10/01/2024
INDIA: A TOURIST PARADISE
-Cdt. I Santosh Kumar
“If there Is heaven anywhere on this earth then it is here! it is here! It is here !”, it is remarked
about Kashmir, but the lines can aptly signify India too.
India is drained by the sacred river Ganga, occupying the major part of the South Asian realm. Bounded by the young fold mountains, the
Himalayas, in the north and northeast and washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and its two
northern arms i.e., the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the southwest, south and southeast.
Ithas always remained as a distinct geographical and geopolitical unit since ancient times. Indian
culture with basic philosophy of tolerance, non-violence and universal brotherhood is a characteristicblending of various religious and cultural beliefs and a cosmopolitan outlook.
It nurtures peoplebelonging to different racial and ethnic stocks, following various forms of worship, speaking diverselanguages, wearing a variety of colourful dresses and costumes and exhibiting varying food habits andfood preferences.
From very early times it has been witnessing continuous changes brought about by
interaction between people who had different experiences, and who sometimes came as conquerorsand settled in India and added to its rich heritage.
On the crag are seen rugged forts, testimony of
turbulent history. Innumerable temples centuries old still survive amidst scattered ruins. One can findromance, sacrifice, betrayal, loyalty, dedication, heroism, royalty and splendour scattered over a largearea in India in the form of monuments, palaces, places of worship, etc. and hence make it the mostsought after destination in the world.
India presents a kaleidoscope of geographical andenvironmental features. There are high mountains and hills, mighty rivers traversing long distances tosmall rivers, rivulets and streams, vast fertile plains and river valleys, dense forests, deserts and a longcoastline, within this landscape.
All these natural features have influenced the creation of uniquecultural traditions. Spread over a vast geographical area, there is limitless variety and diversity of thetype of flora and fauna found here.
Birds are a spectacular, rich and easily observable segment of thefauna. Every Indian habitat is enlivened by its conspicuous and colourful forms. In the various birdsanctuaries one cannot only feast one's eyes on the glorious creations of God but can also stay backand do research work.
Ranthambore Tiger Project in Rajasthan enables one to see the majestic beastroyally moving about in its own natural surroundings.
India has this and many more to offer to those
who want to see and appreciate nature. A land where this varied wild life is a part of life, where theyare not only praised for their charm but where they have been and are being worshiped as sacredcreatures.
Our rituals, our customs, each being linked to it in one way or another. No other country in
the world offers this spectacular range of beliefs associated with these creatures, where people cangive their lives to protect and preserve them.
Our heritage of performing art is rich and unique folkmusic. This richness is also reflected in the dance of different regions. The Mash dance of Ladakh, Odissi of Odisha, Bihu of Assam, Gidda of Punjab are few examples. Some of the classical ragas arebased on seasons or moods of the day. Musical modes like chaiti, phag, kajari, etc. are essentiallyseasonal. Classical dance and music are also an integral part of our Indian society. Our folk tales arenarrated through the medium of these dances and music.
Not only one gets to learn about our
glorious history but also gets rejuvenated. If they provide peace to the tired, they also help one
identify with the rich tradition of our country.
India offers a wide range of festivals from agriculturalto religious, historical to seasonal events scattered along all through the year. There are manyreligious cults, beliefs and practices along with different traditions and lifestyles which form our livingheritage.
India, a jiving testament to one of the most remarkable histories, is truly a tourist paradise whereunexpected forest, glens, lakes and temples appear like mirages. It’s a place which can bewitch you for sure.
