Home of Buddhism, India's amazing diversity offers a spectacular adventure to intrepid travelers. From the moment one sets foot in the holy land to be greeted by a gentle Namaste, a gesture denoting both welcome and respect, one is in for an extremely rewarding life experience.
Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and a spectacular coastline on three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, and royal cities. There are golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, a rich tapestry of commingling cultures and constant festivities.
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Throughout the year India offers a dazzling array of destinations and festivals. In the summer as the subcontinent is sizzling, there are spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas and the lush heights of the Western Ghats with cool trekking trails, magnificent peaks to conquer, and stretches of white water for thrill seekers.
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In the cool Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural fests full of music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for era-hopping in romantic cities studded with medieval forts and palaces. The sun drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance of flora and fauna are abuzz.
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Taste the delights of the Indian monsoon season anywhere in the country -- on a camel safari in the Rajasthan desert when nature comes alive and the peacocks dance, along the west coast where the relentless slanting rain colors the countryside in brilliant greens or hiking into the stark grandeur of mountain valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
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Experience exotic India: live like a maharaja in the rich ambiance of opulent royal forts and palaces that have now been converted into heritage hotels. Lounge in the serene beauty of a coral island alongside a turquoise lagoon. Participate in the exuberance of a village fair or a colorful festival. Daydream on a houseboat drifting down palm-fringed backwaters or gliding over Lake Dal in war torn Kashmir (never mind the soldiers). Delight in the graceful movements of a dancer or shop on the cheap for exquisite fabrics, carved figurines, brass and silverware, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, finely handcrafted jewelry, miniature paintings, and carpets.
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India, always warm and inviting, is a place of infinite variety -- one that favors travelers with a different facet of its ever changing customs and fascinating customs. Steer clear of Bombay (Mumbai), its Jewish and business capital, with its Zoroastrians (Parsis) and "sky burials," its rat catchers and Laughing Yoga. Or if all this sounds like too much, break out the hand sanitizer and rent a film like The Fall or Out of India.
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