If one had to describe India in just one word, it would have to be Cornucopia - a cornucopia of people, traditions, culture, climate and even topography. It is also the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populous country after China. India is referred to as the largest democracy in the world, by virtue of the fact that it has the largest electing population among democratic countries. The echo of her heroes and her freedom fighters is felt not just in India but all over the world. It is the land of 'Ahimsa'; the land of Gandhi.

India occupies its own niche in the world. The Himalayas surround it from the north acting as a wall on one side, the Thar Desert acts as a barrier towards the northwest and the rest is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The land mass thus forms the INDIAN SUBCONTINENT (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, all complete this sub-continent). India has a total of 28 states; -from the arid grandeur of Rajasthani kingdoms to the exquisite serenity of Kerala - each shines with its own uniqueness.

Climate in India varies from tropical in the south to more temperate in the Himalayan north, with elevated regions in the north receiving sustained snowfall in winters. India's climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert. This desert is responsible for attracting the moisture laden southwest winds that provide most of India's rainfall during the monsoon season between June and September.

The Indian peninsula is a continent in itself, whose geographical diversity has encouraged the flourishing of a whole range of wildlife with over 350 species of mammals and 1200 species of birds in the country.

Both the West and East Coast of India offer verdant vistas of palm trees on the Arabian Sea shores or along the Bay of Bengal. The coasts of India have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports and great places to stay for a holiday. Set amidst the blue of the Arabian Sea and the lush green vegetation of Kerala, Kovalam is one of India's best sea resorts. The long coastline lined with swaying coconut palm trees and dotted with an occasional fishing hamlet is fast developing into one of the world's best string of beaches.

India's extraordinary history is intimately tied to its geography. A meeting ground between the East and the West, it has always been an invader's paradise, while at the same time its natural isolation and magnetic religions allowed it to adapt to and absorb many of the peoples who penetrated its mountain passes. Dripping with history, legends and fables, it is home to one of the first civilizations - the Harappan or Indus valley civilization. Ranging from the elaborate catacombs of Bhimbetka cave, a Paleolithic site, to the ever romantic symbol of love, The Taj Mahal in Agra all the way to the Sanchi stupa in Madhya Pradesh built by emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC; the magnificence of all the kingdoms in India's history is visible today in the innumerable structures they left behind. Their devotion to their religion is seen in the sites of Hampi, Meenakshi temple, Madurai, Cochin and countless others. Religious practices of various faiths are an integral part of everyday life in society. Religion in India is a very public affair, with many practices imbued with pomp and ceremony to accompany their underlying spiritual qualities. Education is highly regarded by members of every socio-economic stratum. Traditional Indian family values are highly respected, and considered sacred, although urban families have grown to prefer a nuclear family system, owing to the socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional joint family system.

The cuisine of India is diverse, as ingredients, spices and cooking methods vary from state to state. Rice and wheat are staples and spicy food and sweets are popular in India. Traditional dress greatly varies across the regions in its colours and styles, and depends on various factors, including climate. Popular styles of dress include the traditional sari for women and the traditional dhoti for men.

India is a melting pot of various religions. She is not only the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, every religion be it Islam, Christianity or Zoroastrism, that has touched her shores has been absorbed and assimilated into her culture. The most widely known and popular celebrations include the Hindu festivals of Diwali, Holi, Pongal and Dussehra and the Muslim celebration of Eid.

Diversity is India!!!