One of the most fascinating, alluring, break taking and mesmerizing places you are ever going to visit is India.

The country of a billion plus is indeed incredible in every way, shape and form just like the national campaign says it is.

On my recent trip to the amazing country, I had the privilege of visiting the fascinating cities of Mumbai and Pune.

It was my 20th trip to the remarkable country and every time I go back, I always discover something new, learn something incredible and feel rejuvenated with energy and spirit.

The city of Mumbai, with a population of roughly 22 million, is the world’s fourth most populated city and India’s largest city. Millions immigrate yearly to find opportunity, create their own business or find stardom in Bollywood. Mumbai has become one of the most talked about and highly profiled places in all of India due to its diverse population, booming technology, fashion and retail industries, larger than life religious festivals, new startups and of course Bollywood with its’ high profiled stars.

The city that literally never sleeps continues to mesmerize me with its new developments, rapid increase in consumer choices (everyone has a iPhone), high-end fashion stores (Gucci is super popular) and of course the mesmerizing and colorful upon colorful silk saris, designer clothes and breathtaking temples.

Pune, the other city I visited is about a four-hour ride from Mumbai by car. About the same by bus or train. The ride alone is incredible as the scenic route to the city is filled with picturesque mountains, breathtaking visuals and stunning farms filled with organic vegetables and gardens.

The second largest city in the state of Maharashtra, Pune has a tremendous amount of history to it and is known for historical architecture, academia, beautiful ancient temple structures and food and culture that makes the vibrant & exciting city popular among tourists from overseas.

One of the most well-known aspects of Pune that brings in thousands of tourists and visitors to the city each year is their famous 10 day Lord Ganesh festival known as Ganesh Chaturthi. Mumbai has a major celebration as well with the main attraction being the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganesh idol that is worshiped by millions during the holiday, but many say that the ten-day festival in Pune is the creme de la creme of the festival where  larger than life Ganesh idols parade down the streets and are put on display in expensive & handcrafted massive platforms for millions to view daily and offer prayer. It’s one of the most talked about festivals in India and receives millions of views on social media.

For the next several weeks, I will post to The Ravi Report my recent adventures in India giving details of the places in Mumbai and Pune that I visited while also including special “tips” on how to travel, shop and dine in one of the most diverse countries and cultures in the world.

Stay tuned…and let the journey to India begin!