India
A land of culture, colour and spice, India and its vast landscape offers something to delight every kind of traveller or tourist. Bordered by Pakistan to the West; China and Nepal to the North and Bangladesh and Burma to the East, India is bursting with life on all sides. Mountains, valleys, beaches and bustling cities offer a veritable feast for the eyes and ears.
Overlooked by the world’s highest mountain range, the mighty Himalayas, India’s northern region is dominated by hills, valleys and forests – the perfect playground for adventure activities such as heli skiing, river running, bungee jumping, paragliding, mountaineering and trekking.
Further south, plateaus, teak forests and sandy deserts offer the perfect opportunities for wildlife watching and exploration. India’s beaches are paradise for visitors wanting to while away the hours with snorkeling and windsurfing or simply lazing in the sun. When you think of India, you will no doubt conjure up images of exotic birds and animals such as tigers, mighty elephants, peacocks and rhinos. You’ll be able to feast your eyes on all of these and more when you visit India’s hundreds of national parks and nature reserves.
The best way to experience the real India is to get out and about into its villages and small towns and take part in the many festivals and events that bring India alive throughout the year. In the cities themselves you will experience an amalgamation of activities involving food, music and dance which will leave you with long lasting memories of this magical country.
Amritsar
Amritsar in the north west of India is often one of the first stops for travellers, tourists and pilgrims. It is the cultural centre of the Sikh religion and home of the famous Golden Temple. Otherwise known as the Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal and is brimming with religious fervor that you can’t help but get wrapped up in.
The spiritual, enchanting aura is almost tangible as you walk through the complex of buildings and gold-plated sculptures. Every day around 35,000 people are fed for free in one of the temple’s dining halls, the Guru-Ka-Langar, certainly a remarkable sight to behold. Watch and join in with people from all castes and backgrounds sitting cross-legged on the floor, breaking bread with each other.
Delhi
The capital city of India is like nowhere else on earth. An amalgamation of old and new and home to over 10 million people, the hustle and bustle of Delhi gives you an insight into the rest of this fascinating country. You can’t fail to get caught up in the atmosphere of the city and soak up the smells, sights and sounds of daily life. Visit Delhi’s Old Sector with its ancient forts, monuments and mosques linked to India’s Muslim history, or go for a complete contrast in New Delhi. This part of the city is bursting with modern international influences, whilst still displaying many historical monuments like the Jantar Mantar and Lodhi Gardens.
Agra
The city of Agra is perhaps most famous as the home of the Taj Mahal, the most magnificent example of all Mughal architecture. One of the most recognised landmarks of not only India, but across the world, the stunning Taj Mahal mausoleum was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth. A place steeped in romance and wonder, the Taj Mahal is rightly so one of the Wonders of the World and is a delightful blend of persian, indian and islamic styles. Of course, whilst this fantastic building is the main attraction for people travelling to Agra, it does have other places of interest, particularly the Agra Fort, which was built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors.
Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi rests on the banks of the River Ganges and is one of the oldest living cities in the world. For over 2500 years it has attracted Hindu pilgrims from all over India and the rest of the world eager to wash away their sins in the holy water. This really is a spiritual place where people come to consult the astrologers, buy ritual offerings, sell their wares and take a dip at the water’s edge. The alleged holiness of the River Ganges also means that you may come across a few urns or even dead bodies floating downstream on their way to redemption in the next life.
Indian Cuisine
We all know that one of Britain’s most popular dishes is the mighty curry. Prepare to be surprised – Indian food tastes ten times better in its homeland! You will find however, that it’s nothing like you’re used to. The flavours are dramatic and authentic, filled with a huge variety of regional spices (and a lot of them!) and herbs. Depending on which part of the country you visit, you’ll get to sample a range of mouthwatering delights – fish dishes in the coastal state of West Bengal, vegetable dishes in the hot South and rich and heavy dishes in the temperamental mountain climate of the North.
More great pictures from India…
A land of culture, colour and spice, India and its vast landscape offers something to delight every kind of traveller or tourist. Bordered by Pakistan to the West; China and Nepal to the North and Bangladesh and Burma to the East, India is bursting with life on all sides. Mountains, valleys, beaches and bustling cities offer a veritable feast for the eyes and ears.
The best way to experience the real India is to get out and about into its villages and small towns and take part in the many festivals and events that bring India alive throughout the year. In the cities themselves you will experience an amalgamation of activities involving food, music and dance which will leave you with long lasting memories of this magical country.
