Once the seat of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, India is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest by area, and one of the most illustrious tropical destinations in the world. Following India’s independence from the British Empire in the early 1950s, the country underwent a significant economic, technological, and cultural boom that has contributed to the nation’s current prosperity. Considered a hub for the world’s information technology industry, India is a major player in the global economy, and its cosmopolitan cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, offer a mosaic of modern and historic architectural styles for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. A variety of religions are also represented here, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Sikhism, making India a popular site for pilgrimage and religious excursions.

Bordering China, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, India forms a large portion of the Indian subcontinent, defined by the Himalayas to the north. The majority of the country experiences a highly tropical climate, and periods of flooding and monsoons are common, especially near the famous Ganges River. India boasts enormous biodiversity, with many endemic species of flora and fauna that showcase brilliant color and variety. Indian elephants, rhinoceroses, monkeys, crocodiles, antelope, and Asiatic lions, as well as over 1,000 species of birds, are some of the many examples of wildlife that call India home. Perhaps most recognizable and beloved is the endangered Bengal tiger, the national animal of India. Visit the Kanha National Park, believed to be the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, to catch of glimpse of Bengal tigers in a protected natural reserve.

No landmark is more recognizable than the oft-photographed Taj Mahal, the country’s foremost tourist destination. A prime example of the Mughal architectural style, this 17th-century mausoleum was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India is also home to a number of other magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Agra Fort, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Goa, and Ellora Caves, with a striking rock-cut façade that instantly captivates the eye. Tourists also flock to the Varanasi Ghats along the Ganges River, a site for Hindu rituals, bathing, and yoga. In Delhi, legendary chaat, a fried street food, remains a popular with vendors of local cuisine, while vegetarians will relish the Udupi food scene in southern India.

No matter the experience you seek, India has something for every tourist, curious traveler, and adventurer.