Cities of India: a list of the largest. india india g

India is among largest countries on the planet. Along with China, it is considered a dynamically developing state and ranks second in the world in terms of population. The United Nations believes that by 2050, India will overtake China as the most populous country in the world. The annual population growth rate is approaching 2%, while China's population growth is 1.4%. India is a huge country made up of 29 states, 6 union territories, over 600 districts and 7900 cities and towns. Most big cities India amaze with densely populated, bustling activity and at the same time fascinate with architecture, monuments, landscapes.

Big cities in India:

Mumbai

The financial capital of the country and the economic center in India is Mumbai, formerly Bombay. The headquarters of a number of multinational companies, large industrial houses and financial corporations are located here, which makes the city attractive for earning money and attracting foreign employees. Mumbai is home to the Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India.

Convenient location on the shores of the Arabian Sea has turned the metropolis into a bustling and prosperous port. Due to its history and variety of architectural styles, Mumbai attracts a huge number of tourists from all over the world. The Indian "city of dreams" is the birthplace of Bollywood, a thriving film industry, an analogue of American Hollywood.

Delhi

One of the oldest cities in the world, and now the capital of India is the city of Delhi. Historical monuments of this city are a unique heritage and are of high archaeological value. Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.

The city is two around the world- ancient and modern. Old Delhi is made up of narrow streets and mosques. New City is home to government offices, including the Houses of Parliament, making it a diplomatic and government center. Modern Delhi is a bustling metropolis and the second densely populated city in the country.

India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple are the main attractions of the capital of India, which make Delhi a popular holiday destination for both tourists and the local population.

Bangalore

Bangalore has official name Bangalore is the capital of the state of Karnataka and the third largest city in India. Received the title of capital after the liberation of India from British colonial rule.

Many decades ago, Bangalore was a tiny place, but with the development of information technology, many residents of neighboring cities and villages moved here for permanent residence in search of income and professional prospects. Modern city Bangalore is the most advanced in the telecommunications and software industry.

Compared to other metropolitan areas in India, it boasts cleanliness and abundance of vegetation. No wonder the city was given the name "garden city".

chennai

Chennai is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal on the Coromandel Coast in southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu. The city was originally called Madras. Chennai is often compared to Detroit in the US for its key role in the Indian auto industry. This place is famous for its education system and has the highest literacy rate in India. Chennai is known as the "Gateway to South India" and is rich in rivers, lakes and canals. The city has many modern architectural structures, and ancient temples built in the 7th and 8th centuries.

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is known as the "City of Pearls". Its rapid growth and development is driven by new business opportunities in light industry, information technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

Here are the two largest film studios in the country - Tollywood and Ramoji. The latter is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest film studio in the world.

Hyderabad is also famous for having the world's largest IMAX 3D cinema.

Tourists are attracted by such attractions as the Mecca Masjid, the Triumphal Arch of the East, the magnificent palace complexes of Chaumahallai Phalakunum.

Hydabarad is home to the largest Nehru Zoo in India and South Asia.

Calcutta

Calcutta is the capital of West Bengal and a river port in the Ganges delta. The largest commercial city in eastern India and the center of numerous private and public sector companies. It has a developed infrastructure and is proud of its rich culture. Kolkata is one of the friendliest cities in India. The most famous attraction is the Kali Temple, which is an important sacred site for Hindus.

However, there are a number of environmental problems in the city, many areas are striking in their poverty.

Surat

Surat is a city in the state of Gujarat, considered an important exporter of diamonds in the country and a major city in the textile industry. Surat is also the center of various giant corporations that contribute greatly to the city's economy. The dynamics of its development is one of the fastest growing in the world.

Indian festivals are often held here, distinguished by their brightness and enchantment - the festival of kites, Ganesh Chaturhi, Diwali, Navratri.

Pune

Pune is the cultural capital of the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India and ranks second in the country in terms of quality of life, second only to Hyderabad. The city is located on the east coast of India just a few hours drive from Mumbai.

Pune is a major center of culture and arts, as well as an important economic segment in the field of information technology and the automotive industry. Jawaharlal Nehru once referred to Pune as the "Oxford and Cambridge of India" as the city is considered the country's main educational and scientific center.

Jaipur

Jaipur is located in the state of Rajasthan. It is the center of numerous international companies. Known as " pink city» due to the pink color of the stones used in construction. With such unique architecture, Jaipur is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It is the largest city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan and is part of India's famous Golden Triangle.

The city's main attractions include:

• Jal Mahal is a unique floating palace, 4 floors of which are completely submerged in water, tourists can observe only the upper floors of the building, you can only get here by boat.
• Fort Nahargarh.
• observatory building Jantar Matara.

Cities in Goa

India is known for countless exotic beaches. The state of Goa is the most popular place among tourist destinations, located in the western part of India. It attracts a large number of foreign travelers with its beautiful beaches, picturesque places and historical monuments.

This state has a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese culture. By Indian standards, this is the smallest state, which is divided into southern and northern regions.

Panaji

Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa, its political, educational and cultural center. There are no skyscrapers in Panaji, and old colonial buildings side by side with modern buildings. Despite the status of the capital, the city ranks third in India in terms of population.

There is a wide range of entertainment in Panaji:

• casino on board a small luxury liner;
• bus tour of the night city, including a river cruise on the river;
• evening boat cruise.

On the western side of the city is the Kampal district, which is considered its cultural center. There are dance, theater and musical programms, art exhibitions and show performances.

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama is a port city west coast state of Goa. The city was named after the Portuguese explorer and his former governor, Vasco da Gama, and is better known as Vasco. The city is a key shipping center, more than 30% of the ore is exported from this port. Vasco is the only city in the state that is well connected by road, rail, sea and air to other communities.

Numerous leather, textile and jewelry stores grace the town's market, while a long line of cafes and music shops give it a festive atmosphere.

Mapusa

Mapusa is the main commercial center of North Goa after Panaji. Traditionally, a market opens in Mapusa every Friday. Unlike other tourist-oriented markets, the Mapusa Fair has local color and specializes in the sale of agricultural products.

Margao

Margao is the second largest city in the Indian state of Goa, which is located 33 km from the capital Panaji. It is surrounded by fertile agricultural land.

The city was once a major religious center with dozens of rich temples and magnificent examples of Portuguese churches. Train Station Margao is the largest and most important rail junction in the state. It is located at the intersection of the Konkan railway and the South-West railway, it is called the "Gate of South Goa".

Margao has a quirky charm and fine examples of Portuguese architecture. A favorite destination for tourists traveling to Margao is the nearby Colva Beach.

Modern metropolitan areas and ancient cities India are combined with the elegance and beauty of Indian-Portuguese architecture, ancient monuments and many churches in the colonial style. India is a unique and unique country that has managed to preserve the power and rich heritage of an ancient civilization.

India is an ideal country for both experienced independent travelers and beginners. Here you can find a variety of recreation and experiences. Many begin their acquaintance with India from a 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 the real India? Don't limit yourself to one state, don't be afraid to go beyond tourist areas - that's 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, oriental 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 I face on every trip is how to meet deadlines and see all the fun!

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

Visa and border crossing

It is not difficult for Russians to obtain 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. The electronic one appeared not so long ago and has the 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 care of the entire long and sometimes tedious process of registration. It makes no sense for residents of Moscow or St. Petersburg to turn to intermediaries, because they have visa centers side by side!

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

You can apply for a tourist visa 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 number of entries tourist visas subdivided 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 visa will cost 3800 rubles. To apply for a visa yourself, you need to prepare a number of documents. Compared to the requirements in other countries, such a set of pieces of paper will seem like a trifle.

So, you will need:

• Valid passport (validity, as usual, must be more than 6 months from the date of submission of documents) with two blank pages.
• On the site On the site for applying for Indian visas online, you need to fill out a questionnaire on English language, print it on two pages, put a signature under the photo and at the end of the questionnaire.
• Photo 3.5x4.5 on a white background is pasted on the application form.
• Printed round-trip air tickets.
• Hotel reservation (if you are traveling for a long time, a simple booking with Booking for the first few days of your stay in India will do).
• Copy of civil passport (main page and registration).
• Copy of foreign passport.

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

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

An e-visa is often referred to as a visa on arrival. As I already wrote, it is given only for 30 days from the date of receipt of the stamp at the airport. This option is perfect for those who fly on a last minute trip or just for a short time and do not want to bother with paperwork.

You can fill out an application for an electronic visa. You will also have to upload scans of your documents and photos to the site. 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, e-visa 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 at the border

Even on the plane, caring flight attendants will issue Arrival cards and Declaration Form (migration form and declaration of values) to all passengers. I strongly advise you to fill both directly in the chair and do not waste time on this at the airport. The arrival card is very simple, besides, this year its size was reduced. You must specify your details, flight number, address in India (write the name of your hotel or guesthouse, if none of this is available - any name), visa number. In the declaration form, in addition to general data, you will have to write down all the valuable things that you carry in India. “Valuables” are: illegal drugs, gold, meat, fish, dairy products, poisonous 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 listed items with you, you will have to go through the "red corridor" of customs (the customs control zone into which passengers with luggage subject to declaration enter).

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

How to get there

By plane

If you are flying for a short stay (10-14 days), consider buying a tour package. You can see prices for standard tours 7/11/14 days. It is not necessary to live in a hotel, you can find the cheapest offer, which will be cheaper than just round-trip tickets. When traveling for more long terms look for tickets for regular flights. It is better to plan a trip to India as early as possible. 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 them for six months. If you get on sale, you can find great inexpensive options. It is convenient to "catch" tickets by good prices in search engines or, for example, in the Trevelask section. Most often, travelers fly to the largest cities in India, which can be an excellent start - Delhi or Mumbai, some fly directly to.

Which airlines fly to India?

• Aeroflot. Moscow - Delhi.
• AirIndia. - Delhi.
• Qatar Airways. - Doha - Delhi ().
• Emirates Airlines. Moscow - - Delhi (and many other cities in India).
• Ethihad Airways. - Delhi.
• AirArabia. Moscow - - Delhi.
• Uzbekistan Airwaysand. Moscow (or regions) - - Delhi.
• FlyDubai. 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. Keep track of discounts in April-May.

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

Tourist regions

To see India in all its diversity, you will have to visit several states. Domestic tourism is well developed in the country, Indians love their homeland and culture and learn it with pleasure. 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, palaces of maharajas, national natural parks and much more. The whole country can be divided into northern, western, eastern and southern India. In each of the parts of 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 clothes. In the north of India it may not be much warmer than in Siberia. This part of the country has mountain resorts, Tibetan monasteries, yoga and meditation centers, ancient temples and modern metropolises.

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,. Perfect for the novice traveler. The main, in my opinion, plus of this tour is the proximity of cities, you can travel 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 start your journey from there. The Golden Triangle is a rich, active excursion program that will allow tourists to get acquainted with the culture of India. Impressions from the ancient beauties will last for a long time!

Varanasi

The most mystical and holy city of India is Varanasi. Considered one of ancient cities in the world, also called 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, dying in Varanasi and being 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 ghats - stone steps leading to the water. Here, nightly pujas are performed, there is trade and cremations are held all day long. 10 km from the city is the 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 there is also 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 the majestic Himalayas with their own eyes. The nature of this region is unique. Compared to other hot and dry states, where summer always reigns, you can observe smooth transitions of all seasons here. The best time to visit is from April to October. In Himachal Pradesh, you should definitely go trekking, climb a mountain pass, live in a campsite and raft down a mountain river. There are also temples and palaces, but the main thing is nature. The Russian artist Nicholas Roerich was in love with the Himalayas, by the way, for many years he lived in the town of Naggar, and his grave remained here. In the capital of yoga, Rishikesh, you can take courses or get a teaching certificate, as well as learn meditation or serve in the ashram. The residence of the Dalai Lama is located in Dharamsala. And in the state there are sacred mountain Kailash, the valley of the gods Kullu, the most dangerous mountain road in the world from Le to and much more. Himachal Pradesh will appeal to both crazy thrill-seekers and self-discovery lovers.

Rajasthan

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

Western India

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

Goa

After such a run through the sights, tourists need to warm their bones on popular beaches. For me, as for 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 hippie spirit of freedom, trance parties and affordable drugs. But there are other entertainments here, Goa is for everyone. There are not so many historical or cultural attractions here, but there are beaches for every taste! And also good cheap hotels, delicious food, fun and friendly locals. - this is for lazy people and hedonists.

Maharashtra

The state is located next to Goa, so it is very convenient to combine a beach holiday and a bit of an excursion program - you can get on a budget by bus in 12 hours. If you are tired of lying sideways 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 highlands. Of course, you can't call it real mountains. Throughout the state lies Mountain chain Western Ghats. In colonial times, the British set up settlements here - summer cottages. The most picturesque places are located in Nashik, Matheran, Chikhaldara. And don't forget to visit favorite place for honeymoon Indian newlyweds - Mahableshwar, the largest strawberry plantations in India.

South India

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

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 (of course! There is no cheap alcohol in the public domain, and life dies out after 8 pm). But if you want to see incredibly beautiful nature (Kerala is the greenest state I have seen in India), improve your health or study Ayurveda, practice yoga with real Indian masters - come to Kerala.

Tamil Nadu

The southernmost state of India is fundamentally different from all others. Tamils ​​are proud of their culture and language, most do not know or recognize Hindi. Tourists come here to see the famous temples scattered throughout the state. They are the hallmark of South India - high temple towers, completely consisting of figurines of gods, painted in bright colors. After getting acquainted with the most ancient temples in India and fully immersing yourself in the South Indian flavor, go to little Europe - the union territory of Pondicherry, located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Here you will surely forget that you are traveling in India. The former French colony to this day pleases tourists with a promenade on a long promenade, the freshest coffee, hot croissants, bike rides and colonial architecture.

Karnataka

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

Eastern India

Eastern 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 love colonial architecture, be sure to come to Kolkata. But keep in mind that the old rich architecture creates a strong contrast with modern poverty. Have you seen the movie "The Darjeeling Train"? This mysterious city is just located in West Bengal. If you want to take a break from dusty megacities - welcome to mountain resort. See with your own eyes how the famous tea is grown.

Top cities

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

• . look at the red double-decker buses in India, Victoria Station, English architecture, stroll along one of the most beautiful embankments of Marina Drive and drink beer in the famous Leopold Cafe (very expensive beer for India).

• . See the rite of cremation with your own eyes, walk along the centuries-old ghats, ride a boat along the sacred Ganges. And here you can also learn (or try) Sanskrit or play some Indian pipe.

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

• . Take a look at the Indian contrast between luxury and poverty in one of the largest cities in the country. Take a ride on a tram - they are not found anywhere in India, except for Calcutta, or on a more traditional transport for the city - a cycle rickshaw. To see communist India is to walk along the streets of Lenin, Ho Chi Minh, Karl Marx.

• Pondicherry. Here you should definitely eat soft French rolls, wash them down with the best 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 an opportunity to rent private apartments - more details.

Islands

India owns 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 - from October to May. There are nature reserves on the islands, this is a closed zone, so tourists need to obtain a permit (permit) to enter. The capital and largest city is Port Blair. This is where you can get your entry permit. It is issued for 30 days, if you do not have a return ticket, then only for 15. If you get to Andaman by sea, take care of obtaining a permit in advance - at the office in Chennai or Calcutta.
get to paradise islands very simple - there is an airport in Port Blair that receives flights from Calcutta and Chennai. If you plan to travel from, then it will be cheapest and easiest to change in Chennai (it can be reached 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 journey can take several days.

Ferries of different comfort levels run between the islands. From entertainment - diving, snorkeling, visiting museums, there are several historical sights. Housing on the islands is quite expensive and not very comfortable. There are also problems with transport and the Internet. Holidays on 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 island.

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 only on 3 - Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram. To visit the islands, you also need a permit, which can only be obtained in advance when issuing an Indian visa, by entering the islands into it.
You can get there by air and water. In both cases, you will have to go to Kochi, a city in Kerala. Planes fly from here and ships go to Agatti Island. Plane tickets cost less than $100 one way. By sea, you can get there in about 20 hours, however, the flight schedule changes all the time depending on weather conditions. Information is presented on

The main entertainments are 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, because apart from a few hotels and a couple of diving centers, there is nothing here. 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 to the most chosen ones. But I will try.

1. . A tiny village in the state of 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 great empire. There are also several very revered active Hindu temples. One of them, the Temple of the Monkeys, is located on high mountain, almost 600 steps lead to it. In the center of the village itself, on the square, there is Virupaksha Temple, its huge gopura (the main tower of the temple, it is also the gate) of 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 the 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. Don't miss the chance to live in a real fort!
   
3. Chand Baori. Scattered throughout India are real architectural marvels - step 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 arid climates, and today they are a favorite place for travel photographers.
   
4. Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is located in Amritsar and is the main temple for the Sikhs. It is visited daily by thousands of pilgrims. The temple stands in the center of a large reservoir, you can go to it by long bridge. Sikhism is a very interesting religion, their temples are unlike any other. Once in the territory of Harmandir Sahib, you feel peace and bliss, despite large cluster people around. The energy of this place is very strong.
   
5. Meenakshi Temple. The temple is located in Madurai, 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 multi-colored sculptures. Tamil temples are the brightest and most colorful in India.
   
6. Galta Gee. 3 km from Jaipur is the pilgrimage center of Galta Ji, on the territory of which stands the Monkey Temple. At the top of the peak of Galta, a small Temple of the Sun was built, which is visible from almost anywhere in Jaipur. Be sure to visit these sights 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 impresses with its size and inner richness. On weekends and holidays, the illumination of 96,000 light bulbs is turned on in the evening.
   
8. Temples of Khajuraho. famous temples The Kama Sutras are located in a small village in Madhya Pradesh. About 20 monuments have survived to this day. The walls of these majestic structures are decorated not only with sculptures depicting lovers in intricate poses. The artists told about the life of gods, rulers, mythical animals and much more. But Khajuraho became famous precisely because of the images of love pleasures.
   
9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Station. The huge operating station (formerly named after Queen Victoria) is located in. From the outside, the building is striking in its scope - the station is made in an elaborate Victorian style with neo-Gothic elements. And inside - this is an ordinary Indian station with a crowd of thousands.
   
10. Adam bridge. It is the Rama Bridge, located in Rameshwaram, its origin is shrouded in legends. It is a string of shoals and coral islands between India and Sri Lanka with a length of 48 km. Until the 15th century, the bridge was 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 is just amazing. beautiful place, the real "end 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 state. Three main climatic seasons can be distinguished, which in one way or another manifest themselves 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 located in the subequatorial belt, the weather depends on tropical monsoons. The 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 area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe main resorts: and Kerala. The coldest and driest period here lasts from December to February. The temperature during the day averages 25-27 degrees, and at night it drops to 18-20. This time is considered the peak tourist season. Cool nights, warm days, relatively calm sea. From March, the heat begins to rise and reaches its peak in May, the temperature rises to 33 degrees, it becomes stuffy both day and night. The wind is picking up, high waves are rising on the sea, it is starting to rain. In June, the monsoon sets in, clouds cover the sky, it rains more and more often, they will last until September.

On the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the east of the country, the monsoons are not so pronounced. The contrast between day and night temperatures 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. Rain is incredible. In May, the heat rises to 35 degrees and is much more difficult to bear than on the west coast, as the humidity rises to 80%. July is the rainiest month.
In northern India, the climate is more temperate. The coldest period is December-February. The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees. At night and in some areas during the day it can drop below zero. If you are going to fly to or to the north at this time, be sure to take 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 is on average only about 45%. The rains start in July and continue until September.

Officially, the season in tourist places in India begins in October, at which time it is comfortable to travel within the country or relax on the beach. The peak season is from December to February. Starting from March, tourists smoothly move from the south of the country to the north, where the real spring comes. You can comfortably stay in the mountainous regions 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 quite well developed both between cities and within them. The only thing that is required of the traveler is to forget the word "comfortable" and remember that he is in India!

between cities

The main advantage of traveling in India is the 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 on the road.
• Bus: $8.8 (600 rupees), 12 hours on the road.
• Plane: $23.7 (1600 rupees), 1.5 hours on the way.

Inside the city

You can move around the city not only by taxi. We continue to plunge into Indian life.

Car for rent

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 for rent is an excellent way out, suitable for a large company, providing comfort and safety. Definitely yes. In any other country but not in India. Here are a few reasons why renting a car is inconvenient and difficult:

• If you plan to travel by car from point A to point B, then you intend to pick up and drop off the vehicle at different places. It will not be easy to plan a route. For example, the most common option is to travel from Delhi to: it is easy to find a car for rent at a large rental office in the capital, but most likely there will be no return point.
• Most car rental companies are private and small. Don't expect from them good service. The machine may be in poor technical 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 here than bikes. And this is understandable - the roads are narrow, crowded, there are no parking spaces. On Indian roads, not only cars and bikes are equal participants in the movement, but also pedestrians, cows, rickshaws, carts ... The larger the city, the more crazy the traffic in it.
• When traveling to different states, problems with the police can arise. Numbers from another state are immediately evident - you will be stopped more often, and if international law If you don’t, then you will have to pay a fine at each post.

When renting a vehicle 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 the original! You should also not leave money as a deposit. If there is any damage on 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 a two-wheeled transport. It is cheaper, more maneuverable and more practical. If you get into an accident on a bike, it will be much cheaper to fix it than a car. From myself, I can advise you to take a car for a trip to one state (maximum - with a stop in neighboring states). For example, take a car to and go along the beaches, drive to a waterfall or to. At daily rent you can rent a car from $15 (1000 rupees) per day. You can get acquainted with the offers of car rentals.

Connection

Language and communication

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

10 phrases in Hindi

There is no need to specifically learn Hindi before traveling to India: it is used in the north of the country and is completely useless in the south. Memorize 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 when buying.

• Hello! (Goodbye!) = Namaskar! (Namaste!)
• My name is... = Measure us... hai.
• What is your name? = Apka kya nam hai?
• Help me please. = Kripaya, mujhe madad dijiye.
• How to get to... = ... So kaise fragrant ja sakta hai?
• How much is it? And then? = Is (us) vale ka bhav kya hai?
• Very (too) expensive. = Bara mahaga hai.
• Give up the price. =- Bhav kuch kam kijiye.
• Thank you very much for everything! = Sub kuch ke lie dhanyavad!
• Excuse me = mafi magta hu.

Features of the mentality

Many who have visited India agree on the same opinion about the local population - Indians are like children. Naive, kind, open, cheerful, noisy... it's all about them. What features do Indians have that strike foreigners the most?

Food and drink

Indian cuisine is mostly vegetarian and very spicy. Fish and seafood in abundance can only be found in large seaside 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 varied and rich that you don’t have to miss cutlets.

Spices play a huge role here. Finding a non-spicy and spicy dish is very difficult. You can repeat to the waiter like a “know spicy” spell, but the chances that they will bring something completely without spices are extremely small. The way out is to study the main dishes in advance and choose the least spicy ones for yourself, 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 at the food court, you can easily find cafes familiar to our stomach. But for lovers of everything authentic, I strongly recommend eating in local restaurants and on the street. Yes Yes! You don't die from street food! It's very cheap and really tasty. In an unsightly cafe with dirty furniture, a crowd of grimy hard workers sits and greedily gobbles up something? Get there immediately! The local population eats rice, tortillas, vegetable and bean sauces. All local fast food is deep fried. You can eat anywhere. From morning until late at night, small teahouses are open, serving the famous masala chai. You can also taste local dishes there. You can have a bite to eat on the street 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. In the north, non-vegetarian dishes predominate, 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! The main ingredients of Indian cuisine: rice, legumes, vegetables, dairy products.

The drinks

• Bottled water is sold everywhere and costs $0.3 (20 rupees) per litre. Local cafes will put a pitcher of filtered water in front of you for free. There is also soda water - Soda, it is drunk with lemon, sugar or salt. Worth a penny.

• The best milk drink is lassi. Served in any cafe and sold in bags in stores. It happens sweet, salty and with the addition of any fruit. A simple sweet lassi is most reminiscent of our snowball drink. Be sure to try it in all forms, I especially recommend it with mango.
• Masala tea. The 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).

• Freshly squeezed juices. Shek by the sea can be very expensive (up to $ 3 (200 rupees). Look for specialized juice centers (there are in any major cities or tourist areas). Prices for a glass are from $ 0.4 (30 rupees). You will get fresh thick juice from any exotic fruit.
• Cane juice. Along the roads, you can see cars with bells that pass cane stalks through a press. The resulting juice is mixed with lemon and sold for $0.2 (10 rupees) per glass. Fresh and pleasant drink.

5 dishes worth trying

shopping

In India, you can buy everything you need, however, it’s not worth going there specifically for shopping (as, for example, in or). The benefit depends only on the dollar exchange rate. If you want to buy branded clothes or appliances in India, you can check the prices in the online store in advance. All major cities have shopping malls with popular European and Indian brands. Street markets sell locally produced goods at cheap prices.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

The main rule of Indian shopping is bargaining, bargaining and bargaining again. Bargaining is possible 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, walk away and think a little about how much you need the product. In 90% of cases, the merchant will catch up with you and agree to give the item cheaper.

Most often, cheap consumer goods are sold on the street. Feel free to offer a low price for it. Do not take a lot of things on a trip, everything you need can be bought on the spot. It is not a pity to attribute such things to one season and safely throw them away, knowing that you 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). These clothes are great for hot climates. In the northern regions, warm woolen items are sold: sweaters, jackets, hats, socks. All this is also inexpensive.

If you need branded items, go to the malls. During the season, prices do not differ from Russian ones, you can break away at sales. Discounts are held at the same time as ours - at the end of December and in June-July.

The best cities for shopping

If you're after a traditional shopping spree with hours-long mall walks and lunch breaks at McDonald's, you'll love cities like Delhi. Well, if you are a hunter for rare goods, then study the map of India - in each of its regions you can find something special. In the state of Himachal Pradesh in the Kullu Valley, small weaving factories 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 from $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 silver jewelry: massive necklaces, bracelets, rings with natural stones. Singing bowls for meditation, incense, various antiques and Tibetan yak wool blankets are popular with tourists.

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

Have something to add?

What associations do you have when you mention a country like India? Surely these are some mystical images, symbols that excite the minds and imagination. By visiting the major cities of India, you will definitely get something more than just good memories and impressions. After all, here even the most ordinary things are perceived in a new way, to say nothing of the exotic. No one can resist her charms.

India

This is a state of South Asia, consisting of 28 states, each of which reigns its own national characteristics. The seven union territories of India are under central subordination. The country is located within three strikingly beautiful geographical areas: the Indo-Gangetic plains, the Himalayan mountains and the Hindustan peninsula. The local climate is comfortable at any time of the year, depending on the purpose of the trip, so they are popular all year round. So, let's take a closer look at the large and truly ancient cities of India.

New Delhi is the capital

It is here that all the main government agencies of the country are located. In 1991, the population of New Delhi was 294,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two parts: Old and New. Old Delhi in ancient times was the capital of the Indian Muslim state, so there are many old forts, monuments, mosques. New Delhi is riddled with long shady boulevards - the real one. This place is the tomb of many empires and the birthplace of the republic, so every visitor feels in the air an incomprehensible and bewitching mixture of new and old.

Agra

Many cities in India were previously the residences of various empires. Agra, for example, was the capital of Agra Fort was repeatedly mentioned in literary works, captured on feature films. It was in this city that the monument to "immortal love" - ​​the Taj Mahal - found its place. This white marble tomb, which looks the same as it did 2.5 centuries ago, is the tourist emblem of India and the most extravagant monument of human love. was erected by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife, who died in 1631 during the birth of her 14th child.

Jaipur

Considering all the cities in India, this one stands out for its pink hue. Most of the buildings of the old part of Jaipur, on the orders of Maharaja Ram Singh, were painted in pink color symbolizing hospitality. This was done to meet the Prince of Wales. Among the countless attractions of this city of India, one can especially highlight the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort.

Mumbai or Bombay

It is the largest metropolis in the country. If we consider all the seaside cities of India, then Mumbai is the youngest of them. About 15 million people live here. Basic tourist area The city is called Colaba. Life in this place is in full swing: countless hotels, restaurants and shops. Bombay is the capital of Indian cinema, commercial and at the same time Finance center countries. Arriving here, be sure to see the Gateway of India, the Marine Drive embankment and the most beautiful station in Asia - Victoria. Magic trip!

Until the middle of the 20th century, India was considered a country with a low level of urbanization. Most of its citizens were rural dwellers. A few cities, such as Allahabad, Varanasi, Delhi, Patna, were the focus of an ancient culture that arose at the dawn of civilization. In the 1980s, the country experienced an urban boom. Large cities have sharply stepped over the million mark. New urban agglomerations have also emerged. What are the largest cities in India by area or population? We will consider a list of such subjects in this article. Now let's just say that in terms of the number of citizens, India ranks second in the world. It is second only to China in this indicator.

Growth dynamics of the level of urbanization

At the very beginning of the 20th century, even 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 of them. But it is not because of the number of cities that India "breathes down the back of the head" to China. The urban settlements themselves are swelling by leaps and bounds. Two-thirds of the total population of the country lives in large agglomerations. But back in 1901, only 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 ten years later - twenty-three. The country met the beginning of this century with 34 huge metropolitan areas, 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 will consider the top 5 largest metropolitan areas in the country.

Largest cities in India by population

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

Mumbai is the most populated city in India

First, seven islands in the Arabian Sea were captured by the Portuguese. This happened in 1534. But already in 1660 they were included in the dowry of the Portuguese princess, who married the British king Charles II. The British contributed in every possible way to the growth of the city. All the islands were connected by earthen dams to each other and to the mainland. The historical part of Mumbai is located in the south. There is an ancient fort and the famous "Gate of India" built in the Indo-Muslim style. The administrative quarters are located at Malabar Hill. southern islands on appearance reminiscent of a European metropolis. In the north, the traveler will find slums, narrow streets and a minimum of infrastructure. The mainland and the port part is occupied by industrial enterprises. Together with the surrounding area, the agglomeration is inhabited by about twenty million people. 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 with a tangled labyrinth of old streets. It so happened that the large cities of India consist of two halves that are clearly different from each other. 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 itself was destined for him to lead the independent Republic of India. Although in 1911 the population of Delhi, together with the suburbs, was only 214 thousand people. Now the agglomeration has about fifteen million. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) is a chaotic development with shops, handicraft workshops, bazaars, Hindu temples and mosques. The main street of this part of the city is Chandi Chowk (Silver). At one end it rests on the famous Lal Qila (Red Fort). New Delhi was built south of Old Delhi in 1911 by Edwin Lutyens. It was conceived and implemented as a "garden city". Avenues of a radial-ring layout radiate from Kannaut Square. Rashtra Pati Bhavan is located in New Delhi.

Kolkata

A more familiar name for a European for this Indian city is Calcutta. The metropolis is located in the Ganges delta, at the confluence of the Hooghly. The city was formed in 1690 on the site of three villages by an employee of the British East India Company, Job Charnock. Calcutta experienced rapid growth from 1773 to 1911. Then it was the capital of the colony of British India. When Bangladesh came into being in 1947, the industry, previously closely associated with East Bengal, began to wind down. And with the transfer of the capital to Delhi, the growth of Calcutta slowed down altogether. However, it still holds the position of India's second industrial city. Here, too, the contrasts in the standard of living of the population are most noticeable. More than half a million people have no roof over their heads.

chennai

Until recently, the name of this major 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 stretched along the Bay of Bengal for twenty kilometers. local beach Marina 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 huddle in entire 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. Cars, bicycles, wagons are produced here.

Hyderabad and Bangalore

These major cities in India are not similar to each other. 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. Rumor has it that even their clothes were woven from gold threads and studded with pearls. Hyderabad is the recognized center of Islamic culture in the country. Bangalore is the complete opposite. It was electrified earlier than other big cities in India. And now it houses the centers of science-intensive companies. Because of this, Bangalore got its second name - the Silicon Valley of India. A large flow of tourists traditionally rushes to this city, which is why it is also called the capital of pubs.

While the Taj Mahal shines with majestic marble brilliance, the Meenakshi Amman temple is full of bright colors. It is located in the South East Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the city of Madurai, which is considered one of the oldest continuously settlements 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. Whole temple complex guarded by towers known as gopuras. The tallest of these is the south tower, which was erected in 1559 and is over 170 feet high. And they consider it the oldest east tower, founded in 1216, that is, it was built several centuries before Columbus went to discover distant lands.

Jantar Mantar

Photo: Guy Incognito on Flickr

The remarkable complex of buildings is similar to the scenery for a planet far from Earth from a sci-fi blockbuster. But in fact, these are tools developed and used in Jaipur to monitor celestial bodies. They were built by order of the Maharaja in the first decades of the 18th century and are still in use today.

Photo: McKay Savage on Flickr

Photo: Philip Cope on Flickr

Jai Singh II was born in 1688 and became Maharaja at the age of eleven, 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 on his thirtieth birthday, the ruler built Jantar-Mantar.

Kumbhalgarh - Great Indian Wall

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

Photo: Lamentables on Flickr

Photo: Beth on Flickr

The wall stretches for 36 kilometers. In many images, you can mistake it for the Great Wall of China. However, there were many centuries and cultural differences between them. Work on the creation of Kumbhalgarh did not begin until 1443 - just fifty years before Columbus sailed on Atlantic Ocean to make amazing discoveries on its other side.

Temple of Karni Mata

Photo: alschim on Flickr

From the outside, the Hindu temple of Karni Mata, located in the small town of Deshnok in the Indian province of Rajasthan, looks just like any other. But the beautifully and exquisitely decorated shrine, with a constant stream of worshipers, holds 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 take special care of 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 traverse 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 ground and everything became one 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 dwellings from other people.

Leh Palace

Photo: watchsmart on Flickr

In the early years of the seventeenth century, the King of the Kingdom of Ladakh, Senge Namgyal, ordered the construction of this huge palace. It is located on the top of the Himalayas in the city of Leh, currently the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The building served as the home of a dynasty of rulers until they were overthrown and expelled in 1834. Since then, the lofty Lekh Palace has been abandoned. Nevertheless, it rises majestically in this region of India, which is often called Little Tibet.

Photo: teseum on Flickr

Photo: Matt Werner on Flickr

Supposedly it was modeled after 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. The lower floors housed servants, storage rooms and stables.

Living bridges of Meghalaya

Photo: Ashwin Mudigonda on Flickr

Our understanding of India, with its population of more than a billion people, is often limited by statistics. However, there are places in this subcontinent that still remain virtually inaccessible. The state of Meghalaya in the northeast of the country is replete with subtropical forests. To get around in this area, the locals resorted to an ingenious form of natural engineering - living root bridges.

Photo: Rajkumar1220 on Flickr

Photo: ARshiya Bose on Flickr

With every rain, fording across the rivers becomes very dangerous, and this is one of the most wet places on the planet. Steady rainfall combined with rugged terrain, steep slopes and dense deciduous forests turn many areas of Meghalaya into an impenetrable jungle. But the inventive 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. Over the course of hundreds of years, thirty-one monuments were carved out of the rocks. Around 1000 AD, the monks gradually abandoned the cave complex and it fell into disrepair. The overgrown dense jungle hid the caves from human eyes.

Photo: Franekn on Flickr