2nd APAC Ministrial Conference

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a montage of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and numerous attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It covers an area of 32, 87,263 sq. km, extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south. As the 7th largest country in the world, India stands apart from the rest of Asia, marked off as it is by mountains and the sea, which give the country a distinct geographical entity.

Delhi

India

Qutub Minar

Almost as old as the history of the Delhi Sultanate, the iconic Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, dominates the skyline of the city. Standing 73 foot tall, this five-storeyed tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of the most magnificent buildings of India from the medieval era. The first three storeys of the tower are built in red sandstone while the fourth and fifth are made of marble and sandstone. All the five floors are adorned with projecting balconies.

Located in Delhi's Mehrauli area, the Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, who laid the foundation of Mamluk dynasty (1206-1290) in India. Inspired by the victory tower at Ghazni, Afghanistan, its construction began in 1192 AD but, unfortunately, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak, did not live long enough to witness its completion.

India Gate

A stunning archway standing as a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country, India Gate is one of the landmarks of Delhi. Built with sandstone, this 42-m-high gate was the first of its kind in the national capital. The walls of the gateway have been inscribed with the names of 13,516 soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919, besides 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who were martyred in World War I. The base of the monument is made of red Bharatpur stones and the structure of India Gate is similar to France's Arc- de- Triomphe.

India Gate is fringed by lush well-maintained lawns that act as a popular picnic venue for families. The best time to visit this monument is at night when it is bathed in soft golden lights and glistens in the dark star-less sky.

Akshardham

Holding the Guinness World Records as the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple, the Akshardham temple complex is a stunning piece of architecture. Sprawled over a vast area, the complex looks like a splendid heavenly city when viewed from above. The temple itself has been constructed in pink sandstone and marble and is laid amidst neatly manicured lawns, pristine waterfronts and open courtyards. It has been designed in the traditional Hindu style of architecture and follows vaastu shastra and pancharatra shastra. As you stroll along the breathtaking complex, you will spot intricate carvings of animals, flowers, dancers, musicians and deities that adorn the walls. It is said that the stone used in the construction of the temple was brought from Rajasthan and weighed about 6,000 tonne. The Italian Carrara marble used in the structure adds to the beauty of the grand temple.

Red Fort

Lying at the heart of Delhi, the majestic Red Fort, made of fine red sandstone, stands as a testament to the architectural legacy of the Mughals. One of the most beautiful monuments in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous as qila-e-mubaraq, is replete with palaces, pavilions and mosques.

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of his capital Shahjahanabad, Red Fort is famous for its massive enclosing walls. The architecture of the fort reflects a seamless fusion of Islamic, Persian, Timurid and Hindu styles. The major attractions are the Diwan-i-khas, also known as the Shah Mahal, the Diwan-i-aam or the Hall of Public Audience and the Rang Mahal (a part of the harem), also known as Imtiyaz Mahal.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

A quiet and serene spot amid the bustling marketplace, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is possibly the most popular attraction of Connaught Place. You can spot it from a while away as its high golden dome glistens in the sun. As you enter the premises you will be enveloped in a sense of peace. After paying homage at the sanctum, where the holy book is kept, you can stroll along the tranquil pond in the Gurudwara. Other prominent features are a cooking area, a big art gallery and a school. A langar (holy food) is offered to devotees who come to visit.

Legend has it that the Gurudwara area was once Jaisinghpura Palace, the residence of Raja Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber. It is said that in 1664, the eight Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Har Krishan Sahib, stayed in this palace.

Humayun’s Tomb

Surrounded by neatly manicured lawns, the massive Humayun’s Tomb is a spectacular monument that was the first garden mausoleum built in the Indian subcontinent. The first of the grand tombs synonymous with Mughal architecture, this monument narrates a timeless saga of love and longing.

Built by Mughal emperor Humayun's first wife, empress Haji Begum, in her husband's memory, the tomb houses the graves of both the emperor and his wife and stands as a testament to their eternal love. Designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the imposing building invites tourists from all corners of the world.

As you enter the lush palm-lined lawns, you are welcomed by a beautiful fountain, which makes a great photography backdrop. The garden is further divided into four main sections by walkways and water channels; the design synonymous with the Paradise Garden mentioned in the holy book of Islam, the Quran.

Travel and experience the beauty of

India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the finest destinations for a holistic vacation. Extending from the snow-covered Himalayan heights to the tropical rain forests of the south, India is home to spectacular landscapes - long stretches of coastline; expansive hot, cold and white salt deserts; dense forests; alpine meadows and lakes, serene ghats and largest tiger reserve. India is known for its monuments and edifices that display the fine architecture and grandiose of different eras in the country.

Culture & Heritage of India

The rich cultural heritage of India, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is an all-embracing confluence of religions, traditions and customs. Over the years, numerous styles of art, architecture, painting, music, dance, festivals and customs have developed in India. The finesse of Indian handiwork, the richness of silk and cotton textiles, the ethnicity of jewellery, everything has come down as a heritage from ancient times and is being kept alive generation after generation. Festivals reflect the soul of India’s diversity and its rich cultural heritage. Various festivals of differing character - national, social, cultural and religious, are celebrated across the country throughout the year. To know more about Festivals of India, click here.

India’s Achievements

The journey of India since August 15, 1947 has been one of development. India is the world’s largest democracy, it’s fifth largest economy, a lucrative destination for foreign direct investment, and a global information technology (IT) powerhouse. On India’s proposal, the United Nation’s General Assembly had adopted the International Day of Yoga (celebrated since 2014) and the International Year of Millets (coinciding with India’s G20 Presidency). Some of India’s latest development initiatives across sectors include Startup India Initiative; Digital India; Make in India campaign; Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) - one of the biggest financial inclusion initiatives in the world; AYUSHMAN Bharat- the biggest government-sponsored healthcare scheme in the world; and PM Ujjwala Yojana – providing universal access to clean energy, International Solar Alliance, among others.