India, officially the The Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country, and the largest liberal democracy in the world. India has a coastline of over 7000 km and borders with Pakistan to the west, Nepal, the People's Republic of China and Bhutan to the north-east, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, it is adjacent to the island nations of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

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 country has a federal form of government and a bicameral parliament operating under a Westminster style parliamentary system. It has three branches of governance: the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. The President is the head of state, though he has a largely ceremonial role to play. He is also the Supreme Commander of India's armed forces. The President is elected indirectly by an electoral college for five year terms. Presidential assent is needed for a Bill or Ordinance passed by the Parliament to come into force. The Prime Minister is the defacto head of government, and has most executive powers. He or she is appointed by the President, with the requirement that he or she enjoy the support of the party or coalition having more than 50% seats in the lower house. The Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister aids and advises the President on governance matters.

India is a country full of surprises. It has everything a traveller would look forward to with absolute delight. It has got some of the world's best beaches in Goa. There are some of the best hill stations cradled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The magnificent Taj Mahal from Agra is as alluring to a Westerner so as to an Indian. The majestic palaces of Jaipur show the past glory of the kings who ruled this desert land. The National Parks and the sanctuaries of India are a home to many a varied animals and birds. The Royal Bengal tigers are the most graceful animals found in the Sundarbans in West Bengal. The temples of Mt Abu, Ranakpur, Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark and the temples of Khajuraho are a must see for anyone visiting India.

The capital of Karnataka state, and now part of the great Silicon Valley, Bangalore is a beautiful city filled with the tranquillity of its greenery. The most beautiful city, Mysore, is near by. Kolkata, the gateway city to eastern India, is 300 years old. Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu is the seat of ancient civilisation with a rich heritage of fine arts, temples with huge gopurams, sculptures and architecture. Hyderabad is famous as the former seat of the fabulously wealthy nizams. Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala. Mumbai, till recently called Bombay, is the "Finance Capital of India" & one of the finest metropolitan in the world.