India is a land of staggering contrast with a mingling of the tradition and modernity that is an unique experience to be in India.One will forever remember the stay in this wonderful Homeland-a land truly of mystery and enchantment.Only India can offer such an astonishing variety of contrasts.

India is an year round destination. Experience the deeper insight into India’s Heritage. Keeping with the trust tradition and the culture heritage of India.

India is a land apart, a destination like no other: mysterious, colorful, exotic, and always memorable. A visit to the country is a changing spectacle of religions, customs, festivals, sights and sounds. With a historical backdrop of 5,000 years, India is one big package of culture and legend that never fails to captivate the visitor. But there are also endless natural splendors. The mighty Himalayas that straddle the north, the vast Indo-Gangetic Plains, lush tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, and a 5,000 km-long coastline embellished with golden beaches.

A holiday in India is always an eventful experience and one that requires perfect scheduling, planning, and budgeting. This is a vast country and logistics are an important factor for travelers. This is where we step in... We have just the right background and work experience to ensure you get the best out of your India holidays. We know the country well, and use our personal knowledge to augment your holidaying. A great deal of research has gone into our tour selection, which ensures maximum comfort, enjoyment, and a multidimensional look at India. We are also just the right size: not too large to forget about the little things that make a holiday enjoyable, and yet big enough to ensure all arrangements are perfect.

"If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India." - Romain Rolland

India is the largest democracy in the world, seventh largest country and the second most populous. India is a picture of diversity seen in her peoples, cultures, colourful festivals, dress and costumes, religions, flaura and fauna and varying landscapes. Her history dates back to the Indus Valley civilization of about 2500-1700 BC. She is, as Mark Twain intones “ the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, grandmother of legend, and great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.” She gave the world the knowledge of counting that transformed the scientific faculty of man. She was and arguably is the spiritual seat of the world.

 India is located in the Asia continent in northern hemisphere. The Himalayan ranges crown the northern boundary of India. It is bounded on the north by Afghanistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan; on the east by Bangladesh, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), and the Bay of Bengal; on the south by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar (which separates it from Sri Lanka) and the Indian Ocean; and on the west by the Arabian Sea and Pakistan. The country is divided into 28 states (three of which are recently formed) and 7 Union Territories. New Delhi is the capital of India and one of its largest cities.

Geography

India's total land mass is 2,973,190 square kilometers and is divided into three main geological regions: the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Himalayas, and thePeninsula region. The Indo-Gangetic Plain and those portions of the Himalayas within India are collectively known as North India. South India consists of the peninsular region, often termed simply the Peninsula. On the basis of its physiography, India is divided into ten regions: the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the northern mountains of the Himalayas, the Central Highlands, the Deccan or Peninsular Plateau, the East Coast (Coromandel Coast in the south), the West Coast (Konkan, Kankara, and Malabar coasts), the Great Indian Desert (a geographic feature known as the Thar Desert in Pakistan) and the Rann of Kutch, the valley of the Brahmaputra in Assam, the northeastern hill ranges surrounding the Assam Valley, and the islands of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Several major rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus, flow through India. Arising in the northern mountains and carrying rich alluvial soil to the plains below, these mighty rivers have supported agriculture-based civilizations for thousands of years.

The climate of India may be broadly described as tropical monsoon type. There are four seasons: winter (January- February), hot weather summer ( march- may), rainy south-western monsoon ( June- September) and post- monsoon, also known as the north-east monsoon in the southern peninsula ( October- December). India’s climate is affected by two seasonal winds- the north-east monsoon and south-west monsoon. The north-east monsoon commonly known as winter monsoon blows sea to land after crossing the Indian Ocean, the Arabiab Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The south-west monsoon brings most of the rainfall during the year in the country.

History

Dating back at least 5000 years, civilization in India has been a rich and complicated mix of peoples and religions. Harappa and Mohenjodaro were ancient Indian cities which existed between 3000 to 1500 BC. Excavated remains suggest that these were well planned with brick structures, wide streets, and underground water system. Many copper, bronze, and pottery items were recoverd as well as gold and silver jewelry. There was some writing system as well but archeologists could not interpret these writings.

Brahminism, Buddhism, Jain, Hinduism all developed here in a series of kingdoms and empires. The Gupta dynasty ruled over a golden age for north India for about two hundred years (320-544 A.D.). In the 600s, the Indus River Valley was invaded by Arabs, who brought with them Islam, which took hold in northern India.

The Sultanate of Delhi was established in 1206. It managed to withstand repeated Mongol invasions and eventually succeeded in bringing together nearly all of India (with the exception of some of the southern states). But the Sultanate of Delhi was weakened by the stresses of internal rebellion, particularly when combined with the attack of Timur Leng (Tamerlane) in 1398. In 1526, Babur established the Moghul empire, whose culture thrived under Akbar the Great. Threats to the Moghul empire from Marathan and Rajput were compounded by the encroaching interests of the European powers, who came to india in 1498 in the person of Vasco de Gama.

British rule in India began in the AD 1700s. Foreign domination engendered Indian nationalism, which eventually led to India winning its independence in 1947. Split from Pakistan at independence, India struggled with its Muslim neighbor over border differences and Hindu-Muslim relations. India and Pakistan still conflict over the Jammu and Kashmir region, parts of which are also occupied by China.

Society and culture

The Indian society is not a uniform one. This is a natural corollary to the fact that diversity is a part of Indian way of life. From region to region, diversity in the social structure is prominently seen. The north Indian social traditions and customs are markedly different and so those of the eastern India from those of other parts of the country. And here lies the tentalising element of mystery associated with India.

The diversity factor notwithstanding, there is a common thread running through the Indians. Unity in diversity is best seen in India in a maze of seemingly disparate peoples. One social unifier is the Indian system of casteism adhered to by all racial groups belonging to the Hindu religion fold. Lambasted by many as a retrogressive social tradition, this system has also given the Indians a sense of belongingness to a shared way of life. Though caste rigidity was prevalent in the olden times, now it has become flexible to a large extent. It is not an uncommon to come across families of so called incompatible castes entering into matrimonial alliance.

The gender inequality is a phenomenon causing concern in the Indian society. The Indian society is highly prejudiced against the female gender. Basically a male dominated society, decision making at family and political level is almost single handedly handled by the men. Customs such as Dowry are worsening the process of subjugating women in the society. Of late, with social awareness about women’s vital role in the development of a community or the country, there has been a change in the perception of gender equations in favour of women. Education of women, giving the women a greater say in decision making in the family and the governance are emphasized. With the liberalization of economy women are in top managerial position at par with the best men.

In spite of significant leaps made by India in the economic front, poverty is still a dominant social reality. A majority of the population of India lives in utter poverty without access to health care, housing, drinking water and education. Major policy change has to be enforced to better the lives of these millions souls if India is to become a truly desirable place to live in.

Education is still a privilege in this country of over one billion people. Providing Primary education has been the motto of the government. So far the government has not live up to its promises with the results that there are more illiterate people than functionally literate people in India. Lack of education is the primary obstacle to the nation’s development. India should educate the masses if its hope of becoming the global knowledge superpower is to become a reality.

India has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The fact that India was invaded and ruled by various kings down the ages, is already reflected by its impact on India culture. The Gupta dynasty, the Mughal dynasty and many other dynasties influenced and contributed to the Indian culture.

Music, inspired perhaps by the whistles of the wind or the splash of the waves, chirping of the birds or may be falling of the rain, exists on this land since the existence of humanity. Many musical instruments and innumerable ragas were designed by them. Then developed different notes for different times, seasons and feelings. Different regions developed their own style of singing, not following the ragas but their own tunes and taking the lyrics in their own language and themes from their day-to-day life.

One of the powerful attractions in India is the colourful and diversified attire of its people. The silk saris, brightly mirrored cholis, colorful lehangas and the traditional salwar-kameez have fascinated many a traveler over the centuries.

For a single length of material, the sari must be the most versatile garment in existence. It is only one of the many traditional garments worn by women, yet it has somehow become the national dress of Indian women. A sari is a rectangular piece of cloth which is five to six yards in length. The style, color and texture of this cloth vary and it might be made from cotton, silk or one of the several man-made materials. The sari has an ageless charm since it is not cut or tailored for a particular size. This garment can fit any size and if worn properly can accentuate or conceal. This supremely graceful attire can also be worn in several ways and its manner of wearing as well as its color and texture are indicative of the status, age, occupation, region and religion of a woman.

Another popular attire of women in India is the salwar-kameez. This dress evolved as a comfortable and respectable garment for women in Kashmir and Punjab, but is now immensely popular in all regions of India. Salwars are pyjama-like trousers drawn tightly in at the waist and the ankles. Over the salwars, women wear a long and loose tunic known as a kameez. Though the majority of Indian women wear traditional costumes, the men in India can be found in more conventional western clothing. Shirts and trousers are worn by men from all regions in India. However, men in villages are still more comfortable in traditional attire like kurtas, lungis, dhotis and pyjamas.

The traditional lungi originated in the south and today it is worn by men and women alike. It is simply a short length of material worn around the thighs rather like a sarong. A dhoti is a longer lungi but with an additional length of material pulled up between the legs. Pyjama-like trousers worn by the villagers are known as the lenga.

Indian dressing styles are marked by many variations, both religious and regional and one is likely to witness a plethora of colors, textures and styles in garments worn by the Indians. Indian dance is a blend of nritta - the rhythmic elements, nritya - the combination of rhythm with expression and natya - the dramatic element. Most Indian dances take their themes from India's rich mythology and folk legends. Hindu gods and goddesses like Vishnu and Lakshmi, Rama and Sita, Krishna and Radha are all depicted in classical Indian dances. Each dance form also draws inspiration from stories depicting the life, ethics and beliefs of the Indian people.

The genesis of the contemporary styles of classical dances can be traced to the period between 1300-1400 A.D. India offers a number of classical dance forms, each of which can be traced to different parts of the country. Each form represents the culture and ethos of a particular region or a group of people.

Bharatnatyam- Tamil Nadu; Kathak - Uttar Pradesh; Kathakali - Kerala; Kuchipudi- Andhra Pradesh; Manipuri - Manipur; Mohiniyattam - Kerala; Odissi - Orissa.

There is a multiciplity of festivals in India. Most of the festivals owe their origin to legends, gods and goddesses and mythology. As many communities there are, there are as many festivals unique to them. Festivals here are characterized by colour, gaiety, enthusiasm, feasts and a variety of prayers and rituals. There are number festivals celebrated in India too numerous to count. Some important festivals are: Deepawali, Krishna Janmashtami, Onam, Dussehra, Pongal, Ramzan Id, Baisakhi Easter, Ganesha Chaturthi Holi, Raksha, Bandhan, Ram Navmi, Christmas, Good Friday, Makar Sankranti, Moharrum Shivratri, Durga Puja and many others.

Economy and Infrastructure

India is the seventh largest and second most populous country in the world. A new spirit of economic freedom is now stirring in the country, bringing sweeping changes in its wake. A series of ambitious economic reforms aimed at deregulating the country and stimulating foreign investment has moved India firmly into the front ranks of the rapidly growing Asia Pacific region and unleashed the latent strengths of a complex and rapidly changing nation. India's process of economic reform is firmly rooted in a political consensus that spans her diverse political parties. India's democracy is a known and stable factor, which has taken deep roots over nearly half a century. Importantly, India has no fundamental conflict between its political and economic systems. Its political institutions have fostered an open society with strong collective and individual rights and an environment supportive of free economic enterprise.

India's time tested institutions offer foreign investors a transparent environment that guarantees the security of their long term investments. These include a free and vibrant press, a judiciary which can and does overrule the government, a sophisticated legal and accounting system and a user friendly intellectual infrastructure. India's dynamic and highly competitive private sector has long been the backbone of its economic activity. It accounts for over 75% of its Gross Domestic Product and offers considerable scope for joint ventures and collaborations.

Today, India is one of the most exciting emerging markets in the world. Skilled managerial and technical manpower that match the best available in the world and a middle class whose size exceeds the population of the USA or the European Union, provide India with a distinct cutting edge in global competition.

The road transport sector has been declared a priority and will have access to loans at favourable conditions. The Monopoly and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP Act) was passed in order to encourage large industry to enter the road sector.

The National Highways Act has been modified to help the reduction of tolls on national motorways, bridges and tunnels. Calcutta's Howrah Bridge is the world's busiest with a daily flow of 57,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians. Private participation in the energy sector has been encouraged with the reduction of import duties, a five year tax exemption for new energy projects and a 16% return on equity.

The government is also following a new telecommunications policy that aims for the improvement of quality to a worldwide standard and, as a result, India could emerge as a major producer and exporter of telecommunication systems. AdvantagGOUs policies in this sector are encouraging private and foreign participation. Given below is a profile of the present Indian Union Infrastructure:

Future

India has a promising future, given the unprecedented growth in economy and its clout in the global issues. India is now riding on the wave of a gigantic boom in computer driven new economy. The huge pool of English speaking talented software professionals in India is being sought after by many developed countries of the world. Premier professional institutes like IIT and IIM have become the source of big international corporates’ human resource needs, both overseas and within India.

India is also a nuclear power. Its security concerns have been to some extent allayed by the possession of nuclear weapons, though fears remain of an expensive military expenditure to sustain the nuclear programmes.

India is also poised to become the entertainment superpower. Already the Bollywood is churning out hundreds of films annually. With improvements in the technical and artistic aspects India can well give a stiff competition to western productions.

Indian culture is influencing the western world in dress, food and festivals. The Indian diaspora is increasing in economic prosperity and status. The Indian community is a force to reckon with in every country because of its contribution to the country concerned. Indian lobby groups are funding partly some of the elections in vital countries of the world.

The 21st century could well belong to India if it fully utilize its resources and expertise. India’s population is an asset and not a pull down factor. Finally India is going to prove just that.

Information regarding visiting India

PASSPORT & VISA

Citizens of all the country need to have a valid passport and an entry , transit or tourist visa obtained from the Indian Mission in their country. Tourist Visa is normally valid for 120 days. Visa extensions can be got by applying to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, (Ph: 4693334 ,4612543 and 4617649) The letter should be handed over at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office at Hans Bhavan, Tilak Bridge, near ITO. (Ph: 3319489/8179). It is open from 0930 hrs to 1330 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1600 hrs. (It is closed on weekends and national Holidays) Those wishing to visit a neighbouring country like Sri Lanka or Nepal, and then coming back to India, should obtain a double/multiple entry Visa.

REGISTRATION

All foreigners are required to get themselves registered with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office(FRRO) which is situated in Hans Bhavan, Tilak Road, near the Income Tax Office(ITO). The building is very close to India Gate

CUSTOM CLEARANCE

Those without any dutiable goods or high value articles or foreign exchange more than US $2,500 or unaccompanied baggage which need to be declared, can walk through Green Channel. All others need to pass through the Red Channel. 

Money changing

The unit of currency is the rupee and all money should be changed with authorised money changers available at various places. You should insist on a receipt which will help in reconverting the money whenever you desire so. It is better to avoid touts who may offer higher sums than the prevailing value.

ARRIVAL, LEAVING THE AIRPORT

Transport of various sorts is available at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. These include autorickshaws, taxis, and even buses most of which are operated by private operators. There is also a prepaid taxi service and it is advisable that this facility is made use of as it proves to be the most economical.

CREDIT CARDS

American Express, Master Charge, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops, and airlines.

Know about the depth and height of Indian Regions

Explore the Rajasthan

Board a flight to Udaipur and upon arrival check in at the hotel will be facilitated. Late afternoon enjoy a boat cruise on the lake Pichola.

Morning sightsee the erstwhile Mewar principality including visits to Maharana's Palace, museum, Saheliyon ki Bari and countless other monuments.

Morning drive to Rohetgarh visiting Jain temples at Ranakpur en route.

Enjoy a trip to nearby villages and experience the soul of Rajasthan. Late afternoon drive to Jodhpur visiting Mandore en route.

Explore the royal city of Jodhpur including visits to Maherangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Morning drive to Jaisalmer. Rest of the day at leisure.

Morning tour the expanse of the Jaisalmer Fort, the Gadisagar Tank, Jain Temples and countless other monuments of historical importance.

Morning drive to Jodhpur to board an evening flight to Jaipur.

Morning visit the Amber Fort and later in the afternoon embark on a tour to the Pink City of Jaipur including visits to Hawa Mahal, the medieval observatory and other monuments.

Morning drive to Sawai Madhopur. Afternoon enjoy a game drive to have a close encounter with some of the wildest species.


Explore South Indian Culture and Heritage : 

Bangalore

We take a morning flight to Bangalore, where we are met and transferred to our hotel for overnight stay. This afternoon we take a half-day city tour covering the Botanical Gardens, commercial areas, and see Mysore arts and crafts.

Bangalore / Mysore

We take a morning drive to Mysore, enroute visiting Srirangapatnam, Tipu sultan's summer retreat, where we visit the Ranganatha temple and the Museum. In Mysore we check into our hotel for overnight stay, and take an afternoon city sight seeing tour, visiting the Maharaja's Palace, Art Gallery, the Museum, Chamundi Hills, Chamundi Temple, Nandi Bull, and Brindavan Gardens.

Mysore / Bangalore

We take a morning drive to Bangalore, enroute covering Belur and Helebid. Belur is known for the Chennakesawa Temple exquisitely carved with epic scenes. The Hoysaleswara Temple in Helebid is wrought in soft sandstone and intricately carved. We reach Bangalore in the evening and check into our hotel for overnight stay.

Bangalore / Cochin

We board a morning flight for Cochin, where we are met and transferred to our hotel for overnight stay. The evening is at leisure.

Cochin

In the morning we set off on a full-day sightseeing tour of Cochin and visit the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis church, the Museum, and see the Chinese Fishing Nets. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Cochin / Kottayam

This morning we drive to Alleppey, from where we take a boat cruise to Kottayam. We arrive at Alleppey in the evening and stay overnight at our hotel.

Alleppey

We go sightseeing in the morning, and in the afternoon drive to Trivandrum, where we check in at our hotel at Kovalam, for overnight stay.

Trivandrum

In the morning we start off on a full-day excursion to Cape Comorin. We return to Kovalam in the evening and overnight stay is at the hotel. The morning is at leisure at the famous Kovalam Beach, with its golden sands, palm trees, and the aquatic sports center. There is also the Yoga and Health Center. overnight stay at the hotel. In the morning we drive to Trivandrum for a half-day city tour covering Padmanabha Swami Temple and Museum. After lunch we board our flight to Madras, where we are met and transferred to our hotel for overnight stay.

Madras

In morning we take a half-day excursion to Mahabalipuram, the former port of the Pallava Dynasty, and famous for its rock-cut monuments, particularly the shore Temple. In the afternoon we take a half-day city tour of Madras, and stay overnight at the hotel.

Explore the North India

Arrival at Delhi and be met and transferred to Hotel. Afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour to the city

Board a flight to Jaipur and after breakfast be driven to Sawai Madhopur. Enjoy a game drive to the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary.

After a morning game drive, drive back to Jaipur. Rest of the day at leisure.

Morning visit the Amber Fort. Later in the afternoon, explore the Pink City of Jaipur including visits to Hawa Mahal, Maharaja's Palace and countless other such monuments.

Drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Late afternoon enjoy a visit to the legendary Taj Mahal.

Morning embark on a full day tour to the city including visits to Taj Mahal, Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb and Red Fort.

Board a flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel will be facilitated.

Explore the renowned Khajuraho Temple and after lunch, drive to Bandhavgarh.

Morning game drive followed by nature walk and lecture by a trained naturalist is provided. Afternoon enjoy another game and bird watching tour.

Enjoy a nature walk and a lecture by a trained naturalist. Afternoon embark on another game and bird watching tour.

Drive back to Khajuraho to connect on the flight to Varanasi.

Enjoy an early morning boatcruise on the river Ganges and explore countless places of religious importance.

The day is free to unwind and assimilate the great Indian experience.

Early morning departure transfer will be provided for the international flight to an onward destination.

"The above tour can be extended to Kathmandu from Varanasi with a visit to the Royal Chitwan National Park to complement the India experience and terminated with a final departure from Delhi".

Be aware of Wild Animals of India

Visual Tour of Indian Heritage and Monuments

Cities of India

DELHI Situated about 160 km south of the Himalayas, Delhi, the capital of India, stands on the west bank of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges. It is bounded on the east by the state of Uttar Pradesh and on the north, west, and south by Haryana. The Red Fort, Rashtapati Bhawan, Qutub Minar and India Gate occupy pride of place here. Other You Can Advertise Here prominent historical monuments include Jama Masjid, Safdarjung Museum, Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i- khas, Jantar Mantar and Lotus temple. No visit to Delhi, is complete without a stopover at Connaught Place, the commercial centre and just the place for a quick bite or to pick up a souvenir.

A Rajput Chieftain of the Tomara clan founded The city of Delhi in the 12th century A.D.. The chauhnas obtained possession of the city from the Tomaras. Prityvi Raj, the Chauhan ruler of Ajmer and Delhi, made the city of Delhi famous by his heroic valour and romantic adventurers. Delhi under Prithvi Raj and Kanauj Jai Chand were the Principal kingdoms of north India at that time.

In 1857, following the mutiny of Indian troops, the British deposed the titular Emperor Bahadur Shah and formally annexed Delhi. 1912, the capital of British India was transferred from Calcutta to Delhi. The side of the old city-Old Delhi-by the British Indian Government laid out a new city-New Delhi ofimposing dimension. Independent India has retained this historic capital

Delhi has attracted people from all parts of the country leading to the establishment of different cultural pockets. As the Punjabis are the most dominant section here, the culture has a distinctive flavour of sarson da sag. Much has also been borrowed and adapted from Western culture, a process accelerated since independence by the influence of the modern mass media. Although the cultural activities of earlier days--such as dancing, music, and poetry forums, 'mushaira' --have been yielding place to the cinema, the cabaret, and clubs, there are also theatre groups and institutions that have fostered indigenous literature and fine arts. Languages commonly used are Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English.

The summer season lasts from mid-March to the end of June, with average maximum and minimum temperatures of 36º C and 25º C. The monsoon season, following the hot summer, continues until the end of September, with an average rainfall of about 26 inches. The winter season extends from late November to mid-February. The coldest month is January, when both the mean maximum temperature and the mean minimum temperature are at their lowest--21º C and 7º C, respectively. Best time to visit: October to March.

HARYANA : Indeed, the history of Haryana is the saga of the struggle of a virile, rightGOUs, forthright and proud people. From ancient times, the people of Haryana have borne the main brunt of invaders and foreign hordes with their known traits if bravery and valour. They have survived many an upheaval, upholding the traditional glory and greatness of the land to this day. The epoch-making events of yore, the martyrdom in the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, the great sacrifices in the freedom struggle, and the display of outstanding valour, unflinching courage, and heroism in recent years are all in keeping with the character of this land of action. Bold in spirit and action, the people of Haryana have formed a bulwark against forces of aggression and anti-nationalism.

The name of Haryana instantly conjures up the image of a State which astonishingly combines both-antiquity and plenty. The Vedic land of Haryana has been a cradle of Indian culture and civilization. Indian traditions regard this region as the matrix of creation of northern altar’ where Brahma performed the pristine sacrifice and created the universe. This theory of creation has been confirmed to a large extent by archaeological investigations carried out by Guy E. Pilgrim in 1915, who has established that 15 million years ago, early man lived in the Haryana Shivaliks. The Vamana Purana states that King Kuru ploughed the field of Kurukshetra with a golden ploughshare drawn by the Nandi of Lord Shiva and reclaimed an area of seven Kosas

Being a 'Gateway to North India', the State of Haryana is witness to the invasions of the Muslim rulers, battles of the Marathas and the Sikhs. Several Hindu saints and Sikh gurus have also traversed the land of Haryana spreading their message of universal love and brotherhood.

The people of Haryana are simple, straight-forward, enterprising and hard-working. Since ancient times, they have survived many upheavals upholding the traditional glory and greatness of the land to this day. They have preserved their old religious and social traditions. They celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour. The region has its popular folklores, folksongs and musical instruments. The popular folklore of this area reflects the beliefs and piety of the people. Their culture and popular art are expressed through mimes, dramas, ballads and songs in which they take great delight.

The women are devoted and diligent and assist their men-folk on the farms. The people have simple food habits. They are known for their love for cattle and the abudance of milk and curd in their diet.

Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab & Haryana and the language spoken is Punjabi. It is a typically north Indian city with an interest in Delhi: every family has one family member either working in the capital or atleast a married daughter staying in Delhi. People in Chandigarh lead disciplined lives. Unlike its more industrial neighbours like Ludhiana, it's a service-oriented culture here. Chandigarh, is on the whole, a clean, planned, educated and corporate place.

Haryanvis are simple, straight-forward, enterprising and hard-working. Preserving their old religious and social traditions, they celebrate festivals traditional fervour. The region has its popular folklores, folksongs and musical instruments. The women are devoted and diligent and assist their men-folk on the farms. The people have simple food habits. They are known for their love for cattle and the abudance of milk and curd in their diet. Haryana's highways are replete with landscaped gardens, shops and hotels that prove to be weekend getaway for people of Delhi and neighbouring states. Of late, Haryanvis have also acquired a taste for weekend outings.

Climatically the state has three major seasons. Hot weather ( April to June) when the mercury shoots up to as high as 110oF. Rainy season is from July to September. The average annual rainfall ranges between 96 cms in the sub-mountain region and 58 cms in the plains. Winter months are October to March when the temperature dips to as low as 40oF. October to March is the best season to visit.

Andhra Pradesh : Once a part of the Mauryan Empire during the reign of Ashoka, it became an important Buddhist centre. One can still see evidences of the early Buddhist influence in Amaravathi and at Nagarjunakonda, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the country. Later it came under the hegemony of the Chalukyas and in the 10th century was engulfed by the Chola kingdom. These reigns naturally accounted for the Hindu school of thought. Subsequently, it witnessed the sway of the Muslim rulers and in 1713 A.D. it passed into the hands of a commander of the Mughal army under Aurangzeb. Finally, it succumbed to the rule of the hereditary monarchs known as the Nizams of Hyderabad and remained with them till India attained independence.

The fifth largest state of India, Andhra Pradesh is irrigated by the mighty Krishna and the Godavari rivers and is aptly termed as the "Rice Granary of India", Telugu is the main language of communication though the Muslim rule has paved the way of Urdu also. Andhra Pradesh is the home of rich cultural heritage and handicrafts. Kuchipudi, the classical dance form originating from the state has vigorous choreography and is somewhat akin to Bharatanatyam. The craftsmen of Andhra have given to India their unique creations - Kalamkari vegetable & dyed textiles, lacquer paintings from Nirmal, wood craft, Pochampalli silks, Hyderabad pearls and an extremely attractive and glittering array of glass bangles. Andhra Pradesh is also the home of the colourful Lambaris and Banjaras - Nomadic tribes -and some of them turn up as pavement sellers offering their highly ornate long skirts and silver jewellery.

Arunachal Pradesh : 'The land of the dawn lit mountains', is one of themost pristine areas in India. The history of Arunachal Pradesh is a virtualtreasure trove of myths and fascinating traditions, but the recorded historyof this state is available only from the 16th century onwards, when theAhom kings began to rule Assam. Since 1947, it was a part of the NorthEast Frontier Agency and was later made a Union Territory. Arunachal Pradeshwas made a full fledged state on 20th February, 1987.

Assam : The name "Assam" is derived from the term "Asom" which, in Sanskrit, refers to unequal or unrivalled. The uneven topography of the land, full of hills, plains and rivers might, therefore,have contributed to her name. A land of about 25 million people the principal language of Assam is Assamese although a large number of other languages are spoken.

Assam, the land of hills and valleys, the land of the mighty river Brahmaputra, the land of Mother Goddess Kamakhya, lies in the northeastern corner of India. It is a land where you find flowers that are exquisitely beautiful, animals that are rare, and a beleagured people that are proud and inviting.

Bihu is the national festival of Assam. The principal of the three Bihus, Bohag or Rongali Bihu ushers in the Assamese New Year, in the middle of April, and is celebrated with distinctive Bihu dances and songs.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands : Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a string of 300 tropical islands which lie scattered halfway between Calcutta and the equator. The area of the Andamans is 6,408 sq km. Most ofthe Andamans are hilly and forested, Saddle Peak on North Andaman, which rises to 732 m, is the highest point. The land area of the Nicobars is about 1,645 sq km.

The inhabitants, live on 12 of the islands, particularly Car Nicobar in the north. Great Nicobar, the largest and southernmost island in the group, is virtually uninhabited. The capital of this Union Territory is Port Blair on Andaman Islands. The existence of these islands was first reported in the 9th century by Arab merchants, who sailed past them on their way to the straits of Sumatra.

The first western visitor was Marco Polo who called it the land of the head hunters. The islands were annexed by the Marathas in the late 17th century. In the early, 18th century, the islands were the base of Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre, whose navy frequently captured British, Dutch and Portugese merchant ships. Angre remained undefeated by the combined British / Portugese naval task force, right up to his death in 1729.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands were finally annexed by the British in the 19th century and used as a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters. The penal settlement known as Kala Pani or Black Water where the most criminals were sent, never to be seen again. In the notorius 'Cellular Jail' many of the inmates were executed, either judicially or clandestinely. During World War II the Japanese occupied the islands and were not welcomed as liberators and created their own record of cruelty. The local tribes took up guerrilla activities against the Japanese. After India gained independence in 1947, the islands were incorporated into the Indian Union.

Bihar : Passing along the Ganges in the area that is now Bihar, the Buddha prophesied that a great city would arise here. Over 250 years later, in the 3rd Century BC, the mighty Ashoka was ruling from Patliputra, now Patna. The name 'Bihar' is derived from 'Vihara' means monastery. Bihar was a great religious center for Jains, Hindus and most important for Buddhists. Few travelers spend much time here, most just passing through Patna on their way to Calcutta or Kathmandu. However, Bodhgaya is an excellent place to study Buddhism, and Rajgir, Nalanda and Sasaram are interesting places that are not on the tourist trail.

Goa : The 131 kilometre long coastline of Goa, is set on the golden Konkan coast on the Western Ghats of India, along the Arabian Sea. This small state is one of India's most dazzling tourist attractions . Goa deserves every bit of the sobriquet, the 'Pearl of the East'. On the northern side of Goa runs the Terekhol river, which separates Goa from Maharashtra. On the southern side, lies the North Canara district of Karnataka, while on the eastern side are the Western Ghats. On the west is the Arabian Sea. The name Goa is derived from the Konkani word 'Goyan', which means a patch of tall grass. Mythologically, Goa's origin is ascribed to Parshurama, a god of the Hindu pantheon. In the first century of the Christian Era, Goa was a part of the Satavahana empire, followed by the Kadamba, the Rashtrakutas of Malked, the Chalukyas and the Silahars. The empire of the Yadavas was displaced by the Khiljis from Delhi,by the end of the 14th century, which heralded the advent of Muslim rule to Goa.