India it seems takes most foreigners by surprise. The first thing they see here is faces, which are in plenty. There are men and women everywhere.

It's quite an experience for many, who have never seen a populous nation before. But the country is not only about its population. It is also about the cultural beauty, diversity and scenery that mob them with its huge size and scale. For many traveling in India, is passing through a continent. Landscape changes, people change, food habits change and it seems one has crossed a country. Such is the size of the country that one needs years to explore the wonder called India.

The country stretches its wings from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, and deserts of Rajasthan in the west to sublime beauty of the north-eastern states in the east. Many wonder, what makes India tick. The country of more 100 million people with centuries old civilization, India has been an enigma for the explorers from the west and South Asia in the past. It is so for many even today.

But India is changing. The country was attacked and ransacked several times. But India never lost its spirit.

It took what comes to its stride. This is perhaps what makes India what it is. There is so much to see and do in India that a traveler has to work hard on what to see and what to skip. Most flights either land in Delhi (capital of the country) or Mumbai (the financial hub of the nation). So it is bit difficult to escape from the chaos of the urban metros. But Indian urban chaos is worth a look.

Especially, Delhi traffic and how drivers jostle for a slice of space on the already crowded roads. And there are holy cows! Delhi and Mumbai both have few architectural wonders that should not be missed. Every city has its own pace and temperament. It's only when you go out, meet people and discuss things, you'll realize it's just more than geography that separates Delhi and Mumbai. Some of the well known tourist places around Mumbai include Aurangabad famous for Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Then there are some unspoiled, un-crowded beaches along the coastline.

There are plenty of tourist attractions in and around Delhi. Obviously the Taj Mahal in Agra is the first masterpiece of architecture that comes to mind. One can also visit Jaipur, the Pink City and other fine places in Rajasthan.

If you love high altitude areas, hills are not too far away. Just book a ticket to the Garhwal Himalayas or head to Manali in Himachal Pradesh. .

By: Travel Guy