The most interesting facts about India that you can't miss

India is a fascinating and diverse country, both culturally and geographically. With an ancient history, vibrant traditions and a significant impact on the modern world, this nation captivates travelers and scholars alike.

Imagine a place where trains not only connect cities, but souls. Where a river is so sacred that millions travel for days just to touch its waters. A country where every color, every gesture, every taste, holds an ancestral meaning. This is India: a universe within a country, a living mystery that cannot be explained, it can be felt.

In this article, I summarize the fundamental aspects that define the country, the most important facts and curiosities of India.

A very short walk through the history of India

It all started with the Indus Valley civilization,a sophisticated community who built cities with sewers, squares and their own writing when much of the world lived in darkness.

After the decline of the Indus Valley civilization, a new chapter began with the arrival of the Indo-European peoples known as the "Arian". These groups settled in the northern part of the subcontinent and marked the beginning of the VEDIC PERIOD,an era that saw the birth of the Vedas,Sanskrit, ancient sacred texts that laid the foundations of Indian religious and philosophical thought. Sanskrit emerged as a sacred language, and from this era also emerged the great epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana,that still today shape the collective consciousness of millions.

Over time, powerful empires emerged. The Maurya Empire (321 B.C.) was one of the first to unify much of the subcontinent. His most remembered emperor, Ashoka,who after a bloody battle, he embraced Buddhism and spread his message of non-violence from stone pillars that still stand today.

Then shone the Gupta Empire (4th century A.D.), the golden age of India, where mathematics, astronomy, art and literature flourished. Treatises were written, temples were carved, infinity was thought of.

Centuries of regional dynasties went by until the north was conquered by the sultanates of Delhiwho brought with them new architectures, languages and customs.

And then, in the sixteenth century, came the Mughal Empirewith its blend of Persian refinement and passion for architecture. Akbar the Great attempted to unite religions, Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal out of love, and Delhi became a center of power, art and beauty. During his reign, India was an opulent and multicultural empire.

But the winds changed. In the 18th century, in the wake of the Mughal decline, the British were taking control. The East India Company first, and then the British Empiremarked a new era of dominance and resistance.

In 1947, after decades of nonviolent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, India regained its independence. A new nation was born: free, diverse, defiant.

Today, that history continues to be written in a thousand languages and the pulse of a civilization that never stopped reinventing itself.

The history of India does not begin with a date, but with a thousand-year-old whisper. More than 5,000 years ago, on the banks of the Indus, one of the world's oldest civilizations flourished. Since then, empires, sages, conquerors and dreamers have left their mark. But despite the passage of time, the essence of India remains intact: spiritual, diverse, deeply human.

Lets continue with more interesting facts about India...

General data on India

To speak of India is to speak of a federal parliamentary republic where the world's largest democracy comes to life in every election. Its official name is Republic of Indiaand its administrative and political heart beats in New Delhi, India's capital and a city where imperial history and modernity intersect at every corner.

They use the word , Indian to refer to its inhabitants. It is also used Hindu, to refer specifically to the religion (Hinduism) and not to the country's ethnicity.

This vast country is home to more than 1.4 billion people, making India the most populous country on the planet. Its inhabitants do not communicate in a single language, but rather in a mosaic of sounds and words that make up the languages of India: although the hindi and English are two of the 23 official languages, there are 22 recognized languages and there is more talk of 2000 dialects.

The official currency is the Indian rupee (INR)and time in India follows its own rhythm: the country is governed by the time zone. GMT +5:30. The difference, a gap that, like almost everything in India, has its own symbolism.

The leadership of the country is divided between two figures: the President, acting as head of state, and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi,the executive branch of government. Together, and with the support of a vibrant civil society, they lead the destiny of a nation that moves forward without losing sight of its roots.

India's symbols tell stories (National symbols of India)

Every nation is defined by its symbols, but in India take these on a spiritual and emotional dimension. The Bengal tiger 🐯, majestic and powerful, is the national animal: embodies the country's strength, courage and natural wealth. It is protected in numerous reserves and national parks such as the Sundarbans and Ranthambore, where it is revered for both its beauty and its role in the ecosystem.

The peacock 🦚, with its elegant plumage and its hypnotic dance, is the national bird and represents beauty, grace and spirituality. In many traditions, it is associated with Saraswati, goddess of art and knowledge, and with the Krishna, who wears it on his crown.

The national flower is the sacred lotus 🪷, symbol of purity and rebirth. Despite growing in the mud, it emerges clean and beautiful, reminding us of the possibility of rising above circumstances.

The banyan, with its aerial roots and generous shade, is the national tree and represents longevity, immortality and wisdom. In many villages the community still gathers under its branches to discuss, teach or meditate.

The national fruit, the mango 🥭, it is celebrated as the "king of fruits". Juicy, fragrant and ubiquitous in Indian cuisine, it also appears in ancient texts as a symbol of love, fertility and abundance.

Although the field hockey 🏒 is the national sport by decree, the cricket is the true grassroots phenomenon. It is played in streets, parks, schools and stadiums, and unites millions of Indians under the same passion.

The national emblem , Flag of India, is inspired by the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath: four lions facing the four directions, symbol of power, justice and vigilance. Below them, the inscription "Satyameva Jayate"(Truth Always Triumphs) reflects the moral ideal that guides the nation.

The land of a thousand worlds: a brief tour of the States and Union Territories.

India is not one country: it is many countries in one. Each state is like a parallel universe, with its own language, cuisine, music and gods. Here, Hindi and English are just two voices among more than 2000. And where you think you have understood something, the country changes, transforms, and surprises you again.

Andhra Pradesh: Land of monumental temples such as Tirupati, famous for its regional cinema (Tollywood) and its tasty spicy rice dishes.

Arunachal Pradesh: A hidden corner between mountains, full of ancestral tribes, Buddhist monasteries and landscapes that seem to be taken from a Tibetan postcard.

Assam: Cradle of Indian tea, this state offers endless green hills, one-horned rhino sanctuaries 🦏 and energetic folk dances.

Bihar: Where Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya; a state of sacred history, mighty rivers and traditional festivals.

Chhattisgarh: A treasure trove of waterfalls, caves and tribes that keep alive ancient artistic and spiritual traditions.

Goa: Sun, sea, temples and Portuguese heritage. A place where life flows at a slower pace.

Gujarat: Cradle of Mahatma Gandhi, with its garba dances, its Asian lions in Gir and its fantastic textile art.

Haryana: Fertile land of warriors and folklore, known for its contribution to traditional sports.

Himachal Pradesh: Home to serene valleys such as Manali and Dharamshala, refuge of the Dalai Lama and a paradise for trekkers.

Telangana: Young state with an old soul. Hyderabad mixes Nizam palaces with biryani, mosques and pearls.

Jharkhand: Mineral wealth, deep jungles and a tribal identity expressed in rituals, colors and dances.

Karnataka: From the ruins of Hampi to the technology of Bangalore, this state is a bridge between the ancient and the modern.

Kerala,: Backwaters, elephants, Ayurveda and Kathakali. The "land of God" envelops you with its natural beauty and ancient wisdom.

Madhya Pradesh: The heart of India, dotted with forts, tigers 🐯, caves with rock art and temples like those of Khajuraho.

Maharashtra: Bombay shines with Bollywood, but this state also offers sacred caves, sea forts and delicious cuisine.

Manipur: Dances such as the Ras Lila, sacred lakes and a rich heritage that blends mysticism and nature.

Meghalaya: It means "the abode of the clouds" and it is no coincidence: dense forests, living bridges of roots and eternal rain.

Mizoram: Between hills and valleys, this state is home to warm communities, unique customs and vibrant music.

Nagaland: Proud of their warrior roots, the Nagas celebrate their culture with festivals such as the Hornbill, full of tribal strength.

Odisha: Majestic temples such as Konark, classical dances such as Odissi and a coastline that holds stories of the past.

Punjab: Land of Sikhs, Golden Temple, bhangra and hospitality accompanied by a plate of butter chicken.

Rajasthan: Golden deserts, fairytale palaces, colorful turbans and typical dances such as the Kalbelia dance that seem to call to the soul. The gastronomy is a very varied delight.

Sikkim: Small but majestic. Sacred mountains, Tibetan monasteries and a surprising biodiversity.

Tamil Nadu: Dravidian temples that touch the sky, Bharatanatyam in every square and the spirituality that is breathed in every corner.

Tripura: With its green hills, royal palaces and a unique cultural mix between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Uttar Pradesh: The soul of India lives here: the Ganges in Varanasi, the Taj Mahal in Agra and the echoes of the Ramayana.

Uttarakhand: Land of gods, where sacred rivers are born and pilgrims seek silence in the Himalayas.

West Bengal: The land of Rabindranath Tagore, of art, of deep thought and of the eternal Durga Puja.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Virgin beaches, coral reefs and colonial memory among crystalline waters.

Chandigarh: Modern city designed by Le Corbusier, organized, green and culturally vibrant.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: Mix of Portuguese heritage, quiet beaches and tribal traditions.

Jammu and Kashmir: Paradise on earth, between lotus lakes, snow-capped mountains and Sufi spirituality.

Laquedivas: Remote islands of white sand and turquoise sea, ideal to get lost and find yourself.

Puducherry: Pondicherry is a piece of France in South India, with picturesque streets and cafes, yoga and spirituality in Auroville.

Ladakh: Monasteries in the mountains, Buddhist festivals and a peace that can be felt even in the silence.

New Delhi: The Capital of Indiais intense, chaotic and majestic. Where imperial history coexists with the India of the future.

Map of India

A geography that tells stories

If you are curious to know location of India on the map 🗺️... India is located in South Asia and shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

To talk about the geography of India is to talk about a country that has it all: from the highest mountains 🏔️ on the planet to tropical rainforests🌴, scorching 🐫 deserts and beaches 🌊that merge with the horizon. This land is a map 🗺️de extreme contrasts, where nature manifests itself with overwhelming strength and beauty.

In the north, rise the majestic Himalayas, these are not only the physical border of the country, but also its spiritual link with the sacred. Here we find the Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, guarding the valleys of Sikkim and shrouding places like Leh and Ladakh in mystery. Further west, the peaks of the Karakorum and of the Zanskar offer lunar landscapes and snowy passes that challenge even the most intrepid travelers.

From these heights, the sacred rivers of India are born. The most revered of all is the Ganges, the spiritual mother of the country, flowing from the Himalayan glaciers at Gangotri, to the eastern plains. Beside it runs the Yamunawhose waters embrace the city of Delhi and bathe the walls of the Taj Mahal. The powerful Brahmaputra, with its fierce course, flows through northeastern India before merging into the Ganges delta in Bangladesh. In the center and south of the country, the Godavari, the Krishna and Kaveri They irrigate fertile lands, feed villages and give life to daily rituals.

In contrast to these sacred waters, the west is home to the great Thar desert, in Rajasthan, where golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, and camels move to the rhythm of folklore and caravans. In the center of the country, the plains and hills of Rajasthan opens up The Deccan, dotted with jungles, hidden temples and villages that live in tune with the rhythm of the land.

Towards the south, the geography becomes more tropical: Kerala, and Tamil Nadu enjoy a humid climate, where palm trees 🌴 lean over the backwaters and the air smells of cardamom, coconut and sea. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the east, and the Laquedivas to the southwest, are oases of marine biodiversity and white sand beaches, still little explored.

India is not just a land: it is a natural mosaic, a symphony of landscapes that speaks of gods, legends and millenary roots. Each region offers a different face, and traveling through it is like reading a poem written with mountains, rivers, deserts and jungles.

People: between ritual and revolution

India's true richness lies in its people. Beyond temples and monuments, it is the faces, the greetings, the hands that work and the hearts that beat in unison that define the country. In the cities, young programmers design the future from their computers, while old women in sari chant mantras at dawn. In the villages, farmers bless the earth before planting, and on the ghats of the Ganges, pilgrims pray with their eyes fixed on eternity.

Here, the ancestral and the modern dance together: you can see an engineer in the subway reading the Vedas or an older woman in a sari and her bindi who pays with his smartphone.

India is home to a immensely young societywhere more than 50% of the population is under 25 years old. And yet, that youth coexists with an ancient tradition that is still celebrated with pride. There are those who start their day with yoga, those who meditate in silence, those who dance Bharatanatyam or sing ragas at sunset. Spirituality is not a fad: it is part of everyday life.

In India, diversity is the norm, and this also applies to Indian religions. Hindus live together (with their thousands of Hindu gods), Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Jews and Zoroastrians, among other communities. Each religion has its own space, celebrations and rituals. Tolerance and respect for differences are not only taught values, but also daily practices.

There are also profound social contrasts: luxury and poverty, cutting-edge technology and ancestral trades. But in the midst of it all, there is one constant: hospitality. In India, to be invited is to be honored. They offer you tea, food, stories and smiles, even if they don't know you. Because in this land, the other is not a stranger: he or she is a reflection of oneself.

One word sums it all up... that familiar greeting: Namasteis not only courtesy, it means "I bow to the divinity that dwells in you.". What could be more beautiful?

If you don't have the opportunity to travel to India for now, you can also visit the Indian neighborhoods around the world, also called Little India. In these neighborhoods you will be able to taste their dishes, buy their most local products and with luck, interact with its beautiful and hospitable people in their stores or a temple. I love the Indian quarter of Barcelonabut you can find Little India in Madrid,in London, Singapore, New York, the Little India of Paris... In these neighborhoods you can discover some of the curiosities of India.

Indian gastronomy: a feast for the senses

To eat in India is to enter into an ancestral ritual in which every dish tells a story. There is not just one Indian cuisine, but hundreds. Each state, each community, each family keeps its own culinary secret, passed down from generation to generation.

The biryani is more than just rice with spices; it is a fragrant delicacy that can include lamb, chicken or vegetables, and each region has its own version. The Curry, can be intense and varied, soft or incendiary, but always comforting. In the south, the dosa crunchy, the spongy uttapam and the idli breakfast, while in the north you can't miss a good naan accompanied by a creamy, freshly made dal makhani.

And we cannot fail to mention other essential dishes. The tandoori chickenmarinated in yogurt and spices before roasting in a clay oven, is a symbol of North India. The paneer tikka, a vegetarian delicacy based on spiced and roasted fresh cheese, is a favorite at celebrations. In the east, the West Bengal fish curry seduces with its balance of mustard, turmeric and mustard oil.

For the more daring, the pani puri is an unforgettable street experience: small crispy spheres filled with spiced water, tamarind and potato. And in the south, the sambar, spiced with lentils and vegetables, accompanies almost any meal.

Indian cuisine is infinite, changing, alive. It reflects the soul of a country where each dish is a story, a tradition, a celebration.

At the streets, the aromas of pakoras freshly fried, specially the delicious onion pakoras. They are an afternoon chai classic, a comforting combination in a home as well as on a crowded train. At the table, the shrimp curry with coconut will take you into a journey to the coast of Kerala, while a good mint chutney or a spicy tomato chutney balance and elevate any dish.

The mango chutney, sweet and sour, accompanies from breakfast to feasts, as a nod to the ancestral flavor of the country. And if from Indian beverages we speak, in addition to the ubiquitous chai, there is also the refreshing lassi, especially its version mango lassi, perfect to beat the heat. Also the chaas masala, the spicy buttermilk cleanses the palate and soothes the body.

The spices, such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, cinnamon, or garam masala , not only give flavor but they balance the body, heal the soul and harmonize the doshas according to Ayurveda. Here, food is medicine and celebration.

And the Masala chai, the spiced tea served in every corner of the country is not just a drink, it is a pause, a shared moment, a symbol of hospitality that unites strangers and friends alike. A true ritual even latent onboard the trains in India where it enlivens the journeys and becomes a social event.

The sweets deserve a separate chapter: gulab jamun (fried milk balls in syrup), jalebi (crunchy spirals), rasgulla, laddu... all served at festivals, weddings and moments of joy.

Let's go with some of most interesting facts about India in terms of food...In India, eating with your hands in India is not frowned upon, actually it is an intimate way to connect with the food, to feel it before tasting it. In many traditional restaurants, you can taste the thali, a tray with multiple preparations that allow you to try a little bit of everything. Sometimes to know what to order in an Indian restaurant can be a delightful adventure, especially when guided by aromas and intuition. The Indian table etiquette is guided by respect: eating with the right hand, sharing, and always, always giving thanks for food as a sacred gift.

In India, eating is not just a necessity: eating is a way of honoring life.

Religion and spirituality: the invisible heart of India

Spirituality is an essential part of life in India. More than an isolated practice, it is a way of understanding the world and relating to the divine. In its temples, mosques, churches, stupas and gurudwaras, there beats an ancestral energy that runs through history and shapes the present.

India is the cradle of Hinduism, the Buddhism, the Jainism and Sikhism, religions born in this land that have shaped its culture, philosophy and art. Hinduism, practiced by almost 80% of the population, coexists with other religions such as the islam, the Christianity,Buddhism and Sikhism, in a mosaic of tolerance and diversity.

Cities such as Rishikesh, considered the yoga capital of the world, and Varanasi, where time seems to stand still by the Ganges River, are spiritual beacons for those seeking answers beyond the visible. Every pilgrimage, every prayer, every religious festival - such as the Kumbh Mela or Diwali - is a celebration for the soul, a connection to something greater than oneself.

In India, religion is not separated from life: it is life itself. It is in the greeting, in the food, in the colors, in the rituals. In every corner there is an altar, an incense, a mantra. And although millions of people practice different religions, there is an invisible thread that unites them: the sincere search for transcendence.

Festivals in India: celebrations for the soul

If there is one thing that defines India, it is the ability to celebrate. The calendar is full of festivals, and each one of them is a display of color, music, spirituality and tradition. Some are celebrated with fire, others with water, flowers, light or silence. But they all have something in common: the celebration of life and sacredness.

The year begins with Makar Sankranti in January, a solar festival celebrating the harvest and the end of winter, marked by the flight of kites and sesame sweets. Shortly after, the intensity of Maha Shivaratri, a whole night dedicated to meditation and worship of the god Shiva.

Normally, in March, the country explodes with joy during the Holi, the festival of colors, where strangers dye themselves with multicolored powders to celebrate the arrival of spring. April gives way to Baisakhi in Punjab, which marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest. In Bengal, the Pohela Boishakh welcomes the Bengali new year with music and parades.

Between August and September, the gods return to the center of the stage with the Janmashtami, Krishna's birth; Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between siblings; and Ganesh Chaturthi, where huge sculptures of the elephant-headed god are worshipped before being immersed in the water. In Kerala, the state is decked out during Onamwith floral carpets, banquets and traditional dances.

In October, the Navratri,nine nights of dancing and devotion to the goddess Durga, followed by the powerful Dussehrawhich represents the victory of good over evil. In November, the skies are illuminated with Diwali, the festival of lights, which fills every corner of the country with lights and joy.

In the same month, Rajasthan celebrates the Pushkar Fair, one of the most picturesque celebrations in the country, where spirituality mingles with camel trading and traditional competitions. Every twelve years, millions of pilgrims flock to the Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual congregation in the world, to bathe in the sacred rivers and purify their souls.

Festivities of other religions are also celebrated with great fervor. The Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are Muslim festivals that fill the streets with prayers and community feasts, especially in cities such as Lucknow, Hyderabad and Delhi.

The Vesak, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, is celebrated by Buddhist communities with processions of lamps, chanting and offerings, especially in states such as Ladakh, Sikkim and Maharashtra. The Mahavir Jayanti, the Jain's most sacred celebration honors the birth of Mahavira with pilgrimages, fasts and religious discourses.

And during the Easter and Christmas in India, Christians, especially in Goa, Kerala and the northeast of the country, celebrate with masses, carols and colorful processions that reflect their deep faith and joy. A ritual that not only unites people, but connects them with their history, their faith and their eternal desire to celebrate life... A ritual that not only unites people, but connects them with their history, their faith and their eternal desire to celebrate life.

In India, every festival is a collective poem. A ritual that not only unites people, but connects them to their history, their faith and their eternal desire to celebrate life... A ritual that not only unites people, but connects them with their history, their faith and their eternal desire to celebrate life.

Wellness and ancient wisdom from India

India is not only a place to discover, it is also a place to reconnect. For millennia, this land has been the cradle of healing and balancing practices that inspire the world today. Here was born the yoga, not as a physical exercise, but as a way of union between body, mind and spirit. The meditation and pranayama (the science of conscious breathing) complete this inner journey, opening spaces of calm in the midst of the noise.

Traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, goes beyond the treatment of diseases: it seeks to harmonize the elements that form us and help us to return to our natural balance. With plants, massages, food and conscious routines, Ayurveda is an invitation to live better, slower, more connected.

I would like to mention Rishikesh, the city on the banks of the Ganges, considered the yoga capital of the world. Rishikesh has become world famous for promoting the wellness in India. Here, among temples, ashrams and sacred mountains, seekers find refuge and wisdom. It was in Rishikesh that even the Beatles and India came together. There they spent several months in spiritual retreat under the guidance of the guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, marking a connection between East and West that still resonates today.

India not only teaches you to travel: it teaches you to breathe, to listen, to come back to yourself.

Travel to India: a transformative experience

You don't visit India, you live it. It doesn't matter if you go after the Taj Mahal or after yourself. At every step, something transforms you...

Traveling to India is much more than touring a country; it is to enter a universe full of life, spirituality, colors and contrasts. It is crossing doors that lead to the past and windows that open to the soul. For many, it is an external journey to discover the country... and for others it is also an inner journey to self-discovery and it can become a spiritual journey to India.

The experience of travelling to India can be powerful and unforgettable. Although the first encounter with its intensity, sounds and apparent chaos can be overwhelming, India has the gift of teaching you to trust, to listen, to let go. With each step, the traveler learns to let go, to find beauty in the unexpected, to discover his or her own strength. And for those who decide to embark on this adventure alone - especially women who want to traveling alone to India-India can be a profoundly transformative and liberating journey.

Organizing a trip to India requires care and attention. From visa for India -which can be processed online - up to the election of the recommended vaccinations, every step is part of the preparation of the trip. Climate in India is another important factor: in the north there are marked seasons with cold winters and hot summers, while in the south a tropical climate prevails with intense monsoons between June and September.

And many other things that you will have to take into account like finding best flights, to buy a esim for India in order to have a connection from the moment you land or even have the the best cards for travellers... To make things easier for you, I have prepared a mega travel guide to India to make your trip a success and not to fall on the most common mistakes on your trip.

The trains in India are an experience itself: more than a means of transportation, they are a window into everyday Indian life. Traveling by train allows you to connect with the people, their stories, their customs. From slow, local trains to long-distance express trains, every journey is part of the adventure.

As for the accommodation in India, India offers everything from simple, inexpensive hostels to palaces converted into luxury hotels. Whatever your budget, you will always find options with character and hospitality.

Don't forget to hire a good travel insurance, India is intense, and although most trips go smoothly, it is best to travel with peace of mind. It is also important to be informed about the most common scams in India. The key is to be informed, to ask, to compare and, above all, not to lose your calm.

And if you want to extend your adventure, India is an open door to other worlds. You can combine the trip with a spiritual retreat in Nepal, explore the monasteries of Bhutan, relax on the paradisiacal beaches of Maldives or immerse yourself in the cultural mix of Sri Lanka. Each neighboring destination complements, expands and enriches the Indian experience.

Whether you walk the ghats of Varanasi at dawn, wander the bazaars of Jaipur, or meditate in the backwaters of Rishikesh, every step in India takes you further... and closer to yourself. It is a land that continues to create, to impact, and to leave its mark on travelers who step into its magic.

India Tourism Facts and Figures

Tourism is one of the main sources of income for India, contributing more than 5% to the national GDP and generating more than 7 million jobs. In 2023, the country welcomed around 19 million international visitors, while domestic tourism reached record numbers with over 2.5 billion trips.

Among the most visited areas are the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), Varanasi, Goa, Mumbai and Kerala,, which offer everything from cultural and spiritual heritage to nature, beaches and urban life. The most visited monuments include the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the Agra Fort, the Qutub Minar of Delhi and the Ajanta and Ellora caves.

Despite some challenges such as pollution in certain cities, India continues to position itself as a fascinating, diverse destination full of unique experiences for those seeking history, spirituality, culture and wonder.

Another sector that brings large revenues to the country is the marriage sector. Weddings in India, for both Indian residents and expatriates around the world, they are a huge and uninterrupted business.

India Inspires the World: Awards, Heritage and Records

India's greatness is not only measured by its landscapes or its spirituality, but also by the recognition it has received on the international stage. This country has given the world brilliant minds, breathtaking heritages and feats that defy the limits of the possible.

It all started with the lyrics of Rabindranath Tagorein 1913, which in 1913 led to India receiving its first Nobel Prize, becoming the first non-European to do so in Literature. Since then, names such as C.V. Raman, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Amartya Sen , Kailash Satyarthi have followed that legacy, shining in science, peace and economics, proving that Indian thought has no boundaries.

In the meantime, the UNESCO has recognized the eternal value of its inheritance with the 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The Taj Mahal, symbol of eternal love, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, temples carved out of living rock; the walled city of Jaipur, the forts at the Rajasthannatural parks, such as Kaziranga, the one-horned rhinoceros sanctuaries.

It is also a land of living wisdom, whose traditions and knowledge have been recognized by the UNESCO not only for its architectural value, but also for its spiritual and cultural value. In its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, expressions such as yoga are included, the Kumbh Mela, Vedic chanting, Ramlila, Kutiyattam, Chhau dance, Himalayan Buddhist chants, Mudiyettu ritual theater, Garhwal Ramman, the Kalbelia dances of Rajasthan, the Sankirtana of Manipur, the art of the thatheras of Punjab, the great celebration of the Durga Puja in Calcutta and the circular dance of the Garba in Gujarat.

All are traditions that are still alive, woven into the daily lives of its people, and that, beyond the temples or the stages, are transmitted from generation to generation as if they were mantras that time cannot erase. It is a land that continues to create, to impact, and to leave its indelible stamp on the history of the world.

And as if that were not enough, India has also left its mark on the Guinness Book of Records. Since millions of lamps were lit simultaneously on Diwali in Ayodhya, to the world's largest yoga class. From extraordinary human feats to tiny creations, each record reflects the passion, faith and colorful Indian spirit that knows no bounds.

India is not only a nation that contemplates its past with pride. It is a land that continues to create, impact, and leave its indelible stamp on world history.

Rapidly expanding economy and development

India is one of the world's fastest growing economies, excelling in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing (Dehu India) and agriculture. The software industry and e-commerce have boosted its development in recent decades. However, the country faces challenges such as social inequality, access to education and infrastructure improvement.

Curiosities about India that you might not know

1. India is the world's most populous country from 2023, surpassing China, with more than 1.4 billion inhabitants.
2. The decimal numbering system was born in India, as well as the concept of zero, attributed to the mathematician Brahmagupta.
3. Nalanda Universityin Bihar, was one of the first universities in the world, founded in the 5th century.
4. The network of trains in India is the largest in the world operated by a single entity: Indian Railways, which transports more than 23 million people a day.
5. It is the world's largest film producer. Mumbai-based Bollywood produces more films a year than Hollywood.
6. Yoga was born in India more than 5,000 years ago and today it is practiced all over the world as a philosophy of life and wellness.
7. Chess was invented in India, originally called chaturanga.
8. It has more than 300,000 mosques, more than any other country in the world, despite the fact that the majority of the population is Hindu.
9. Varanasi is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet, with more than 3,000 years of living history.
10. The festival Kumbh Mela is the largest human gathering in the world
11. The Lotus Temple in Delhi is one of the most visited religious buildings in the world.
12. The Taj Mahal changes color according to the time of day and the moonlight, something that symbolizes the different shades of love.
13. In India more than 2000 languages and dialects are spokenalthough 22 are officially recognized.
14. In the village of Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra, there are no doors or locksand hardly any crimes are reported.
15. The mangalyaan,the Indian space mission to Mars, launched on a budget smaller than many Hollywood movies, was a milestone in aerospace history.
16. In some parts of India, cows have priority in trafficbecause of its sacred character.
17. It is the world's largest milk producerthanks in part to the dairy self-sufficiency movement led by Verghese Kurien.
18. In Meghalaya it rains more than anywhere else on the planet. The village of Mawsynram is the rainiest village in the world.
19. India has the largest number of vegetarians in the worldand many laws protect the rights of animals in food.
20. Cows are sacred in India. They are deeply respected and it is common to see them walking freely in the streets, even in big cities. In Hinduism, the cow symbolizes life, motherhood and abundance, which is why it is forbidden to sacrifice them in most states.
21. Arranged marriages are still very common,especially in rural areas. However, this does not mean that there is no love: many couples meet with the intention of getting married, and the role of the family remains crucial in the process. Today, many arranged unions combine tradition with modernity, including the consent of both bride and groom.

The country that transforms you

India cannot be understood with the mind, it can be understood with the heart. It's not just a destination on the map, is a mirror where you see yourself, lose yourself and find yourself. It is chaos and calm, noise and silence, body and soul. And once you know it, you are never the same again.

Because India is not just a place. India is an experience. It is a story that, if you let it in...it can become your own story

I trust you enjoyed this initiation to the most interesting facts about India and learned new things about this fascinating destination😊.