A Tour of

India... Throughout this presentation, viewers will learn about the country of India. The presentation will offer information regarding India’s climate, historic and architectural sites and various modes of transportation. Throughout this presentation, viewers will learn about the country of India. The presentation will offer information regarding India’s climate, historic and architectural sites and various modes of transportation. Please enjoy this tour of INDIA

India... Facts, Facts, Facts! Capital: New Dehli Capital: New Dehli Population as of July 2007: 1,129,866,154 people Population as of July 2007: 1,129,866,154 people Although the Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages, the two official languages of India are English and Hindi Although the Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages, the two official languages of India are English and Hindi The country of India has an area of approximately 3.3 square kilometers. The country of India has an area of approximately 3.3 square kilometers. President: Abdul Kalam President: Abdul Kalam Prime Minister: Manmohan Singh Prime Minister: Manmohan Singh

The Climate of India India’s climate is hot and tropical. The country has three seasons: hot, wet and cool. India’s climate is hot and tropical. The country has three seasons: hot, wet and cool. The hot season generally occurs between the months of March and June and is characterized by hot, dry weather. The hot season generally occurs between the months of March and June and is characterized by hot, dry weather. In late May, most of the country enters its wet season. During this period, monsoons (heavy rains with strong winds) soak the earth. In late May, most of the country enters its wet season. During this period, monsoons (heavy rains with strong winds) soak the earth. October marks the beginning of the cool season. During this time, the air becomes dry and cool. October marks the beginning of the cool season. During this time, the air becomes dry and cool. In southern India, the monsoons occur during the period of October through December. The months of June through October are marked by hot, cloudless days. In southern India, the monsoons occur during the period of October through December. The months of June through October are marked by hot, cloudless days. Although climate differs by region, the most comfortable time to visit is generally during the months of November through February. Although climate differs by region, the most comfortable time to visit is generally during the months of November through February.

States of India The country of India is made up of 28 states and 7 union territories. The country of India is made up of 28 states and 7 union territories.

Places to Visit... Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal is the product of an Indian love story. In 1607, a Mughal prince noticed a girl selling silk and beads along the Meena Bazaar. Five years later, the prince, Shah Jahan, and the woman, Mumtaz Mahal, were married. After nineteen years of marriage, the woman died and her husband built the Taj Mahal as a monument in her memory in the city of Agra. The Taj Mahal is the product of an Indian love story. In 1607, a Mughal prince noticed a girl selling silk and beads along the Meena Bazaar. Five years later, the prince, Shah Jahan, and the woman, Mumtaz Mahal, were married. After nineteen years of marriage, the woman died and her husband built the Taj Mahal as a monument in her memory in the city of Agra.

Places to Visit... Ambaji Maa Temple This temple is dedicated to the mother Goddess Amba Mata and is one of the holiest temples in India. It is a major shakti peeth (literally “place of strength”), meaning that it is a Hindu place of worship. This temple is dedicated to the mother Goddess Amba Mata and is one of the holiest temples in India. It is a major shakti peeth (literally “place of strength”), meaning that it is a Hindu place of worship.

Places to Visit... Mount Abu Many Indians make pilgrimages to Mount Abu, a place in which many saints and sages once lived. According to legend, all of the 330 million Hindu gods once visited this mountain. Mount Abu is the place at which the sage Vashishth once lived and “performed agna”. This sacrificial worship performed over a pit of fire was supposed to protect the earth from demons. Many Indians make pilgrimages to Mount Abu, a place in which many saints and sages once lived. According to legend, all of the 330 million Hindu gods once visited this mountain. Mount Abu is the place at which the sage Vashishth once lived and “performed agna”. This sacrificial worship performed over a pit of fire was supposed to protect the earth from demons.

Places to Visit... Sri Venkateswara Temple This temple is a pilgrimage destination for Indians who practice certain religions, including Vaishnavism. Members of this ancient religious sect believe in equality in love and denounce sacrifice. The hymns of the Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar explain that in the Kali Yuga (current era) a person can only break the cycle of reincarnation (achieve mukti) by worshipping Sri Venkateswara or Venkata Nayaka. This temple is a pilgrimage destination for Indians who practice certain religions, including Vaishnavism. Members of this ancient religious sect believe in equality in love and denounce sacrifice. The hymns of the Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar explain that in the Kali Yuga (current era) a person can only break the cycle of reincarnation (achieve mukti) by worshipping Sri Venkateswara or Venkata Nayaka.

India... Transportation India has a well-developed system of transportation. Tourists can choose to travel using modern modes of transportation or can travel using more old-fashioned modes of transport. Bus System – In Indian cities, the government is encouraging citizens to travel by bus in order to reduce the pollution emitted by private vehicles. Busses are the least expensive mode of transportation in India. Bus System – In Indian cities, the government is encouraging citizens to travel by bus in order to reduce the pollution emitted by private vehicles. Busses are the least expensive mode of transportation in India. Taxis – Tourists in Indian cities will find taxis similar to those used here in the United States. Taxis – Tourists in Indian cities will find taxis similar to those used here in the United States. Metro – This mode of public transportation is convenient and inexpensive, but is not yet available in every Indian city. The Metro was first constructed in the city of Kolkata and now runs in the city of Dehli. This transport systems is now being introduced in other cities of India. Metro – This mode of public transportation is convenient and inexpensive, but is not yet available in every Indian city. The Metro was first constructed in the city of Kolkata and now runs in the city of Dehli. This transport systems is now being introduced in other cities of India. Auto Rickshaw – This three wheeled vehicle is usually yellow or green and provides can provide transportation for three individuals and the driver. Auto Rickshaw – This three wheeled vehicle is usually yellow or green and provides can provide transportation for three individuals and the driver. Cycle Rickshaw - This three wheeled vehicle is a common Indian mode of transportation. A driver pedals this large “tricycle” on which there is room for two passengers to sit comfortably. Cycle Rickshaw - This three wheeled vehicle is a common Indian mode of transportation. A driver pedals this large “tricycle” on which there is room for two passengers to sit comfortably.

India... A Tour India is a country with a rich history and culture. Tourists will find ancient temples at which they can learn about religion and tradition in India. Although the climate varies by region, the most comfortable time to visit India is generally in the months of November through February. India is a country that has modes of transportation similar to those found in the U.S., yet also has vehicles, such as the rickshaw, that are not often found in the United States. India is a country with a rich history and culture. Tourists will find ancient temples at which they can learn about religion and tradition in India. Although the climate varies by region, the most comfortable time to visit India is generally in the months of November through February. India is a country that has modes of transportation similar to those found in the U.S., yet also has vehicles, such as the rickshaw, that are not often found in the United States.