World Travel to India

Mumbai (Bombay)

Located on the west coast of India, the country's most populous city is home to over 13 million inhabitants. Mumbai is also the commercial and entertainment capital of India, home to the renowned "Bollywood" film industry. Attractions include the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, 60 square miles of parkland within the city limits, filled with caverns, a mini-zoo, abundant flora and fauna, and a narrow gauge toy train; the National Gallery of Modern Art; Vihar Lake, a peaceful oasis within the city; and, of course, the myriad of cinemas in Mumbai.

The Taj Mahal

One of the great wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, located in Agra in north central India, was built in the mid-17th century as a mausoleum by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz. The 180-foot white marble tomb, a World Heritage Site, is one of India's most popular attractions. It is widely considered to be the best example of Mughal architecture in the world – a style that combines Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic design styles. Over three million people visit the Taj Mahal each year.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Kolkata, the former capital city of India, is located in eastern India, near the Bay of Bengal. The sprawling city is known for its rich cuisine and literary history. Kolkata also is home to many British-built museums, cathedrals, and government buildings, vestiges of the British "Raj." Among the many other sights are the College Street Book Market; the Marble Palace, originally an 18th century private estate; the Birla Temple, the largest in Kolkata; and the Botanical Gardens

Goa and the Western Coast

The Indian State of Goa, on the Arabian Sea, offers world travel India visitors 75 miles of coastline, Portuguese colonial architecture, and a rich mixture of cultures, music, and cuisine. Among the top attractions here are the spectacular beaches, particularly Palolem Beach; the ornate Basilica of Bom Jesus;

Planning World Travel to India

Travel to India requires that you carry a valid passport with an Indian visa stamped in it. A visa may be obtained from the Indian embassy or consulate nearest to your residence. For an application form and current requirements, refer to the Indian Embassy Web site.

North American visitors to India are also well advised to carefully watch their diet, as food and water supplies are vastly different in India than in Canada and the United States. Drinking solely bottled water, avoiding fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled, and avoiding street food are just some sensible precautions.

Travel packages to India come in a variety of price ranges, lengths of stay, and itineraries. You'll find escorted tours, hosted tours (where you are on-your-own once you get to a destination), and totally independent packages. A good travel agent can help you make sense of the myriad of choices.

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