West India is one of India's highly industrialized areas with a large urban population. Most of West India was under the Maratha rule until India was colonized by the British. West India is bordered by the Thar Desert in the Northwest and the Vindhya Range in the north. A large portion of West India shares the Deccan Plateau with South India. West India comprises of the states of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the union territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. States in West India differ greatly in language and culture and levels of economic development. While Gujarat is highly industrialized, Goa and Rajasthan are tourist magnets.
West India has a lot of destinations to offer tourists from states like Gujarat that boasts of the longest coastline (1290 km), along with some of the most popular temples in the country like the Akshardham Temple, The Ambaji Temple and the Dwarka Temple to name a few. The state is also known for its beautiful, sunny beaches and being the birthplace of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Also famous in Gujarat is the city of Ahmedabad, known for its silk sarees, silver jewellery, Kutch fabric and terracotta toys among others, the city of Surat is known for its famous silk sarees and its diamond trade.
Maharashtra is famous for its world famous caves like the Elephanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves and the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Famous in Maharastra are also the cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai, known for the iconic Gateway of India (built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George the 5th and Queen Mary). The city of Pune too is known for being Maharashtra's cultural capital and a very historic city known for its many educational institutions.
Rajasthan, a truly colourful land, attracts many tourists year after year. Known as the land of warriors, deserts, colourful textiles, battle scarred forts and intricately decorated Rajput Temples, Rajastan is a travellers delight. Cities not worth missing in Rajasthan are Jaipur, famous for the Amber Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, Govind Devji Temple, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort among many. Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City is famous for the Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mandore Gardens and the Bel Samand Lake to name a few. Other famous places in Rajasthan are Bharatpur, known for its bird sanctuary, Bikaner and Chittorgarh for their ancient forts, Jaisalmer for its desert safaris, Pushkar for its famous cattle fair every year in November and Mount Abu, India's only dry hill station, known for its Jain Temples.
Goa, an Old Portuguese colony, is another famous tourist destination in India, flaunting miles and miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in India. Panaji the capital of Goa is known for balancing its old world charm with modernity. Some of the famous beaches of Goa are Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Dona Paula Beach and Miramar beach to name a few.
The union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a tiny little territory squeezed in between the larger states oh Maharashtra and Gujarat and is famous for its gardens and tribal museums. Daman and Diu, another union territory are two small towns, one on an island off the coastline of Gujarat and the other on the coast. Daman and Diu are famous for their beaches, Old Portuguese Forts, churches and water sports.
Cuisine of West India
West India has a very diverse style of food and uses a combination of different spices, ingredients and vegetables and fruits. Rajasthan Cuisine Food from Rajastan is known for being cooked in pure ghee and its mouth watering aroma. Some popular dishes from Rajastan are, Dal Bati Churma, Lal Maas, Gatte and Ker Sangari
Gujarati food is completely vegetarian and known for its slightly sweet flavour. Some popular dished from Gujarat are, Thepla, Dhokla, Khandvi, Handvo and Panki.
Maharastra
Food from this region ranges from being very mild to very spicy and some of the popular food from Maharastra are Shrikhand, Vada -Pao, Thaalipeeth and Modak.
Goa Cuisine
Goan food is known for its liberal use of coconuts, vinegar, chillies and seafood. Here are some popular dishes of Goa; Vindaloo, Xacuti, Bibinca and Prawn Balchao.
Last Updated on : January 20, 2023
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