Excursion

India is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet. The subcontinent as it is rightly called, touches three large water bodies and is immediately recognizable on any world map. This thick, roughly triangular peninsula defines the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the India Ocean to the south.

India will sideswipe you with its size, clamour and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it. India is a litmus test for many travelers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime.

India holds virtually every kind of landscape imaginable. An abundance of mountain ranges and national parks provide ample opportunity for eco-tourism and trekking, and its sheer size promises something for everyone. From north to south India extends a good 2000 miles (3200 km), where the island nation of Sri Lanka seems to be squeezed out of India like a great tear, the synapse forming the Gulf of Mannar.

Himalayas, the world's highest mountain chain and Nepal as its Neighboring country dominate India's northern border. Following the sweeping mountains to the northeast, its borders narrow to a small channel that passes between Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, then spreads out again to meet Burma in the "eastern triangle." Apart from the Arabian Sea, its western border is defined exclusively by Pakistan.

This is the beginning of the exciting Indian trail. It is here, in this Golden Triangle, that the seekers of India Begin their voyage of discovery. Within this is cradled the essence of India-Delhi, a rich tapestry of contrasts that is the theme of this complex land, Agra, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance and Jaipur, exuberant with colours.

North India is the country's largest region begins with Jammu and Kashmir, with terrain varying from arid mountains in the far north to the lake country and forests near Srinagar and Jammu. There is a fairy-tale quality about the mountain state of Himachal Pardesh, with its beautiful valleys and the mysterious snow-clad Himalyan peaks. The lower valleys of Kullu, Chamba and Kangra are green. In marked contrast are the stark splendors of the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

The land of the five rivers, Punjab, the center of the Sikh faith, is known for its agricultural wealth and its rugged, handsome people. Amritsar, the holy city of sikhs, the royal cities of Patiala and Kapurthala and other little places of pilgrimage all set amidst the lush fields of wheat and mustard, make an attractive circuit, not far from Delhi.

Going to the WEST can be a great venture. The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, constitute West India. The romantic desert state of Rajasthan with its legends of chivalry and valour is the one of the most exciting destinations in India- splendid desert forts; beautiful lake palaces and temples transport the visitor back to the valiant times of the Rajputs. Udaipur, Chittaurgarh and Mt. Abu complete a splendid travel experience. Gujarat with its long and exciting history has a variety of interesting destinations - Lothal, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Palitana and the Gir National Park - the last retreat of the Asiatic lion. Extending from the Gujarat peninsula down to Goa, the west coast is lined with some of India's best beaches. The western state of Maharashtra, located on the plateau, is the land where the valiant Marathas and their intrepid leader Shivaji once ruled. The dynamic city of Mumbai, Pune located in the cool of the plateau, the Mughal city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and hill resorts like Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, from a circuit that is full of variety and interest.

The SOUTH zone maintains its own dynasty and stature with a peculiar cultural heritage of Dravidians. The states in South India are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, a favourite leisure destination. Located on the Deccan Plateau, the state of Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage. It was once a part of the Emperor Ashoka's empire and traces of its Buddhist past are still to be seen at places like Nagajunakonda and Amravati. The beautiful temple of Lord Venkateswara, located in the cool of the Tirumalai Hills, close to the town of Tirupati, is an important place of pilgrimage. The temple - a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture has a gilded vimana over the sactum. At Tiruchanur ( 10 Kms ) is the shrine to the goddess Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Tamil Nadu, the land of ancient temples, modern cities, beautiful beaches and strong traditions of classical dance and music. Chennai, the capital city, and other cities like Mamallpuram and Pondicherry are the logical start to a southern experience. Kerala, the lush coastal strip in the south west of India, is a land apart, welcomes you with its beautiful beaches and vibrant cities like Thiruvanathapuram, Kochi, Kottayam and Kollam. South India has fine hill stations located in the cool heights of the Western Ghats. The forested ranges that seem tinted with a delicate shade of blue are also known in parts as the Nilgiris or the Blue Mountains. Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal and Yercaud, located on these southern ranges, have fine lakes, wooded trails, waterfalls, rock outcrops and splendid scenery, that make them delightful retreats from the heat of the plains.

EAST India begins with the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, which comprise the westernmost part of the region. East India also contains an area known as the eastern triangle, which is entirely distinct. This is the last gulp of land that extends beyond Bangladesh, culminating in the Naga Hills along the Burmese border.

The NORTH EAST is a general term for a group of fascinating states that include Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, located in the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan ranges of this area. Superb natural scenery, colorful cultures and exceptional terrain for trekking, mountaineering and other adventure sports make them marvelous destinations for unusual holidays. Calcutta, the capital city of West Bengal, is the entry point to this region. Darjeeling, Gangtok, Shillong, Agartala and Guwahati are some of the famous destinations in the East region.

India is an invigorating, colorful land where the vivacity of its people, the colours of their costumes and crafts, and the exuberance of their celebrations add an extra dimension to a holiday. The Indian tradition of hospitality together with the variety of destinations and a well-developed tourist infrastructure make India an ideal venture for holidays, business meetings and conventions.

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