One of the most exiting tourist destinations in the world is India. Situated in the perfect climatic zone, the country offers such diversity that no other country of the world can offer. The country has three major geographical features that make it an ideal country for habitation and travel. The great Himalayas of the north protect the country from the chilling winds of China. They also offer spectacular scenic places and one of the most challenging adventures outback. The great plains of central mainland is fed by some of world’s most prominent rivers. The Ganges runs across the country providing food to almost the whole country, as well as offering challenge to the rafters for white water excitement. Then there is the Deccan plateau of the South and the Indian Ocean. They complete the topographic scene of India.

Historically India is perhaps the richest country in the world. It was home to the oldest civilization of the world the Indus Valley. The civilization dates back to almost 3000 BC. India has given birth to two of the worlds biggest religions. Every now and then the scientist and anthropologists discovers new evidences, which fortify India’s claim of being culturally most advanced in the ancient times.

The Taj Mahal is the embodiment of love built by the great Mughal ruler Shahjahan for his departed wife Mumtazmahal. It has found its place in the seven wonders of the modern world. India has many historical monuments aptly notified as world heritage sites. The country has a diverse culture and it is evident by the fact that the monuments of hinds and Muslims are in equal numbers.

The political scene of the country is controlled by the capital city of the country – Delhi. It has been a historic city, home to the red fort, which is the embodiment of the Moughal rule in India. Delhi is also famous for its bazaars and monuments. It is a must visit to the tourists as the embassies and high commissions are situated here. To day delhi is the hub of urbanization. From the multinational s to the domestic giants of the world all have their headquarters in Delhi. It is also highly urbanized and it homes many universities for higher education. The city is well connected to the whole country through rails and air and the domestic transportation is also very smooth as there is a well-laid network of metro trains.

If Delhi is the political capital then Bombay can be easily termed as the business capital of the country. The city is a mixture of various religions and nationalities. The life of Bombay, now called as Mumbai, is very fast and the schedules are always full. It has the most prized possession of the country the Bollywood (the Indian film industry). It also has the Wall Street’s Indian counter part the Dalal Street. It is the witness to the countries economic ups and downs.

India is definitely a place worth visiting and the best time to come to India is in the months of September to April when the country is booming with all kinds of activities and festivities. The colors of the country are surely goanna take you over.

Mansi aggarwal writes about. Traveling to India Learn more at http://www.indiatraveltips.com

Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb surpasses the famed burial sites of Egypt in many ways. Do you know about a pharaoh who has a pyramid with over 8,000 warriors standing guard over his riches? Even though made of baked clay, the terracotta warriors of Xi’an continue to inspire awe over 2,000 years later.

Xi’an, located in Shan’Xi Province and famous as the starting point of the Silk Road, the trading route used by travelers from many parts of the world for centuries, was the provincial capital for over 1,000 years. But today, most come for the view of the emperor’s tomb and its contents.

The construction project spanned 35 years and employed hundreds of thousands of workers, many of whose remains are entombed there as well. Completed around 210 BC at the death of the emperor and discovered accidentally in 1974 by local fishermen digging a well, the tomb in Xi’an is now one of the world’s foremost archaeological sites. Not ancient compared to the pyramids of Egypt, Xi’an, thanks to the tomb, has now grown to one of the premier tourist destinations in China.

Sometimes known as Qin’s Army, the material for the six-foot statues was dug from the surrounding hills. Six feet may not seem tall, but to an individual in China 2,000 years ago, they would have been intimidatingly large.

Three separate areas were found. Some terracotta warriors are astride horses, others ride chariots and many stand aligned in rows. The smaller pit measures 64,500 square feet and contains 1,400 features. But the larger area is truly immense with 6,000 terracotta warriors covering over 172,000 square feet. The third area holds the officer ranks with a chariot drawn by four enormous horses. A fourth area devoid of figures has also been found.

If you thought these statues were all duplicates, you’re wrong. Figures vary in appearance, uniform and height, and carry real weapons of the period. Though now largely worn off, they were painted with colorful lacquer both to individualize and to preserve.

Beyond the warriors, and the horses on which many of them sat, pearls and gems studded the ceiling as a recreation of heaven. Even a 76m/250 ft -high earthen pyramid is nearby. Hallways, offices and other architectural features have been excavated, forming a site that was clearly much more than a tomb.

Like most ancient burial grounds, the area has been subject to fire, looting and the decay of centuries. But thanks in large part to restoration efforts, the tomb can be seen much as it must have been at the time. Minus the jewels, sad to say.

No visit to China is complete without a day spent exploring this magnificent archaeological site.

This article is brought to you by John Riley, a regular China visitor. If you’re looking for more China travel tips feel free to visit John’s website at celestial-china.com.

“Sujalang Sufalang Malayaja Sheetalang Shashyashyamalang Mataram, Bande Mataram.”

The magical surroundings of our dear motherland India, consisting of the glorious seas and Bays, the desolate deserts, the opulent palaces and marvelous “havelis”, the surreal mountains and lakes, is a splendid legendary land with exuberant folk-culture, rich artistry and spectacular festivities adored and admired by the entire globe.

The wanderlust of the Bengalis is phenomenal in nature and speaks volumes of the quest of the eternal Bengali soul for romance, chivalry, and adventure as well as for exploring Mother Nature’s marvels and the history and cultural heritage of the diverse parts of the globe. Always teeming with vibrancy, joy and friendliness, we form a very significant part of the globetrotting generation, always ready to soar greater heights and touch the glory of the world.

Our good old Bengal, does, by no means, lag behind in the tourism industry of India. With its enchanting natural beauty, its magnificence of cultural expressions and multi-hued festivities that together work towards blending the marvels of modernity and the rich harvests of tradition, Bengal, along with the entire eastern zone of India is an exquisite destination that tourists all over India will cherish for a lifetime.

Shantiniketan:
In the proverbial “red soil” and sublime ambience of Bolpur, Birbhum District of West Bengal, stands the historic Shantiniketan, Gurudev Tagore’s heavenly abode of peace, an immensely rich and culturally stimulating experience for every tourist who would like to bask in the glory and essence of Bengal’s creativity and intellectualism.

Places of Tourist attention:

Kalabhavan: The Kalabhavan is the nucleus and cultural essence of Tagore’s Shantiniketan. Founded by the fertile hands of this great soul of Bengal, Kalabhavan is a unique institution where traditional art and culture is taught, preached, exhibited and worshipped to the whole of the world.

Exhibits: Murals and frescos of Binod Behari Mukherjee, Somnath Hore’s Sculptures and lots of others.

Khoyai-Deer Park- the most exotic forest area of the Shantiniketan, the Khoyai Deer Park is every tourist’s delight, with its lush green surroundings and adorable species of deer roaming around with pristine innocence.

Sriniketan: a world-renowned haven of leather and handicraft specialties including “Batik” art that evolved from that particular historical place.

In Bhuvandanga, just adjacent to the much-hyped Shriniketan, another very historically stimulating experience is awaiting to be unfolded by you. It is here that you will get to see the prodigious banyan Tree where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore used to meditate and philosophize-the legendary lush green surroundings is named “Chhatimtala.”

Upasana Kakshya: The famous alter of worship that the eternal pride of every Bengali soul Rabindranath Tagore used to reside upon early at dawn at the time of his prayers to the almighty along with all inhabitants of the Ashram of Shantiniketan.
Amrakunja: The surreal vicinity of the heavenly orchards of “Amrakunja”—a very famous tourist attraction for the loners and lovers throughout the world.

Kalor Dokan: It is a typical food-hub running very successfully straight from the times of Tagore as an Asramite.Comprising of several Bengali delicacies, “Kalor dokan”, as it is known by (it is proverbial for the typical Bengali fruit “Kalo Jam”), carries the spiritual remnants of Tagore and his times.

The festivities of Shantiniketan:

Poush Mela: The Poush Mela, held amidst the freezing winter of December, is a notable amalgamation of the diverse cultural sects of Bengal. It is this festival that incorporates all the”Bauls”(nomadic singers famous for their bohemianism and philosophical chantings) from numerous parts of the state.

Nandan Mela: Art and sculpture fest celebrated every year immediately after the Poush Mela.It is a gala celebration time for art-lovers from every part of India as well as abroad when legendary as well as contemporary artists and sculptors of India come together under one single platform and showcase their creations to the national and international tourists.

Basanta Utsav:

The lovely springs charm the minds of the students of Viswa Bharati University, Shantiniketan, when they cherish the vibrant “Dol Utsav” or “BasantaUtsav”, as it is popularly known in Shantiniketan, amidst colours, gaiety, frolic, and, not to forget, its enchanting music. Tourists from all over the globe come to witness that spectacular festivity of spring called Basanta Utsav that has now been a trademark of Shantiniketan and its cultural legacy.

Pochishe Baishakh:

The spectacular birth-anniversary of Gurudev or “Robi Thakur”, as he is popularly known in Shantiniketan, is celebrated with remarkable pomp and grandeur in Shantiniketan. Artists, poets, writers, art-connoisseurs and intellectuals from the whole of Bengal assemble in Biswa Bharati to commemorate the auspicious occasion of the birth of the holy poet, writer and philosopher of the globe. With its music, melody, and cultural ambience-Pochishe Basisakh (the 25th date of the first month of the Bengali Calendar) is a rare carnival that the people of the entire Bengal boast of as a rich cultural and spiritual experience.

Baishey Shravan:

The death-anniversary of Tagore, Viswa-Bharati’s spiritual father, like his birth-anniversary, is celebrated remarkably in the whole of Shantiniketan, though it is observed in apparently somber tones.

With flowers, bouquettes and music, the Ashramites pay their soulful tribute to the deceased soul of their dear Gurudev and pray to the Almighty so that his soul rests in peace forever in the Divine Abode.

Lopa Bhattacharya is a content writer/developer working for various overseas corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials). Has worked on numerous SEO copywriting projects on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for the news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.