The diversity of India - its rich culture, long history, unique customs and even its own subcontinent - makes it truly one of the world's great experiences for any traveler.

Indian music, dance, cinema and food - along with ancient religions and philosophies - come readily to mind, but the vast country also offers striking colorful scenes of everyday life.

Indian beach resorts attract sun-loving travelers from around the world.

Numerous fairs and festivals, chores and practices embedded in daily life have evolved over many centuries, now blending with influences assimilated from the outside.

India has tourist attractions of an infinite variety from stunning architecture to swathes of verdant forests.

General categories of tourist destinations include:

Heritage sites

India has 22 sites on the World Cultural Heritage list and five on the Natural Heritage list.

The most famous among them are the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Qutub Minar in Delhi, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Mahabodhi Temple at Gaya in Bihar and the famous mountain railways of Darjeeling in West Bengal and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.

Cool retreats

The hill stations all across India are where people escape the heat of summer.

Hill stations include those in the Himalayan range, as well as in the south, the Western Ghats and even in Central India.

Beaches

Thousands of sun-seeking tourists visit India every year for some of the greatest variety of beaches in the world.

Placid backwaters and lagoons, bays and rough seas rimmed by lava rock, marine estuaries with fish, crashing surf, powdery golden sand or palm fringed shores - incredible India has them all.

The west coast with the Arabian Sea and the east coast on the Bay of Bengal offer many striking vistas to the traveler.

The coasts of India have their own seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports and enchanting places to stay for a holiday.