ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA
INDIA officially the Republic of India is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east, India has a coastline of 7,517 kilometers (4,671 mi). It borders Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north-east; and Bangladesh and Burma to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia.
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 Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region's diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became a modern nation state in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread nonviolent resistance. India is the world's twelfth largest economy at market exchange rates and the third largest in purchasing power. Economic reforms have transformed it into the second fastest growing large economy; however, it still suffers from high levels of poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition and environmental degradation. A pluralistic, multilingual, and multiethnic society, India is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.

Places of Interest in India

India's rich history is evident from the various landmarks that dot the country. The numerous architectural wonders in India have a story of their own and are not to be missed. There are many interesting places in India which are worth a visit.

Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lakes is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings.
The summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar is the jewel that shines in the whole of North India with its sparkling lakes. Scenic snow capped mountain peaks form the backdrop and flowers picturesquely adorn the gardens. A treasure trove of beauty legendary for its houseboats, Srinagar is also renowned for its traditional handicrafts and dry fruits.
Ooty, the 'queen of hill-stations' of India, is a hill-resort standing at 7,349 ft above sea level. Also known as Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund, it is situated in the Nilgiri mountain ranges in Tamil Nadu. It is known for it's salubrious climate and scenic beauty. There are breath-taking views of tea-plantations, and undisturbed grassy meadows. For the more adventurous, there are trekking and hang-gliding.
A major tourist destination, Agra has the distinction of housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Taj Mahal. Apart from the Taj Mahal, Agra is a city filled with forts and palaces that are reminiscent of the colorful culture of the bygone eras.
Located 1000 mt above sea level, this bustling capital city of Karnataka, has a perpetual holiday atmosphere. Founded in 1537 by a local chieftain Kempe Gowd, Bangalore has seen much and imbibed even more.
Goa, a city of happiness and joy that welcomes all. An island with sun kissed beaches, old churchesand temples has attracted tourist from all over the world.