India, the most populous country in the world, fascinates with its cultural diversity, rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes. This multifaceted country has a lot to offer.
India’s cultural diversity is impressive. With over 2,000 different ethnicities and more than 1,600 languages, it offers an incredible range of customs, clothing, music and festivals. From the colourful celebrations during Diwali to the spiritual tranquility on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, there is always something to discover here.
India’s history is rich and complex. The country is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations and has had a major influence on philosophy, art, religion, and science. The monumental structures such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the temples of Khajuraho bear witness to this fascinating history.
Spirituality plays a central role in the lives of Indians. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, and numerous holy sites attract believers from all over the world. The yoga and meditation centres offer the opportunity for inner contemplation and relaxation.
India’s landscapes are as diverse as its cultures. From the Himalayan mountains in the north to the sun-drenched beaches of Goa, the lush tea plantations of Darjeeling and the deserts of Rajasthan, India’s nature is breathtaking.
The country’s economic development has made great strides in recent decades, and India is now a major player in business and technology. Cities like Bangalore have become global IT hubs.
However, India also faces challenges such as poverty, pollution, and social inequality. The government and civil society are working to address these issues and put the country on a sustainable development path.
Overall, India is a country of contrasts that combines both tradition and modernity. The hospitality of the people, delicious cuisine and rich cultural heritage make it an unforgettable destination for adventurers, explorers and spiritualists alike.
West of the huge Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, on the border with Bangladesh, lies the Calcutta conurbation in India. In the actual city center, where just 12,000 people lived 300 years ago, today 4.5 million inhabitants are crowded into a very small space. Busy streets with colorful flower markets, colonial buildings of the former British Empire, slums without water...
Away from the tourist crowds, India is a bit different. Much more relaxed. Quiet but never boring. Beautiful and always a bit magical. If you feel like taking a stress-reducing, relaxing getaway on your trip to India, here are a few suggestions for destinations that will take you deeper into your India experience than is possible at the well-known, more tourist...
Guwahati, the largest city in the state of Assam in northeastern India, gives the impression of a vibrant metropolis at first glance. Behind this modern façade, however, lies a city rich in culture, history and natural beauty. With its unique blend of ancient sanctuaries, picturesque landscapes, and bustling markets, Guwahati offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse...
Bhubaneswar is the capital and also the largest city of the state of Odisha, which is located in eastern India. It is considered “the city of temples” because it has around 35 old and hundreds of new Hindu temples, most of which are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The population is about 850,000 and consists of about 95% Hindus, 3% Muslims and the rest...
The Brahmaputra, in German “son of Brahma”, is one of the largest rivers in the world. It rises in the Himalayas in Tibet and flows through China, India and Bangladesh. On the way, it is fed by numerous bodies of water and changes its name several times. From the roof of the world at an altitude of 5200 meters, the river makes its way to the Bay of Bengal...
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the world and a symbol of the beauty and splendor of the Indian subcontinent. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mausoleum is a perfect example of the splendor and richness of Mughal art and one of India’s most visited tourist attractions. The Taj...
India’s Kaziranga National Park is located between the Brahmaputra River in the north and National Route 37 in the south, in the state of Assam. The area of about 919 km² consists mainly of swamps, forests and tall grasslands. Since 1985, the Kaziranga National Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2005 it has been an elephant reserve and since 2007...
In hardly any other country in the world do the opposites collide so intensively and almost always without a buffer. In India, it is accepted as normal that there are no transitions between life in the Stone Age and the advances of the computer. These extremes can also be found in Puri, where a fine-grained sandy beach, Swargadwar Beach, stretches all the way to...
When Prince Albert, husband of the British Queen Victoria, visited Jaipur in 1853, the then Maharaja of Rajasthan ordered the city to be painted pink as a sign of hospitality. Since then, today’s capital of Rajasthan in India has also borne the nickname “Pink City”. Especially at dusk, the magnificent facades of the lively old town shine in warm...
New Delhi is currently the third largest city in the world with more than 27 million inhabitants. It is located in the north of India, less than 500 kilometers from the Himalayan mountains. India’s capital inspires tourists with its many contrasts. Western and typical Indian lifestyle, rich and poor as well as old and new are close together here. Famous Sights...