electronic appeared not so long ago and has a main drawback for me - a short validity period (30 days). But first things first.

An ordinary visa can be issued independently at the visa center or with the help of numerous intermediary companies that will take on the entire long and sometimes tedious process of registration. Residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg do not make sense to contact intermediaries, because they have visa centers nearby!

• , Liteiny prospect, d.22, Office No. 30, 3rd floor. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654
• , St. Novy Arbat, building 2, floor 4, office No. 412. Phone: +74995005529, +74956385654

A tourist visa can be issued for a period of 1, 3 or 6 months. Most often, visas are issued for 3 or 6 months (their cost is the same). By the number of entries, tourist visas are divided into single and double (one or two entries), it is this indicator that affects their price.

So, a single visa will cost a tourist 1800 rubles, and a double - 3800. To get a visa yourself, you need to prepare a number of documents. Compared to requirements in other countries, such a set of pieces of paper will seem like a trifle.

So you will need:

• A valid overseas (validity period, as usual, should be more than 6 months from the date of submission of documents) with two blank pages.
• On the site On the site for issuing Indian visas in online mode, you need to fill out a questionnaire in English, print it on two pages, put a signature on the photo and at the end of the questionnaire.
• A 3.5x4.5 photo on a white background is glued to the application form.
• Printed round-trip tickets.
• Hotel reservation (if you are traveling for a long period, a simple reservation with Booking for the first few days in India is suitable).
• Copy of a civil passport (main page and with a residence permit).
• Copy of your passport.

A visa is issued quite quickly (up to 7 working days, but more often - faster). If a visa is needed urgently, then for an extra charge of about 2000 rubles it will be issued in 1-2 days.

Living in the regions is much more convenient and easier to apply for a visa at an intermediary company. You will be asked to fill out a simple questionnaire in Russian, send a couple of photos, a passport and a copy. For this pleasure you will be ripped off from 3 to 5.5 thousand, depending on the duration of the visa and the number of entries. Add to this the courier fee.

An electronic visa is often called an arrival visa. As I already wrote, it is given only for 30 days from the moment of receipt of the stamp at the airport. This option is perfect for those who fly on a last minute ticket or just for a short time and do not want to bother with pieces of paper.

You can fill out an electronic visa application form. Also on the website you will have to upload scans of your documents and photos. You need to pay a visa in the amount of $ 60 no later than 4 days before arrival in India. There is also a form on the site that allows you to track the status of your visa. By the way, an electronic visa is issued very quickly - sometimes within one day, on average 2-3 days. When it is ready, you can download and print a PDF document on the official form, in exchange for which you will receive the coveted stamp in your passport at the airport in India.

How to act on the border

Caring flight attendants will issue Arrival cards and Declaration Form (migration form and declaration of values) to all passengers on the plane. I strongly advise you to fill both directly in the chair and not spend time on this at the airport. The arrival card is very simple, besides its size has been reduced this year. You must indicate your details, flight number, address in India (write the name of your hotel or guesthouse, if none of this is any name), visa number. In addition to the general data, you will have to write down all the valuable things that you carry in India in the declaration form. “Values” are: illicit drugs, gold, meat, fish, dairy products, toxic substances, seeds and plants, satellite phones, cash more than 25 thousand rupees, currency more than 5 thousand dollars, the total amount of all currencies over 10 thousand dollars. If you have at least one of the items listed with you, you will have to go through the “red corridor” of customs (the customs control zone into which passengers with baggage to be declared fall).

Upon arrival at major airports in India (or Mumbai), try to get to passport control as quickly as possible - this is one large room with many racks that accept passengers from all arriving flights. Sometimes the lines are just huge! This is especially important for those in a hurry for the next flight.

How to get there

By plane

If you are flying for a short time (10-14 days), consider buying a vacation package. You can see prices for standard tours 7/11/14 days. It’s not necessary to live in a hotel; you can find the cheapest offer that will come out cheaper than just round-trip tickets. When traveling for longer periods, look for tickets for regular flights. A trip to India is best planned in advance. You will have time not only to coordinate the route, but also to find good tickets. I usually buy them a couple of months before departure, and start monitoring for six months. If you go on sale, you can find great inexpensive options. It’s convenient to “catch” tickets at good prices in the search engines or, for example, in the Trevelask section. Most often, travelers fly to the largest cities in India, which can be a great start - Delhi or Mumbai, some fly immediately to.

Which airlines fly to India?

• Aeroflot Moscow - Delhi.
• Airindia. - Delhi.
• Qatar Airways. - Doha - Delhi ().
• Emirates Airlines. Moscow - - Delhi (and many other cities of India).
• Ethihad airways. - - Delhi.
• Airrabia. Moscow - - Delhi.
• Uzbek Airlinesand. Moscow (or regions) - - Delhi.
• Flyubai. Moscow (and regions) - - Delhi ().
• Turkish Airlines. Moscow - - Delhi ().
• Air Astana. Moscow - Almaty - Delhi.
• Gulf Air. Moscow - - Delhi.

Not all possible options are listed here. Many of these airlines are generous with discounts and seasonal sales. Track discounts in April-May.

On average, from Moscow you can find round-trip tickets for 20 thousand rubles, from regions - from 30.

Touristic Regions

To see India in all its diversity, you will have to visit several states. The country has well-developed domestic tourism, Indians love their homeland and culture and are happy to learn it. Therefore, in all cities where there are at least some sights, you can find everything you need for a tourist's life.

The tourist regions of India are deserted beaches, ancient forts, Maharaja palaces, national nature parks and much more. The whole country can be divided into northern, western, eastern and southern India. In each part, tourism is completely different.

North india

This includes the states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh. The climate here is very diverse, if you travel in winter - do not forget warm things. In northern India, it may not be much warmer than in Siberia. In this part of the country there are mountain resorts, Tibetan monasteries, yoga and meditation centers, ancient temples and modern megalopolises.

Golden Triangle

Such a tourist program is most popular among travelers. Who, why and when came up with this route and called it the most interesting - remains a mystery.

It includes three destinations: Delhi, Agra,. Great for a novice traveler. The main, in my opinion, plus of this tour is in the vicinity of cities, you can move between them by trains, buses or even take a taxi. Travel time will be 4-5 hours. It is convenient to fly to Delhi and from there begin your journey. The Golden Triangle is a rich, active excursion program that will allow tourists to get acquainted with the culture of India. Impressions of ancient beauties will last long!

Varanasi

The most mystical and holy city of India is Varanasi. It is considered one of the oldest cities in the world; it is also called the city of the dead. Varanasi is the city of Shiva, it was he who, according to legend, founded it 5 thousand years ago. The city stands on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, to die in Varanasi and be cremated on the banks of the Ganges is the greatest honor for a Hindu. The main life of the city flows along the river on the ghats - stone steps leading to the water. Nightly pujas are performed here, there is trade and cremations are held all day. 10 km from the city there is a place where, 2500 years ago, the Buddha delivered his first sermon immediately after enlightenment. That is why one should come to Varanasi for spiritual experience and wisdom. And here is a huge selection of yoga courses, Sanskrit and learning to play traditional musical instruments.

Himachal Pradesh

One of the most northern states allows tourists to see with their own eyes the majestic Himalayas. The nature of this region is unique. Compared to other hot and arid states, where summer always reigns, one can observe smooth transitions of all seasons here. The best time to visit is from April to October. In Himachal Pradesh, you must go trekking, climb a mountain pass, live at a campsite and go rafting down a mountain river. There are also temples and palaces here, but the main thing is nature. Russian artist Nikolai Roerich was in love with the Himalayas, by the way, for many years he lived in the town of Naggar, his grave remained here. In the capital of yoga, Rishikesh, you can take courses or receive a teacher’s certificate, as well as master meditation or serve in the ashram. The Dalai Lama's residence is located in Dharamsala. And on the territory of the state there is the sacred mountain Kailash, the valley of the gods of Kullu, the most dangerous mountain road from Le to in the world and much more. Himachal Pradesh will appeal to crazy extremals and lovers to know themselves.

Rajasthan

I have already mentioned the state capital, many travelers stop at only one city. And completely in vain. The rest of Rajasthan is no less beautiful. Major tourist centers:, Jaisalmer. Come to Rajasthan (the country of maharajas) to admire the magnificent palaces, huge forts, listen to street musicians and take pictures of colorful uncles in turbans and with huge antiques. Rajasthan is known to tourists for its four "colored" cities: pink, white, blue, gold Jaisalmer. The country of Maharjas is so colorful and colorful that it attracts artists and photographers from around the world. The Rajasthans themselves managed to preserve their rich culture: wherever you go, you will be surrounded by traditional music, painting, puppet shows, and national costumes. This is the motley and colorful daily life of Rajasthan.

West India

Consists of the states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, partially - Madhya Pradesh. Here you can find beaches for every taste, and an excursion program, and relaxation in the mountains.

Goa

After such a run through the sights, tourists need to warm their bones on popular beaches. For me, like most travelers, my love for India began with this smallest of its states. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year for the famous spirit of hippie freedom, trance parties and affordable drugs. But there are other entertainments, Goa for each his own. There are not so many historical or cultural attractions here, but beaches for every taste! And also good inexpensive hotels, delicious food, cheerful and friendly locals. - this is for lazy people and hedonists.

Maharashtra

The state is located next to Goa, so it’s very convenient to combine a beach holiday and a bit of excursion program - you can get on a budget by bus in 12 hours. If you are tired of tracking the sides in Goa, set aside a couple of days and see the capital of Maharashtra Mumbai, visit the ancient caves of Ellora and Ajanta. You can hide from the heat, which begins in February-March, in the mountains. Of course, this is not true mountains. On the territory of the state lies the Western Ghat mountain range. In colonial times, the British arranged settlements here - summer cottages. The most picturesque places are located in Nashik, Mathheran, Chikhaldara. And do not forget to visit your favorite honeymoon place for Indian newlyweds - Mahableshwar, India's largest strawberry plantations.

South india

India is clearly divided north and south in the minds of its citizens. They have different languages, culture, architecture and much more. South India - extremely interesting for tourism. By the way, the beaches here are no worse than Goans.

Kerala

Kerala is called the land of the gods, the birthplace of Ayurveda and the forge of health. Among our tourists, this state is not as popular as Goa (surely! There is no cheap alcohol in the public domain, and life is dying out after 8 pm). But if you want to see the incredibly beautiful nature (Kerala is the greenest state that I have seen in India), improve your health or learn Ayurveda, do yoga with real Indian masters - come to Kerala.

Tamil Nadu

The southernmost state of India is fundamentally different from all others. Tamils \u200b\u200bare proud of their culture and language; most do not know and do not recognize Hindi. Tourists come here to see the famous temples scattered throughout the state. They are the hallmark of South India - high temple towers, entirely consisting of figures of gods painted in bright colors. After exploring the oldest temples in India and immersing yourself in South Indian color, head to small Europe - the union territory of Pondicherry, located in Tamil Nadu. Here you will surely forget that you are traveling in India. The former French colony to this day delights tourists with a promenade on the long promenade, fresh coffee, hot croissants, bike rides and colonial architecture.

Karnataka

The second Goan neighbor can also please beach people with a rich excursion program. Even if you have only two weeks of vacation, you can easily get to the ancient capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, a town you can read about, in 8 hours by car or bus. Everything breathes history, and the landscape resembles the surface of alien planets. The main entertainment in addition to visiting the numerous palaces and temples is a meeting with the sun. In the town there are several places from which it is best to enjoy sunrise and sunset. In addition to Hampi, in Karnataka you can see the city of Mysore palaces or visit the Indian Silicon Valley.

East india

East India includes the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Sikkim, Assam, Megalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

West Bengal

You can start exploring the state from its capital, Calcutta, one of the most colorful cities in India. This is the most English city in the country, because it was he who was the capital of British India. If you like colonial architecture, be sure to come to Calcutta. But keep in mind that ancient rich architecture creates a strong contrast with modern poverty. Did everyone watch the movie Darjeeling Train? This mysterious city is located just in West Bengal. If you want to take a break from dusty cities - welcome to the mountain resort. With your own eyes, see how the famous tea is grown.

Top cities

Each Indian city has its own flavor. In order not to get lost in the huge list of attractions and cities, I offer my personal rating of places where there is always something for the tourist to do.

• . Look at the red double-decker buses in India, Victoria Station, English architecture, take a walk along one of the most beautiful marinas of Marina Drive and have a beer in the famous Leopold Cafe (a very expensive beer for India).

• . With your own eyes to see the rite of cremation, stroll through the centuries-old ghats, ride a boat in the sacred Ganges. And here you can learn (or try) Sanskrit or playing some Indian pipe.

• Ramesvaram. To be on the edge of the earth in the truest sense of the word. Rameshvaram is located on a small island, access to which from the mainland can be one of the most dangerous bridges in the world Pamban. The fact is that the bridge does not have any protective fences, and the rails are just a couple of meters from the water, which makes it appear that the train literally floats on the water surface. The greatest danger to passengers arises from strong winds and storms. In Rameshwaram itself, you can take a ferry to (between the islands only 33 km).

• . Take a look at the Indian contrast between luxury and poverty in one of the largest cities in the country. Take a tram ride - they are nowhere else in India, except Calcutta, or on a more traditional transport for the city - a cycle rickshaw. To see communist India - take a walk along the streets of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx.

• Pondicherry.Here you must eat soft French rolls, drink them the most suitable coffee in India and go to the promenade. And also meditate in the Aurobindo ashram and go to the city of the future Auroville.

For lovers of complete immersion in local reality, there is the opportunity to rent private apartments - more.

The islands

India has many islands, but not all of them are suitable for tourism. Travelers go most often to the Andaman, Nicobar, Laccadive Islands.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andamans are located in the Bay of Bengal, 1400 km from the mainland. The best time to visit is from October to May. There are reserves on the islands, this is a closed zone, so tourists need to get permits (permission) to enter. The capital and largest city is Port Blair. This is where you can get permission to enter. It is issued for 30 days, if you do not have a return ticket, then only 15. If you get to the Andamans by sea, make sure to get the permit in advance - at the office in Chennai or Calcutta.
Getting to the islands of paradise is very simple - there is an airport in Port Blair that accepts flights from, Calcutta and Chennai. If you plan to travel from, then the cheapest and easiest way is to change trains in Chennai (you can get there by train). Another option for fans of extreme sports is to sail by ship from Calcutta or Chennai, but this method is not very popular among our tourists, the trip can take several days.

Between the islands there are ferries of different levels of comfort. From entertainment - diving, snorkeling, visiting museums, there are several historical attractions. Housing on the islands is quite expensive and not too comfortable. There are also problems with transport and the Internet. Holidays in the Andamans will surely appeal to lovers of peace and solitude. Do not expect service and amenities from the islands. In fact, this is the same India, only more wild and insular.

Laccadive Islands

These islands are located in the Arabian Sea 400 km from the state. The best time to visit is from December to May. The group consists of 36 islands, of which only 10 are inhabited, and tourists are allowed on only 3 - Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram. To visit the islands, you also need a permit, which you can get only in advance when issuing an Indian visa by entering the islands in it.
You can get by air and by water. In both cases, you will have to go to Kochi - a city in Kerala. From here planes fly and ships go to the island of Agatti. Airplane tickets cost less than $ 100 one way. The sea can be reached in about 20 hours, however, the flight schedule changes all the time depending on weather conditions. Information is presented on

The main entertainment is water sports, diving, snorkeling, fishing. Eco-tourism reigns on the islands; order and cleanliness are carefully monitored. There is no need to talk about the service, as there is nothing here except for a few hotels and a couple of diving centers. Everything that a tourist may need (cosmetics, cigarettes, inexpensive alcohol, clothes) is better to bring with you.

Top Attractions

It is simply impossible to choose 5-10-100 sights of India. Even in my personal ranking there are many more. This country is so generous with vivid impressions that it is very difficult to limit the circle of the most chosen ones. But I will try.

1. . The tiny village in Karnataka is famous for the ruins of the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. On the territory of 26 sq. Km. preserved palaces, temples, stables, once a great empire. There are also some very revered operating Hindu temples. One of them, the Temple of the Apes, is located on a high mountain; almost 600 steps lead to it. In the center of the village itself in the square is Virupaksha Temple, its huge gopur (the main tower of the temple, it is the gate) 48 meters can be seen from anywhere in Hampi.
   
2. Fort Jaisalmer. This city is located near the border with Pakistan in the Thar desert. Jaisalmer was nicknamed the Golden City, it looks especially picturesque at dawn and at sunset, when a huge fort, standing on a hill, is illuminated by the rays of the sun. It was built in the 12th century, and people still live in it! All tourists also have this opportunity, because most of the guesthouses are concentrated there. Do not miss the chance to live in a real fort!
   
3. Chand Baori. Real architectural wonders are scattered throughout India - stepped wells. Many of them are several hundred years old. Chand Baori - one of the oldest and largest, this structure, resembling an inverted pyramid, has 3,500 steps. It is located in the city of Abaneri in the state of Rajasthan. Previously, such wells supplied people with water in an arid climate, but today they are a favorite destination for travel photographers.
   
4. Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is located in Amritsar and is the main temple for the Sikhs. Thousands of pilgrims visit it daily. The temple stands in the center of a large reservoir, you can go to it along a long bridge. Sikhism is a very interesting religion, their temples are not like any other. Once in the territory of Harmandir Sahib, you feel peace and bliss, despite the large crowding around. The energy of this place is very strong.
   
5. Meenakshi Temple. The temple is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the brightest examples of Tamil temple architecture. Meenakshi Temple is surrounded by 14 gopuras - huge towers 40-50 m high, each of which is covered with thousands of colorful sculptures. Tamil temples are the brightest and most colorful in India.
   
6. Galta G. 3 km from Jaipur is the Galta Ji Pilgrimage Center, on whose territory is Monkey Temple. At the top of the Galta peak, a small Temple of the Sun was built, which can be seen from almost anywhere in Jaipur. Be sure to visit these attractions at sunset, a great view is guaranteed.
   
7. Mysore Palace. Mysore is a city of palaces, but the most impressive of them is Amba Vilas, the former residence of the royal family. The building with huge domes amazes with its size and internal wealth. On weekends and holidays in the evening illumination of 96 thousand light bulbs is switched on.
   
8. Khajuraho temples. The famous Kamasutra temples are located in a small village in the state of Madhya Pradesh. About 20 monuments have survived to this day. The walls of these magnificent buildings are decorated not only with sculptures depicting lovers in intricate poses. Artists talked about the life of gods, rulers, mythical animals and much more. But Khajuraho became famous precisely thanks to the images of love joys.
   
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Station. A huge existing train station (formerly named after Queen Victoria) is located at. Outside, the building is striking in its scope - the station is made in elaborate Victorian style with neo-Gothic elements. And inside - this is an ordinary Indian station with a crowd of thousands.
   
10. Adam's bridge. He is the bridge of Rama, located in Rameshvaram, its origin is shrouded in legends. It is a string of sandbanks and coral islands between India and Sri Lanka with a length of 48 km. Until the 15th century, the bridge was a pedestrian, but then it was destroyed by a storm. The Indian epic Ramayana tells a beautiful story about how the god Rama ordered the construction of a bridge from India to Sri Lanka in order to save his beloved Sita. Live it’s just an incredibly beautiful place, a real “edge of the earth."
    

Weather

The climate of India is extremely diverse. Thanks to this, you can visit the country at any time of the year - the main thing is to choose the right staff. Three main climatic seasons can be distinguished, which are one way or another manifested throughout the country:

• November-February is a dry season with cool weather, sunny.
• March-June is the hottest period of time, without precipitation.
• July - October is the rainy season.

India is almost entirely in the subequatorial belt, the weather depends on tropical monsoons. Climate can vary greatly from state to state. Since India has a huge area, the different distances from the ocean and the differences in altitude, temperature and rainfall are very contrasting.

The monsoon climate is most pronounced on the coast of the Arabian Sea - in the zone of the main resorts: and Kerala. From December to February, the coldest and driest period lasts here. The temperature during the day is an average of 25-27 degrees, and at night it drops to 18-20. This time is considered the peak of the tourist season. Cool nights, warm days, relatively calm sea. Since March, the heat begins to increase and reaches its peak in May, the temperature rises to 33 degrees, it becomes stuffy day and night. The wind intensifies, high waves rise at sea, the rains begin. In June, the monsoon sets in, the clouds draw in the sky, it rains more and more, they will last until September.

Monsoons are not so pronounced on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the east of the country. The contrast between the temperature during the day and night is much stronger. So, from December to February, the temperature can range from 12 (minimum) to 29 degrees (maximum). This is the most comfortable time for tourism. Rains are unlikely. In May, the heat rises to 35 degrees and is transferred much harder than on the west coast, as the humidity rises to 80%. July is the rainiest month.
In northern India, the climate is more moderate. The coldest period is December-February. The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees. At night and in certain areas during the day it can drop below zero. If you intend to fly to or north at this time, be sure to bring warm clothes with you. From April to June, the heat lasts, the temperature reaches 40 degrees (in Rajasthan and some other regions it can be up to 50 degrees). Humidity on average is only about 45%. In July, rains begin and go until September.

Officially, the season in the tourist places of India begins in October, at which time it is comfortable to travel inland or relax on the beach. The peak season lasts from December to February. Starting in March, tourists smoothly move from the south to the north, where real spring comes. In the mountainous regions you can be comfortable all summer and early autumn, and then again move south. This is the cycle of tourists in India.

Moving around the country

The transport system in India is developed quite well both between cities and within them. The only thing that is required of a traveler is to forget the word “comfortable” and remember that he is in India!

Between cities

The main advantage of traveling in India is budget. The choice of transport is quite large, and the prices are very low!

Here are the approximate prices for all three modes of transport on the Goa-Mumbai route:

• Train: sleeper class $ 6.2 (423 rupees), 11 hours.
• Bus: $ 8.8 (600 rupees), 12 hours.
• Airplane: $ 23.7 (1,600 rupees), 1.5 hours on the way.

Inside the city

You can move around the city not only by taxi. We continue to immerse ourselves in Indian life.

Car rental

Many travelers dream of taking a car in India and driving it around the country. Especially often, such a desire arises in people who are afraid or do not know how to drive a scooter and a motorcycle. It may seem that a car rental is an excellent way out, it is suitable for a large company, it will provide comfort and safety. Definitely yes. In any other country, but not in India. Here are a few reasons why taking a car is uncomfortable and difficult:

• If you plan to travel by car from point A to point B, then you mean to take and take the vehicle in different places. Planning a route will not be easy. For example, the most common option is a trip from Delhi to: a car for rent in a large rental office in the capital is easy to find, but most likely there will be no return point.
• Most car rental companies are private and small. You should not expect good service from them. The machine may be in poor condition. But the price here is lower than in international rental companies.
• Traffic on the roads of India is fundamentally different from Russia. There are fewer cars than bikes. And this is understandable - the roads are narrow, crowded, there are no parking places. On Indian roads, equal participants in the movement are not only cars and bikes, but also pedestrians, cows, rickshaws, carts ... The larger the city, the more crazy the traffic in it.
• Traveling to different states may cause problems with the police. The numbers of another state are immediately evident - they will stop you more often, and if you do not have international rights, then you will have to pay a fine at each post.

When renting a transport in a private office, you most likely will not be asked for any documents. Maximum passport and driver's license. You can leave a copy to the owner, but never give away the original! Money should not be left as collateral. If there is any damage to the car or motorcycle, it is better to take photos in advance so that in the future the owner does not hang other people's jambs on you.

Most tourists prefer to rent two-wheeled vehicles. It is cheaper, more maneuverable and more practical. If you get into an accident on a bike, repairing it will be much cheaper than a car. I can advise you to take a car for a trip to one state (maximum - with a stop in neighboring). For example, take a car in and go to the beaches, drop in at a waterfall or at. When renting a car, you can take from $ 15 (1000 rupees) per day. You can familiarize yourself with car rental offers.

Communication

Language and Communication

I never tire of repeating: India is an amazing country! Where else can you find a state where the language of each state is unique? Indians from the north may not understand the Indians from the south. The official languages \u200b\u200bof India are Hindi and English. But believe me, not all Indians speak or understand at least one of them. In total, the country has 447 languages, 2 thousand dialects. 22 languages \u200b\u200bare official and are used by various state governments. Newspapers, radio, books - everything is published not only in Hindi or English, but also in the state language. However, the tourist has nothing to fear. In large tourist places, the menu of restaurants, signs, signs in English. In big cities, many speak English.

10 phrases in Hindi

You don’t need to specifically teach Hindi before traveling to India: it is used in the north of the country and is not at all useful in the south. Remember a few phrases in Hindi. They will not only help you out in a difficult situation, but will help you earn respect in the eyes of the local population. Just a couple of expressions will show that you are not an indifferent tourist, but an interested traveler. So you can get a good discount on your purchase.

• Hello! (Goodbye!) \u003d Namaskar! (Namaste!)
• My name is ... \u003d Measure to us ... high.
• What is your name? \u003d Apka kya us high?
• Help me please. \u003d Kripaya, Mujhe Madad DJiye.
• How to get to ... \u003d ... So kaisa pahucha ja sakta hai?
• How much is it? Why? \u003d Is (us) vale ka bhav kya hai?
• Very (too) expensive. \u003d Bara Mahaga Hai.
• Give way in price. \u003d - Bhav kuch kam kijiye.
• Thanks so much for everything! \u003d Sab kuch kh ke lie dhanyavad!
• Sorry \u003d Mafi magta hu.

Mentality features

Many who have visited India agree on the local population - Indians as children. Naive, kind, open, funny, noisy ... it's all about them. What are the characteristics of the Indians who most impress foreigners?

Food and drink

Indian cuisine is mostly vegetarian and very spicy. Fish and seafood are abundantly found only in large sea resorts (, Kerala). All restaurants are divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In big cities, you can find both. But even inveterate meat-eaters do not suffer in India on vegetables and fruits. In such heat it is much easier to do without meat than in Russia. In addition, Indian vegetarian cuisine is so diverse and rich that you do not have to miss cutlets.

Spices play a huge role here. Finding a mild and inconspicuous dish is very difficult. You can repeat the waiter as a “spicy know” spell, but the chances of bringing something completely without spices are extremely small. The way out is to study the main dishes in advance and choose the least spicy ones, eat in places designed for tourists. Finding European, so-called “continental” cuisine in India is not difficult at all. Pizza, burgers, pasta, steaks are present in any menu of a large restaurant (we are not talking about the Indian outback). In shopping centers on the food court, you can easily find cafes familiar to our stomach. But lovers of everything authentic, I highly recommend eating in local restaurants and on the street. Yes Yes! They don’t die from street food! It is very cheap and really tasty. In an unsightly cafe with dirty furniture sits a crowd of grimy hard workers and eagerly eat something? Urgently there! The local population eats rice, tortillas, vegetable and bean gravy. All local fast food is deep-fried. You can have a bite anywhere. From morning until late at night, small teahouses are open, serving the famous masala tea. You can also taste local dishes there. On the street you can have a meal for $ 0.3-0.4 (20-30 rupees), a hearty lunch in a local cafe will cost $ 1.5 (100 rupees), a meal in the tourist area - from $ 4.4 (300 rupees) and to infinity.

Indian cuisine varies by region. Non-vegetarian dishes prevail in the north, more bread products, in the west - fish and seafood, in the south - vegetarian dishes with rice and coconut. Indian sweets deserve special attention. They are served not only in restaurants, but also sold in abundance in the markets. Be sure to try it! The main ingredients of Indian cuisine: rice, legumes, vegetables, dairy products.

Beverages

• Bottled water is sold everywhere and costs $ 0.3 (20 rupees) per liter. At local cafes, a jug of filtered water will be set in front of you for free. There is also soda water - Soda, it is drunk with lemon, sugar or salt. It’s worth a penny.

• The best milk drink is lassi. Served in any cafe and sold in bags in stores. It is sweet, salty and with the addition of any fruit. Simple sweet lassi most closely resembles our “snowball” drink. Be sure to try it in all kinds, especially recommend with mango.
• Masala tea. A national drink that you can talk about forever. Incredibly sweet tea (almost syrup) with milk and spices. The most delicious is sold on the street and costs $ 0.2 (5-10 rupees).

• Fresh juices. In shekahs on the seashore can be very expensive (up to $ 3 (200 rupees). Look for specialized jus centers (available in any major cities or tourist areas). Prices for a glass from $ 0.4 (30 rupees). You will receive Fresh thick juice from any exotic fruit.
• Reed juice. Along the roads, you can see cars with bells that pass reed stalks through the press. The resulting juice is mixed with lemon and sold for $ 0.2 (10 rupees) per glass. Fresh and pleasant drink.

5 dishes to try

Shopping

In India, you can buy everything you need, however, you don’t need to go there specifically for shopping (as, for example, in or). The benefit depends only on the dollar. If you want to buy branded clothes or equipment in India, you can pre-navigate the prices in the online store. In all major cities there are shopping centers in which popular European and Indian brands are represented. Local markets sell cheap products on street markets.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

The main rule of shopping in Indian is bargaining, bargaining, and bargaining again. You can bargain everywhere, except for places with fixed prices. Don't be afraid to offer your low price. If the seller does not agree to your offer, leave and think a little how much you need the goods. In 90% of cases, the merchant will catch up with you and agree to give the thing cheaper.

Most often they sell cheap shirportortreb on the street. Feel free to offer a low cost for it. Do not take on a trip a lot of things, everything you need can be bought on the spot. It’s not a pity to attribute such things to one season and boldly throw it away, knowing that they spent a little on the purchase. In any shop you will find t-shirts from $ 1.5 (100 rupees), harem pants $ 1.5-2 (100-150 rupees), long skirts from $ 2 (150 rupees), shirts with long and short sleeves - from $ 3 (200 rupees). Such clothes are great for hot climates. In the northern regions, warm woolen things are sold: sweaters, jackets, hats, socks. All this is also inexpensive.

If you need branded items, head to the malls. In season, prices do not differ from Russian ones, you can come off at sales. Discounts take place at the same time as ours - at the end of December and in June-July.

Top Cities for Shopping

If you need traditional shopping with long walks in shopping centers and lunch breaks at McDonald’s, you will surely like it in cities like Delhi. Well, if you are a hunter for rare goods, then study the map of India - you can find something special in each of its regions. In the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Kullu Valley, small weavers make shawls and scarves of excellent quality. Only natural, very warm materials are used. The design of the products is ethnic, but you can find options for Russian everyday wear. The price for shawls starts at $ 50. There are also many Tibetan shops in the north (they are found throughout the country, but in the north the choice and prices are better). There you can find jewelry made of silver: massive necklaces, bracelets, rings with natural stones. Popular among tourists are singing bowls for meditation, incense, various antiques and Tibetan blankets made of yak wool.

Rent a Car - also aggregation of prices from all distributors, all in one place, let's go!

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While the Taj Mahal shines with a majestic marble splendor, the Meenakshi Amman temple is replete with vibrant colors. It is located in the Southeast Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai, which is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited localities in the world that has been functioning for more than two thousand years.

Photo: Pabloneco on Flickr

Photo: Bryce Edwards on Flickr

It is based on something extraordinary - the temple of the Hindu goddess Parvati, the wife of the god Shiva. The entire temple complex is guarded by towers known as gopurs. The highest of them is the south tower, which was erected in 1559, its height is more than 170 feet. And the oldest tower is considered the eastern tower, founded in 1216, that is, it was built several centuries before Columbus set off to discover distant lands.

Jantar Mantar

Photo: Guy Incognito on Flickr

A wonderful complex of structures is similar to the scenery for a remote planet from the sci-fi blockbuster. But in fact, these are tools developed and used in Jaipur to observe celestial bodies. They were built by order of maharaja in the first decades of the 18th century and are still used today.

Photo: McKay Savage on Flickr

Photo: Philip Cope on Flickr

Jai Singh II was born in 1688 and at the age of eleven became a Maharaja, but inherited a kingdom that was on the verge of impoverishment. The kingdom of Amber (later Jaipur) was in a desperate situation, the cavalry numbered less than a thousand people. But for his thirtieth birthday, the ruler built the Jantar Mantar.

Kumbalgarh - Great Wall of India

This is the second largest continuous wall on our planet. Some call it the name of the fort that it surrounds - Kumbalgarh, and others - the Great Wall of India. Surprisingly, such an outstanding structure is little known outside its region.

Photo: Lamentables on Flickr

Photo: Beth on Flickr

The wall extends for 36 kilometers. In many images, you can take it for the Great Wall of China. Nevertheless, between them there have been many centuries and cultural differences. Work on the creation of Kumbalgarh began only in 1443 - just fifty years before Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to make amazing discoveries on its other side.

Karni Mata Temple

Photo: alschim on Flickr

Outside, the Karni Mata Hindu Temple, located in the small town of Deshnok in the Indian province of Rajasthan, looks just like any other. But a beautifully and exquisitely decorated shrine with a constant stream of believers contains a surprise for unsuspecting visitors. The temple is inhabited by thousands of rats.

Photo: owenstache on Flickr

Photo: micbaun on Flickr

Rodents are not random inhabitants of the temple. Parishioners specifically care about food for rats, as they are here in memory of the legendary woman - Karni Mata.

Jodhpur - The Blue City of India

Photo: bodoluy on Flickr

Travelers overcome the arid landscapes of the Thar Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan to reach this place. It seems that here the sky fell to the earth and everything became the same color - blue. Jodhpur stretches before you like blue treasures in the middle of the desert.

Photo: Christopher Walker on Flickr

Photo: Il Fatto on Flickr

According to one version, the population of the Blue City paints their houses in various shades of blue due to the caste system prevailing in India. Brahmins belong to the highest Indian caste, and the blue color distinguishes their homes from other people.

Leh Palace

Photo: watchsmart on Flickr

In the early years of the seventeenth century, the king of the Ladakh kingdom, Sange Namgyal, ordered the construction of this huge palace. It is located on the top of the Himalayas in the city of Leh, currently it is the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The building served as the home of the dynasty of rulers until their overthrow and exile in 1834. Since then, the tall Lech Palace has been abandoned. Nevertheless, it rises majestically in this area of \u200b\u200bIndia, which is often called Lesser Tibet.

Photo: teseum on Flickr

Photo: Matt Werner on Flickr

Presumably it was created on the model of the more famous Potala Palace in neighboring Tibet, which served as the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959, when he left the country. The Leh Palace is smaller than the Potala Palace, but its nine-story structure is still impressive. The upper floors were occupied by King Namgyal, his family and crowds of courtiers. On the lower floors were servants, storage rooms and stables.

Living bridges Meghalaya

Photo: Ashwin Mudigonda on Flickr

Our ideas about India, with a population of more than a billion people, are often limited by statistics. However, there are places on this subcontinent that remain almost inaccessible. The state of Meghalaya in the north-east of the country is replete with subtropical forests. To move in this area, local residents resorted to the ingenious form of natural engineering - living bridges from the roots.

Photo: Rajkumar1220 on Flickr

Photo: ARshiya Bose on Flickr

With every rain, fording through the rivers becomes very dangerous, and this is one of the wettest places on the planet. Sustained rainfall, combined with rugged terrain, steep slopes and dense deciduous forests turn many areas of Meghalaya into impenetrable jungle. But the ingenious and resourceful local population has created a unique system of natural suspension bridges.

Ajanta Caves

Photo: Ashok66 on Flickr

Two thousand two hundred years ago, work began on an extensive series of cave monuments in the Indian state of Maharashtra. For hundreds of years, thirty-one monuments have been carved out of rock here. Around the year 1000 AD, the monks gradually left the cave complex, and it fell into decay. Overgrown dense jungle hid the caves from human eyes.

Photo: Franekn on Flickr