| India is the largest democracy in the world | | | | and made at breakneck pace. Travelers can often |
| because of its population. Until China gives up | | | | get roles as extras on them. On the other hand, |
| communism, visiting India is the choice when it | | | | Bombay has a lot of poverty and pollution. Pick |
| comes to seeing democracy in action. | | | | pockets are legendary, so use some common |
| No other place in the world generates such | | | | sense when heading out. There are over 17 million |
| passion among travelers. Simply put, they either | | | | people living in and around the city, so don't |
| love or hate India. Those who love it point to the | | | | expect a lot of open space. All told, I enjoyed |
| exotic culture, varied scenery, inexpensive budget | | | | Mumbai for the short three days I was there. It is |
| and friendly people. Those that hate it point to the | | | | worth a visit. |
| vast poverty that can be found, pollution, trash, | | | | Kolkata/Calcutta - Calcutta has been known as |
| pick pockets and so on. Who is right? Well, both | | | | Kolkata since 2001. It is the second largest city in |
| are. Whether you ultimate love or hate India is | | | | India and is known as the City of Joy, the cultural |
| only a decision you can make after visiting it. | | | | city of India. The name belies the city. Abject |
| Okay, you are committed to going to India. What | | | | poverty is everywhere. I have traveled much of |
| should try to visit? Well, it is a big country, so | | | | the world and am use to seeing some fairly grim |
| here are some highlights. | | | | things. Calcutta, however, definitely topped the |
| Goa - If you want to sit on the beach, Goa is the | | | | scales. It is grim city. I am sure there are plenty |
| spot. Located towards the southern tip of the | | | | of redeeming things in the city, but it is hard to |
| country, Goa is a rather legendary area. It has a | | | | look past the state that many people are living in. |
| reputation of being very care free, a veritable | | | | If you are looking for a destination that will give |
| hippie mecca. While this is generally true, there are | | | | you a very powerful impression, this is the place |
| rules. In general, it is a good place to relax so long | | | | for better or worse. |
| as you are not expecting a lot of amenities. The | | | | By no means are these three locations the only |
| beaches are nice, but things are a bit lax and | | | | things to see in India. You could literally spend a |
| rundown as is the case in much of India. | | | | few years and not get to everything worth a |
| Mumbai/Bombay - Mumbai was formerly known | | | | view. That being said, they are as good a place to |
| as Bombay. It is city that really seems to | | | | start as any when exploring India. Given the fact |
| encapsulate much of India for travelers. On one | | | | it is insanely cheap, you might even stay for a |
| hand, it is home to the film industry in India. Often | | | | while. |
| referred to as Bollywood, the films are musicals | | | | |