At over 1.1 billion, India's population is second only to China in volume. Some 80% are Hindu, their culture having evolved out of the mingling of indigenous Dravidian peoples and Aryan-speaking nomads who arrived from Central Asia around 1500BC. India also has 126 million Muslims, Islam having spread across the subcontinent from the eighth century onwards.

India won independence in 1947, under the guidance and inpiration of Mahatma Gandhi. Almost three centuries of British colonial rule had left the country in a state of deep poverty, albeit enriched it with some vital assets which helped to knit the country into the economic power and multiethnic democracy that India is today: a parliamentary government, the English language, and a comprehensive railway network. Hindi is the most widely spoken language, followed by English and 16 other tongues officially recognised by the government.

Browse all tours in India

Explore runs a comprehensive programme of adventure tours throughout India, such as:
Kerala Backwaters - in India's deep south, for ayurvedic medicine and a velvety green land criss-crossed by rivers
Moghul Highlights - for a cultural discovery of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and other fabled treasures of the north, plus two of India's national parks
Delhi to Kathmandu - for the major cultural highlights of northern India, including Jaipur, Agra a 3-day trip on the Ganges, plus the Chitwan NP and Kathmandu in Nepal

Tiger Trails & Temples - for a full experience of Indian wildlife, plus the exotic temples of Khajuraho
Sikkim & Singalila Trek - for an energising experience of the eastern Himalaya and a discovery of Sikkim, a province of distinct cultural identity where Buddhism and Hinduism co-exist peacefully
Taj, Tigers & Palaces - for a family holiday with a difference. A great introduction to the highlights, and plenty of off-beat discovery too

For more information on India, check out the BBC's Country Profile here.