National Tourist Information India

National Tourism Organisation

Traveladvisor in India: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.

Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.

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Central India

For a vacation you’ll never forget, head to the heart of India. Central India is a paradise of culture and natural beauty. Travel to the capital of Mumbai and immerse yourself in the bustle of urban India. Admire historic architecture and wander through the colorful street markets. Visit dozens of fascinating museums in Pune and learn about India’s incredible past. See the famous Marble Rocks in the Narmada River Valley and marvel at nature in all its glory and explore ancient temples and holy sites in Nagpur.

India is a vast country with tons of amazing destinations, and Central India in particular has a wealth of lovely cities. You can’t book a Central India vacation without visiting the capital of Mumbai. Formerly Bombay, Mumbai has a rich history and a lively atmosphere, with a number of historic landmarks and museums. Pune is the cultural capital of India, so you’ll find plenty of museums and galleries to enjoy. Located near the Narmada River Valley, Jabalpur is a great destination for nature lovers, and Nagpur is the best place to see both gorgeous lakes and awe-inspiring religious temples.

Central India has something to appeal to every traveler. As a cultural center of India, the region is home to a number of cities and historic landmarks. A Central India vacation simply wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the capital of Mumbai. Once the colonial city of Bombay, Mumbai has everything from government offices to open air markets, making it a very vibrant destination. Be sure to stop by Fort St. George, where you’ll see fabulous Gothic revival architecture. The Gateway of India is also a popular site; this enormous monument was built during British rule of India, and it has often been compared to the Taj Mahal.

Pune is known for its vast variety of museums, come visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, where you’ll see Indian art at its finest, then head to the Darshan Museum, where you can see an incredible light and sound show with holographic images. There is a museum for everyone to enjoy. In Nagpur, you can see a number of temples and learn about religions in India. These majestic structures were built to honor gods and holy figures, and now travelers come from throughout the world to marvel at the spectacular architecture. A Central India vacation is an ideal time to discover Indian culture and history.

Central India is also known for its natural beauty. Perhaps the most famous of its natural wonders are the Marble Rocks in the Narmada River Valley near Jabalpur. The Marble Rocks form a magnificent waterfall in the holy river that people flock from all over the world to see. Jabalpur is also near Kanha Kisli National Park, where adventurous travelers can see tigers firsthand. The Nagpur area also has a number of picturesque lakes and rivers. Head to the Khindsi Lake to take in the view or try out water sports. Even the urban center of Mumbai has a number of parks where you can take a break from the bustle of the city streets to relax during your Central India vacation.

Northern India

Journey to the beautiful world of Northern India and find adventure around every turn. Northern India contains the lush green beauty of the Indus-Gangetic Plain up until it meets the majestic peaks of the Himalayas. This diverse region has plenty to see both natural and historic, including significant sights for the Hindu and Buddhist religions. On your vacation, marvel at the monuments of old and take in the might of modern India. Hike through the wide variety of natural sights, from the Mahabharat Mountain Range to the Bhimbetka Caves. From the mountains to the monuments to the cities, there is something for everyone in Northern India.

Choosing where to stay on your Northern India vacation is also a choice about the path your vacation will take. Staying the modern city of New Delhi brings with it a journey into the culture of modern India, from its restaurants to its architecture to its iconic government buildings. If you are looking to experience some of the great historical sights the region has to offer, Agra is the city for you. Agra has been around for more than 3000 years and is home to the world famous Taj Mahal. Should you stay in Darjeeling, expect plenty of scenic wonder as this Northern Indian city sits at the foot of the beautiful Himalayas.

Take a wander through history on your visit to Northern India. The region has plenty to see, from the well-known sight of the Taj Mahal to historic relics left over from empires past. Head to the beautiful city of Agra to find Agra Fort, which was built by the Mugals during their occupation of the region. This heavily detailed historic structure has stood tall in Agra for more than a thousand years.

Head over to the city of Jodhpur to see great architectural wonders like the Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest in India, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace which features a museum to learn more about the history of the royal family. There are so many ways to connect with the past on your vacation to Northern India.

Explore nature in all of its forms while in Northern India. Visit the beautiful Pink City of India, [Jaipur](/hotels/india/northern-india_, and check out the amazing Jantar Mantar. This observatory has been around since the 18th century to gaze at the majesty of the stars. Head over to Darjeeling and see the Himalayan Mountain Range and even take the historical Darjeeling Himalayan Railway on a loop through the city and mountains. There are opportunities everywhere to take in the natural beauty of India on your vacation.

Get a feel for Indian culture when you make your way to New Delhi and explore the government center of the country. The city is full of beautiful architecture from the Lotus Temple to the India Gate. Learn about the Sikh religion when you visit the city of Amritsar and see the Golden Temple. The city is known for its great cuisine so while you visit make sure to try the local flavors. Wherever you vacation to Northern India you will find history, culture, and adventure waiting.

Southern India

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing nations and one of the oldest civilizations, making a visit to Southern India the perfect blend of ancient and modern. The region is a melting pot of cultures, religions, ideas, and communities, in one of the most colorful countries around. Make sure to keep your camera handy in the midst of India’s stunning natural beauty, with verdant forests, tiger reserves, bird sanctuaries, and other picturesque environments just outside urban areas. Great cities house ancient temples, modern restaurants and nightclubs, museums, and more, attracting millions of visitors each year. There’s never a boring moment on Southern India vacations; book yours today for great deals.

Southern India is home to millions of people, and its cities are full of an incredible variety of life. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala, is a modern center mixed with green spaces, beaches, and palaces to suite all vacationers. Bangalore, capital of Karnataka, is one of the nation’s biggest cities and is known as the ‘Garden City of India’ due to its many beautiful public parks. Cochin, the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea,’ is a multicultural major port city with tons of places to shop. From Chennai to Pondicherry to Hyderabad, there is plenty to explore on your Southern India vacation.

Southern India’s incredible diversity starts with its natural environments. Everything from tropical forests to scrub lands is found in the region which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Many protected areas have been founded to preserve some of the stunning species that call the Southern India home. Periyar National Park is a reserve for both elephants and tigers. Located just 75 miles from Cochin, the park makes for a great day trip. Day cruises and hiking are just two of the activities, all with breathtaking views of plant and animal life.

No visit to India would be complete without touring some of the region’s incredible temples. Southern India is full of their monumental architecture, rich symbology, and cultural power. The Jambukeswarar Temple, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, was built nearly 2,000 years ago. The massive temple district is enclosed by a wall that stretches out nearly a mile and also contains a hall with nearly 800 pillars, an incredible accomplishment for such ancient architecture. Giant towers and beautiful shrines to various gods are a stunning example of a distinctly Eastern religious tradition.

Southern Indian culture is a combination of ancient traditions from all over the nation. Cuisine is highly flavorful, with curry and rice a staple, along with heavy use of coconut. Music is highly rhythmic, and is often accompanied by dance with colorful costumes. South India is also a hotbed for Indian cinema, which is quickly growing in renown.

Southern India is a land like no other. Distinct from other parts of the country, and from other parts of the world, its peaceful combination of culture and religion is a rarity. Colorful clothing, beautiful scenery, busy nightclubs, flavorful foods, and of course, tigers, are a hallmark of the region. There is simply too much for any one person to experience, even given a lifetime.

Goa

India’s expansive terrain and diversity have made each region a great destination option for American visitors and Goa, specifically, is quite special. Located in West India, the smallest state of India is a former Portuguese colony filled with influences from the religious backgrounds of the native Goans and the Portuguese settlers. Book a flight to Goa during the winter months to escape the drudgery and spend your vacation on the shore. Alternatively, visit Goa in the spring for the Hindu festival Shigmo and its many parade floats featuring folk songs, dances, and featured stories of old. The beaches, cathedrals, and European flair are just what you need to let off some steam and experience India the Goa way.

Goa’s visitors can stay in many cities within the area. The state capital of Panaji is incredibly popular due to its quaint and peaceful nature and the huge Portuguese influence present in the city. For cultural shopping excursions, Margao and Old Goa are in demand towns. Vasco de Gama, with its museums, produce markets, and beaches is another one of Goa’s desired destinations. Goa’s reputation as a beach destination is evident from the numerous places to stay such as Calangute, Agonda, Colva, and Dona Paula. For historical attractions, Candolim is a wonderful option for visitors. You’ll never run out of things to do on a vacation in Goa!

There is an incredible amount of activities and attractions that cater to all visitors when they come to Goa. Families will love the adventure and fun of Splashdown Waterpark, Aguada Fort, and the Big Foot Cross Museum, while couples will love relaxing at the Zuri White Sands and contemplating the works at the Museum of Christian Art and the Shri Naguesh Temple. The nightlife is great for a visitor who loves gaming as Goa has numerous casino options that are quite tempting to its guests.

Panaji is a beautiful sight with its platform hills, river walks, and tree-lined avenues. The Portuguese influence is most evident in the main square of Praca da Igreja, due to the large amount of cobblestone streets and the presence of the Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Old Latin Quarter. Panaji’s religious mixture is also interesting to look into and visitors proceed by touring the Hindu Mahalaxmi Temple and the the Jama Masjid Mosque. For shopping, Panaji’s 18th June Road is a highly recognized destination. Also drop by the Kala Academy, which is Panaji’s cultural center, and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

Goa is known for its beach and tropical scene and the city of Vasco de Gama with the Bogmalo Beach, is definitely not to be missed. Its beaches, water activities, and tropical life are not all that Vasco de Gama has to offer. The activities of the Naval Aviation Museum and the visits to the Shri Damodar Bhajani Saptah Fair bring visitors back for more.

When visiting Goa, stop by the city of Margao. Known for its range of religious institutions and market spaces, guests spend their days haggling for the best prices for spices at the Closed Market and the Old Market. When you need a break, simply head over to the many Catholic churches and Hindu Temples. As one of the biggest churches in the Asian continent, the Sé Cathedral is quite popular. Goa’s Portuguese influences are evident in the Sé Cathedral with its European architecture and its function as a Catholic place of worship. Visitors can navigate throughout the interior and marvel at the Golden Bell.

Additionally, visitors love the food offerings present in the state. Its shore presence makes seafood a staple in many of the dishes and its tropical nature makes coconut milk a great important ingredient. Spices are used heavily in Goan food, particularly the sour spice kokum and chili. Do not forget to try the Humaan fish curry or the dried fish dishes called Kismur for a truly Goan meal.