IAHR 2025

India is a land of vibrant diversity and timeless history, known for its rich cultural heritage, remarkable landscapes, and rapid development. Situated in South Asia, it’s the world’s seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous, home to over 1.3 billion people. India’s history is as diverse as its people, stretching back thousands of years and deeply influencing global art, culture, and philosophy.

Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast, it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west; China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives; its Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Cultural Diversity and Heritage

India is celebrated for its vast cultural diversity, where over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups coexist and more than 1,600 languages and dialects are spoken. With world-renowned festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas, India’s calendar is filled with celebrations that highlight its blend of faiths and traditions.

Natural Beauty

From the majestic Himalayas in the north to the serene backwaters of Kerala in the southTravelers can explore the golden deserts of Rajasthan, the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling, or the tropical beaches of Goa. India’s rich biodiversity includes more than 500 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Economic Growth and Innovation

India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, leading in industries such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, and space exploration. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune have become global IT hubs, showcasing India’s role as a leader in the digital and technological revolution.

Hospitality and Cuisine

Known for its warm hospitality, India embraces visitors with open arms. The country's hospitality industry, supported by an array of accommodations from luxury hotels to eco-friendly stays, ensures that travelers experience comfort and authenticity. Indian cuisine, celebrated worldwide, offers a delightful blend of flavors, spices, and regional specialties, from savory street food to elaborate royal dishes.

Climate of India

India's climate is marked by a fascinating variety, reflecting the country's diverse geography and vast size. With tropical, arid, and temperate zones, India experiences a range of climatic conditions across its regions, influenced by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. These natural features play a crucial role in shaping India’s seasons and weather patterns.

Winter (December to February)

Summer (March to May)

Monsoon (June to September)

Autumn (October to November)

Indian Currency: The Indian Rupee (₹)

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee, symbolized as ₹ and internationally abbreviated as INR. The rupee is issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the country's central banking authority.

Digital Currency

India has also taken steps toward digitization, with an increasing adoption of digital payments and cashless transactions through platforms like UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This shift aims to make transactions more accessible and transparent for businesses and citizens alike.

Currency Exchange

The exchange rate for the Indian Rupee fluctuates based on global economic conditions. Visitors to India can exchange their currency for rupees at authorized banks, airports, and exchange centers. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, making it convenient to access local currency during travel.

Languages of India

This diversity is a reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage, with languages playing a crucial role in the identity of its people. India recognizes 22 official languages under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, referred to as the Scheduled Languages.

Official Languages

Hindi and English are the two official languages used for government purposes at the national level. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, is the most widely spoken language in India. English is also extensively used for administrative, legal, and business purposes, making it a bridge language for communication between different linguistic communities.

INCREDIBLE INDIA!