North India - Delhi , Haryana, Punjab , Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh

State	Population (millions)	Key Towns/ Cities	Literacy Rate (% of adults)
Delhi	13.8	City State	81.7
Chandigarh	0.9	City State	81.9
Haryana	21.1	Rohtak	67.9
Punjab	24.4	Amritsar	70.0
		Ambala
		Ludhiana
Rajasthan	56.5	Jodphur	61.1
		Udaipur
		Jaipur
Uttar Pradesh	166.2	Allahabad	57.4
		Faizabad
		Lucknow

Delhi is a city state, a cosmopolitan city with a thriving fashion and services sector. As befits a modern capital and city state there are plenty of attractions in easy reach, from the Himalayan foothills, Rajasthani cities and Agra as well as many local monument & sights. The night-life is increasingly varied with some first class restaurants and emerging live music scene. An added bonus is the move to LPG for public vehicles (including three-wheeled scooter taxis) which has really improved air quality.

The regions around Delhi have benefited from Delhi's growth that started in the early 1990's. Surrounding towns such as Gurgaon (in Haryana) have little sign of city boundaries. Further development will continue as Delhi's metro systeme is extended to Delhi and the SEZ near Gurgaon. Other cities such as Meerut, UP, have begun to see the benefits of major road improvements in and out of Delhi.

The region away from the Himalayan foothills is predominantly flat plains but varies from desert in Rajasthan to the Gharwal Hills of Uttar Pradesh (UP) that has a long border with Nepal. As with the Northern Himalayan Region, UP has many hill stations that offer an escape during the summer and are easily accessible from Industrial towns such as Lucknow. UP also contains Agra, the site of the Taj Mahal. Several forts and palaces, such as at Fathepur Sikri, are also in the surrounding area.

The Ardh-Kumbha is celebrated every six years at Prayag near Allahabad. At this great festival (it is said to be the largest gathering of humans anywhere) where Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswati rivers meet, about two million pilgrims from all over the country take a holy dip at the sangam (confluence).

Rajasthan is colourful and entertaining. Jaipur, Jodphur or Udaipur are ideal for work, learning or leisure.

Construction of buildings and infrastructure is active across the region.

See Image Gallery (or click on files below to see examples):

TF-Another-Buffalo-Sunset.jpg
TF-Camel-Safari-Morning.jpg
TF-Fathepur Sikri2.jpg
TF-Hill-Children-UP.jpg

Industries
Diverse with Punjab having a reputation for Animal Husbandry and being the grain belt of India. Tourism, Gem Stones and Minerals are key sectors in colourful Rajasthan.

Service industries are developed in Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh is a large state and has much industry but heavily agricultural in the rural and hilly areas.

• Automotive
• Industrial Machinery
• Consumer Durables
• Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics
• Textiles