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Home to the Indus Valley civilization and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism arrived in the first millennium C.E. and shaped the region's variegated culture.
India is one of the most demanding and fascinating tourist destinations in Asia. Often referred to as “the sub-continent of India,” the land is a huge peninsula that is bounded on three sides by the water - the India Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Geographically, India features the fertile river valleys of the Ganges, the heart-stopping peaks of the Himalayas, miles of beaches, and wide plains.
As a Religious Destination
India and other culturally rich countries are fast finding out the importance of their spiritual traditions and beliefs in context of tourism. Though, India has always been looked upon as the universal truth-finder's path and a land of inherent spirituality, this view has been reinforced by the many overseas tourists to the country who return home with memories of individual sanctification, weary souls rejuvenated after having stepped on the many legendary Indian worship sites and pilgrimage centers.
 Those scouting for inner peace find India the ideal Yog-bhoomi (land of yogic science). India is a land of innumerable saints and seers. Its success in peaceful attainment of enlightenment and its strong emphasis on cultural diversity has resulted in many places of worship being present for religious (or simply curious) visitors. Now, thanks to proper management and eco-tourism factors, this sector of spiritual tourism has gained more recognition.
As an Architectural and Archeological Wonder
The state of Rajasthan, comprised of mostly desert, nevertheless is home to many archeologically significant sites. Stone Age rock shelters with paintings at the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh are the earliest known traces of human life in India. The first known permanent settlements appeared over 9,000 years ago and gradually developed into the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to 3300 BCE in western India, centered around the city of ancient Kalibangan, on the banks of the river Ghaggar.
The Taj Mahal is located in lovely Agra, India, and is arguably one of the most recognizable works of Indian architecture in the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction began in 1632 and was completed in approximately 1648. When Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad, part of his building plans included the famous Red Fort, a huge red sandstone complex that served as Shah Jahan’s palace.
As a Vacation Hot Spot
 The former Portuguese colony of Goa is one of the most popular European beach vacation destinations on the continent. It’s golden beaches offer fun inthe sun amidst sylvan greenery and cultural heritage. Besides beaches, Goa is also known for its world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot. Along with more than five hundred wildlife sanctuaries, including two tiger reserves, India now hosts fourteen biosphere reserves, four of which are part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves; twenty-five wetlands are registered under the Ramsar Convention.
For those looking for some cooler climes, or climbs, for that matter, India’s vast mountain terrain offers trekking and hiking adventures unlike any other place on earth. India's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas. Along with the Hindu Kush mountains, the ranges in the north prevent cold Central Asian winds from blowing in. This keeps the bulk of the Indian subcontinent warmer than most locations at similar latitudes.
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