"Yeh Bharat desh hai Mera-- My country" India by vpas

India Travel Guide: 27,724 reviews and 75,591 photos

Our National Symbols

National River -- Ganga
This river is both sacred and legendary in India. Believed to have the power to cleanse one of sins, there is no parallel river in the world that has been as venerated or become as ingrained in scripture,mythology and culture as a symbol of purity. However it is today one of the most polluted rivers.
If you desire to see its unpolluted form it is better to go to Gangotri in Uttarakhand.Trek down to Gaumukh at the Gangotri glacier to see the Bhagirathi(another name of Ganga) the origins of what goes on to become the Ganga.Besides Rishikesh,Varanasi is the popular stop on the Ganges trail -- among the holiest cities in Hinduism and home to the Kashi Vishwanatha temple,it is also a place where Hindus prefer to have their funeral rituals done. The adventurous can follow the Ganges all the way down to the Sunderbans.

National Flower -- Lotus
There are many religious and mythological tales connected to this exquisitely beautiful flower.It grows in shallow, murky water.It is offered to the Gods during rituals. Its stem and roots are considered a delicacy.
Its quality of not allowing the water to soak it ,inspite of it being in water is one of the principles of Hindu philososphy(not getting immersed in materialism or in problems inspite of being amidst them)

National Fruit -- Mango
India accounts for nearly 45% of the world's mango cultivation. this irresistable golden fruit is delicious. some estimates place the number varieties to more than a thousand!Different regions of India boast of different varieties that have distinct tastes.Which is the best variety?-- depends on your taste!
Alphonso is found along the coastal belt of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka(this variety is much sort after)
Daseri can be found in Malihabad in Lucknow and in Andhra Pradesh
Langra can be found in North and East India
Malgoa is famous in Tamilnadu
Banganapalli, Totapari, Neelam, Himayat -- are all varieties got in Andhra Pradesh
Kala pahad, kesari, rasalu -- are other varieties that you get almost all over India during the mango season

National Tree -- Banyan
The Banyan tree has special spiritual significance because it has no end or is immortal since it never stops growing or spreading.
Famous banyan trees in India --
The great Banyan of Howrah Botanical gardens spead across 4 acres with a crown that extends across a kilometre and 2880 aerial roots; The Thimmamma Marriamanu in Andhra Pradesh is rumoured to be biggest and is spread over anywhere between 5 to 9 acres.It is a leading attraction in Anantpur district;The banyan tree at the Theosophical society premises in Adyar in Chennai, Tamil nadu is yet another major attraction.

National Bird -- Peacock
This bird looks like a fantastic creature with its colours, feathers and grace. The peacock has been known to grow quite tame , pecking at grain in the courtyards of households.The peacock's mating dance with his long train fanned out is among the most enduring imgaes in nature that is often used to respresent India itself.The peacocks are said to be the mount or 'Vaahan' of Lord Karthikeya(second son of Lord Shiva)
Viralimalai in TamilNadu is a haven for peacocks.This is located between Trichy and Madurai.

National Animal -- Tiger
The Bengal tiger has captivated and dominated India for ages.However declining populations may reduce it merely to a figure of myth and legend.Conservation efforts are in full swing,but it is not sure whether they will be successful.
Cobett National Park spread across 521 sq km with a tiger population of 164 is said to be the best place to catch a glimpse of this animal. The best season is April to mid June.

  • Intro Updated Aug 5, 2009
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