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To me, India’s always represented ‘everything’; it represents ‘all.’ Everything is here. You can stay here forever, and you’ll never feel like you’ve missed out on life.
– Chris Martin
Such is the grandeur of our lovely country India, one can not resist falling in love with it. In other countries, you may visit as a tourist but in India, you will enjoy it as your native place. The people are so welcoming that you will feel you are home away from home. Also, it has so much to offer from the mighty Himalayas to golden beaches, India has everything for every type of tourist and traveler. Out of 195 countries in the world, India is ranked 34 in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019 published by the World Economic Forum. The Travel & Tourism sector contributes around 9.2% to India's GDP, supports 42.673 million jobs that are 8.1% of its total employment. Over 10.04 million foreign tourists visit India annually. India is truly incredible and marvelous and only a few countries in the world have left such an amazing impression on tourists. Another reason that makes India unique is its geographical location, you will be able to find mountains, deserts, beaches, and islands in this stunning country.
Let's have a look at some interesting facts that make India an extraordinary place to travel and will make your heart crave for these amazing places.
Jammu and Kashmir
Dras, a small town in Ladhak has been a favorite spot of tourists for a long time. It is the coldest inhabited place in India with temperatures reaching as low as -45°C. Dras is the second coldest inhabited place on earth.
2. Himachal Pradesh
This place needs no introduction, it is a heaven for all the travelers and has lots of hidden gems to offer. The state has 33 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 2 National Parks. Out of the 2, The Great Himalayan National Park has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The National Park is home to 370 fauna species, 30 plus mammals, 180 birds, and 9 amphibians among others. Read this blog to know about the trips in this lovely state.
3. Punjab
The land of colors and joy has a lot to offer to its tourist. Golden Temple located in Amritsar is the world's most visited place in the world according to the Guinness World Book of Records.
4. Haryana
Known as the 'Abode of God,' it organizes Surajkund Crafts Mela” every year from 1–15 February. This festival has a different theme every year, foreigners love to visit this mela(fair) and enjoy the culture of India.
5. Rajasthan
The largest state of India and the most color-coordinated state of India has a lot in store for its visitors. The state has 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites which include Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort, Amber Fort, Jaisalmer Fort, Keoladeo National Park, and Jantar Mantar.
6. Uttrakhand
Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhumi and is abundant with religious sites that have attracted tourists from all over the world. Tungnath temple is the highest Lord Shiva temple in the World. It is an epitome of spirituality, beauty, and serenity. This temple is situated in Rudraprayag District and is around 1000 years old. Also, have a look at this wonderful blog to know more about this place.
7. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has become synonyms to 'Taj Mahal,' one of the 7 wonders located in Agra, U.P. The world’s largest gathering known as Kumbha Mela takes place hereafter every 12 years in Prayagraj. Millions of pilgrims come here to take a holy bath in the river Ganga from all over the world.
8. Madhya Pradesh
Located in the center of India, it has a lot of historical and spiritual importance attached to it. Khajuraho group of monuments are famous for depicting the artful and erotic expressions of the various sexual practices of ancient times. These clusters of sculptures have been classified as world heritage sites.
9. Gujarat
The state of Gujarat is known for its vibrant culture and lip-smacking food. Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat is the greenest state in Asia. The Gir Forest National Park is the only home to Asiatic lions in Asia.
10. Bihar
The birthplace of two religions namely Buddhism and Jainism has spread its culture all over the world. The idea of non-violence originated from Bihar and the state has lots of stunning monasteries. Kesaria Stupa is the highest Stupa found in the country with a height of about 104” from the base.
11. Jharkhand
The land of forests and waterfalls have been of keen interest to the tourist. Maluti village has 72 terracotta temples. The architecture of the temples is breathtaking and was built around the 17th century.
12. Odisha
Formerly known as 'Orissa,' the state has spread its magic over the tourists. Bhubaneshwar the capital of Orissa has as Many as 600 grand temples. Jagannath Temple has the biggest kitchen in the world.
13. West Bengal
This state needs no introduction, it has already caught the eyes of the tourist for its vibrant culture and spectacular sights. The state is home to the oldest and the widest banyan tree in the world. Known as The Great Banyan Tree, you can spot it at Kolkata’s Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden. The tree covers an area of 3.5 ac of land and is over 250 years old.
14. Sikkim
The first organic state of India is a sight to behold and is not less than paradise. Khan-gchendzonga National park is one of the highest national parks in the world and includes World's third highest mountain Kangchenjunga.
15. Assam
The magic and beauty of Assam are uncomparable. It is the home to the world’s largest river island “Majuli.” Read this amazing blog to know more places to visit in Assam.
16. Tripura
A gem in north-east India that has a lot in store for us. The state academy of tribal culture gives an insight into the tribes of the state and their history. It helps in promoting and preserving the age-old tribal culture of the state.
17. Meghalaya
The state of the clouds has captured everyone's heart with its tantalizing beauty. Mawlynnong village is the cleanest village, not just in India, but in Asia too.
18. Mizoram
The state is blessed with natural exotic beauty and is famous for its handicrafts. “Milu Puk” cave is a newly discovered cave that was found some years ago. You will find full of heaps of human skeleton in the cave.
19. Nagaland
Known as 'Land of Festivals,' it is famous for its cultural diversity. Each month is marked by a festival organized by its various tribes. It is also home to one of the most ancient ruins sites in the country. The Dimasa Kachari ruins in Dimapur date back to the 10th century and not much is known about their origin or purpose.
20. Manipur
The state of Manipur is a lovely place to relax and get immersed in nature. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only floating national park in the world. It contains 17 rare species of mammals. Have a look at this informative blog for more information.
21. Arunachal Pradesh
Land of the dawn-lit mountains and the Orchid State of India is a charming place to visit. Twang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and 2nd largest in the world.
22. Chhattisgarh
The land of indigenous people has many awe-inspiring places. Chitrakote is the largest waterfall in India. Its gushing water creates the most mesmerizing experience to eyes. It is referred to as India’s own Niagara Falls.
23. Maharashtra
Rightly called as the 'Gateway of India,' it is one of the liveliest and joyful states of India. Lonar Lake is a magnificent saline soda lake formed due to a meteorite explosion. It is a notified National Geo-heritage Monument.
24. Goa
The most loved and the party-state of the nation has captivated everyone's heart with its beautiful beaches. Goa’s Naval Aviation Museum is one of a kind and Asia’s first and only one. There are only six other such museums in the world. To know about more engaging activities over here, have a look at this blog.
25. Karnataka
The pride of southern India has made a place in travelers' hearts by its rich culture and ancient sites. The Gomateshwara Statue is 58 feet tall and is the largest monolith statue in the world. Carved out from a single block of granite.
26. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
One of the most popular and lovely travel destinations is undoubtedly Andhra Pradesh. Ramoji Film City is the largest film cities in the world. Baahubali, Chennai Express, The Dirty Picture, and more films are shot here.
27. Kerala
God's owns state needs no introduction to anyone. It has already become a popular spot owing to its magical backwater and lush green valleys. The richest Hindu temple in the world is located in Kerala. Padmanabhaswamy temple is the richest temple in the world.
28. Tamil Nadu
The state is well-known for its temples and many unique world heritage sites. Marina Beach is the world’s second-largest urban beach. To know more about this lovely state have a look at this blog.
These are some unique and quirky facts about each Indian state.