Destinations in India: Lemon Tree Hotels

The largest city in the state of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is a key industrial center in West India. For years, it has nurtured a reputation as a strategic base of commerce, trade and industry. Two of India's largest pharmaceutical companies - Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals - are in Ahmedabad. Cultural activities and diverse traditions are the hallmark of Ahmedabad. A colourful lively time in Ahmedabad is the nine nights of Navratri followed by Deepavali, the festival of lights.

The capital of Karnataka, Bengaluru is India's third most populated city and combines business with pleasure seamlessly. Known as the 'Silicon Valley' of India, it is the country's information technology (IT) hub with more than 200 software companies headquartered in the city, including Infosys and Wipro. Many manufacturing companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, National Aerospace Laboratories and Hindustan Machine Tools are headquartered in Bengaluru. Truly a major economic hub, Bengaluru was rated as the 'Best Place to do Business in the World' by CNN.

Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life which is unparalleled. Chandigarh is developing as a major IT hub and is ranked 9th in the top 50 cities identified globally as 'emerging outsourcing and IT services destinations'. Major Indian firms and multinational corporations including Infosys and Dell, FCS Solutions Ltd., IDS Limited, Miracle Studios have offices in the Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP).

The capital of the state of Tamil Nadu, Chennai is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is India's fourth largest metropolitan city and a hub for automobile manufacturing, hardware manufacturing, technology and healthcare. Cultural attractions include the Madras Music Season - an annual event that features Carnatic music, a lively theater scene and performances of the classical dance form of Bharatanatyam.

Located on the Konkan coast, in the western part of India, Goa is paradise for holiday makers from across the globe. Pristine beaches, clear blue water and delicious local cuisine make Goa one of the world's most attractive holiday destinations. The Bom Jesus Basilica - a World Heritage site, holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, regarded by many Catholics as the patron saint of Goa.

Located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India, Hyderabad, also called the 'City of Pearls' is steeped in culture, history, tradition and fine cuisine. This multi-lingual city, which brings together North and South India, both geographically and culturally, is home to Tollywood - the Telegu film industry - India's second largest. The digital revolution is so prominent in Hyderabad that the city is often called 'Cyberabad'

The largest city in the Central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, as well as its commercial capital, Indore is known as the 'Detroit of India'. In addition to the automotive components business, Indore is home to steel, garment and IT industries. Key attractions include temples, forts, palaces and two international level cricket stadiums. Many festivals are celebrated in Indore and include Rang Panchami, Ganeshotsav, Makar Sankranti 'Kite Festival' and Gudi Padwa.

Pune is the second largest city in the West Indian state of Maharashtra. A major industrial center, Pune is where the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Bajaj Auto, is based. Other automobile manufacturers are Tata Motors, India's largest passenger car and commercial vehicle manufacturer and DaimlerChrysler, which has an assembly line for its Mercedes-Benz brand. A rapidly rising software industry is taking hold in Pune, which is also headquarters for the Indian Army's Southern Command.