Those visiting the seventh largest country in the world are not likely to see everything that India has to offer in their first visit, let alone their first hundred visits, and the amazing diversity through the country is sure to keep people coming back for a long, long time. The range of attractions available is mind-boggling, and activities range from soaking up the sun through eco-tourism and on to scaling the Himalayas, with everything in between. India has long been a popular tourist spot, ever since the British decided to take control, and there are many purpose built tourist attractions to take up a person’s time – those looking for something more genuine are unlikely to be disappointed also, as simply stepping a bit off the beaten track will give a taste of the true India, in more senses of the word than one!

New Delhi is a thriving, bustling and overpopulated city, absolutely bursting at the seams with people, people and people. Though the city is hectic at the very least, there are more than enough parks and courtyards for the overwhelmed visitor to take solace in, and the incredible contrast between the bazaars of Old Delhi and the beautiful parks of New Delhi is just one of many throughout the city (and the country). The city itself can take someone a lifetime to explore, and the labyrinthine streets are well worth searching through for the next cultural, architectural or culinary delight to jump out. Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and the Qutab Minar are all areas of interest, but aside from the buildings and museums there is an incredible amount that can be gained just by walking around and interacting with the locals – theatres and restaurants range from good to spectacular, and street entertainers can offer some truly fascinating sights. Aside from the attractions in the massive city itself, New Delhi also acts as the central hub for many excursions, with one of note being the trip to see the Taj Mahal at Agra.

Where to begin for the rest of the country though? Darjeeling, Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai and Goa all offer more than enough to take up a visitors time, and that’s only four towns. To take in the entire country would take a lifetime, but attractions like the Buddhist caves at Ajanta, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the many spectacular beaches are well worth the effort to see, amongst the many, many other attractions in the country. Those visiting for eco-tourism reasons are likely to do so because of the incredible biodiversity India offers – covering as much land as it does, the country is home to huge percentages of entire classes of animals, reptiles, plants and birds, and the eco traveller is really spoilt for choice. Whilst a number of states insist of prohibition, the majority of the country offers a great deal of choice when it comes to alcoholic beverages, so those wanting a tipple every now and then are unlikely to be disappointed – and as for those wanting something to chew on with a drink, then there are these odd foodstuffs called ‘curries’ (obviously an alien concept to most Brits...), and India is one of the best places in the world to sample these culinary delights. The aroma of spices and foodstuffs is certainly something that stays with anyone who visits the country.

India is an incredible experience for anyone who visits, though it is sure to polarise reactions. Many adore the country and everything it offers, but an equal amount cannot accept the levels of poverty and poor living standards that millions endure. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the country has more than enough to offer any tourist that stays, and the increases in living standards that are said to be coming about in the next decade are sure to convert a lot of the nay-sayers.