Touring India: An Unfathomable Journey

India part of a large sub continent which traveled all the way from Africa due the tectonic plate movement and eventually crashed into the Asian Plate creating geographical features containing newest and tallest mountains stands politically divided today. The sub content is divided into Pakistan, India and Bangladesh each an independent identity. The division was between an ideology which traveled all the way from Arab lands and indigenous religion called Hinduism.

Albeit National lines were drawn to facilitate ideological differences the fault lines exist even till this day. Division never happened completely due to existential limits, and schisms that are part and parcel of human nature. But the cultural aspects not much influenced by the exotic remained inherently Indian.

India being a large country with mind boggling diversity of people and hence culture with history created in each layer of ever evolving civilization influenced deeply by conquests and subsequent foreign rules is an esoteric land. This human pot pouri is further complemented by diverse terrain shaped by its geography and equally diverse biodiversity as a result. The wildlife of India is spectacular akin to its history and culture and thus target of experience and exploration. Being part of the Orient realm and big, it attracts a large number of visitors from the West especially the developed countries.

Most striking elements that have journeyed through different eras are the historical edifices scattered all over the country. They present a colorful narrative; the megaliths of annals are in a state of preservation including the Temples of Khajuraho rediscovered in the eighteenth century. Ironically opulent constructs in a poverty ridden country. Forts, temples, palaces abound all across the country some are yet to see the light in the global sphere. In spite of thousands of temples destroyed by the Mughals and the likes, the ancient prayer halls are a matter of intrigue, they exhibit intricate carvings and an architecture that could put to test our modern day engineers.

The ethic mix and religiosity has given rise to a plethora of rites and rituals that are spontaneous and colorful. This is a matter of intrigue and discovery and many are attracted to this esoteric character of the people. Cultural ethos dominate the country with many regional communities and languages confined to the States. Festivals and fairs abound and participation along with exploring the alleys of ancient cities and remote lands is a treat for the visitors.

The land of the tiger is most coveted for big cats but no less a wonder are other enchanting mammals that live here. The tiger safari is one of the means of sighting the big cats on tour in the reserves. Tourism is organized for other animals as well like the Asiatic Lion in Gir and Rhino in Kaziranga. The bird species range up to thirteen percent of global species which is striking. Best birding hot spots are Bharatapur and Chambal River Sanctuary besides many which are becoming popular across the globe. The number of mammal species besides that of reptiles and insect is highly impressive. The present day wildlife of India is a big tourist draw. The country earns revenue from tourism and is building infrastructure to invite more overseas visitors. Travelers can spend days on a safari holiday to realize that more has to be seen. Tourism here is like a bottomless pit you dive in realize an unfathomable recess.

Last but least is the cuisine of the Nation and like everything else it is diverse. The food is subject to change every hundred kilometres, an experience the gastronomic connoisseurs will appreciate on every visit. Yes India invites you back again and again!

Uday writes often on Indian wildlife especially about the tigers. He works as a naturalist and is fond of travel. Uday also provides search engine optimization service and website contents in English.