Visitor numbers to India look set to soar following news that the country can now be explored in detail online – through Street View.
Internet search giant Google has announced that it will be mapping the country with its hugely popular Street View technology, which allows web users to “walk” down streets.
Google’s vans – which are fitted with 360-degree cameras – started snapping images of India’s streets recently, starting off in Bangalore.
It plans to map several of the country’s largest cities including Mumbai and Delhi, giving travellers considering taking a trip to India the chance to check out their potential destination online first.
Chief of Google India, Vinay Goel, said, “We are planning to collect images of important monuments and tourist spots after getting necessary sanction from the authorities.” Mr Goel said that the completion date of India Street View had not been decided as yet.
So, now you can check out India from the comfort of your armchair, just what does this incredible country have to offer the traveller? Home to more than one billion people, India has a pulsing physical and spiritual energy that has attracted thousands of backpackers and holidaymakers. Offering an irresistible cultural cocktail, from sacrosanct sites to spice bazaars, architecture singing of the time of the Raj, Bollywood, lush safari, beaches, wildlife and awesome food, India has got it all.
Hot topics of conversation in India: cricket, politics, Bollywood and food. Ah, the food. From zesty north Indian curries to daal and South Indian fermented rice cakes, India is a true treat for the tastebuds. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s all curries – although obviously you’ll enjoy some of the best you’ve had here.
The most widely made Indian curry is a far cry from the British takeaway favourites – instead it’s a blend of stir-fried Masala (spice), onion, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and seasonings with either vegetables, fish or meat added to it to create a stew-type dish.
Due to the country’s geographical diversity, each region has its own style of food and preparation. Bengal is known for its Macher Jhol – a fish dish with cumin and turmeric – Uttar Pradesh for its kebabs and Rajasthan for its Dal Bati – puffed dough dumplings in lentil curry. Over in the Punjab, the Sarson Ka Saag – curried mustard leaves saag – and Makki di Roti (flat, unleavened Punjabi bread) are among the most popular dishes.
A “perfect” Indian meal is said to contain all six of the main “tastes” (sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent). Spices and condiments such as chutneys and pickles are often added to a main dish to add to the depth of flavour.
Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian sea to the west, and the India Ocean to the south, India boasts massive eco-tourism appeal thanks to its numerous national parks, mountain trails winding around the Himalayas and the dense forests.
If you’re heading to South India, check out Kochi and relive the colonial era at the city’s perfectly restored Dutch palace. Next, head to Alleppey for some canal cruising on Kerala’s backwaters and then drive along the coast to the Periyar National Park, with its plantations of tea, spice, rubber and coffee. The park is also one of the only areas in the world where the wild tiger still roams.
Madurai’s temple complex is well worth a visit, and be sure to pick up one of the local sweet drinks – carumbu (sugarcane) juice – while there. It’s also a great area for craft stalls and clothes shopping. The two famous temple cities of Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli are must-sees as is Mamallapuram, the 7th century Shore Temple – one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
India may be a paradise for travellers, but it comes complete with its own share of problems and some travellers find the gap between the haves and the have-nots – especially in the large cities – hard to see. If the country’s population rate continues to spiral upwards at the rate it is – the average annual growth rate is a whopping 9 per cent – poverty is set to rise alongside it despite huge strides in economic growth over the past decade.
