India is a land of incredible diversity and countless wonders. There are so many interesting facts about India that will leave you amazed.
Did you know that India is the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, and it’s also the world’s largest democracy?
One fascinating tidbit is that India boasts the highest cricket ground globally, located 2,444 meters above sea level in Chail, Himachal Pradesh.
With over 2,000 ethnic groups and more than 1,600 spoken languages, India’s cultural tapestry is as colorful as it is vast. Dive into these and other interesting facts about India that showcase its unique charm and significance.
1.Leaving Root Bridges
The northeastern state of Meghalaya, particularly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills, has living root bridges. These bridges are built by training the roots of the Ficus elastica tree over many years to form natural, strong bridges over waterfalls and rivers.
2.Magnetic Hill
Near Leh in Ladakh, there is a phenomenon known as Magnetic Hill, where vehicles appear to move upward on their own when placed in neutral gear. The gravity hill causes this optical illusion.
3.Rani Ki Vav
Located in Gujarat, Rani Ki Vav is an intricately built stepwell that dates back to the 11th century. It is famous for its elaborate architecture, which includes elaborate sculptures and carvings depicting various mythological themes.
4.Tulsi Shyam
A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in the Gir forest of Gujarat is known as Tulsi Shyam. The unique thing about this temple is its idol, which turns black during the day and blue at night.
5.Jatinga Bird Mystery
There is a small village named Jatinga in the state of Assam, where birds inexplicably die during late monsoon nights. Known as the Jatinga Bird Mystery, this phenomenon has puzzled scientists for decades.
6.Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh is believed to be the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”. The park is known for its rich biodiversity including tigers, leopards and barasingha (swamp deer).
7.Kodinhi
A village in Kerala, Kodinhi is known for its unusually high rate of twin births. The exact reason behind this phenomenon is still unknown and remains a curiosity for researchers.
8.Dhanushkodi
Located on the south-eastern tip of India, Dhanushkodi is a ghost town that was destroyed by a cyclone in 1964. It remains uninhabited today, with remains of buildings and a railway line submerged in sand.
9.St. Mary's Island
Off the coast of Karnataka, St. Mary’s Island is a group of four small islands known for their unique geological formation called columnar basaltic lava. This structure resembles the structure of a natural rock column.
10.Mawlynnong
Often referred to as the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is known for its cleanliness and eco-friendly initiatives. It has won international acclaim for its community-based efforts in waste management and sustainable living.
11.Sundarbans Mangrove Forest
The Sundarbans, straddling India and Bangladesh, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the Bengal tiger and is famous for its intricate network of tidal waterways.
12.Nubra Valley
Located in Ladakh, Nubra Valley is famous for its stark landscapes, sand dunes, and Bactrian camels. It is accessible via the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La.
13.Kala Ghoda Art Festival
Held annually in Mumbai, the Kala Ghoda Art Festival celebrates art, culture and creativity. It features exhibitions, installations, performances, workshops and food stalls that attract artists and visitors from around the world.
14.Karni Mata Temple
In Rajasthan, there is a temple dedicated to Karni Mata, where rats are revered and considered sacred. Known as kabba, these rats roam freely in the temple premises and are fed by devotees.
15.Jallianwala Bagh
Located in Amritsar, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden that witnessed a tragic massacre in 1919, where the British army opened fire on unarmed civilians and killed hundreds of people. It is a poignant symbol of India’s freedom struggle.
16.Golconda Fort
Located in Hyderabad, Golconda Fort is known for its acoustics, which allows sound to travel from the fort’s entrance to the top. Clapping at the entrance can be heard at the highest point, several stories above.
17.Kumbhalgarh Fort
Located in Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second longest intact wall after the Great Wall of China. The wall stretches over 36 kilometers and is wide enough to accommodate eight horses.
18.Lonar Sarovar
Lonar Sarovar in Maharashtra is a unique saline soda lake formed by a meteorite about 52,000 years ago. It is one of the only known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth.
19.Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake in Manipur is famous for its floating islands called phumdis, which are made of vegetation, mud and organic matter. The lake is also home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, the sangai.
20.Majuli
Majuli in Assam is the world’s largest river island in the Brahmaputra River. It is known for its Vaishnavite monasteries (sutras) that have preserved traditional Assamese culture and performing arts.
21.Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a vast salt marsh that turns into a surreal white desert during the dry season. It hosts the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival showcasing local crafts, music, and dance.
22.Dholavira
Dholavira in Gujarat is an archaeological site of the ancient Harappan civilization. It’s known for its well-planned city layout, sophisticated water management system and the world’s first signboard written in the Indus Valley script.
23.Roopkund Lake
Roopkund Lake in Uttarakhand is also known as Skeleton Lake because of hundreds of human skeletons at its bottom. The ruins are believed to date back to the 9th century and remain a mystery.
24.Vaishno Devi
The Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi and is one of the holiest Hindu temples in India. It is situated in the Trikuta Mountains and is visited by millions of pilgrims every year.
25.Pushkar Camel Fair
Held annually in Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Fair is the world’s largest livestock fair. Along with pilgrims and tourists, it attracts thousands of camels, horses and other livestock.
26.Khajuraho Temples
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh is famous for its exquisite temples adorned with intricate sensual sculptures. These temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and reflect India’s rich architectural heritage.
27.Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu is home to one of the largest mangrove forests in the world. It is famous for its unique ecosystem and is a haven for various flora and fauna including migratory birds.
28.Kolkata Trams
Kolkata operates Asia’s oldest tram network, dating back to 1873. The tram system remains an integral part of Kolkata’s public transport network, giving the city a nostalgic charm.
29.Shani Shingnapur
Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra is a village known for its open-air temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shani, associated with the planet Saturn. The uniqueness of this temple is that it has no roof.
30.Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills near Bangalore is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and ancient temples. It was a favorite summer retreat for Tipu Sultan and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
31.Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest coastal lake in India and the second largest lake in the world. It is a hotspot for biodiversity, hosting millions of migratory birds during the winter months.
32.Sanchi Stupa
The Great Stupa at Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest stone structures in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
33.Bishnupur Temples
Bishnupur in West Bengal is famous for the terracotta temples built by the Malla kings during the 17th and 18th centuries. These temples have elaborate terracotta carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
34.Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who advocated complete independence from British rule. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) to fight alongside the Axis powers during World War II.
35.Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are ancient rock-cut cave complexes that display Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art and architecture. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and date back to the 2nd century BC.
36.Hampi
Hampi in Karnataka was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its magnificent ruins, temples and monuments, which reflect the grandeur of the empire.
37.Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. They are also home to local tribes including the reclusive Sentinelese.
38.Halebidu
Halebidu in Karnataka is famous for the Hoysaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its intricate scu Majestic Himalayas.
India has some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Kanchenjunga (the third tallest peak) in Sikkim and Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand. The Himalayas are not only majestic but also culturally and ecologically important.
39.Sundial at Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur houses a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century.
40.Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, is a massive gateway built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.
It is a classic example of Mughal architecture and stands 54 meters high. lptures depicting gods, goddesses, animals and mythological scenes, with Hoysala architecture at its peak.
41.Majestic Himalayas
India is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Kangchenjunga (third highest peak) in Sikkim and Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand. The Himalayas are not only majestic but also culturally and ecologically significant.
42.Sundial at Jantar-Mantar
The Jantarmantar in Jaipur houses a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
43.Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh is a grand gateway built by Emperor Akbar in 1601 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. It is an excellent example of Mughal architecture and stands 54 meters tall.
44.Auroville
Auroville near Puducherry is an experimental township established in 1968 to realize human integration. It is known for its unique governance structure, emphasis on eternal life, and Matri Mandir, a spiritual center.
45.Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage and the largest religious gathering in the world, attracting millions of devotees. It is held every 12 years at four different locations in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik.
46.Chettinad Palaces
In the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, there are magnificent palaces built by the Chettiar community known for their grand architecture, intricate woodwork and unique use of Athangudi tiles. These palaces are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Chettinad.
47.Indian Railways
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world operated by Indian Railways. It stretches over 67,000 kilometers and transports millions of passengers every day, connecting remote villages to major cities.
48.Sufi Shrine of Moinuddin Chishti
Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, Rajasthan is the shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. It is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims and people of other faiths who come to seek blessings on the tombs of revered saints.
49.Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach in Goa is known for its natural beauty, crescent shape and peaceful atmosphere. It is a favorite destination for backpackers and travelers who want a quiet beach experience away from the crowded tourist spots.
50.Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya in Bihar is where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts Buddhist pilgrims from around the world.
51.Nalanda University
Nalanda in Bihar was a famous ancient center of learning and one of the first residential universities in the world. It attracted scholars and students from all over Asia, contributing to the spread of Buddhist and other teachings.
52.Chadar Trek
The Chadar Trek in Ladakh is a winter trekking adventure on the frozen Zanskar River. It offers a unique experience of snowshoeing amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes, which makes it a challenge for adventure enthusiasts.
53.Lachung and Lachen
Lachung and Lachen in Sikkim are picturesque hill villages known for their natural beauty, waterfalls and gateway to the stunning Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake, both located at high altitudes.
54.Rani Padmini Ka Mahal
Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan houses Rani Padmini Ka Mahal, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty. It is associated with the legendary story of Rani Padmini’s sacrifice during Alauddin Khilji’s siege.
55.Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It is one of the few places where tourists can see wild elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat.
56.Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Near Shillong in Meghalaya, Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a dense forest considered sacred to the Khasi community. Meghalaya’s unique cultural and natural heritage is treasured as a sacred place and biodiversity hotspot.
57.Pondicherry Botanical Garden
Established in 1826, the Pondicherry Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India. There are a variety of exotic plants, shrubs and flowers here, which attract botanists and nature lovers.
58.Pamban Bridge
The Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu is a historic railway bridge connecting the town of Rameswaram with mainland India. It is famous for its unique double-leaf bascule section that can be raised to allow ships to sail.
59.Nehru Zoological Museum
Located in Hyderabad, Nehru Zoological Museum is one of the largest zoological museums in India. Its conservation efforts, breeding programs and various collections of animals including rare and endangered species are held here.
60.Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple at Hampi in Karnataka is one of the oldest functioning temples in India, dating back to the 7th century. It is dedicated to O Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus.
61.Lepakshi Temple
Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh is known for its Veerabhadra temple, famous for its intricate carvings, murals and the largest monolithic statue of Nandi (Bull) in India. It is an excellent example of Vijayanagara architecture.
62.Champaner-Pavagad Archaeological Park
Located in Gujarat, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its ancient fortifications, mosques, temples and steps dating back to the 8th century. It shows a fusion of Hindu-Muslim architecture and history.
63.Amber Fort
Amber Fort near Jaipur is a magnificent hill fort known for its artistic Hindu-style elements with Mughal architecture. It offers a panoramic view of Maota Lake and is a popular tourist attraction in Rajasthan.
64.Gandikota
Known as the Grand Canyon of India, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh is famous for the stunning gorge formed by the Pennar River. It also has ancient forts, temples and granaries from the Vijayanagara period.
65.Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan is infamous as one of the most haunted places in India. Legend has it that it was cursed by a tantric, leading to its renunciation and eccentric reputation, attracting thrill seekers and ghost hunters.
66.Rock shelter of Bhimbetka
The rock shelter of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh is an archaeological site with cave paintings from the Mesolithic period. These paintings depict scenes of daily life, animals and rituals of ancient humans.
67.Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls in Goa is one of the highest waterfalls in India, flowing from a height of 310 meters. The waterfall looks milky white during monsoons, surrounded by greenery and biodiversity.
68.Warangal Fort
Warangal Fort in Telangana was once the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty and is known for its impressive stone gateways, temples and intricate carvings. It shows the architectural genius of the Kakatiya era.
69.Patwon Ki Haveli
Located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Patwon Ki Haveli is a group of five mansions known for their elaborate architecture, intricate carvings and facades adorned with beautiful paintings and mirror work.
70.Magnetic Fields Festival
The Magnetic Fields Festival held annually in Rajasthan is a unique music and art festival set in a 17th century palace and its surrounding desert landscape. It combines contemporary music with Rajasthani culture and heritage.
71.Chitrakot Falls
Chitrakot Falls in Chhattisgarh is often called the “Niagara Falls of India”. It is a horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Indravati river, surrounded by lush forests, which makes it a popular tourist destination.
72.Sarnath
Sarnath near Varanasi is the place where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Dhamek Stupa and Ashoka Pillar are major sites that attract Buddhist pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
73.Bhitarkanika National Park
Located in Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is known for its mangrove forests, saltwater crocodiles and various bird species. It is also a sanctuary for endangered species like Indian python and king cobra.
74.Chand Baori
Chand Baori in Rajasthan is one of the deepest wells in India, with over 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a perfect geometric pattern.
It was built to store water and as a summer gathering place. Its symmetrical design and intricate carvings make it a marvel of ancient engineering and architecture.
75.Kolkata Book Fair
The Kolkata Book Fair is the world’s largest book fair held annually in Kolkata, West Bengal. It attracts publishers, writers and book lovers from India and abroad, showcasing various books and literary works.
76.Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most iconic symbol of love and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is famous for its white marble architecture and gardens.
77.Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of endangered one-horned rhinoceros. It is home to tigers, elephants and various bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
78.Santiniketan
Santiniketan in West Bengal is a town founded by Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is home to the Vishwa Bharati University and is known for its cultural heritage, including Tagore’s residence and the annual Paush Mela.
79.Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu is an ancient Indian martial art form which is considered to be the oldest in the world. It originated in Kerala and incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling and weapon techniques, influencing other martial arts such as kung fu.
80.Ajmer Sharif Dargah
The Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan is a revered Sufi shrine visited by people of all faiths to seek blessings. The annual Urs festival attracts pilgrims and devotees from all over the world.
81.Qila Raipur Sports Festival
Qila Raipur Sports Festival, also known as Rural Olympics, is held every year near Ludhiana, Punjab. It features traditional rural sports and competitions such as bullock cart races, tractor races and wrestling, which reflect the rural culture of Punjab.
82.Kathakali
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, colorful makeup and expressive movements. It combines dance, music and acting to depict stories from Hindu mythology and epics.
83.Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival in Rajasthan celebrates the culture and traditions of the desert region. It features folk music and dance performances, camel races, turban-tying competitions and displays of local handicrafts and cuisine.
84.Hemis Festival
The Hemis Festival in Ladakh is a vibrant Buddhist festival organized at the Hemis Math to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. It includes masked dance performances (Cham dance), prayers and rituals that attract locals and tourists alike.
85.Chilpata Forest
The Chilpata forest in West Bengal is known for its wildlife sanctuary and the ruins of the medieval Nalraja Garh fort. It is home to elephants, deer, leopards and many bird species, offering opportunities for jungle safaris and eco-tourism.
86.Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha is a grand chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. It involves the ceremonial pulling of huge chariots carrying the deities through the streets, attended by lakhs of devotees.
87.Sarangi
Sarangi is a traditional Indian string instrument known for its melodious sound and use in classical, folk and devotional music. It is played with a bow and is characterized by its resonant tone and ability to mimic vocal expressions.
88.Gandaberunda
Gandaberunda is a mythical two-headed bird from Hindu mythology, symbolizing strength and power. It is often depicted with the traditional art of Karnataka, architecture and the symbol of the state of Karnataka.
89.Tea Gardens of Darjeeling
Darjeeling in West Bengal is famous for its tea gardens producing Darjeeling tea, known as the “champagne of tea”. The picturesque plantations on the steep slopes offer panoramic views and attract tea lovers and tourists.
90.Puppetry
Puppetry in India is an ancient art form with various regional styles such as Kathaputli in Rajasthan, Bommalattam in Tamil Nadu and Togalu Gombeyata in Karnataka. It combines storytelling, music and intricate puppet designs made from wood, cloth and leather.
91.Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
These two national parks in Uttarakhand are UNESCO World Heritage Sites known for their biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Nanda Devi National Park is home to the Nanda Devi peak, while the Valley of Flowers is famous for its vibrant alpine flowers.
92.Tungnath Temple
Tungnath in Uttarakhand is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 m. It is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
93.Sattriya Dance
Sattriya is a classical dance from Assam, originally performed as part of the Sattra (Vaishnavite monastery). It is characterized by graceful movements, devotional themes and rhythmic feet, reflecting Assamese culture and spirituality.
94.Matheran
Matheran in Maharashtra is a hill station known for its natural beauty, toy train and pollution-free environment. It is one of the few places in India where motor vehicles are banned, retaining its natural charm and serenity.
95.Vellyamkallu
Vellyamkallu in Kerala is an ancient Iron Age stone tomb, believed to be the burial ground of early chieftains. These megalithic structures are adorned with intricate carvings and are of archaeological importance.
96.Kalari
Kalari is a traditional martial art form from Kerala, known for its dynamic movements, strikes and self-defense techniques. It incorporates elements of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, making it a holistic practice for physical and mental health.
97.Goa Feni
Feni is a traditional Goan spirit made from cashew apple or coconut palm. It is known for its unique taste and is an integral part of Goan culture, often used in festivals, weddings and social gatherings.
98.Devlo Hill
Devlo Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal is the highest point in the region offering a panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains. It is a popular tourist destination and a great place for sightseeing and adventure activities like paragliding.
99.Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan is an artificial freshwater lake known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It is surrounded by palaces, temples and bathing ghats, including the iconic Lake Palace built on Jag Island.
100.Mysore Dussehra
Mysore Dussehra is a traditional 10-day festival celebrated in Mysore, Karnataka, to commemorate the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura. It includes colourful processions, cultural performances, and illumination of the Mysore Palace.
India is a land of fascinating contrasts and vibrant cultures. From the mesmerizing living root bridges in Meghalaya to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, the country is a treasure trove of wonders.
Delving into these interesting facts about India offers a glimpse into its rich heritage, unique traditions, and diverse natural landscapes, making it a truly remarkable destination.
