India By Sita Parameswaran

Interesting Facts

• India is a third world country in southern asia.• Area : 3.3million sq.km• Population : 1,239.26 Millions • Capital : New Delhi• Religion : Hindu 80% Muslim 20% Christian 2.4 % Sikh 2% Buddhist 0.7 % Other 0.9 %• Languages : It has 17 major languages. Hindu and English are most

popular

New Delhi Hinduism India

Interesting Facts• Climate : It has only three seasons : Winter, Summer and Monsoon.• States : India has 28 states• Government : Democratic• Currency : Rupees• National Flag : The flag by law must be made of Khadi, this is a special type of

hand spun cloth from cotton or silk. It was mage popular by Gandhi.• National Animal : Tiger

• Monsoon Summer Tiger Rupees

National Emblem Of India

• The Emblem of India is an adaption of the Sarnath Lion Capital.

• The 4 lions one is hidden from view represent power, courage, pride, and confidence.

• It appears on all currency• The caption means Truth Alone Triumph.

Geography• India is Asia's second largest country after china. India's total area is 3.3

million sq km. Among India's most serious environmental problems are land damage, water shortages, and air and water pollution. About 70% of India's water is polluted. Even in rural areas, the burning of wood, and dung for fuel, mixed with dust from wind erosion during the dry season, creates an air pollution. Rice is the largest crop and is grown wherever the conditions are suitable.

• Burning of wood and dung Paddy Fields Drought

Culture - Music• Hindu Music ; is also called Sangeet and is believed to have mythological rootsand is

associated with the heavenly singers called the Gandharvas. The oldest texts associated with music are the sama veda, which consists of melodies, which are recited in the form of hymns during ritual sacrifice. Music is considered as a means of moral or spiritual connection rather than entertainment. Here is a video of hindu music : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy3U9ihJo4o

• Ganasangeet ; Is generally sung in choras and it carries a social message. The songs sung are usually about freedom , community strenght and patriotism. Due to the British occupation in India a lot of protest songs about anti imperialism have been written in India. These are the main forms of Ganasangeet.

• Musical Instruments :

Snake Charmer Tribal Fiddle Chande pulluvan pattu

Culture - Dance• Classical indian dance :Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular

region or group of people. It is and explaind the art of acting. Acting is a broad concept which consista of both acting and dance. Indian classical dance refers to natya. Thia is the sacred hindu musical styles. Those who worship vishnu are considered the vaishnavas. The dance style performed by sri krishna is called rasa lila , and is considered a devotional dance.

• Bharatanatyam : Is a classiacl dance form originating in tamil nadu in india. Today it is one of the most popular and widely performe ddance styles and it is practiced by many dancers all over the world. It is also a solo dance and is considered to be a fire dance, which shows the nystical element of fire inthe human body. It is a sacred meditational tradition : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gylGAIstphA

Indian food• Breakfast : A typical south Indian breakfast consists of idli, vada and/or dosa

coupled with chutney and sambar. Many variations of these dishes exist such as Rava idli, Thayir Vadai(Yoghurt vada), Sambar vada and Masala Dosa. Other popular south Indian breakfast items are Pongal, Bisibelebath(Sambar Rice), Upma, and Poori..

• Idli Pongal Poori

Indian food

• Lunch : Rajma with steamed rice• stuffed flatbread (Paranthas) is common.Punjabi cuisine is

common, due to the dominance of Punjabi communities. Kababs, kachauri, chaat, sweets, Indian ice-cream, commonly called kulfi, and even western food items like sandwiches and patties are prepared.

• Rajma Paranthas Chaats Ice - Cream

Indian Food

• Dinner ; roti, rice ,curry ,chicken, dalhot ,peppers, pickles chicken biryani and paneer are favoured.

Roti Pickles Dalhot

Taj Mahal• Travel by DTC public bus 2.50• Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world,.The Taj is the most

beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

• Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber.

• Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time.

Elephant safari in delhi• The elephant is the best way to admire India .The elephants move slowly and

steadily. This type of safari is ideal around the wild regions. Riding the elephant can give you an easy excess for viewing the wildlife and Indian nature. An elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up close and personal with the animals. During the ride it is possible to watch the wild elephants taking baths in the water ponds. The photographers can easily take pictures of the visitors and the animals while riding and as a souvenir of the amazing journey. This is a once in a lifetime experience and is one of India's main tourist attractions in Delhi.

Puthandu• It is the celebration of the first day of the Tamil new year in mid April by

Tamils in India, Sri Lanka and by the Tamil population. A huge celebration is held called chitterai porutkaatchi. In some parts of southern Tamil Nadu it is called chitterai vishu.

• The day is marked with a feast in Tamil homes. Entrances to the houses are decorated elaborately with kolams. These are created using rice flour and cow dung to keep the kolams in place. In some parts of India it is possible to see neem trees blooming with their flowers and the first batch of mangoes hanging. This day is celebrated with neem flowers and mangoes to symbolise prosperity. On the day of the Tamil new year a big festival is held in kumbakonam, tiruchirapalli, and many other places.

River Ganges• The Ganges runs for 1,560 miles from the Himalayas to the bay of Bengal.

It is more than just flowing water. This is the river of life, purity, and the goddess to the people of India. The river is “ mother Ganges” there is the story of how she poured herself down from heaven upon the ashes of King Sargas sons. Her waters would raise them up to dwell in peace in heaven. Anyone who touches these waters is said to be cleansed of all sins.

• As soon as day begins, devout Hindus begin to give their offerings of flowers or food throwing handfuls of grain or marigolds into the river. Others will float oil lamps on the surface.

• Hindus will also bring the dead to the river so that they will be cleansed of all sins before they are accepted into heaven.

Himalayas – Base Camp

• The highest mountain in India is mount Everest. It is one of the many highlights of this exceptional trek which follows trails through luxuriant forests of bamboos, conifers, oak and many traditional Hindu villages. Combined with no shortage of magnificent campsites, and many opportunities to wander to the high ridges this is the perfect journey.

Planned Budget• Flights Russia- India travel by Govolo airlines - 298.00 euro depart Russia on 14th April at 15.40 arrive in Delhi on 15th April at 10.20 airport pickup 9.75 euro to base camp at the Himalayas

• Places to visit :

1. Himalayas mountain trekking – 900 euro 24 days to spend at base camp accommodation and food inclusive for 10 days travel included to Delhi on 24th arrive in Delhi travel to grand Godwin hotel by DTC public bus 2.50Total 902.50

Planned Budget2. Taj Mahal , Agra, Delhi 44.50 stay in the grand Godwin hotel on 24th – 35 euro breakfast inclusive lunch 21.00 dinner 30.00Total : 131.003. Elephant safari, Agra Delhi- 54.95 stay in the grand Godwin hotel on 25th -35.00 breakfast inclusive lunch 21.00 dinner 30.00 travel to hotel du Rocher by hired bus – 25.00Total : 165.95

Planned Budget 4. Puthandu – free stay in grand Godwin hotel on 26th – 35.00 breakfast inclusive lunch 10.00 dinner 20.00Total : 65.00

5.River Ganges – free stay in the hotel du Rocher on 27th -45.00 breakfast inclusive lunch-25.00 dinner – 35.00

Total : 125.00 Total Cost of visit :1687.00